Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our combined written and live Sunday sermon, which is normally broadcast every Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love, sharing the Word of God, the Spirit of Jesus Christ 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.
You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Rev. Laura’s other sites: Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin & USAlife & YouTube
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.
- We continue to pray for my daughter Deanna that her wait time is short for the things she has been waiting a long time for.
- My son-in-law Douglas’s grandfather moves into a nursing home tomorrow due to his health and maneuverability issues.
- My son-in-law Douglas’s grandmother is in the hospital, pray she gets well soon.
- My daughter-in-law Rebecca is a little better. Please continue to pray that the medications the doctor gave her will help calm everything down and heal her.
- We continue to pray for Rabbi Karen and her family as well.
- We continue our prayers for Evangelist Cal Jennings, that his health becomes steadier than it has been for far too long. We pray that his medical needs are fully met, and he has all that he requires for comfort and peace.
- We continue our prayers for JB and EB as they navigate through the maze of medical tests and specialists to get all the answers they need in both of their health issues. They are continually frustrated with the runaround they have been getting with the various referrals.
- We continue to pray for a friend of ours, Alexis, who is in desperate need to improve her current situation and has set up a site for donations to help her with this. If you want more information, send me a private message and I’ll pass on the information. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alexis-gain-independence-with-a-car?lid=4uq0fo299s34&utm_source=product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TXN_donation_alert&utm_content=internal
- We continue with our prayers for my niece Autumn, who has been suffering seizures due to a head injury from a car crash.
- We continue to pray for my Mama who has had a lot of anxiety issues lately. She is set for vacation in a couple of months, pray that her flights to and from are uneventful for her.
- We continue to pray for all sufferers and survivors of the various types of cancer, including two survivors of the disease, my Aunt Donna and my friends Kelly and Alexis.
- We pray for those who are in the path of dangerous weather, and other dangerous conditions, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, worldwide.
- We pray for the various outreach ministries we have joined with, with their leaders, Pastor Stephen Okoth, Pastor Simon Peter Javaji, Pastor Amir Aneel, Sister Santhi Swaroopa, Pastor Duke Moenga, and others in Kissee, Nairobi, and other places in Kenya, Pakistan, and India. Many of them need food, drinkable water, and more.
- We pray also for our American outreach ministries, including Rev. Lisa Tyler on the other side of Georgia from where I am and Rabbi Karen L. Hertzog with her ministry, Way Maker Messianic Jewish and Christian Center – USA as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we have nothing but glory to give to You for all that You have brought to us. We bring those who suffer from hunger and homelessness up to You for their safe keeping and sustenance. We pray for the orphans that our outreach ministers care for, that they have everything they need. We bring those who have suffered from cancer and have survived, that they have no further chaos relative to cancer in their lives including Kelly, Aunt Donna, Alexis and others. We pray for JB’s sister who is now suffering from cancer, and JB’s husband EB with all his own medical chaos as well. We pray for our dear Evangelist Cal Jennings, that he continues to share his love of music with everyone. We pray for all of these people, family, friends, and colleagues in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Faithful Forever ~ Evangelist Cal Jennings ~ Original Song https://suno.com/song/01423723-5c8a-41da-9896-fe53da8f242a?fbclid=IwY2xjawIUjjVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYZQRxd_Q-Uyyutw5f5z2yPQ67yXUxe2a2Y9e1bVWYCFAFF7sIke31GJVw_aem_QNmVJ-jHPMHeM4jmgUmscw
Sermon: Today we are completing chapter four of the second letter Paul wrote to Timotheus of Lystra. Paul is saying a final farewell to the church led by Timotheus. He’s reminding them to remain vigilant and keep to the practice of their faith as Jesus taught. With that, here’s the first of our verses today.
2 Timothy 4:17 KJV –Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
NIV –But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
Paul goes back to the Torah, the historical books, adding the poetic and prophetic books of the Old Testament for on point references.
Exodus 4:12 KJV – Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
NIV –Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
1 Samuel 17:37 KJV –David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
NIV – The Lord who rescued me from the paw of
the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
Psalm 18:32-34 KJV – It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
NIV – It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psalm 23:4 KJV – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
NIV – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
NIV – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 50:7 KJV – For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
NIV – Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
Jeremiah 1:8 KJV – Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
NIV – Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Paul includes one reference to the Great Commission and one from the Hebrew prophets as well.
