https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HQ4OVoj7A0
Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our Sunday sermon. You will normally see us posted in written and live form on Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love and sharing the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ Jesus in a way that we believe embraces the ways Jesus taught us to manage. We bring His Word to the many as opposed to the few, in order to continue the legacy created by the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is God’s will that has brought this to be. We wish only that God’s truth will be shared within His words as brought to us by the Spirit as it fills my heart, mind, and soul to be shared with my hands, but with His words alone.
You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Rev. Laura’s other sites: Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin
Wedding officiant page: Wedfolio
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list grows or changes every week. This is our current list.
- Please pray for Evangelist Cal Jennings who has been suffering greatly with his health. He has been writing a great many Christian songs and we pray that this ability continues. May the Lord bring his spirits up and help heal him.
- Please pray for Evangelist Cal Jennings’ sister who has had a malignant meningioma removed and has been undergoing rehabilitation.
- Please keep praying for my father-in-law Raymond Neff, who is still recovering from his severe chemical burns, still progressing, and is thankfully home.
- Please keep several friends and other family members in prayer for their trials and tribulations. They have each requested to remain anonymous for the time being.
One who is recovering from a fall that caused a laceration on her skull.
One who has been working themselves to exhaustion on too many things at once.
One who has had issues with their emotions for quite some time and needs the comfort of the Spirit to wrap around them.
One who is set to move in a few weeks to a new home after a major career change.
One who is fighting off a stomach virus or other stomach issue and has been for a week or more. They are on antibiotics we hope work well along with a much needed week of rest.
- Pray for the economy around this world as inflation and supply chains suffer from extremely high prices for fuel and overly high demand.
- Pray for those who have suffered from violent events, that they heal and do not have scarred psyches and that those who have lost their loved ones to violence find peace in the face of fear.
- Pray for comfort and solace to be shared with those who have said farewell to a loved one this week, known or unknown.
- Be thankful for each day we live as we do not know what
tomorrow brings.
- Pray for our nations that the voice of God be heard through the Spirit.
- Pray for our friends and families that their tomorrows bring blessings and
pray our own be the same.
- Pray for those suffering as a result of the terrors that have occurred just this past week around this world.
- Pray for our sick and wounded that they may heal.
Prayer: Father in heaven, our prayer today on this blessed Sunday is to have the Holy Spirit surround those who are mourning with comfort and godly hope. We pray for the Holy Spirit to fill the souls of the brokenhearted with faith, strength, and peace. We pray for the homeless, that they might find shelter and more. We pray for those who have been killed in senseless violence. We pray for the families of those who have died that they find the strength to carry on in their memories. We pray for those suffering evil diseases like cancer, that they defeat this evil disease and heal well. We pray for our friends and families who are ill, that they be well soon. For each of these we pray in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Wonderful Words of Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7x3OX6v5_o
Sermon: This is a beautiful Sunday morning, and we have the glorious knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord, our Eternal Savior and the Only Path to fully realized and recognized eternal Salvation. One week since our celebration of Easter we will complete our voyage through the second chapter of Romans. The parallels of the life Jesus led are seen in Paul’s words. We see this clearly as we continue where we left off here.
Romans 2:22 KJV – Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
NIV – You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
We have to remember that, in those days in Rome, there were many conflicts for the Christians to overcome. One of those would be the existence of a pantheon of gods including Jupiter, Juna, Mars, Vulcan, Apollo, and Aurora. Remember, the Jews were led by Moses and God’s Word from the beginning, and they were not allowed to congregate with the Gentiles, like Roman and other international people. They weren’t until Jesus broke that tradition into bits with His acceptance of the Gentiles and willingness to teach them. The Jews had their issues with faith and being righteous, as we see in King David’s words here.
Psalm 50:17 KJV – Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.
NIV – You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
The prophet Jeremiah had this to say.
Jeremiah 5:7 KJV – How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.
NIV – “Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.
Jeremiah 7:9-10 KJV – Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?
