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. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love and 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.
- Evangelist Cal Jennings is still having a little bit of an issue with his recovery, but his dog Scrappy is doing much better and both continue to thank everyone for their prayers.
- Please pray for all those affected by the tropical storms this past week and all the flooding issues that have resulted in road closures in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
- My husband Ron is feeling a little better after his fall last week.
- My daughter has asked if we could add two people from her life onto our prayer list. One of them is named Ms. Ramona and works with my daughter, she was rushed to the hospital and has been ordered to be on bed rest until further notice. The second is her husband Douglas’s grandmother, who has a tentative diagnosis of dementia.
- Please pray for a friend of ours, Tyrone, who is still having issues with recovering from an injury managed at work that has affected his daily life in too many ways. Pray for his healing.
- Pray for Janice’s mother who is still having issues after a stroke last year and other medical issues. Pray for her daughter and son-in-law and their two children as they recuperate from COVID-19.
- Please pray for a friend of ours with serious health issues that she has been fighting for control of for quite a while. This friend has also had other issues in their life that have caused chaos in different ways. (Sharon GE)
- Pray for my employer, Ed, who had a mini-stroke a little over three weeks ago. He’s been put on a new medication and is better, but still needs prayer for other things going on in his life.
- Please keep my employer’s wife, Joy, in prayer as she has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.
- My nephew is still healing up from his scoliosis surgery and it has been wearing on my sister and him as well. Pray that his recovery goes more smoothly as the rest of the summer passes.
- One of my sisters is going through some serious stresses that are affecting everything right now, let’s pray she gets relief from these issues.
- Pray for a high school classmate of mine, her name is Kelly, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Her treatments have been going on for the past two months now and she’s got quite a few more to go through before it is done. She has survived the loss of her hair and the debilitating results of chemotherapy. She is past the halfway mark and continues with her treatments. May God’s blessings wrap around her and protect her through these treatments keeping her spirits high and her pain low.
- 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 niece, Autumn, who is having a lot of health issues relative to a head injury from a car wreck. The wreck caused her to now suffer from seizures with an epilepsy diagnosis.
- Pray for Pastor Stephen Okoth in Nakuru, Kenya, as one of our outreach ministers for fifteen years. He and his congregation have done amazing work there in Kenya. God has been with them and the prayers we bring help as well.
- Pray for our other outreach ministers and the work they do, including Rev. Lisa Tyler, one of my mentors, Pastor Simon Peter Javaji, and the family of Pastor Robert Nganwa from Uganda who passed away a couple years ago, but the church continues on.
- Pray for those who were killed in accidents and violent criminal actions this past week, and for the families who are saying good-bye.
- Pray for the
many in this world who have lost their lives in the pursuit
of faith and hope.
- Pray for all of
those who suffer from cancer and all the other incurable
diseases and conditions that they be
secure in God’s embrace through
the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for those who are serving our countries around this world.
- Pray that the children around the USA do well in their new school year as they get back into the routine of learning.
* Wishing my Mama a beautifully blessed and happy 78th birthday today.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we have friends, family, and colleagues in all directions to bring up in prayer. Pain, illness, and trauma affect Tyrone, Cal, and my husband, Ron. Health issues affect a good friend of mine, Sharon. Cancer affects our Aunt Donna and my dear friend Kelly, let their cancer leave their bodies and free them from pain. Illness affects both Ramona and Douglas’s grandmother, see them through their life altering changes and help those supporting them to stay strong and comforting. There are family and friends suffering financial issues and woes, please help them put the world right side up again. Sending a special prayer to my sister Emilie, who needs spiritual and other support right now. Our children are back to school, help them to excel and make new friends and enjoy the learning experience. 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: Doxology ~ Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQUTvMtUhw4&list=PL614A115BF39E5936&index=336
Lyrics: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Sermon: Today we are continuing our journey through the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy as we complete the second chapter. These last five verses are, to put it simply, an outrage to most of the modern day women, who serve in church positions, like pastors, ministers, deaconesses, apostles, and evangelists, in this world. There is a specific reason that Paul points this out to Timotheus and the followers at the church in Lystra. There are also specific reasons he references the scroll of Genesis and the Torah writings within this letter. With this, let’s get into the final five verses from the second chapter of First Timothy.
1 Timothy 2:11 KJV – Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
NIV – A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
Years ago I was confronted with the thought that I should never have become an ordained minister because I am female. It wasn’t the first time I experienced this prejudice, and often these very verses in the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy of Lystra would be involved. Paul reflects on these two excerpts from the Torah.
Genesis 3:16 KJV – Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
NIV – To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
Esther 1:20 KJV – And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
NIV – Then when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.”
Paul then goes back to his first letter to Corinth and his letter to Titus.
1 Corinthians 14:34 KJV –Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
NIV –Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
Titus 2:5 KJV – To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
NIV – to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
These next two verses are the ones that dole out the harsh and strict directive toward women in the church there at Lystra. Whether it was one specific woman, or all the women in the congregation there, is still unknown. Yet, all of us have to remember, we are to obey God, YHWH, as He is known. His law is to love one another, not as humanity loves, but as God does. This portrayal goes all the way back to creation, and that’s what these next verses share.