Matthew 28:20 KJV – Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
NIV – and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Hebrews 13:6 KJV – So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
NIV – So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Paul continues to provide methods for the church there at Lystra to protect themselves from evil and from evildoers.
2 Timothy 4:18 KJV –And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV –The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul again references the poetic book written by King David.
Psalm 34:19 KJV – Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
NIV – The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
Psalm 37:28 KJV – For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
NIV – For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 121:7-8 KJV – The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
NIV – The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Paul then adds more references to the Word as Jesus spoke it, in a very familiar verse we repeat every time we are afraid, or in need of solace, in the most famous prayer spoken by Jesus and written in the gospel of Matthew. Added to this is a pair of verses that come through the lens of John the Beloved.
Matthew 6:13 KJV – 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.
NIV – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
John 10:28-29 KJV – And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
NIV – I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
Paul adds a reference to his letter to Rome and also writings from the Hebrew prophets as well.
Romans 8:38-39 KJV – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NIV – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
NIV – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Paul is reminding the church that there are allies for them. In this case, Priscilla and Aquila along with Onesiphorus.
2 Timothy 4:19 KJV –Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
NIV –Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
Paul includes several references from the gospel writer Luke in the Acts of the Apostles for this one.
Acts 18:2 KJV – And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
NIV – There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,
Acts 18:18 KJV – And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
NIV – Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
Acts 18:26 KJV – And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
NIV – He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
Acts 19:22 KJV – So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
NIV – He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
Acts 20:4 KJV – And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
NIV – He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
Paul adds two verses from his letter to Rome.
Romans 16:3-5 KJV – Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
NIV – Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Romans 16:10-15 KJV – Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
NIV – Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
Paul continues with the list of allies for Timotheus and the members of the church at Lystra.
2 Timothy 4:20 KJV –Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
NIV –Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
Paul continues to reference the gospel writer Luke’s writings with the Acts of the Apostles.
Acts 9:30 KJV – Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
NIV – When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Acts 11:25-26 KJV – Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
NIV – Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Acts 13:13 KJV – Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
NIV – From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
Acts 14:9-12 KJV – The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
NIV – He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.
Acts 17:14-15 KJV – And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
NIV – The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Paul then sticks it to them, not to procrastinate in fulfilling the mission that Jesus had given them through Paul’s writing. It remains an important mission even to this very day.
2 Timothy 4:21 KJV – Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
NIV –Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.
Paul only references three excerpts including his letter to Rome, his first letter to Corinth, and the last reference to his colleague Titus.
Romans 1:10 KJV – Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
NIV – in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Romans 15:24 KJV – Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
NIV –I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
1 Corinthians 4:19 KJV –But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
NIV –But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
1 Corinthians 16:8 KJV –But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
NIV – But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
Titus 3:12 KJV – When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
NIV – As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
Paul ends his second letter to Timothy with a gift of the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus would be with them forever. This is the hope that continues on even to the end of time.
2 Timothy 4:22 KJV –The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
NIV –The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Paul utilizes five excerpts from the Old Testament including the Torah, historical, poetic and prophetic books.
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV – The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
NIV – “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Ruth 2:4 KJV – And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.
NIV – Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem
and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”
“The Lord bless you!” they answered.
Psalm 29:11 KJV – The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
NIV – The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 37:37 KJV – Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
NIV – Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
NIV –You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Paul’s final reference is from his first letter to Corinth.
1 Corinthians 16:23 KJV –The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
NIV –The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
It is very important for us to recognize how having Jesus Christ in our lives and having God in our lives, through the Holy Spirit, transforms us so completely. We have to remember that we are the vessels of Jesus’ Spirit. We have to remember that this season, the season of Lent, is a celebration of the results of the resurrection that brought Jesus from death to life once more. It is vitally important to remember the reason for our being here. His name is Jesus Christ, who comes from the great Jehovah God our Heavenly Father. It is through the life death, and eternal legacy of Jesus Christ that we are here today. Now, let’s show each other how faith and belief in God go hand in hand, and all of us have the opportunity to walk in the faithful steps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ability to do this requires us to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you are willing to do so, please leave me a note in the comments and I’ll be in touch. Now, that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us.
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: Praise You O God ~ Original Song written by Evangelist Cal Jennings https://suno.com/song/3c13d6ab-4290-41a1-b24c-92fd7d01bbf5
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
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 © 2025 http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Music Lyrics and Melody Copyright © 2025 Cal Jennings
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.
