Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Semina 5w2z62

Believers, having been saved by Christ, are called to live like Christ through three practical ways. Jeremiah Zarama emphasizes that salvation comes with purpose - we are saved not just from sin but to display Christ's character in our daily lives. Scripture Texts Ephesians 4:29-32; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Main Points or Ideas I. Let Our Words Give Grace (v. 29) Put off unwholesome, corrupt speech that tears others down Put on edifying speech that builds others up and fits the need of the moment Our words should serve as a source of blessing and encouragement to others This doesn't mean sugarcoating truth, but speaking in ways that promote loving God and loving others II. Honor God by Speaking Graciously (v. 30) Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who sealed us for the day of redemption Our salvation serves as motivation to honor God with our words We must be conscious of living "coram Deo" (before the face of God) and speak graciously even when provoked The same Spirit that enables extraordinary forgiveness lives in every believer III. Pursue Godliness in Character and Actions (vv. 31-32) Repent of sinful tendencies like bitterness, wrath, anger, and slander True repentance involves both asking forgiveness and turning away from sin Be kind to one another, empathize, and bear each other's burdens The Gospel of Jesus Christ serves as the basis for pursuing godliness and extending grace to others Conclusion If Jesus is not enough to motivate us to godly living, we do not have Jesus. Christ's love and sacrifice should compel believers to live transformed lives that reflect His character through gracious speech and godly conduct.

Different motivations drive us. Why do we do what we do? Scripture Text 1 Corinthians 15:10-11 Main Points or Ideas God’s grace enables us to serve Him with grit for His glory. God’s Grace - V.10 “By the grace of God I am what I am…” Change from past to the present; regrets to new life God enables us to serve Him by His grace Faithful work must be done with gratitude because of grace Serve with Grit - V.10 “...I labored even more than all of them…” Colossians 1; 2 Timothy 2 (soldier, athlete, and farmer) Ministry is hard work! It needs people who are willing and are enabled with a grace-enabling grit. Life is hard. Keep trusting the Lord and pressing on For His Glory - VV.10-11 “yet not I, but the grace of God was with me” V. 11 - “whether it was I or they…” All for God’s glory Our boast isn’t in anything but Him who is able! Conclusion We need faithful servants, who by God’s grace, are enabled to serve Him with grit for His glory.

Dr. Jim continues his message from Titus 2 on what a godly female mentor looks like. Scripture Text Titus 2:4-5 Main Points or Ideas Love Children Children are tremendous blessings Sacrificial love for children Discreet/Sensible With common sense Strong women who are able to handle challenges Pure She looks out for the younger women and their purity Morally and physically Homemakers/Workers at Home Our culture today does not encourage homemaking Proverbs 31 Kind - Ephesians 4:32 Obedient to Their Own Husbands Something we all have to do, even unto the Lord and authorities Picture of submitting to a perfect God Conclusion Titus 2:5c “...so that the Word of God will not be blasphemed.”

We are to be special Christians, not weird. Scripture Text Titus 2:3-4 Main Points or Ideas Reverent in behavior Priestlike Proverbs 31:30 Not slanderers Not a she-devil Nothing is more destructive than gossip James 3 Not given to wine Dependent on the Holy Spirit Teachers of good things Formal, informal, example All things, even spiritually onishing young wives to love their husbands Older women are to teach this trait Biblical actions produce biblical emotions Love can be learned Conclusion Obey right before you feel right.

Scripture Text Ephesians 1:18 Main Points or Ideas Eyes of Understanding = “turn on the Spiritual light” A look at life from God’s point of view. Three Old Testament Examples: Hagar with her son - family (Genesis 21:19) Balam with his donkey - direction (Numbers 22:31) Elijah with the servant - spiritual protection (2 Kings 6:17) Acts 26:18; Luke 24:45 - Salvation-related eyes of understanding Discernment = the ability to see people and circumstances as they really are Conclusion We can fall short of the goal when we do not have eyes of understanding spiritually.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is profitable. Scripture Texts Colossians 1:5-8 Main Points or Ideas Where we are at is not as important as being in Jesus Christ. The Gospel is Truth - V. 5 “The Word of truth” Romans 3:4 The Gospel is Good News - V. 5 The Gospel = good news The Gospel is Universal - V. 6 As it is in all the world The Gospel is Productive - V. 6 Constantly bearing fruit, increasing The Gospel Tells of Grace - V. 6 “... the grace of God in truth” “Heard it and understood” The Gospel is Humanly Transmitted - V. 7 “As you also heard from Epaphras” Faithful servant Conclusion V. 8 - … has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

