Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our combined written and live Sunday sermon. You will normally see us posted in written and live form on Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Today, however, I will not be live due to being on vacation. I will return next Sunday. 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.
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.
- Evangelist Cal Jennings and his dog Scrappy are both feeling a little bit better and thank everyone for their prayers.
- Pray for my sister’s youngest child who is headed for scoliosis surgery this summer at the end of June. He’s getting used to a new caregiver and apparently is doing well while my sister is at work without having to travel anywhere for a sitter.
- Pray for my daughter and son-in-law’s family members as they work through some serious family issues.
- Pray for Janice’s mother who has also been sick and is still having issues after a stroke last year and other medical issues.
- Pray for my employer, Ed, who has been diagnosed with skin cancer and is seeking treatment in a couple weeks. Keep his wife Joy in prayer as well as she continues treatment for chronic issues that have caused a whole lot of pain.
- Pray for a high school classmate of mine, her name is Kelly, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is going through a lot of emotions and more as a result. Her treatments have been going on for the past few weeks now and she’s got quite a few more to go through before it is done.
- Continue to keep my Aunt Donna in your prayers. She is hanging on even with the cancer treatments and the many changes she is going through.
- Pray for my sister and brother-in-law as they go through the chaos of job hunting after my brother-in-law was laid off.
- Pray for my niece, Autumn, who is having a lot of health issues relative to a head injury from a car wreck. Pray that the doctors find a solution to fix everything.
- Pray for a friend who has had a lot of issues to deal with in their life and is working hard to straighten them out. A lot of questions in regard to their health and more have plagued this person for quite a while now.
- Pray for the safety of the ones traveling around for the Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
- Pray for those who have issues with loud noises, including our pets, during the fireworks displays this weekend for Memorial Day here in the United States and its territories.
- Pray for those who were killed in accidents and violent criminal actions this past week, and for the families who are saying good-bye.
- Be thankful for each day as we do not know what tomorrow brings.
- Pray for our nations that the voice of God be heard through the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for our friends and families that their tomorrows bring blessings and pray our own be the same.
- Pray for those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of faith and hope.
- Pray for all of those who suffer from cancer and other incurable diseases and conditions that they be secure in God’s embrace through the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for our sick and wounded that they may heal.
- Pray for those who are serving our countries around this world.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we have so many we bring to You on this beautiful Sunday. We pray for those who have died in war around this country and its provinces. We pray for those who remember our fallen soldiers, as families and friends during this holiday weekend. We pray for those who are ill and in need of healing through Your grace. We pray for those who suffer from deadly situations worldwide and those who have been in accidents of all forms. We pray for all of this in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Onward Christian Soldiers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63yBpl6Oixo
Sermon: Today we are continuing our voyage through the fifteenth chapter of Romans. This sermon will not be live due to my being out of town on a much needed vacation with my husband. I will be back live next Sunday.
Romans 15:17-18 KJV – I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
NIV – Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—
Paul makes a specific point in saying that he would be preaching as Jesus had taught him as his Teacher and Preacher. Paul reminds them that he was instructed to spread the gospel to everyone, no matter if they were Jew or Gentile. This is what we see here as he writes in this letter to Rome. Here we see the response to the directive known as the Great Commission as shared in Matthew 28:16-20. Paul also references the writing of Luke in the Acts of the Apostles.
Mark 16:20 KJV – And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
NIV – Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Acts 14:27 KJV – And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
NIV – On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 15:4 KJV – And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
NIV – When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
Acts 15:12 KJV – Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
NIV – The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
Acts 21:19 KJV – And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
NIV – Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Paul then adds from his personal experiences in his letter to the church at Philippi, and the Hebrew prophets as well as James the Just, younger human brother of Jesus.
Philippians 3:3 KJV – For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
NIV – For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Hebrews 2:17 KJV – Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
NIV – For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 5:1 KJV – For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
NIV – Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
James 1:22 KJV – But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
NIV – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
The miracles of God are many and sometimes people, to this day, need to see miracles to believe the power and majesty of God. This is something that has been repeated time and again, believing without seeing is the ultimate view of faith in God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit. This is what Paul is sharing. Miraculous wonders are something that people, to this day, want to have happen where they can see them. We see it everywhere. However, there is a difference between man-made and divine miracles. This is the difference that is key to what Paul is teaching in this next verse.