1 Timothy 2:12-13 KJV –But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
NIV –I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
Here is one of the first views of man the first to be created by God, to rule over all that existed on earth while God ruled over everything in heaven and on earth and everyone. Added to this is the pointed recognition that woman was formed of Adam’s rib.
Genesis 2:7 KJV – And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
NIV – Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:22 KJV – And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
NIV – Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Now, one of the hardest concepts in humanity is understanding how man and woman are, together, one body, one mind, one spirit, and one soul. Yet, even though humanity started with one man and then a woman formed from the rib of the first man ever created. Paul allows for us to distinguish that, though this is how man and woman were originally formed, I can’t walk around and say I’m a man, because I’m definitely not. The same goes for a man who says that he is a woman, when they are obviously not. This, I know, will cause controversy somewhere, but God’s Word is the truth, period. Biology proves that. Genetics, anatomy, all of those sciences prove that, even from the beginning and on through this moment in time. Here is how Paul shared this thought with the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 11:8 KJV –For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.
NIV –For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;
1 Corinthians 14:34 KJV –Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
NIV –Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
Gossip is an evil consideration that has been around humanity since long, long, before Paul ever existed. Idle tongues, as James shared in his epistle, are the devil’s handiwork. Yet, today we listen to gossip of one style or another every minute of the day. We see it when people call it “false news” or you’ll find explanations on websites like snopes.com and others. We see far too much dis-information, fake news, doctored interviews, artificial intelligence created videos, and the list goes on and on until you’ve got a paper trail that literally circles the universe and beyond. This is what Paul was fighting against. James and the other Apostles and Disciples did the same. Pay attention to what Paul says next.
1 Timothy 2:14 KJV –And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
NIV –And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
Deception happens in every culture, in every city, state, and country. We’ve heard about it in history books, seen it in novels, news, government records, and so on. God has had rules against deception since Adam and Eve were created by His hands. One of those is blatantly violated in this excerpt from the scroll of Genesis and it is mentioned TWICE in the same chapter.
Genesis 3:6 KJV – And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
NIV – When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:12-13 KJV – And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
NIV – The man said, “The woman you put here
with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Vulnerability toward evil and wickedness is what Eve portrays here. As a result, fear, the wrong kind of fear, was borne of this error of free will. You see, the gift of free will is both a blessing and a curse for humanity. We see that all over the place in this world today, and even in historical documents around the world. This is why Paul cautioned the women in the church at Lystra. But he also warned the men as well, because, where one wayward soul would be, others often will follow. Something Paul was well aware of. Paul reflects on this with his second letter to Corinth.
2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV –But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
NIV –But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Corruption is good news for the wicked. It’s something we see so often we often end up immune to the fact that it is everywhere we look nowadays. Yet, there is salvation for women equally as it exists for men. This is what Paul shares next.
1 Timothy 2:15 KJV –Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
NIV –But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
There are priorities for the women at the time, that’s childbearing, child rearing, and keeping their wits about them, being good, faithful, charitable, holy, and sober as well. That’s a whole lot for those women, but notice, the evil and wickedness have no place within these. This is something that’s not easy with humankind, both male and female can be affected. Remember this note regarding the serpent and the woman. One of the seven troubles was borne out of the meeting between Eve and the serpent. That is what we see here, enmity.
Genesis 3:15 KJV – And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
NIV – And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Paul then makes a reference to Isaiah as well before covering his first letter to Corinth, his letter to Titus, and Peter’s first letter as well.
Isaiah 7:14 KJV – Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
NIV – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
NIV – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
1 Corinthians 12:23 KJV –And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
NIV –and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,
Titus 2:12 KJV – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
NIV – It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
1 Peter 4:7 KJV –But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
NIV –The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
It is important to work hard on our personal faith and developing that faith to be more and more Christlike. It’s something that can literally take an entire lifetime to manage. Paul wants us to remember that Jesus teaches us to have faith in Him and believe in His Unconditional Love. Keeping ourselves away from the seven troubles. So, Paul is pointing toward the good side, to be faithful, to share true belief, to listen and hear God’s Word as we all should do, and this is what he was doing not just for the women there in Lystra, but to the entire congregation. Be watchful of your behavior while in the church and listening to the Word. Pay attention to what is being shared, and don’t interrupt with your personal opinions and points of view. His Word is more important than anything else. It is why we often have to learn how to listen to our spiritual hearts and minds over our human ones. Faith should always be humble, kind, steadfast, and filled with unconditional love. 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 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: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yZVweZ2Cvg&list=PL614A115BF39E5936&index=309
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
All thy works with joy surround thee, hearth and heaven reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessings, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our Brother – all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals join the happy chorus which the morning stars began; love divine is reigning o’er us, joining all within its span. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strive; joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.
~ 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 © 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
created through fear
together as the bringers of the
light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment