...making disciplemaking disciples of Jesus Christ who are becoming fishers of men for the glory of God.

Glenn Leatherman

On the 4th of July it is popular to talk about freedom as one of our cherished values. As we start 2 Peter we must understand that the freedom Peter wants is not the freedom from suffering but the freedom to do what is right, to believe what is right, and to proclaim what is right. There is no room for complacency in this. What hampers our freedom is that we compare our faith with others. We do this wen we think that we are better off spiritually because our self-produced faith makes us closer to God. This is a lie. We must keep from comparing or boasting in our faith to others. We do this is several ways. 
 
First we keep from comparing or boasting about our faith by certainly hoping in Christ's righteousness (2 Peter 1:1-2). Our faith is on equal standing with the faith of the Apostles. There is not a quality difference since our faith is ultimately a gift of God working in us and through us. A new Christian has the same access into the presence of God as a mature Christian. We must be sure that we boast in Christ's righteousness and not the strength of our faith. Right thinking on this precedes right living. You will play like you practice. 
 
Secondly, we keep from comparing or boasting about our faith by restfully trusting God's great promises (1 Peter 1:3-4). God has given us everything that we need in this life to live a godly life. God's promises are sufficient for us to refrain from sin and the corruptions of our hearts, unlike the false teachers. We have freedom of the real kind now as Christians -- freedom from our corruption and our depravity. God's has effectively called us to see and savior Christ. In this effectual calling our eyes are opened through God's promises concerning his character to a beautiful vision Fog God (call the beatific vision) where we rejoice in the splendor and majesty of God through Christ. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us to enable us not to compare our conduct but trust sufficient God's promises for living out our faith. You will play like you practice. 
 
Thirdly, we keep from comparing or boasting about our faith by earnest effort toward moral virtues (2 Peter 1:5-8). There is no hierarchy in his passage but this passage talks about intentionality and effort toward the moral virtues that needs to happen. We don't desire this necessary progress to earn God's favor, but we labor because God has first labored for us already. We make effort in these 8 moral virtues in order to show forth God's character. We must never think that the Christian life is like floating or drifting in the ocean, because floating cann mean drifting to your perrel God promises spur us to make every efforttoo strive against the tide toward moral virtue. You will play like you practice. 
 
Finally, we keep from comparing or boasting about our faith by diligently depending on God's grace (2 Peter 1:9-11). We are to avoid apostasy and avoid comparing our faith with others by looking at God's means of grace. If do not use the means of grace we will be like people who shut their eyes and become blind to what God has done and is doing for us. We will forget our forgiveness and be tempted to take spiritual shortcuts which il-lgetimizes our faith in the first place. There is no virtue without knowledge and No knowledge without ethics. You will play like you practice. 
 
Why do you play like you practice. You must practice godliness by God power through God's promises. In other words, you will live like you believe. Ever deviation from truth is sin and we must see our beliefs and judgments as a great means that God uses to shape our lives for holiness.

On the 4th of July it is popular to talk about freedom as one of our cherished values. As we start 2 Peter we must understand that ...

2 Peter 1:1-11 - You Play Like You Practice - Part 1

We all need to give RESPECT when living in community and especially in a biblical community. When one does give respect people start to complain of leadership, blame others, get cocky, revolt from traditions, worry about the future, lack vigilance, and become complacent. Our church and your church must RESPECT God's plan to establish you in the middle of suffering, difficulties, and testing. We must all show gracious RESPECT in order to endure suffering together 
 
Leadership must show gracious RESPECT to others. Peter identified with the other elders in Asia Minor. He was a fellow elder and a partaker of suffering and looked forward to the glory of Christ. Leaders can become cynical because they are the first to experience suffering in a community. This is why we see Paul appointing a plurality of elders in churches because he knew that they needed the support of each other as they were faithful to witness of Christ and his sufferings. These leaders must not be like the Shepards in the Old Testament that refused to feed the sheep (Ezek. 34:1-10). Peter knew that his responsibility as an elder was to diligently respect others in order to feed the sheep (see John 21:15-19). elder bishop and, Pastor were the same office but represented the different functions that they were responsible for if they were to properly shepherd the flock of God. The 3 negative statements on how one carries out the responsibility of an elder, pastor, and bishop represent ways that Elders/pastors/bishops can abuse and not RESPECT the people under their care. 
 
