Welcome to the channel dedicated to helping us all get real with God. Lets get rid of the junk in our way. The lies, the shame, the fake masks we put up to hide ourselves. Lets get real! time to share what God does with you and for you.

Updated every Sunday and Wednesday Night!

God bless!
-Jonathan Reichel
-Sam Smith

http://www.youtube.com/user/RealWithGod

It starts off with Naomi and her husband, and they have two sons, and their two sons marry two gals. One of the gals is Ruth. A famine hits the land and Naomi’s husband and their two sons all die. Naomi tells her daughters in law to go back home and that their family’s will have to take care of them.

The daughters in law are from different religious & cultural backgrounds, and it was assumed that they would go back to those backgrounds even though they had been Jews when their husbands were alive.

The one girl leaves, but Ruth stays. She says to Naomi “I will make your people my people and your God my God.” And so the two of them go back to Ruth’s home town of Bethlehem.

In their culture, the farmers left some of the crop out in the field so that the poor could go and gather it for themselves. So Ruth went out into a field to gather some corn for the two of them.

The field she went into belong to Boaz, who had been the kinsmen (brother) of Namoi’s husband.

Boaz sees her out in the field and asks his servants who she is. And when he finds out, he tells them to be extra nice to her and leave some extra harvest behind for her. Boaz talks to Ruth and tells her not to go to any other fields, just stay at his. He lets her eat with his reapers when they eat a meal.

At the end of the day Ruth goes back to Naomi and tells her what’s happened and Naomi is pretty happy about everything. They go on like this for a while and Ruth takes care of Naomi.

Naomi and Ruth both knew what a kinsmen redeemer was but I didn’t. Basically, when a woman’s husband would die, his brothers, his kinsmen, would often marry the woman and take care of her. They “redeemed” her from the life of a widow. (It was a lot worse in their culture than in ours.)

So Naomi explains to Ruth the proper way in their culture to tell Boaz that she’d like to marry him, she’d like for him to be her kinsmen redeemer, and Ruth goes and does it. And Boaz makes Ruth a promise. He tells her that while he is kinsmen there was a brother nearer than himself. Basically in their culture, the nearest kinsmen had to have to first chance to marry the widow, then if he didn’t, the next kinsmen, Boaz, was then was allowed to. So Boaz promises Ruth that if the other kinsmen won’t marry her that he will.

The next day Boaz goes into town and gets to gather the other brother (the nearer kinsmen) and a number of the elders of the town. Boaz points out to his brother that he has this opportunity to marry Ruth. And at first the brother says he’s going to do it, but Boaz talks him out of it.

Boaz points out that the brothers inheritance for his children will have to be split among Ruth’s children too. The brother decides he doesn’t like that so much, so he gives up his opportunity to marry her. Then Boaz announces in front of everybody that he will be the kinsmen redeemer for Ruth.

So Boaz and Ruth get married and have a son. A few generations down the tree, David comes out of their bloodline, one of the greatest kings ever. The book of Samuel calls David “A man after gods own heart.” And a number of generations after that Jesus Christ comes out of their bloodline.

If you’d like to read it for yourself, here’s Ruth 1 in The King James version, and here it is in the somewhat easier-to-read New International Version

The Christian Family Fellowship also sells a class by Rev. Wayne Clapp that goes into the book of Ruth in far more detail than I possibly could.  I just got myself a copy and started going through it. The class is $30.

This synopsis  was written by fellowlaborer Nathan Friedly.

Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible¹⁰² for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie; promised before the world began;

What God said or says is going to happen is going to happen. it’s good to know that the Devil can’t do anything to stop it from happening. He may slow things down a bit but it will still happen, God is not a liar. Our adversary knew of Gods plan (remember Genesis.3:15 God was talking to the Devil.) he didn’t know when or how but he had to stop it.

First he deceived Adam and Eve in the garden than he deceived Cain and caused him to rise up against Able. He continued until one family, eight people where left richous. God made a flood. He had to start over. The devil after the flood caused the people once again to rebel against the maker and built a tower to heaven, (has been suggested that this was not meant to literally reach the heavens but would be used as a point to study astrology). The people where scattered all over the earth.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The semmach! the branch of David! King of the Jews! Son of God! Our Lord and savior! The promised seed of the woman since before the world began! how exciting this must have been for Mary how exciting for Joseph (doubly good for him cause he got to keep his wife AND he was chosen to be the lawful father of JESUS CHRIST)!

Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

(how stupid for the Devil to do. Is God not going to protect the child that he promised to man before history was recorded?) well in case you where wandering God did protect his son. and some thirty years later Jesus Christ got busy fulfilling the law.

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Still the adversary had not given up, he needed him to sin he could not afford one to be without sin, our lord was tempted in all ways and was still without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Throughout the gospel the seed of the serpent continually sought to kill him. Ironically these where the religious leaders of the time. eventually Jesus Christ’s work was done he had fulfilled all of the law and had not sinned, he was offered as the Passover, he died for us and the people could not even know it. perhaps the devil thought for a moment that he had won the war perhaps for some time he rejoiced in his victory. he had in his haste forgotten to read the fine print. “ELI! ELI LAMA SADACHTHANI!” that is to say FOR THIS REASON HAST THOUGH SET ME ASIDE! wait what? he rejoices and in his last breath as he utters his last word “it is finished”? why?

1Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of the world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcisionin the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ

Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Ephesians 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:

Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. That’s right! Jesus Christ managed to buy all of mankind out of the prison the bail was set and he paid it. Check and mate.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

take advantage of Jesus Christ’s completed works he not only set us free but he gave gifts unto men

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Eph 4:17 this I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Eph 4:18 having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Eph 4:19 who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is ⁱⁿ Jesus:

Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

If God gave us the most precious thing that he had what than would he not give us

Philipians4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Philipians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Philipians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philipians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philipians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philipians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

we have been instructed, we have no excuse. we know what god made available through Jesus Christ. Don’t go around letting yourself get kicked around buy that old serpent called the devil. how than do you do that? well, stick around, read the bible, and remember, if you really want to know, search for it like it is more precious than gold and more valuable than a ten pound diamond

Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Luk 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Luk 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit o them that ask him?

We have victory in Jesus.

Joyell Nevins
January 23rd, 2006

What are some powerful things in this world? Guns, tornadoes, bulldozers, all have a lot of power and can have a serious impact. But I want to introduce you today to the MOST powerful thing there is.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

One of the things I loved when I first heard Mitzi Holdren teach is that she went through verses word by word. So let’s do that here. “For the Word of God is quick” – quick is the greek word zaos, and it means to live, both literally and figuratively. Personally, I think both literal and figurative apply here. “and powerful” – powerful is the greek word energes, which is where we get our English word energy. Energes means to be active, operative, and effectual. We learned recently that when something is effectual it produces the desired result. It doesn’t just have an impact, but it has the impact it was purposed to. “Sharper than any twoedged sword . . .” Sharper is the greek word tomoteros, which means to cut as if by a single stroke.

I have a Cutco knife that is extremely sharp. In my old house on Market street, I was cutting bread with it when I sliced right through my two fingers (there is still a mark where it happened). Blood went gushing everywhere. We called it the massacre because blood got on the ceiling, the floor, the counters, etc. And all that was from one stroke. That’s what the Word is like – it does what it’s meant to do, efficiently and quickly.

Ephesians 6:12-13 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.

Then Ephesians lists what’s part of your armor – gospel of peace, truth, righteousness, etc. What I want to draw your attention to is at the end of the list:

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:The Word is also called a sword in Revelations, when Jesus Christ comes back. It says he has a sword coming out of his mouth, which is the Word of God. And anybody who’s seen Lord of the Rings or Braveheart or any movie of that era knows what damage swords can do!

The Word is also called a sword in Revelations, when Jesus Christ comes back. It says he has a sword coming out of his mouth, which is the Word of God. And anybody who’s seen Lord of the Rings or Braveheart or any movie of that era what damage swords can do!Here’s another analogy of how powerful the Word is:

Jeremiah 23:28-29 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? [I’m sure you guys know what power fire has and what it can do!] saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

My fiance Jason has a set of dinner bowls. One time I was goofing around and dropped and broke one of the bowls (as you can see I’m not too handy in the kitchen). Since the bowl broke into three clean pieces, Jason was able to glue it back together and use it again. Well, in Jeremiah that word “break” means . Unlike the bowl, the hammer dashes the rock into a thousand pieces with NO hope of putting it back together. Again, what the Word is meant to do it gets done!