Romans 15:19 KJV – Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
NIV – by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
Paul is again referencing the miracles Jesus managed while He lived. He references this one where Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit is as much a part of Him as it is part of God. This is important because all of us have this connection with God and we need to work with the Spirit to get closer to Him. That’s why the Spirit exists in the first place, as one of the gifts Jesus and God ensured we would have. Here are those references from Jesus and His Word in the gospels of Matthew and John the Beloved.
Matthew 12:28 KJV – But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
NIV – But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
John 4:48 KJV – Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
NIV – “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
Paul again references Luke’s writing in the Acts of the Apostles to further explain his reasoning to bring this specific group of people closer to God as an extension of the Great Commission.
Acts 14:10 KJV – Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
NIV – and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
Acts 15:12 KJV – Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
NIV – The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
Acts 16:18 KJV – And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
NIV – She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
Acts 20:1 KJV – And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
NIV – When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.
Acts 22:17 KJV – And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
NIV – “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance
Another important lesson that the Apostles taught is that we, as mortal beings, cannot change the foundation of the church. Jesus Christ is our foundation. His Word creates the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and roof. His Word is stronger than any structure on this earth because it is brought through divine means, not mortal ones. This is an important concept for us to work towards understanding and that’s what Paul shares next.
Romans 15:20-21 KJV – Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
NIV – It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
Paul again references the prophetic words of Isaiah here.
Isaiah 52:15 KJV – So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
NIV – so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Isaiah 65:1 KJV – I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
NIV – “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
Paul then returns to the Word as shared by Jesus in the gospel of Mark.
Mark 12:10 KJV – And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
NIV – Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
Paul adds to this with his own letters to Corinth.
1 Corinthians 3:9-15 KJV –For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
NIV –For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
2 Corinthians 10:14-16 KJV –For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
NIV –We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory.
Regardless that it never occurred in Paul’s lifetime, it was a lifelong dream to go to Rome and teach and preach about the gospel. He wanted to spread the truth of our Savior and salvation. This is how he did so within the letter he wrote to the church at Rome.
Romans 15:22-23 KJV – For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
NIV – This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,
Paul never gave up on his desire to visit Rome. In that drive for honoring the memory of Jesus Christ, another memory came to the surface. This one being the day that Jesus was baptized by His human cousin, John the Baptist in the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 3:15-16 KJV – But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 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. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
NIV – But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
Paul then adds to the references with one from his pupil, the gospel writer, Luke and also from his letter to Thessalonica.
Acts 19:21 KJV – After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
NIV – After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”
1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 KJV –But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.
NIV –But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
1 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV –Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
NIV –Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
Paul had amazing dreams to visit so many places spreading the gospel as Jesus instructed. He mentions this in his letter to the church at Rome in these next two verses. He adds to this, the importance of the journey itself is just as important as the letter he writes to Rome.
Romans 15:24-25 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. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
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. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there.
Paul again returns to the words written by his pupil, Luke.
Acts 9:13 KJV – Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
NIV – “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
Acts 15:3 KJV – And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
NIV – The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad.
Acts 18:21 KJV – But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
NIV – But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
Paul again adds with his letters to the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 16:5-7 KJV –Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
NIV –After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
2 Corinthians 1:16 KJV –And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
NIV –I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.
Our last verse from this chapter today Paul is praising the assistance received for others who believe in the gift of unconditional love that Jesus left for us to experience through His Word.
Romans 15:26 KJV – For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
NIV – For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.
Paul adds references to the Acts of the Apostles yet again as written by the gospel writer Luke.
Acts 16:9 KJV – And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
NIV – During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Acts 18:12 KJV – And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
NIV – While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment.
Acts 19:21 KJV – After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
NIV – After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”
Paul’s last references for today are from his two letters to the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 16:5 KJV –Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
NIV –After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 1:16 KJV –And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
NIV –I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.
Sharing faith is one thing that Jesus insisted upon in His teachings. We see the faith blossom in people just hearing the Word for the first time and realizing it is as alive and active as if the Apostles, Jesus, and all the disciples of Jesus were sitting or standing with us right here and now. That is why 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 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: When Peace Like a River https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmvnE6erj6I
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
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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 © 2024 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
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together as the bringers of the
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