NIV – “’Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe"—safe to do all these detestable things?
Jeremiah 9:2 KJV – Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
NIV – Oh, that I had in the desert a lodging place for travelers, so that I might leave my people and go away from them; for they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people.
Jesus provides these insights as to God’s Word and how we are to use His Word the appropriate way, being of benefit, not just to ourselves, but to each other. We see this through the eyes and words of the Gospel of Mark.
Mark 11:17 KJV – And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
NIV – And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
There have been many who profess to be completely devout to the Laws of God, however, there are many who lean on this definition without realizing what Jesus did regarding the Law and the prophets. Jesus transformed the Law into what it should always have been, Unconditional Love. Paul points this out in his next words to the church at Rome.
Romans 2:23 KJV – Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
NIV – You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
Because we are human, we often have to relearn what God’s Word truly surrounds us with and all that knowledge entails. Many of the prophets, the kings, and more within the Jewish community share this in a manner like this one.
Micah 3:11 KJV – The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
NIV – Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the LORD’s support and say, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.”
Again we are led to listen to the words of our Savior Jesus Christ, which would be framed perfectly in this viewpoint that narrowmindedness will be the death of us. Remember, Jesus isn’t there to accuse. He’s there to judge. It is His supreme reason for existence. By His stripes we will be healed. By His Unconditional Love we will be saved.
John 5:45 KJV – Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
NIV – “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.
Paul points out that the path is not easy. It’s plagued with the troubles of vanity, envy, lust, enmity, wrath, shame, and doubt. The seven are all around us every day. It is up to us to ignore then, trample them, and walk the path as we all are supposed to do. This is how Paul portrays this.
Romans 2:24 KJV – For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
NIV – As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
The name of God is being dragged through the dirt, as Paul points out. It’s being ridiculed, twisted, filled with lies, which is the embodiment of the seven troubles, in a literal sense. We see a great deal of history that contains this same sentiment. We see it in the words of Samuel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Peter as well.
2 Samuel 12:14 KJV –Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
NIV –But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the LORD, the son born to you will die.”
Isaiah 52:5 KJV – Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.
NIV – “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed.
Ezekiel 20:27 KJV – Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.
NIV – “Therefore, son of man, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In this also your ancestors blasphemed me by being unfaithful to me:
Ezekiel 36:20 KJV – And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.
NIV – And wherever they went among the nations they profaned my holy name, for it was said of them, ‘These are the LORD’s people, and yet they had to leave his land.’
2 Peter 2:22 KJV –But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
NIV –Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”
The circumcision we all know about was more than a normal procedure with newborns in the days of the Jews and Jesus. It was a promise meant to be made and kept by God’s people. Yet, we see in Scripture just how often the trials and tribulations of life are filled with the seven troubles of vanity, envy, lust, enmity, wrath, shame and doubt. It is the existence of these troubles that continually eats away at our faith. It erodes the benefits of the wisdom of God’s Word. This is how Paul shares this.
Romans 2:25 KJV – For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
NIV – Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.
The prophet Jeremiah had quite a bit to share in this regard to being faithful to God with everything we do, whether it’s in actions, words, or thoughts. Yes, all three must be included. Just as our hearts are connected to our minds, the three are integral to our very existence. They provide our individuality but also our connectedness. This is what Paul is working to prove to those reading his letter at the church of Rome. Here we share where the inspiration for these thoughts comes from.
Jeremiah 4:4 KJV – Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
NIV – Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it.
Jeremiah 9:25 KJV – Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;
NIV – “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—
Paul points out that there is more to circumcision for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles as well. It’s a mostly symbolic act and action to many in this world, but, in truth, there’s more than this ceremonial aspect. When we are baptized and confirmed into the body of Christ, the Church, we have responsibilities to ourselves and to each other that cannot be ignored. Here is only part of the reason as Paul reflected upon this in his letters to Corinth and Galatia.