You’ll ask yourself, “is that real?” We live in a world where people are searching for their reality. Scripture Text Acts 17:24-28 Main Points or Ideas Our reality is that LIFE IS ABOUT GOD. God is the creator (V. 24a) God is the Lord over creation (V. 24b) “If God is the creator of the entire universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His Lordship.” - R.C. Sproul God is self-existent (V. 24c) God is the sustainer (V. 25) Every breath we have is a gift V. 28 - No existence is without God Revelation 4:11; Proverbs 16:4; Colossians 1:15-17; Isaiah 6:3 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:30 Conclusion We live to please God and to be a conduit of His grace to others - Matthew 5:16

What is the greatest/most important commandment? Scripture Text 1 John 3:1-3 Main Points or Ideas If the Christian does not look at the love of God first, every command after loses its power. How might our relationships change if we viewed them as loved by God? The Privilege of the Love of the Father (3:1) John 15:13, Romans 8:32 There is no problem in life that a clearer look at the cross doesn’t help It was given to us by the most powerful Being of the universe - nothing can stop God’s love The Transformation of the Love of the Father (3:2-3) God has given us our purity, we do not create it Ephesians 5:14; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are not identified by others, but we are identified by Christ It also transforms our hope Conclusion God defines us by the Son’s light.

All Scripture is profitable and some scriptures take over your heart. Scripture Text Habakkuk 3:2 Main Points or Ideas A Complaint by God’s Man (1:1-4) “Why God, are you letting things go so long and get so bad without doing anything?” God’s Reply (1:5-11) “I am working, I will work” No matter what we think, God is at work - The God that Habakkuk wanted was not the God that is. Isaiah 55:8 A Second Complaint and Questioning (1:12-17) “We deserve chastening… but they’re worse than we are - they deserve punishment!” Change of Heart and Action (2:1) Outward focus turned to upward focus “Stay still for a while” Building Toward Revival The Site Preparation - Word of God - “Write the vision” (2:2-3) The Foundation - Faith - “The just shall live by faith” (2:4) Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11’ Hebrews 10:38 “The first and primary work of the church is faith in Jesus Christ.” - Iain Murray We tend to let other things get in the way of spending time in the Word of God Pillar One - Realize Sin is Doomed - REPENT (Ch. 2) We need to repent of sin in our lives Pillar Two - Realize That God Will Glorify Himself - WITNESS (2:14) It takes faith to be a missionary Matthew 16:18; 28:19-20 Revival always includes greater witness Pillar Three - Realize That God Wants Worship - WORSHIP (2:20) We need to keep our focus on God Roof - Revival “REVIVE THY WORK” (Ch. 3) A prayer; Shigionoth - A ionate praise in music Vv. 17-19 - Result of Revival God is our strength and song Conclusion Let’s get back to the basis of God’s Word and live by it.

What can we do to help with the greatest influence on our country? Scripture Text 1 Chronicles 12:23 Main Points or Ideas We want to be scriptural rather than speculative.  What Can We Do for Our Country? (1 Chronicles 12:23) We need to be informed individuals.  God doesn’t put a on ignorance.  God wants us to know what is going on in the world. It is important to keep yourself informed.  Individuals who have comprehension of the circumstances of our nation and the conviction to do something about it.  We should be discerning disciples (Matthew 16). They asked for an irrefutable sign that Jesus was the Savior. But they already had so many different signs.  We have no way of knowing the Savior’s second timing, but they could have had knowledge of the Savior’s first coming.  We fail to see the signs of the times.  We can pray for our country (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayer for kings and all those who are in authority over us.  Mention the country and its leaders every day in prayer.  Above all, pray.  We are in the mess that we are in today because Christians have not prayed for our nation as we should have.  We need to honor the king (1 Peter 2:17). We respect our president and our nation because they have God-given authority.  Romans 13:1-5 They are servants of God.  We can and we should disagree with them, but we must do it respectfully.  We need to repudiate anarchy.  We must live righteous lives (Proverbs 14:34).  Righteousness is a personal matter.  The more believers you have in a nation the more righteous that nation is and the more Christ will exalt it.  We must practice righteousness and be men and women of righteousness.  We should be messengers of reconciliation.  Conclusion The best way for us to help our nation is to be informed individuals, discerning disciples, praying patriots, committed citizens, and spiritual saints. 