The Younger must show gracious RESPECT their elders in the church as well. They must be in submission to the constituted authority (under Christ) of the church and not independent. This command was to ensure that the tendency of younger men and women to rebel against authority was prevented. Just as there are responsibilities the we all have and authorities that we must submit to in our family (i.e. husbands, wives, children), RESPECT is given when we are humbled before God. RESPECT is a must in the husband and wife relationship, Children and parent relationship, and especially in an elder led congregational church government. Nothing kills a church faster than a group of people that don't respect others within their membership. 
 
Fellowship also requires gracious RESPECT. When there is no respect there is no "doing the will of God together." Fellowship build healthy relationships which depend on other respecting others. Fellowship is a primary need God-centered churches because it is a fuel for the worship of God. 
 
Everyone should also show gracious RESPECT everyone else. We do this by humbling ourselves before the mighty sovereign hand of God. There will be a day of exaltation for Christians, but for now we live in the day of humiliation where we must not worry about the future. Worry" derives its strength from pride. Worry focuses on our strength instead of God's strength. In affliction, our trials either drive us into the arms of God or severs one from God. Worry is a key factor in the direction ones life take during this time of affliction. It is in God strength you will endure. You calling is sure not because of the strength of your own faith but because God is the one who preserves your faith. RESPECT should be given to everyone because everyone is dependent on God and each other. The devil is roaming around like a roaring lion because many Christians are very prideful. Humility cuts all the power from the Devil because all he has is deception. God is the true ruler and the one we must RESPECT. We must be alert to the schemes of the devil, but not worry or fear that he can overcome God. God wins!! 
 
Peter concludes by showing gracious RESPECT for other believers worldwide. Silvanus and Mark are examples of those the Peter nurtured and depended upon. We are to show Gracious RESPECT for God is the Lord of Salvation. The church also greets the readers of this letter. Experience true RESPECT today by living in a church that humbles themselves before god, or if You Want gracious RESPECT then come to Christ in humility knowing that only through his death and resurrection can you sins be forgiven.

We all need to give RESPECT when living in community and especially in a biblical community.  When one does give respect people start to complain of leadership, blame others, get cocky, revolt from traditions, worry about the future,  lack vigilance, and become complacent.    Our church and your church must RESPECT God's plan to establish you in the middle of suffering, difficulties, and testing.  We must all show gracious RESPECT in order to endure suffering together

Leadership must show gracious RESPECT to others.  Peter identified with the other elders in Asia Minor.  He was a fellow elder and a partaker of suffering and looked forward to the glory of Christ.  Leaders can become cynical because they are the first to experience suffering in a community.  This is why we see Paul appointing a plurality of elders in churches because he knew that they needed the support of each other as they were faithful  to witness of Christ and his sufferings.  These leaders must not be like the Shep

1 Peter 5:1-14 - RESPECT - Part 1

This is a Mother's day sermon I preached in May 2010. It deals with the faith impact of Timothy's Grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice. Paul implies here that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice, it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy. Their faith had certain qualities that should be part of every genuine believer in Christ. These qualities include: 1) A convictional Faith (1:5), 2) A Communicable Faith (1:5, 3:14-15), and 3) A commendable Faith (1:5). 
 
For a faith to be convictional it must be scripturally sound which leads to salvation. Only through the study of Holy Scriptures can faith like the be begotten in them. It is A God Centered faith. It is a faith that believes that God does everything for his name sake that God loves himself supremely. Faith always in Christ, the Creator and God of the universe. Salvation requires that we know who God is and what he is like. We know that when we call sinners to salvation we must declare that God is Creator, Sovereign, Holy and Good. 
 
For a faith to be communicable it must be shared on a daily basis. Personal education is a must if one is the have a right faith that is grounded in truth. Once can see in Deuteronomy and Proverbs that teaching the truth of scripture is mandatory if children are to grow up in the Christian faith. Communicable faith is also demonstrated by ones life. Timothy had seen faith lived out in the lives of his mother and grandmother. 
 
A final Quality of faith is that it is commendable. There is a lasting quality with this kind of faith. The world may cry What is man without money, but the Christian should reply, What is man without faith? for a faith to be commendable ti also must be reasonable not in human terms but based on God's knowledge of everything. Commendable faith is also relevant. Since it is sincere, it affects major decisions in ones life and character of a person in times of crisis.

