Last week, we explored the relationship between Paul and Onesiphorus, how Onesiphorus helped Paul in prison when others had abandoned him, and how Paul prayed for Onesiphorus after he had most likely died. Paul now continues to encourage Timothy to be faithful in what God had given him to do. Persevere in Suffering to […]
Comfort, even in the Darkest Valley
September 21, 2015 by
This is our pastor’s newsletter article for the October 2015 edition of our congregational newsletter. In our midweek Bible class, we are studying the New Testament book of 2 Timothy. It’s a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to (you guessed it!) Pastor Timothy. Although it’s written for a pastor, it still contains many […]
Matthew 6:24-34: You Can’t Serve God and Money
September 15, 2015 by
When Jesus says, “You can’t serve God and money,” He’s not accusing you of devoting your life to amassing wealth. For if you serve money, that means money is the most important part of your life. You’ll do whatever you need to do to get it, to get more of it. That describes almost no […]
A Look into Praying for the Sainted Dead (2 Timothy, Lesson 3)
September 15, 2015 by
This is a lesson from our study of 2 Timothy. Paul mentioned that he prayed for a man named Onesiphorus, who most likely had died when Paul prayed for him. So, we look into this to see what we can learn. ———– Read 2 Timothy 1:16-17 In what tense (past, present, or future) does Paul refer […]
2 Corinthians, Lesson 3: An Excursus on Confirmation
September 12, 2015 by
This is an excursus that we took on the origins of Confirmation while studying 2 Corinthians. In the last lesson, Paul and Timothy referred to themselves by saying, “God has establishes us with you into Christ and has anointed us” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Their use of “you” shows that the Corinthian congregation was included in […]
1 Corinthians 15:51-57: Funeral Sermon for Ruby Kintzinger
September 10, 2015 by
Ruby Kintzinger was a long-time member of Shepherd of the Hills. She passed away on August 20, 2015 and her funeral was on August 24. This was her funeral sermon. Listen, I tell you a secret. We will not all die as Ruby has died. But all of us, those who have died and those who live, […]
2 Corinthians, Lesson 2: A Further Explanation for the Letter, Part 1
September 10, 2015 by
Paul and Timothy finished 2 Corinthians 1:7 on the theme of suffering and God comforting during times of suffering. They continue on the topic of suffering, but then transition into discussing life and death. Life and Death Read 2 Corinthians 1:8 “we do not want you to be ignorant”: This expression served two purposes. […]
2 Timothy, Lesson 2: Fan into Flame to Guard the Deposit
September 10, 2015 by
Having greeted Timothy, Paul reminded him of the faith that he, his mother, and grandmother all had. Reminding him of that, Paul now transitions to the main premise of this entire letter. Fan into Flame Paul now tells Timothy what needs to take place so he can endure the suffering that may come with […]
2 Corinthians 3:4-11: The Letter Kills but the Spirit Gives Life
September 10, 2015 by
When someone reads the Bible, it’s easy for him to misidentify the person or people a text may reference. For example, in today’s epistle reading, we heard the word “we.” Did that “we” refer to the Corinthian congregation? Does that “we” refer to you? So, let’s take a moment to find out who that “we” […]
Luke 18:9-14 (Genesis 4:1-15): Coming to God on Whose Terms?
August 16, 2015 by
Why do people brag? It’s because they want recognition; they want others to notice them. After all, doesn’t it feel good when others sing your praises? Of course it does! But what if they won’t do that? What if the moment passes and no one notices how hard you’ve worked or how clever you are? […]
