In addition to fleeing from wrongdoing, men and women of God must eagerly chase after Him. As we do, He will provide for us righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Seek Him and live.
Fight or Flight? (1 Timothy 6:11a) Pastor Rich Chapman
Sometimes you need to fight and other times you need to pray, but there are times when you just need to run. It is important to recognize those situations and to know how to flee. It can be both a sign of wisdom and a means of victory.
In It For the Money! (1 Timothy 6:3-10) Pastor Rich Chapman
Are you Content with what God has provided? It could be that your love for material wealth is only made evident when you are asked to give it up. Relying on Christ for your daily needs is how we are to live.
Witness in the Worst Circumstances (1 Timothy 6:1-2) Pastor Rich Chapman
Our Christian witness should be of primary importance no matter where we are or what our circumstances. This is true even for those under slavery, so that God's name may not be slandered. For we are slaves to Christ and not to sin!
Elders and Leaders (1 Timothy 5:17-25) Pastor Rich Chapman
Overseers, Elders and Deacons are roles not just titles and when selecting leaders, character matters, so do so carefully. Once selected, those who teach and lead require encouragement, and if they go astray, there must be discipline.
How to Treat and Take Care of People (1 Timothy 5:1-16) Pastor Rich Chapman
Most people understand the need to take care of their family members, but Christians are specifically instructed to do so. The Bible also gives us guidance on how to treat widows and others in our church family.
Keep At It! (1 Timothy 4:13-16) Pastor Rich Chapman
All believers have been given spiritual gifts. Timothy devoted himself to the public reading of the Word. Jesus went through the communities, teaching, preaching, and healing, even when He was tired. Don't neglect your gift. Keep at it!
Knowing Jesus (Philippians 3) Pastor Rich Chapman
Knowing Jesus is not just knowing about Him, but having a relationship with Him so deep that it transforms our entire person. Often our relationship with Jesus gets stronger as we share in His sufferings and sense His presence and power in our struggles
Be An Example (1 Timothy 4:11-12) Pastor Rich Chapman
If our lives do not match what we profess to believe, then either we will stop speaking to others about our faith, or our speech will become ineffective. We must be examples of purity in word and deed.
Where Do You Put Your Hope? (1 Timothy 4:9-10) Pastor Rich Chapman
If our lives do not match what we profess to believe, then either we will stop speaking to others about our faith, or our speech will become ineffective. We must be examples of purity in word and deed.
How Do You Get In Shape? (1 Timothy 4:6-8) Pastor Rich Chapman
We all know that in order to maintain healthy physical bodies requires diet and exercise. This is true for our spiritual lives also. We should not feed on spiritual junk food, but on the truths of the faith, exercising our faith through good works.
False Teachers (1 Timothy 4:1-5) Pastor Rich Chapman
Some false teachers are deceived themselves. Others know they are spreading falsehood in an attempt to draw other disciples away. Whether the motivation is greed, power or something else, we are all vulnerable if we do not know the truth.
God's Technique (Romans 8:28) Norm LeBlanc
In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This is the promise of a God who is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and eternal. So we can be assured that He is consistent and faithful to fulfill His promises.
God's Household, The Church (1 Timothy 3:14-16) Pastor Rich Chapman
God has established three institutions: Marriage, Government, and the Church. The church is God's household and the word means "the called-out." It is a family, not a building and Jesus is at its center.
Deacon Who? (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6) Pastor Rich Chapman
All believers are called to serve and have been given gifts we can use to do so. The word deacon means one who serves, but a title is not necessary. Just be about the Father's business. Deacon who? Deacon you!
God Our Father (2 Thessalonians 2:16, Luke 15:11-31) Pastor Rich Chapman
Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. He is filled with compassion, not condemnation. When one of His sheep returns to Him, He is truly a happy Father. Fathers everywhere can learn from His example.
Overseer, Elder, Shepherd Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:2-7) Pastor Rich Chapman
Personal character, the witness of the home, teaching aptitude, and a measure of experience are four of God's main standards for leadership in the church. Problems that prevent a leader from fulfilling his position include lack of character.
Overseer, Elder, Shepherd (1 Timothy 3:1) Pastor Rich Chapman
The Bible uses the words overseer, elder, and shepherd interchangeably. Those who are called to this position must serve willingly, not for power or obligation. They are to teach, preach, direct the church and shepherd the flock; truly a high calling!
Men and Women in the Church (1 Timothy 2:8-15) Pastor Rich Chapman
God has defined different roles for men and women in the church. Men are to step up and take the lead in prayer, teaching, leadership and worship. Women are to be active with their good deeds. Christianity respects both roles equally.
Only One Way (1 Timothy 2:5-7) Pastor Rich Chapman
There is only one way to heaven and to have a relationship with God and that is Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for our sins. This truth is repeated many times, including in Matthew 7, John 10, John 14, and Acts 4.