This is a Mother's day sermon I preached in May 2010.  It deals with the faith impact of Timothy's Grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice.  Paul implies here that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice, it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy.  Their faith had certain qualities that should be part of every genuine believer in Christ.  These qualities include: 1) A convictional Faith (1:5), 2) A Communicable Faith (1:5, 3:14-15), and 3) A commendable Faith (1:5).  

For a faith to be convictional it must be scripturally sound which leads to salvation.  Only through the study of Holy Scriptures can faith like the be begotten in them.  It is A God Centered faith.  It is a faith that believes that God does everything for his name sake  that God loves himself supremely.  Faith always in Christ, the Creator and God of the universe.  Salvation requires that we know who God is and what he is like.  We know that when we call sinners to salvation we must declare t

1 Timothy 1:1-5 & 3:12-17 - Pursue Genuine Faith (Mother's Day 2010) - Part 5

1 Timothy 1:1-5 & 3:12-17 - Pursue Genuine Faith (Mother's Day 2010) - Part 4

1 Timothy 1:1-5 & 3:12-17 - Pursue Genuine Faith (Mother's Day 2010) - Part 3

This is a Mother's day sermon I preached in May 2010. It deals with the faith impact of Timothy's Grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice). Paul implies here that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice, it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy. Their faith had certain qualities that should be part of every genuine believer in Christ. These qualities include: 1) A convictional Faith (1:5), 2) A Communicable Faith (1:5, 3:14-15), and 3) A commendable Faith (1:5). 
 
For a faith to be convictional it must be scripturally sound which leads to salvation. Only through the study of Holy Scriptures can faith like the be begotten in them. It is A God Centered faith. It is a faith that believes that God does everything for his name sake that God loves himself supremely. Faith always in Christ, the Creator and God of the universe. Salvation requires that we know who God is and what he is like. We know that when we call sinners to salvation we must declare that God is Creator, Sovereign, Holy and Good. 
 
For a faith to be communicable it must be shared on a daily basis. Personal education is a must if one is the have a right faith that is grounded in truth. Once can see in Deuteronomy and Proverbs that teaching the truth of scripture is mandatory if children are to grow up in the Christian faith. Communicable faith is also demonstrated by ones life. Timothy had seen faith lived out in the lives of his mother and grandmother. 
 
A final Quality of faith is that it is commendable. There is a lasting quality with this kind of faith. The world may cry What is man without money, but the Christian should reply, What is man without faith? for a faith to be commendable ti also must be reasonable not in human terms but based on God's knowledge of everything. Commendable faith is also relevant. Since it is sincere, it affects major decisions in ones life and character of a person in times of crisis.

This is a Mother's day sermon I preached in May 2010.  It deals with the faith impact of Timothy's Grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice).  Paul implies here that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice, it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy.  Their faith had certain qualities that should be part of every genuine believer in Christ.  These qualities include: 1) A convictional Faith (1:5), 2) A Communicable Faith (1:5, 3:14-15), and 3) A commendable Faith (1:5).  

For a faith to be convictional it must be scripturally sound which leads to salvation.  Only through the study of Holy Scriptures can faith like the be begotten in them.  It is A God Centered faith.  It is a faith that believes that God does everything for his name sake  that God loves himself supremely.  Faith always in Christ, the Creator and God of the universe.  Salvation requires that we know who God is and what he is like.  We know that when we call sinners to salvation we must declare 

1 Timothy 1:1-5 & 3:12-17 - Pursue Genuine Faith (Mother's Day 2010)  - Part 2

1 Timothy 1:1-5 & 3:12-17 - Pursue Genuine Faith (Mother's Day 2010)  - Part 1

Thomas, the disciple, use to be called Doubting Thomas in our Christian Culture, but that has long since past. Today people don't know about Doubting Thomas or even understand why people doubt Christ resurrection from the Dead. D.A. Carson say some reason for doubt include: simple ignorance, moral choice, right of passage, atomistic choices, sleep deprivation, and Existential crisis. In studying doubting Thomas' faith, one must realized that he does believe in Christ, and his faith, did not deny empirical evidences. In this text the apostle John is shedding light on what saving faith is (even in times of doubt). This passages gives of 3 illustrations of faith. 
 