Scripture Text Corinthians 15:58 Main Points or Ideas Be steadfast, be immovable (V. 58a) Firmly planted; glued in; firm If it is not time to move, don’t move What motivated Paul? - 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 Always abounding in the work of the Lord (V. 58b) Exceeding the requirements It is about character, giving 100%; 2 Corinthians 5:20 Keep growing, abounding Your labor is not in vain in the Lord (V. 58c) Toiling to the point of exhaustion Give 100% Conclusion Proverbs 3:5-6 - Do not undo, in God, what you started by faith.

It is daunting to ask the Lord to shape our hearts to the likeness of Christ. Scripture Texts: Romans 8:1-14 Main Points or Ideas: Romans 8:29 - it [our status] is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ 8:2 - Christ sets us free from sin and death “Spirit” - 1:4; 2:28-29; 5:5; 7:6 We can find our identity/status in the Holy Spirit God did what the Law (weakened by the flesh) could not do 8:3 - He condemned sin in the flesh If were not for Christ, we would be condemned V. 1 - Therefore now there is no condemnation… Vv. 5-8 - the flesh versus Christ Either in Adam or in Christ Flesh cannot please God One man, appointed for many Adam - appointed sin for all Christ - appointed righteousness for many Conclusion: “If my life is the only evidence that Jesus Christ is alive, would anyone be convicted?” - Butterfield

Dr. Les Ollila shares his personal journey of 61 years in marriage and ministry, highlighting his commitment to God and his wife Charlene. He discusses their current life challenge with Charlene's health issues and reflects on how Christians should respond to difficult seasons of life. Scripture Text Philippians 3:13-14 Main Points or Ideas Acknowledging Reality - When facing a crisis or difficult situation, we must first acknowledge that it is indeed happening and that it won't simply disappear overnight. Accepting God's Plan - After acknowledgment comes acceptance. Dr. Ollila emphasizes that bitterness often results from refusing to accept what God brings into our lives. He notes that God opposes pride and sometimes uses difficult circumstances to humble us. Adapting to a New Normal - Once we accept our situation, we must adapt and create "a new normal," potentially finding ministry opportunities within our changed circumstances. Dr. Ollila shares how he now sees caring for his wife as his primary ministry. Accelerating Forward - Like Paul in Philippians 3:13-14, we must press forward rather than dwelling on the past, focusing on Christ's calling in our lives. Understanding Suffering's Purpose - Dr. Ollila explains that suffering comes in different forms: Suffering for the cause of Christ Suffering as a consequence of our choices Suffering for conformity to Christ's image Conclusion Dr. Ollila's testimony demonstrates how God uses every circumstance, including suffering and life changes, to shape us into Christ's image. By acknowledging, accepting, adapting, and accelerating forward with joy, believers can find purpose and meaning in their challenges while reflecting Christ to others. Scripture TextMain PointsConclusion

Dr. Jim talks about the qualities of godly mentors from Titus 2. Scripture Text Titus 2:1-2 Main Points or Ideas Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31 - Respect for older men What does a good mentor look like? Sober - temperate, a good example Reverent - dignified, not laughing at the expense of others Inability to laugh isn’t a sign of holiness, but a sign of bitterness Sensible - grown in discernment, not afraid to make mistakes Sound in Faith - trusting God in every way, especially when it doesn’t make sense; staying firm Sound in Love Do you love God in the same way you love others and things? Does he choose his wife and family well? - 1 John 4 Perseveres Conclusion Do you look to older mentors or to the younger ones around you for guidance?

Our perspective in trials determines our reward from trials. Scripture Texts James 1:2-4 Main Points or Ideas We must have the right perspective… (v. 2) What the joy is not What the joy is What the trials are …On the process… (v. 3) The testing produces endurance It takes time The trusting can be sabotaged … Leading to the prize! (v. 4) Mature, complete, lacking in nothing God is not interested in testing you in areas that you are strong. He wants to make us strong where we are weak. Conclusion For most of us, joy looks like getting rid of our trials; Scripture says you’ll never get rid of trials. We instead will learn to endure and get stronger.

