Paul Wants Us to Have Faith and Believe and Share Both with Each Other

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.

-      Let us pray for all those who are celebrating the feast of St. Patrick this weekend and on into Monday. There are several countries around the world that do celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.

-      Let us pray for a colleague of my husband, Alex, who passed away suddenly on Friday, for his wife and two children, a 14 year old son and 9 year old daughter.

-      Rabbi Karen L. Hertzog has asked that we pray for her mother’s health. She also asks for prayers for her brother’s attitude and also for Rabbi Karen’s stress levels.

-      My youngest son and his family traveled all the way out here to see us during our shared birthday weekend. Let’s pray they get home safely this week.

-      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 of the answers that 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 Marsh, 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.  

-      Our prayers were answered for my son-in-law Douglas’s diagnosis, let’s hope the solution, a diagnosis of sleep apnea, assists him in his daily life.

-      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. Her car ended up being totaled after the fender-bender. This combined with the fact she misses my father as he passed away three years ago due to COVID-19 has made it a tough year 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 friend Kelly.

-      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.

-      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: Lord, we come to You in celebration of our faith and the acknowledgement of Your unconditional love. We bring to You our sick and weak, our overworked and over-stressed members, families, and friends. We bring to You those who are celebrating this weekend, so that they do not overindulge and get home safely and securely. We believe that Your strength is greater than everything else that has been seen, heard, or experienced in this world. We pray that Your strength and protection cover over all of us who are faithful and even for those who have wavered and fallen. We pray that Your love encompasses the homeless, the abandoned, the orphaned, and more. We pray that Your strength is realized in the lives of those who believe and in those who have only just been introduced to Your Unconditional Love, Hope, Faith, Peace, and Grace. We pray all of this in Your Holy Name through Jesus Christ our Savior and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Be Thou My Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMclLT_Hjg&pp=ygUYYmUgdGhvdSBteSB2aXNpb24gbHlyaWNz

 

 

 

Cal Jennings Version: https://m.starmakerstudios.com/a-vue3/playrecording?app=sm&from_sid=62172171219&guide_type=2&is_convert=true&pg_rf_ca_vn=15&pid=share_exp2&recordingId=8725724359573333&share_type=copylink&fbclid=IwY2xjawJDpJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbK_D4BGkMgH63mPyafRbKmCijo0YRCRgjqA0JR3Cpgvz9iAPOjkiD_R5g_aem_KAZr-L9wCQYkwrYq_Q3dIg

Sermon: Today we are continuing chapter four of the second letter Paul wrote to Timotheus of Lystra. Now, these six verses are discussing what Paul believes to be his rather short amount of time left to be alive here on earth. This is why he starts this segment with this sentence here.

 

2 Timothy 4:6 KJV – For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

NIV –For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

 

Borrowed time is something that Jesus knew very, very well. He spoke of it often, even when the Apostles and Disciples hardly realized that the brevity of His existence among them as a living, breathing, human being, was blatantly obvious if they had paid attention. Even decades later, Paul was realizing the same feeling himself. It was only a matter of time and he too would be crucified. Paul reflects on the Word as Jesus spoke in these gospel verses.

 

Matthew 26:28 KJV – For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

NIV – This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 14:24 KJV – And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

NIV – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.

 

Luke 22:20 KJV – Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

NIV –  In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

 

John 12:24-25 KJV – Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

NIV – Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

Paul adds still more insight through these additional references, one from the gospel writer Luke and the rest from Paul’s letters to Corinth and further insight from the Hebrew prophets.

 

Acts 20:24 KJV – But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

NIV –However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

 

1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV –I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

NIV –I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV –We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

NIV – We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

 

Hebrews 12:12 KJV – Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

NIV – Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

 

Paul’s farewell points out that he feels as though he has done everything he could possibly manage on his own with the various churches. Think about it. Paul wrote to Corinth twice, Thessalonica twice, Rome, Lystra in three separate letters, to Timothy. He also sent letters to Titus, Philemon, Galatia, Philippi, and Ephesus.

 

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

NIV –I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

 

Paul almost always references the prophet Isaiah somewhere in each of his letters written. This one, as we already know, is no different. Here is what part of Isaiah’s scroll that he is speaking of.

 

Isaiah 40:31 KJV – But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

NIV – but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

 

Paul only utilizes one verse from the gospels as spoken by Jesus.

 

Matthew 25:21 KJV – His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

NIV – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 

Paul then adds references to his letters to Corinth and Ephesus as well as his colleague Peter and John the Beloved’s Revelation.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV –Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

NIV –Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV –Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

NIV – Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

 

Ephesians 6:12-13 KJV – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

NIV –For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

 

1 Peter 5:4 KJV – And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

NIV – And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

 

Revelation 3:21 KJV – And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

NIV – To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

 

Paul now describes what he knows waits for him in Heaven. This is what each and every person who follows Jesus has in store for them, so long as they have faith and work hard sharing that faith and belief in our Savior Jesus Christ.

 

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV – Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

NIV –Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

 

Paul has four Old Testament references, including two written by the first and second kings of Israel, King David and his son King Solomon.

 

Psalm 37:6 KJV – And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

NIV – He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

 

Proverbs 11:18 KJV – The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

NIV – A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

 

Paul adds to this with the prophet Isaiah, whom he references quite often and adds one reference to Daniel. He then has two additional references to James the Just, human brother of Jesus and also John the Beloved’s Revelation.

 

Isaiah 40:10 KJV – Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

NIV – See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.

 

Isaiah 62:11 KJV – Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

NIV – The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’”

 

Daniel 12:3 KJV – And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

NIV – Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

 

James 1:12 KJV – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

NIV – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 

Revelation 2:10 KJV – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

NIV – Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

 

As is typical, these next verses are together from this second letter to Timothy. Paul is reminding the listeners and readers of this letter to be diligent and also issues a warning toward those who have abandoned the truth of Jesus Christ for the earthly life that results in condemnation.

 

2 Timothy 4:9-10 KJV – Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

NIV – Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

 

Paul goes all the way back to the Torah teachings in the first scroll to give us references to follow.

 

Genesis 45:14-15 KJV – And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

NIV – Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

 

Paul adds to this, with the historical books including these four selections.

 

Ruth 1:16-17 KJV – And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

NIV –But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

 

1 Samuel 20:41-42 KJV –And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

NIV –After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

 

1 Kings 11:4 KJV –For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

NIV –As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

 

1 Kings 19:20-21 KJV –And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?
And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

NIV – Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.

 

Paul adds to this with one reference to the philosophical books as well.

 

Jeremiah 17:8 KJV – For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

NIV – They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

 

Paul then includes the words of our Savior Jesus in the gospels as well.

 

Matthew 6:24 KJV – No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

NIV – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

 

Mark 4:18-19 KJV – And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

NIV – Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

 

Luke 9:62 KJV – And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

NIV – Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

 

John 12:25 KJV – He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

NIV – Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

We add to this with writings from the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul’s second letter to Corinth and John the Beloved’s first letter.

 

Acts 15:36 KJV – And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

NIV – Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

 

Acts 20:37-38 KJV – And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

NIV –They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. ³⁸ What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

 

2 Corinthians 7:6-7 KJV –Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

NIV –But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

 

1 John 2:15-17 KJV –Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

NIV – Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

Our last verse today points toward those who are with Paul at that moment in time and who he himself wants to come to visit him.

 

2 Timothy 4:11 KJV – Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

NIV – Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

 

Mark 1:1 KJV – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

NIV – The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

 

Luke 10:1 KJV – After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

NIV – After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

 

Acts 16:1-3 KJV – Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

NIV – Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

 

Paul’s final reference is to his letter to the church in Philippi.

 

Philippians 2:20-22 KJV – For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

NIV – I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Being a genuine person in Jesus Christ as representatives of Him here on this earth, means we have to follow His directives. He gives us a specific mission, whether individually or collectively, and we each have to discover how we are to be part of that effort to bring His Unconditional Love toward the many who need and deserve these gifts that bring faith, hope, and so much more into being. As we continue in the season of Lent it is 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: Christ Beside Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGDb0TaC5yA

 

 

~ Shalom ~

Rev. Laura A. Neff

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Evangelist Calvin Jennings

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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.

Keep Learning and Building Your Faith to Gain Wisdom as We Start the Season of Advent

NOTE: I am not going live due to being ill with a chest cold. The wheezing is far too much to share with you in a live sermon. I will be live next Sunday. Hope you have a blessed and beautiful day.

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 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.

-      We learned on the day of Thanksgiving that my Aunt Renee was doing well after undergoing a procedure due to a blocked vein in her heart.

-      We continue our prayers for Evangelist Cal Jennings, that his health becomes steadier than it has 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 have too much red tape and confusion going on with their issues between insurance and doctor appointments.

-      We continue to pray for a friend of ours, Erica, 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.  

-      We continue to pray for my sister Emilie, who is still having family issues, job issues, and all kinds of craziness going on in her life.

-      We pray for my son-in-law, Douglas, who has been suffering from unknown health issues that are still awaiting full diagnosis.

-      We pray for a co-worker of my daughter Deanna, named Ms. Ramona, who is still having health issues that are not dissipating.

-      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. Her car ended up being totaled after the fender-bender. This combined with the fact she misses my father as he passed away three years ago due to COVID-19 has made it a tough year for her.

-      We continue to pray for all sufferers and survivors of the various types of cancer, including my Aunt Donna and my friend Kelly.

-      We pray for those who are in the path of dangerous weather around this world, as well as those who are picking up the pieces after the very dangerous storms we have had over the past few months.

-      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.

-      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, there are so many reasons to thank you on this beautiful Sunday. We thank you for family and friends, for helping us gain in our faith, for healing from our illnesses and injuries, for peace on earth in the midst of chaos, for patience in everything we do, and so much more. We pray for our sick and wounded including Aunt Renee and Evangelist Cal. We pray for those who have been healed like Kelly and others we love and care about. We pray for those who are still waiting to learn what is going on like Autumn and Douglas. We pray for those who have a long road ahead like Papa John and others. We pray for the travelers, that they get home safely. We pray all these things humbly, hopefully, and thankfully through our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utpZAIycWFU&list=PLDcNxsEvjauo_a1FO4ub3D2TP-54hHlxp&index=15

 

Sermon: This is the first Sunday in the season of Advent, thus the Christmas Hymns for our opening and closing songs. Today we continue with the second chapter of Second Timothy. These next six verses are a retelling of the parable Jesus shared in John the Beloved’s gospel chapter fifteen. Thus, here we begin.

 

2 Timothy 2:6 KJV –The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

NIV –The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

 

Paul is referencing this specific parable of the Vine and Branches for a reason. Just as Jesus Christ had done years prior, Paul was proving a point. Everything has a purpose here on this earth. We might not know or understand what that purpose may be, but there is always reason behind those things that happen in this world. Yes, even if it seems to be unreasonable in our minds, there is a reason for each of these things to proceed day by day. Paul references the poetic books along with the prophetic writings of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

 

Psalm 126:5-6 KJV – They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

NIV – Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

 

Proverbs 27:18 KJV – Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

NIV – The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored.

 

Ecclesiastes 11:6 KJV – In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

NIV – Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

 

Isaiah 28:24-26 KJV – Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.

NIV – When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.

 

Paul then references the Gospel of Matthew, and the Gospel of Luke as well.

 

Matthew 9:37-38 KJV – Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

NIV – Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

 

Luke 10:2 KJV – Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

NIV –  He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

 

Why do we pray? Does it matter? We can be praying about friends and their health issues. We can be praying for our own health issues. Jesus taught that there is a right and a wrong way to pray. We need to pray not for things that are inconsequential, but for and about things that are important for our very existence, shelter, food, and a means to keep that shelter and the food on our tables. Sure, we could wish and pray for things beyond that, but we need to be thankful for the things we have. This is what Paul is pointing out. You have to take care in what you think while praying to God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Give your pains, sorrows, worries, fears, all of that to God in prayer. He will answer. That’s something Jesus promises us. So here is that next point as shared in Paul’s second letter to Timotheus of Lystra.

 

2 Timothy 2:7 KJV –Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

NIV –Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 

What is Paul saying? He’s saying something I say all the time. He says, “think about it”. Scripture should be read, recited, talked about, and remembered. We can pray for answers, hope, about our fears, and experiences. Here are King Solomon’s observations on this concept.

 

Proverbs 2:6 KJV – For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

NIV – For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

NIV – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The prophets Isaiah and Daniel add to this ideal.

 

Isaiah 11:2 KJV – And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

NIV – The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

 

Daniel 2:21 KJV – And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

NIV – He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

 

Knowledge and experience help us reach toward wisdom, but it’s not always an easy journey. Sometimes we might feel like we’re being beaten down by life, but these should be seen as lessons learned once we overcome them. Each stumbling stone is a point toward growth. That’s what Paul is sharing here, when Jesus Christ shared this part.

 

Luke 24:45 KJV – Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

NIV – Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

 

Paul also references the Holy Spirit through the Gospels where Jesus spoke.

 

John 14:26 KJV – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

NIV – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

 

Another reference Paul brings into focus is through the younger half-brother of Jesus, James the Just. This reference specifically points toward wisdom and where to find it personally.

 

James 1:5 KJV – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

NIV – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

 

As we enter into Advent, the celebration of Christmas there are a lot of things to think about in this world today. This is why Paul shares these words with Timothy and the church at Lystra. Like the rest of the letter, it is something we all need to think about.

 

2 Timothy 2:8-9 KJV –Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

NIV –Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

 

There is a reason for everything that has happened since day one. That reason is Jesus Christ. He is Love. This is what Paul is sharing with Timothy and the congregation at Lystra. He points toward the life from birth to death to resurrection. He is the reason for the season of Advent and the event known as Christmas. However, His birth is celebrated during Advent, but isn’t anywhere near that date on the calendar. We have to go all the way back to the poetic and prophetic books of the Old Testament for insight on this.

 

Psalm 119:95 KJV – The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

NIV – The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.

 

Isaiah 55:11 KJV – So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

NIV – so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

 

Jeremiah 20:9 KJV – Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

NIV – But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

 

Paul also references the Word as shared by Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John the Beloved.

 

Matthew 10:17-20 KJV – But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

NIV – Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

 

Matthew 28:6 KJV – He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

NIV – He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

 

Luke 24:46 KJV – And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

NIV – He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,

 

John 11:25 KJV – Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

NIV – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

 

John 15:20 KJV – Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

NIV – Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

 

Paul adds more insight through Peter’s epistles, the Hebrew prophets, and John the Beloved’s Revelation as well.

 

1 Peter 1:3 KJV –Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

NIV –Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

1 Peter 3:16-17 KJV –Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

NIV –keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

 

Hebrews 13:20 KJV – Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

NIV – Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

 

Revelation 1:18 KJV – I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

NIV – I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

 

As ministers, elders, evangelists, or merely part of the congregation in the Christian church, we all have a role to play. We all need to bring our families, our friends, neighbors, anyone willing to listen to and about Jesus. This is what Paul is sharing with Timothy in Lystra.

2 Timothy 2:10 KJV – Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

NIV –Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

 

Paul points toward the elect. Who are the elect? Christians with hearts that feel, act, and react, with Christlike attitudes, faith, and understanding. This is the type of Christians Paul is addressing. You can say you are a Christian, but you must also act like a true Christian. It’s no simple matter in a world filled with evil and wickedness, excesses and more. The devilish minions of Satan do not make it an easy walk. Jesus warned that evil and wickedness would put many stumbling stones in our path. It is our faith and belief in His very existence that keeps us from the fall into eternal damnation. This is prophetically shared in the words of King Solomon.

 

Proverbs 8:35 KJV – For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

NIV – For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. 

 

Paul points toward Jesus and His thoughts as to the path toward righteousness and the gates of heaven.

 

Matthew 24:13 KJV – But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

NIV – but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

 

Next we have more inspiration from John the Beloved and the Word as shared by Jesus.

 

John 11:52 KJV – And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

NIV – and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

 

John 15:18-21 KJV – If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

NIV – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

 

Luke adds to this with his recording of the Acts of the Apostles.

 

Acts 14:22 KJV – Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

NIV – strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

 

Life is hard. Everyone should know this. Yet, there is a destination we all want to reach. Some of us need that destination sooner than others, but we live on His time, not our own. This is yet another concept that Paul portrays. It is important to exercise patience in everything we do for God. We are dead to the evil and wickedness of this world and alive in Christ. That’s what Paul shares here.

 

2 Timothy 2:11 KJV – It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

NIV –Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;

 

Paul again was repeating what Jesus Christ had taught the twelve Apostles. We see this in three of the four gospels here.

 

Matthew 10:39 KJV – He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

NIV – Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

 

Luke 9:24 KJV – For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

NIV – For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

 

John 11:26 KJV – And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

NIV – and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

 

The remaining references are from Luke’s viewpoints of the Acts of the Apostles, Peter, and John the Beloved.

 

Acts 14:22 KJV – Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

NIV – strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

 

1 Peter 4:13 KJV –But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

NIV –But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

 

1 John 5:11-12 KJV –And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

NIV –And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 

Revelation 14:13 KJV – And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

NIV – Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

 

It is important as we continue toward the remaining weeks of Advent. Each of us has a challenge to understand the gospel stories of Jesus Christ. My challenge for you this week is to study the story of the birth of Jesus Christ found in the gospel of Matthew this week. We will go through all four gospels in the next four weeks. Matthew Chapters One and Two are your assignment this week. 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 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: Go Tell It On the Mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAfIKeh04KU&list=PLDcNxsEvjauo_a1FO4ub3D2TP-54hHlxp&index=9

~ Shalom ~

Rev. Laura A. Neff

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Evangelist Calvin Jennings

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