The first kind of faith that Thomas had as a Realistic Faith. Thomas wanted more than words from others so that he would risk all to fallow Christ. He is not a pessimist, but a man that did not want to be gullible and coned. He is not a materialist, nor a naturalist. His doubt did not come because of some moral failure in his life. His doubt cam from Disappointment (existential crisis) of seeing his Lord die on the cross 3 days earlier that he did not want to be blindsided. Crucifixion was the cruelest form of capital punishment in the Roman empire. Thomas did not understand at this time the roll of suffering that Jesus Christ had to go through to save his people. Sin Requires punishment and so that same of the cross become his glory. Doubt can be over come with true saving faith. 
 
The second kind of faith is Confessional Faith. Jesus was offering peace, and this time he shoed up with the disciples that same way he did on the day of his resurrection. Thomas' confession is a form of worship and not just a evocative statement. Jesus affirms his deity by approving Thomas' statement. Thomas now understood what Jesus meant way back in Mark 2:1-12. That it is only the offended party that can extend forgiveness, and the at the root of all our sin is an offense against God. King David learned this and affirm this in Psalm 21 when he says against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.... Thomas learned that what mans sin, sin, what makes is so profoundly heinous , what makes it so deeply repugnant, and clupable is that it is an offense against God. This in Thomas' confession he had received forgiveness because he now understood that the first sin, first sequentially, first in fundamental importance is against God in not loving him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Thomas' confession shows how doubt can be over come with true saving faith. 
 
The final kind of that is Objective Faith. In blessing Thomas, Thomas shows that is faith is not in his own faith but in the person of Jesus Christ. We are blessed in our belief because we have forgiveness with God even thought we have not seen the person of Christ with our eyes. We believe because of the testimony of Scripture (and of Thomas'). Christianity is not feidism. Great faith is objective. Christians believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ because it actually happened in time and space. It happened in history. So it is not how strong your faith is it is how great the object of your faith is. This is why doubt can be over come with true saving faith.

Thomas, the disciple, use to be called Doubting Thomas in our Christian Culture, but that has long since past.  Today people don't know about Doubting Thomas or even understand why people doubt Christ resurrection from the Dead.  D.A. Carson say some reason for doubt include: simple ignorance, moral choice, right of passage, atomistic choices, sleep deprivation, and Existential crisis.  In studying doubting Thomas' faith, one must realized that he does believe in Christ, and his faith, did not deny empirical evidences.  In this text the apostle John is shedding light on what saving faith is (even in times of doubt).  This passages gives of 3 illustrations of faith.  

The first kind of faith that Thomas had as a Realistic Faith.  Thomas wanted more than words from others so that he would risk all to fallow Christ.  He is not a pessimist, but a man that did not want to be gullible and coned.  He is not a materialist, nor a naturalist.  His doubt did not come because of some moral fail

A Witness who Calls for Faith - John 14:24-31 - Part 1

In order to live a life in submission to authority we must be a certain kind of Christian. One that lives in community wit other believers as a church community. We all find it difficult to live in community with others at times because of our selfish and sinful tendency to only association with people that are more like us. It is important that we do not shrink back from others because God is for you and your success in this life and next. Success must be defined as submission to God's will and plan. Any earthly focus on success will surely cause us to shrink back from others because of our me-centered success focus. In this passage Peter encourages you (his reader) that since God is you, you should 1) trust that God is at work for your good (v. 8), l2) ive our your calling (v. 9), and 3) believe that God will give you the good life (10-12) 
 
Of course the kind of Christian that accomplishes this is enable by God's grace to have unity of mind, sympathy,brother love, a tender hear, and a humble mind. Scripture never says that brotherly love is only for mature saints. Brotherly love should be the ordinary sign of discipleship (John 13:35. 1 John 3:14). Only the grace of God can give us the right feelings for our brothers and sisters. These traits also carry the humility that is not compelled nor happen by accident. Loving our enemies is an example of the kind of Christian that these traits create. God's plans and ways are good and will help you see good days. Keep your tongue in check and seek the peace, and God will be giving you the answer to your prayers.

In order to live a life in submission to authority we must be a certain kind of Christian.  One that lives in community wit other believers as a church community.  We all find it difficult to live in community with others at times because of our selfish and sinful tendency to only association with people that are more like us.  It is important that we do not shrink back from others because God is for you and your success in this life and next.  Success must be defined as submission to God's will and plan.  Any earthly focus on success will surely cause us to shrink back from others because of our me-centered success focus.  In this passage Peter encourages you (his reader) that since God is you, you should 1) trust that God is at work for your good (v. 8), l2) ive our your calling (v. 9), and 3) believe that God will give you the good life (10-12) 

Of course the kind of Christian that accomplishes this is enable by God's grace to have unity of mind, sympathy,brother love, a tender hea

1 Peter 3:8-12 - A Certain Kind of Christian - Part 5

1 Peter 3:8-12 - A Certain Kind of Christian - Part 4

1 Peter 3:8-12 - A Certain Kind of Christian - Part 2

1 Peter 3:8-12 - A Certain Kind of Christian - Part 1

Paul want people to understand that how they value things and their beliefs drive their behavior. We always do what we want to at any given point of time. The "World" offers satisfaction that is temporary, but Christ offers satisfaction that is forever. Unfortunately many times we get so caught up in the details of day to day living that w just don't prioritize Christ or see knowing Christ as the greatest profit of our lives. We've got deadlines and commitments, problems, and priorities, distractions and obstacles. 
 
In looking at how you can follow Paul's exhortation to gain Christ as your highest profit Paul exhorts you to fervently hate fleshly profit (vv. 7-9). This will help you become more God dependent. Secondly Paul exhorts you to fervently love Gospel Godliness (vv. 9-12). Gospel godliness involves more than forgiveness of sin, but also our growth and progress toward Christ-likeness and glorification. This entails the increase of the Spirit-backed Word of God as it makes it way in the world. Finally, Paul encourages you to fervently train yourself in Godly Hope. since we are seized by Christ, we train you must train yourself toward perfection even though you will not possess it completely this side of heaven. You must for get the past - whether good or bad - and press on and fact the present with the Gospel hope.

Paul want people to understand that how they value things and their beliefs drive their behavior. We always do what we want to at any given point of time. The "World" offers satisfaction that is temporary, but Christ offers satisfaction that is forever. Unfortunately many times we get so caught up in the details of day to day living that w just don't prioritize Christ or see knowing Christ as the greatest profit of our lives. We've got deadlines and commitments, problems, and priorities, distractions and obstacles.

In looking at how you can follow Paul's exhortation to gain Christ as your highest profit Paul exhorts you to fervently hate fleshly profit (vv. 7-9). This will help you become more God dependent. Secondly Paul exhorts you to fervently love Gospel Godliness (vv. 9-12). Gospel godliness involves more than forgiveness of sin, but also our growth and progress toward Christ-likeness and glorification. This entails the increase of the Spirit-backed Word of God as it makes it way

Philippians 3:7-16 - Gain Christ - Part 1

When one thinks about God coming to earth at Christmas one must understand his character of omnipotence, justice, and faithfulness. The problem that keeps people from trusting Christ is that peole think they are stronger than they really are. As a christian you need to be humbled to see that your strenth is nothing compared to the Incarnate Son of God, your creator. 
 
You will only become strong when you recognize your weakness in several ways. First, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you rely on Christ (vv. 1-2). You will trust God to God to delever from your present day distress. Second, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you rest in Christ (vv. 3-4). God has done what is right in sending your deliever (Christ) and will in the future enable you to rest in the fulfillment of His promises to you. Thirdly, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you have the peace of God (vv.5-6). We don't worry about the future if we see God in Christ as our security in all the trouble we face and could face in the future. Bank on this: Christ is the Incarnate God who is the Shepard to all his children (ones that believe). You will only experience this as you live a humble life. Christmas time is a time not to demand things but a time to give up recognizing that Christ is the stronger than we. He Came to be the savior of the Word and know one can know God by rejecting the message of Christmas - Christ is LORD!. It is his grace that strengthens the weak and saves us.

When one thinks about God coming to earth at Christmas one must understand his character of omnipotence, justice, and faithfulness.  The problem that keeps people from trusting Christ is that peole think they are stronger than they really are.  As a christian you need to be humbled to see that your strenth is nothing compared to the Incarnate Son of God, your creator.  

You will only become strong when you recognize your weakness in several ways.  First, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you rely on Christ (vv. 1-2).  You will trust God to God to delever  from your present day distress.  Second, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you rest in Christ (vv. 3-4).  God has done what is right in sending your deliever (Christ) and will in the future enable you to rest in the fulfillment of His promises to you.  Thirdly, recognizing your weakness in the face of God's justice helps you have the peace of God (vv.5-6).  We don't worry about th

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