Psalms 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

That word “delivered” is commonly translated escaped – it gets you out of a situation. To me, I think of an argument. When Jason and I first got together I told him look, I’m a strong willed person and I may not always listen to you. But I will ALWAYS listen to the Word. I have found in all my relationships that the Word of God is the BEST way to stop an argument, period. You can’t argue with the Word. What did Jesus do when the Devil himself came at him (Mark 4)? That’s right – It is written. He used the Word of God, and escaped that temptation and nasty situation.

Psalms 147:18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

Again, look at the power in that. The word “melt” means dissolve. When you mix oil and water, it separates and you still have oil and water. If you mix sugar and water, the sugar DISSOLVES and there is no hope of getting that sugar back again. Same thing with the Word. Never underestimate its power.I know I’ve used a lot of analogies, and now I want to give you a true story of how I’ve seen the Word of God change lives. My friends Stephen and Rhonda West run a Bible study/fellowship at the VA, a local rehab program. I have had the privilege to meet some of the men they work with and watch their lives change. One guy, Greg, checked into rehab June of ’05 after an attempt to commit suicide. He had no job, no house, and seven cents to his name. Greg had been in and out of rehab before, but to no avail. This time, he started going to the West’s Bible study. Through that, through the Word of God, one year later I was able to attend an anniversary celebration of Greg’s success. He has a job, a house, a serious girlfriend who also loves God and His Word, and even runs a fellowship out of his home.

Another guy, George, who again had been in and out of rehab, was so excited because he went home for Thanksgiving and for the first time his mom didn’t have to check the house to see what he’d stolen after he left.

This is real, people. The Word of God changes lives. It mends relationships. It has power. Yes, people are loving and wonderful and let God’s light shine, but it all comes back to the Word.

Fellow Laborers, both last year and this year, is a great idea. It can be a great program. But sometimes things get hairy – there are complications, issues, people aren’t all they should be, whatever. Yet I sat at the Family Reunion last year and was amazed at the testimonies – at the growth I saw in my fellow Fellow Laborers. Same this year – the Fellow Laborers are growing and changing because of the Word of God – it is a sword, it is fire, it dashes, it dissolves.

Stacy Siedlecki taught earlier this year that when God said “I am that I am” in Exodus, that means “I become what I become” – basically God is everything you need Him to be. Well, the Bible is God on paper – it’s God’s words to us. It says in II Peter 1:3 that the Word has everything that pertains to life and godliness – whatever you need, the Bible has it for you.

Psalms 119:160-62 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

I love the heart David has for the Word – it’s like a treasure hunt for him. But what I want to draw your attention to is “endureth for ever” and “true from the beginning”. I heard a great story of a little boy who walks past a blacksmith’s shop. The blacksmith is banging a hammer on the anvil, and at his feet is tons of used up hammers. The boy asks what happened to all these hammers? The blacksmith tells them “the anvil makes them so”. The storyteller related the strength and endurance of the anvil to the strength and endurance of God’s Word – no matter how people beat on it or try to twist it or discredit it, the Word stands true. Talk about a solid foundation!

I Peter 1:23-25A Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.

The word “endure” is the greek word meno. It is a primary or root word that means to remain, abide, stand. The Word of God isn’t going anywhere, folks. I’d like to quote an email devotional called God’s Minute:

“After all God worked through 40 different men, who lived on three different continents, from every walk of life, who lived over a sixteen hundred year period to write His letter to us. The result is the Bible was still created containing not one single contradiction.”

That’s a pretty big statement, for a very big book. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this – I hope that you too, can say you treasure the Word of God as one that has great spoil, and realize the POWER that you have through it.

I want to leave you with an exhortation of Paul’s that is my heart to you.

I want to leave you with an exhortation of Paul’s that is my heart to you.Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

God bless you all!

Stacy D. Siedlecki
01/09/07
Faithfulness is key in life as a son or daughter of God.
What is faithfulness?

pis-tos’
From G3982; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: – believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.

Faithfulness is translated 10 different ways in the New Testament:
Believes – 1 time
Believing – 1 time
Believe – 2 times
Believed – 2 times
Believeth – 2 times
Man – 1 time
True – 1 time
Sure – 1 time
Faithfully – 1 time
Faithful – 42 times

Were gonna take a look at a few of these. At how God is faithful, how other men and woman of God were faithful, and how were to be faithful.