You do not get far in life without power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture Text Acts 1:8 Main Points or Ideas Three Offenses We Bring to the Spirit: Quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Can be jumping into reading God’s Word without seeking the Author Himself We need His help in everything Snuffing the Flame Grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) God knows the thoughts and intentions of our heart intimately. Do you really please God with your thoughts, words, and actions? His ability to minister in our lives is hindered by a tainted conscience It is a God-given command to us to be filled with the Holy Spirit Resisting the Spirit (Acts 7:51) It is actively opposing His work in our lives The Christian life is to be powerful, fruitful, and full of the Holy Spirit He has given us power through the Holy Spirit Questions: Who are you in your weaknesses? Have you been offending the Spirit? Conclusion We will have trials in life, but we have the power of the Spirit of God

How are you responding to God’s call in life? Scripture Text Jeremiah 1 Main Points or Ideas We may have these responses: “I don’t know” “I don’t know how” “I don’t want to” “I am scared” “I am uncomfortable” How God gives His grace: God Calls (vv. 1-3) He calls Jeremiah to be a prophet, a hard and faithful ministry The land was reformed but had no revival Do you feel inadequate? Observe: God gives grace to the most inadequate people God Gives (vv. 4-5) Before we are born Language used God is actively pouring out grace on sinners 1 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 God Wins (vv. 6-19) 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Jeremiah’s two weaknesses God’s truths and promises God’s Word is adequate Conclusion Don’t forget God’s grace

William Borden's tombstone says, “Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.” Scripture Texts Romans 8:12-17 Main Points or Ideas Verse 12 - Have your status understood and realized; under bondage, a debtor Not as slavery, listed in verse 15 Under an obligation - V. 12a Live not under the flesh, but under Christ Verse 13 - Kill the actions of the body Don’t allow sin to be a tyrant Desires are the index of the sou We can present bodily as weapons of righteousness Christ has set us free from sin - V. 2 Verse 15 - We did not receive a spirit of bondage, but one of adoption “Cry out” - Matthew 14:30 Verse 16 - Spirit of God testifies with our spirit that we are children of God Verse 17 - Suffering with Him leads to being glorified with Him Vv. 27-28 - a searching and intercession; working all things for good, according to His purpose John Owen: “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” We never fully root out sin as long as we are in our mortal bodies. Habitually weaken habits of sin and lust with the same intensity and power as it comes after us. (Luke 22) It is only accomplished by God’s Spirit of life indwelling in us. God’s Spirit of life is implanting in every believer charitable grace. Mortification of sin must be instant, as imaginations and lies go after us. Conclusion Are you going to choose well?

You are not in the flesh if the Spirit of God dwells within you. Scripture Texts Romans 8:9-11 Main Points or Ideas Verse 9 - Three Descriptive Phrases for the Holy Spirit John 14:16-21, 28 - The trinity and Jesus; Authority does not diminish the personhood Colossians 2 - fullness of the Godhead Verse 10 - If Christ is in you; death and life Galatians 2:20 - Christ in you 1 Corinthians 6 - living temples for the Spirit Be extremely careful to do what the Lord would have you do Verse 11 - The Spirit who raised Christ dwells in you He moves us to our future (11b) Spirit gives life and change to our mortal bodies Conclusion Because of the Spirit, you will have resurrected life one day (Romans 8:12-13).

The urgent need for more godly servants. There are more opportunities growing in need of faithful ministry service. Scripture Texts Philippians 2:19-24 Main Points or Ideas The need for individuals who are marked by humility V. 22 - served Paraphrase: Seeking our own, neglecting Christ, is a great sin - Matthew Henry The need for individuals who are marked by teachableness V. 20 - like-minded Good listener Willing to learn Diligent follower The need for individuals marked by availability V. 20 - I have At Paul’s disposal No boundaries The need for individuals who are marked by proven character V. 22 - know Openly observed Willingly tested Found reliable The need for individuals who are marked by usefulness V. 19, 23 - Send Timothy, send him Always the guy Paul wanted to send Always the guy Paul needed A benefit wherever he was Conclusion How will you be a benefit to your people around you? Are you willing to do so?