1 Corinthians 7:19 KJV –Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
NIV –Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
Galatians 5:3 KJV – For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
NIV – Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
Paul points out an interesting little fact of unconditional love as it relates to Jesus and our Heavenly Father. It’s more than a tradition. It’s so much more than just that. Righteousness is developed as part of the circumcision, separating the good parts of humanity from the bad acts, actions, and reactions we see in the midst of the seven troubles. This is how Paul shares this fact.
Romans 2:26 KJV – Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
NIV – So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?
Paul’s words are shared in a memory from our Savior Jesus Christ who spoke of the Jews and Gentiles in an inclusive manner and methodology as we see in His own words through the writings of Matthew.
Matthew 8:11-12 KJV – And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
NIV – I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 15:28 KJV – Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
NIV – Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Paul adds to the words of His Teacher, our Savior, with reference to three letters written to three separate churches. It’s an interesting view of how faith can spread through understanding the reasons behind the circumcision, the Ten Commandments, and so much more.
1 Corinthians 7:19 KJV –Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
NIV –Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
Galatians 6:15 KJV – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
NIV – Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
Ephesians 2:11 KJV – Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
NIV – Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—
Paul, in all of his letters, reflects on law in many ways. In Romans we see more of that because there is so much depth found in this letter. This is just one reason to take Scripture and explore it as thoroughly as possible as children of God, members of the Church that is Jesus Christ our Savior and Salvation.
Romans 2:27 KJV – And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
NIV – The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
Again, Paul refers back to the gospels and the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see this in these references from the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 3:15 KJV – And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
NIV – Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
Matthew 12:41-42 KJV – The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
NIV – The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Paul also references the writing of the Hebrew prophets who came after our Savior’s resurrection.
Hebrews 11:3 KJV – Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
NIV – By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Symbolism is not enough, Paul points out. Remember, we have to be all in, when it comes to pursuing faith, sharing it, and living within it. Every part of us has to be included in these thoughts, words, actions, and reactions. Like Manna was to the Jews in exile in the desert, so God’s Word should be for us. Like the body and blood of Christ are a symbol of His death and resurrection celebrated in most churches in this world today. It’s more than a symbolic choice, it is a life choice to be truly Christian. No matter how easy or difficult it would seem to be. We see that in this next verse from Paul’s letter to church at Rome.
Romans 2:28 KJV – For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
NIV – A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
Something that we continue to forget in regard to faith and being faithful to His Word is that we have to prove it, to Him as much as to ourselves and those around us. We can’t just say the words. We can’t just sing them either. We have to live them. God knows, because He is the Creator. He recognizes each of us, all the way down to the last hair, all the way down deep into our elemental being, cells, skin, all of that. This is what we see as a reminder of that through the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 9:26 KJV – Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.
NIV – Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
The Twelve Apostles portray what being Christian is all about in their writings. That’s why we see them crisscrossing each other, referencing the Word as shared between them. We see this in Paul’s reference to John the Beloved’s portrayal of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
John 8:39 KJV – They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
NIV – “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did.
Again, Paul shares more from another letter referenced, this one to the church at Galatia.
Galatians 6:15 KJV – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
NIV – Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
The final verse in the second chapter of Romans portays what circumcision after the resurrection should be for us. It is a spiritual, heart and soul commitment to be a true and faithful Christian, by faith in His Unconditional Love.
Romans 2:29 KJV – But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
NIV – No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
This sentiment should have been noticed all the way back in Scripture, as we see here. Moses portrays what circumcision includes, and Jesus provided this in infinite detail.
Deuteronomy 30:6 KJV – And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
NIV – The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
John 5:44 KJV – How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
NIV – How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Jesus portrays what true faith in God’s Word should always look, sound, and feel like for each of us. It takes a great deal of faith in our Heavenly Father to endure what Jesus did one thousand, nine hundred, and ninety years ago. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Closing Song: His Name Is Wonderful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCYidpA7-4A
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin
Evangelist Calvin Jennings
Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition: Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright ©circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press, The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA, USA
Sermon or Study Copyright © 2023 http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the bringers of the light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment