Title: Thinking Biblically about New Year's Resolutions

Introduction:

Welcome, dear listeners, to our podcast where we explore the concept of New Year's resolutions from a biblical perspective. As pastors rooted in the Baptist tradition, let's delve into what resolutions are, how Christians should approach them, and draw insights from the resolutions of the renowned theologian Jonathan Edwards.

Understanding Resolutions:

A resolution, in its essence, is a firm decision or determination to change or achieve a specific goal in one's life. New Year's resolutions often involve setting personal goals, making improvements, or cultivating positive habits as we enter a new year.

Biblical Perspective on Resolutions:

As Christians, our approach to resolutions should align with biblical principles. Our resolutions should not be merely driven by worldly ambitions or superficial desires but should reflect a heart inclined toward honoring God, growing in faith, and living in obedience to His Word.

Jonathan Edwards and His Resolutions:

Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian, lived in the 18th century. He was known for his theological writings, sermons, and profound insights into God's sovereignty. Edwards also crafted a list of resolutions aimed at living a life devoted to God's glory and personal growth.

Insights from Edwards' Resolutions:

Several resolutions by Jonathan Edwards offer valuable insights for Christians today:

• Resolution #6: "To live with all my might, while I do live."

• • This resolution emphasizes the importance of living wholeheartedly for God. It challenges us to prioritize living purposefully and passionately for His glory in all aspects of life.

• Resolution #22: "Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can."

• • Edwards reminds us of the eternal perspective, urging us to focus on pursuing heavenly joy and treasures rather than fleeting worldly pleasures.

• Resolution #52: "I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age."

• • This resolution prompts introspection and encourages deliberate living in a manner that aligns with our values and aspirations, considering the future consequences of our actions.

• Resolution #58: "Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity."

• • Edwards highlights the significance of cultivating positive attitudes and behaviors in our interactions with others, reflecting the love of Christ in our speech and demeanor.

Conclusion:

As we contemplate New Year's resolutions, let's approach them with a commitment to glorify God in all areas of our lives. Drawing wisdom from Jonathan Edwards' resolutions, let us seek to live purposefully, prioritize eternal joy, act deliberately, and exhibit Christ-like love and grace to others. May our resolutions be guided by a desire to honor God and grow in conformity to Christ. Thank you for joining us, and may God bless your resolutions for the upcoming year. Amen.

Title: The Miraculous Birth of Jesus: A Family Devotional Journey through Matthew and Luke

Introduction:

Welcome to our special time together as we explore the awe-inspiring accounts of Jesus' miraculous birth found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The birth of Jesus is the heart of the Christmas story, and through these narratives, we'll discover the profound truths of God's plan and His incredible love for us.

Opening Prayer:

Let's start our family devotional time with a prayer, inviting God's presence and guidance as we explore His Word together.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we delve into the stories of His miraculous birth, open our hearts and minds to understand the significance of this wondrous event. May Your Spirit enlighten us and draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Devotional Journey:

Setting the Scene (Luke 1:26-38)

• Read Luke 1:26-38 together as a family. This passage details the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, announcing the miraculous conception of Jesus. Discuss the emotions Mary might have felt upon hearing this incredible news. Emphasize her humble submission and trust in God's plan.Discussion:

• • What qualities of Mary's character stand out to you in this passage?

  • How might Mary's response to the angel's message inspire us in our own faith journey?

• Application:

• • Share about a time when you had to trust God's plan even when it seemed uncertain.

  • Encourage each family member to reflect on how they can respond to God's calling with faith and obedience.

Joseph's Dilemma (Matthew 1:18-25)

• Turn to Matthew 1:18-25 and read about Joseph's initial struggle upon discovering Mary's pregnancy. Discuss the turmoil Joseph faced and his obedience after receiving guidance from an angel in a dream.Discussion:

• • What do you think Joseph might have felt when he learned about Mary's pregnancy?

  • How did Joseph's response show his trust in God's plan?

• Application:

• • Encourage each family member to share a time when they had to trust God's guidance even when faced with uncertainty.

  • Discuss ways to demonstrate obedience and trust in God's plan in our daily lives.

The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20)

• Read Luke 2:1-20 together, recounting the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, announced by angels to shepherds. Reflect on the significance of Jesus being born in a lowly setting.Discussion:

• • Why do you think God chose a humble birthplace for His Son?

  • How did the shepherds respond to the angels' message, and why is their reaction important?

• Application:

• • Discuss ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus that focus on His humility and God's immense love for us.

  • Encourage acts of kindness or service in honor of Jesus' birth.

Closing Reflection and Prayer:

Take a moment for each family member to share a personal reflection on what they've learned or been inspired by during this devotional time. Close your family time in prayer, thanking God for the miraculous birth of Jesus and asking for His guidance to live faithfully in His love and purpose.

Conclusion:

Thank you, families, for joining in this special time together. As we celebrate Christmas, may we carry the truths from the narratives of Matthew and Luke in our hearts, remembering the miraculous birth that brought hope, joy, and salvation to the world. God bless you all. Amen.

Copy of Edwards Resolution:  https://www.csmedia1.com/odfellowship.org/edwards-resolutions.pdf

Dr. Don Winters is from Carter County, Tennessee and has studied at Institute of Holy Land Study and today known as Jerusalem University College.  Hear a firsthand account of how God has been working in the lives of believers in the Middle East.  You can email us at faithfullyentrusted@gmail.com or Dr. Winters at don.winters@yahoo.com.

Other Useful Links:

·         Christian Source:  https://www.stephensizer.com/books/

·         Jewish Source, Israeli Academic Resource: https://www.amazon.com/Ethnic-Cleansing-Palestine-Ilan-Pappe/dp/1851685553

·         Christian Palestine Author:  https://www.amazon.com/Palestinian-Memories-Alex-Awad/dp/0978783905

·         Bethlehem Bible College:  https://bethbc.edu/

Travis and Brent dive into the Book of Matthew.

Step 1: Determine the real issue. You know, before you even initiate that conversation, it's crucial to take some time to figure out what the problem is. What's at the core of it all? Is it a behavior that needs to change, or perhaps a personality conflict that's hard to address?

Step 2: Create a safe environment for the conversation. The setting matters. Think about where and when you'll have this talk. Avoid having it on the fly or in a hallway, as it might catch your pastor off guard. And, whatever you do, steer clear of group settings.

Step 3: Be specific and objective. When you start the conversation, set the stage with a concrete example. For instance, "During our staff meeting, I noticed that you didn't participate in the discussion about..." Be objective in your descriptions and avoid subjective language.

Step 4: Describe how the behavior impacted you, others, or the church. After explaining the problem, talk about the consequences of that behavior. This could be something like, "When you didn't participate in the conversation, it made me concerned about our direction." Avoid making assumptions about their intent.

Step 5: Ask an open-ended question that invites their feedback and participation in the solution. This step is often overlooked but is crucial. Don't just deliver the bad news; ask for their perspective. For example, "Can you help me understand what was going on with you during that meeting?" This can be a game-changer in turning the conversation towards growth and change.

Step 6: Set a time to revisit the conversation. After your initial discussion and any agreed-upon changes, schedule a follow-up in a few weeks. If there have been improvements, acknowledge them. If not, discuss what went wrong and how to move forward.

[POINTER 1]

One, always focus on the issue, not the person. Avoid making it personal; keep the conversation centered on the behavior or situation that needs addressing.

[POINTER 2]

Two, practice active listening. Ensure that you're not just talking at your pastor but also listening to their perspective and being open to it.

[POINTER 3]

Three, remember that timing matters. Find the right moment to initiate the conversation. Avoid approaching your pastor when they're stressed, busy, or in the middle of something important.

[POINTER 4]

Four, be prepared for defensiveness. Understand that your pastor may feel defensive initially, and that's okay. Stay calm and empathetic.

[POINTER 5]

Five, maintain a spirit of humility. It's not about proving you're right; it's about fostering growth and understanding.

[POINTER 6]

Six, pray throughout the process. Ask God for guidance, patience, and the ability to maintain a loving and Christ-like attitude.

Travis: You know I do: John Owen said, "Truth and love must always go hand in hand in difficult conversations, for it is only through love that truth is received."

Step 1 - Determining the Necessity of Confrontation

• Remembering Proverbs 19:11

• When to confront

• • When it's impossible to forget the offense

  • When the relationship with the person is strained

  • When you suspect someone has something against you

• Avoiding the temptation to "chicken out"

• The Three Day Rule - Is it still bothering you after three days?  If yes, you need to confront it.

Host: Step 2 - Defining the Problem

Questions to ask:

• What's the issue?

• What was said or done?

• Identifying the sin

• Assessing the impact

• The necessary change

• Emphasizing the use of Scripture for rebuke and correction

Host: Step 3 - Getting the Log Out of Your Eye

• Understanding our own sins and temptations

• Galatians 6:1 and the importance of self-awareness

Host: Step 4 - Preparing Your Heart

• Motives for confronting

• • Glorifying God

  • Turning the person from sin

  • Seeking reconciliation

• Cultivating right attitudes

• • Gentleness, patience, humility, and genuine concern

• Ensuring your content is good

• The power of prayer in effective communication

Host: Step 5 - The Confrontation Process

• Speaking privately and choosing the right setting

• Affirming your affection for the person

• Sharing your concerns with biblical language

• Maintaining a spirit of inquiry and openness

• Offering biblical counsel and solutions

• Providing sufficient time for reflection

• Praying with and for the person

• Following up on the conversation

• • Expressing affection and appreciation (if it went well)

  • Moving to the next level of the Matthew 18 model (if necessary)

• Summarizing the importance of lovingly confronting sin

RESPONDING TO CONFRONTATION

1.      Listen humbly and prayerfully.

a.       If you need time to process- ask for time to process and pray about what has been said. (If you do this every time- you may have a heart problem of pride and unteachableness).

b.      Determine if and where you have sinned.

c.       Make an effort to get together with the one you have sinned against.

2.      Confess.

a.       Not only your words and actions, but also your motives.

b.      Express sorrow- See II Corinthians 7:9-11.

                                                              i.      For the act.

                                                            ii.      Consequences of your actions.

o   You are letting them know that you have caused pain, anxiety, or difficulty.

c.       Identify the lessons learned and the ways you are going to change.

3.      Ask for forgiveness.

4.      Thank and affirm.

RESPONDING TO A CONFESSION

1.      Tell the person you forgive him/her.  (Don’t say “It’s OK” or “Don’t worry about it”)- Sin is never OK!

2.      Thank the one seeking forgiveness for coming and confessing.

3.      Ask if he has any offense toward you as a result of the incident.

a.       If applicable, confess.

4.      Declare the episode over- dead and gone!

a.       Express your intent to walk fully reconciled to the person.

Nugget:  

“There are three dimensions to the peace that God offers to us through Christ: peace with God, peace with one another, and peace within ourselves.”

― Ken Sande, The Peacemaker

Here are 10 things I have learned during my tenure in ministry:

1. Patience in Preparation: Writing sermons is an art that requires time, prayer, and careful study of God's Word. Some messages take years to develop fully, and in our patience, God refines both the message and the messenger.

2. Transient Souls, Eternal God: People come and go, but the Lord remains steadfast. Ministry often involves bidding farewell to dear congregants, but our solace lies in the unchanging presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. • The Unseen Damage of Ministry

   • • Dan White, Jr. A Baptist Pastor from New York. People in his church kept leaving either because he was perceived as too liberal or too conservative. The constant anger and bickering left him exhausted.

     • In the podcast, Dan describes going on a long overdue vacation. After sleeping 14 hours the first night, he came downstairs and poured himself a bowl of cereal. His hands were shaking so badly that he could barely hold the spoon. When the shaking didn’t subside, he had a doctor perform a battery of tests. As the doctor interpreted the results, he explained that they found no diseases, but Dan's brain looked very similar to someone who had come back from a warzone and is experiencing PTSD.

     • A psychologist then asked Dan a series of questions about the losses he had experienced in the church. He ended up counting 180 different lost relationships due to death or people leaving the church. These are all losses where he was never given a chance to mourn, but had to continue to be the leader in his community regardless of how emotionally painful these severed relationships might have been. The result is that Dan internalized all this unprocessed trauma, which was contributing to his neurological condition.

4. Divine Provision: The Lord sends the workers He needs for His harvest. Trusting in His divine wisdom, we witness how He equips individuals with unique talents and gifts, precisely when they are needed most. 

5. Companionship in Christ: Having friends within the church is a blessing beyond measure. These friendships provide support, encouragement, and accountability, making our spiritual journey more meaningful and less daunting. Jesus is the best friend you will ever have, but He is no replacement for friends inside and outside the church. See 2 Timothy 

6. Facing Opposition: Haters are gonna hate, as the saying goes. In ministry, criticism and opposition are inevitable. Yet, in these moments, we find strength in the Lord’s assurance and continue our work with unwavering faith.

7. Ownership Belongs to God: The church is not ours; it belongs to the Lord. This fundamental truth reminds us to lead with humility, recognizing that we are stewards of God's flock and caretakers of His sanctuary.

8. Love People Anyway: Ministry is messy because people are messy. Yet, in the midst of imperfections and struggles, Christ's unconditional love prevails. We are called to love as He loves us, without reservation or judgment. Love people who do not and will not love you back.  We loved him because he first loved us.

9. Faithfulness in the Mundane: Faithfulness is not only displayed in grand gestures but also in the mundane tasks of ministry. Whether it's cleaning the sanctuary or offering a listening ear, every act of service matters in God's kingdom.

10. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is the heartbeat of ministry. It sustains us, empowers us, and connects us to the heart of God. Through prayer, we find guidance, strength, and the ability to persevere in challenging times.

11. Eternal Impact: The impact of faithful ministry extends far beyond our earthly lives. Every soul saved, every heart comforted, and every life transformed has eternal significance. We plant seeds, trusting that God will bring the increase in His perfect timing.

Introduction:

• Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31st, marks a pivotal moment in Christian history when the Church underwent a radical transformation, reclaiming its biblical roots and paving the way for a more profound understanding of faith. The historical context of Reformation Day revolves around the 16th-century Church, which had deviated from essential biblical teachings. Corrupt practices, such as the sale of indulgences (forgiveness for sins), had overshadowed the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

At the heart of the Reformation stood courageous reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli. These men, deeply committed to the authority of Scripture, sought to bring the Church back to the foundational truths of the Bible. They emphasized key doctrines, known as the Five Solas, which continue to define conservative Bible-believing Christianity:

• Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): Reformation leaders affirmed the Bible as the ultimate and infallible authority for faith and practice. They advocated for the accessibility of Scripture to all believers, emphasizing personal study and understanding of God’s Word. This principle remains central to conservative Bible-believing Christians, guiding their beliefs and practices (2 Timothy 3:16).

• Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Reformation thinkers reaffirmed that salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human works or efforts. This profound truth emphasized in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 continues to shape the core beliefs of Bible-believing Christians, highlighting the centrality of faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

• Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Reformation theology underscored the concept of God's unmerited favor and grace as the basis for salvation. This principle, rooted in passages like Romans 3:24, emphasizes that humanity is saved solely by God's grace, not by any human merit. Conservative believers hold firm to this foundational truth, acknowledging their complete dependence on God’s grace for salvation.

• Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Reformation leaders proclaimed the exclusive sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ for salvation. Acts 4:12 highlights this truth, affirming that there is no other name under heaven by which humanity can be saved. Conservative Bible-believing Christians continue to affirm the uniqueness of Christ in a world of diverse religious beliefs.

• Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone): Reformation theology emphasized that all of life is to be lived for the glory of God alone. Believers are called to glorify God in every aspect of their lives, acknowledging that they exist for His glory and not their own (1 Corinthians 10:31). This principle remains central in the lives of conservative Bible-believing Christians, shaping their worldview and priorities.

In summary, Reformation Day holds immense significance for Bible-believing Christians. It marks a historical turning point when the Church rediscovered the profound truths of God’s Word, reshaping the course of Christianity. These enduring principles of the Reformation continue to guide and inspire believers today, reminding them of the importance of unwavering faith in God’s Word, salvation through Christ alone, and living for God’s glory in all things.

• Research Reference: MacCulloch, Diarmaid. "The Reformation: A History." Viking, 2003.