Act 13:33-34

Here the word Sure is the same greek word for faithful.
“I will give you the sure (faithful) mercies of David.”
Well, this made me wonder, what are the mercies of David.

2Ch 6:42
Isa 55:3

That word “mercies” in hebrew is
kheh’-sed
From H2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opprobrium) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty: – favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.

God will make that sure (faithful) mercies (favour) of David. David had great favour in God’s eyes. If we can get any of that, I’ll be happy to take it.
Our God is a faithful God.

1Co 10:13

God is Faithful. God is Trustworthy and trustful. God is SURE.

1Th 5:23-24
Not only is he faithful. He will do what he is faithful to do. God will carry it out because he is faithful.
2Th 3:1-3

BUT – all men have not faith, BUT the Lord is faithful. He will be faithful to keep us from evil. And we have faith and confidence in this to be true.

2Th 3:4-5
He is faithful to us, even when we screw up and do not return that same faithfulness to Him.

2Ti 2:10-13

I tell ya what, vs 13 makes me pretty greatful and thankful that he is continually faithful. It says
“If we believe not YET he is faithful, he cannot deny himself. It’s a good thing cuz otherwise we would be in a bad way.

God is faithful in all things. In his word and in his promises. For example, in his word…

Tit 1:9
A Gainsayer is one who contradicts. Who speaks or acts against.
The faithful word is the word of God. Someone who was taught the word is able to exort and convince the gainsayers by that faithful word.
So we know that God’s word is faithful.

And in his promises, He is also faithful…
Heb 10:23

He is faithful that promised. He will be faithful to carry out his word. To carry out his promises.

He is also faithful to forgive us.
1Jo 1:9

So we know that God is faithful. Well the word speaks of many faithful men and woman of God. Who are they. It’s important to take note and see those who were faithful. To see our examples.

Take a look at Abraham in Romans:
Rom 4:18-21

Abraham was faithful to the promise that he was told would come to pass. Take a look at vs. 21.

Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

It doesn’t say he would perform it. It doesn’t say, should or might perform it. It says he was able to perform. That means that if God promises something, he is able. And if he is able, why in the world would we expect him not to. Abraham expected. I you go back to the vs 18, it says that he against hope believed in hope. Hope is the greek word

el-pece’ – means expectation or anticipation

He against expectation, believed in expectation. He expected it. Abraham was faithful to God’s promise and got God’s promise.
Who else was involved? Sarah. Turn to Heb. 11 and we can see what it says about Sarah.

Heb 11:11

It says that she recieved the promise of God BECAUSE she judged him (God) faithful who had promised. That is why she recieved. Because she beleived him to be faithful.
Taking a look at another faithful man of the Bible.

Heb 3:5

One really cool thing about this verse is that it states that Moses was faithful. But how do we know that? Because it was a testimony of those things which were spoken after. He was known for this. Faithfulness was his reputation. What do you want your reputation to be?

Other people in the word that were considered faithful:
I Cor. 4:17 – Timothy
Eph. 6:21 – Tychicus
Col. 1:7 – Ephaphras
Col. 4:7,9 – Tychicus and Onesimus
1 Pet. 5:12 – Silvanus

Now speaking of Paul
I Timothy 1:1-15

God knew that Paul would be faithful to carry out his minsitry work for him. Paul was faithful to God by sharing what He has done for us. It’s his job. It is his responsiblity. And he was faithful in that job.
I think that Paul is a great lead into how WE are to be faithful.

Matthew 25:14-29
Take a look at verses 21 and 23.

Why is he going to make him ruler over many things?
Because he was faithful. Not just faithful, but faithful over few things. That’s it. Just a few things. Therefor, he will be give rule over many things. Thats a great promise.

Luk 16:10-12

Here again we see that he who is faithful in the least, is faithful in much. And the same goes for the unjust. Unjust meaning wicked. He that is wicked in least will be wicked in much.
And in vs. 12, if you are not faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own. It’s not all about you and your business. It’s all around you. It’s dealing with others.

1Ti 4:9 This is a trustworthy, truthful saying.
1Ti 4:10-11
In vs. 11 – I don’t request, I don’t suggest. I command and I teach.

1Ti 4:12

The word believers here is our greek word pistos.
So be an example of the faithful.
And it’s so wonderful how God sets it up for us. How he makes it so black and white. What are some things that it says to be faithful in according to this verse?

In word
Conversation
Charity
Spirit
Faith
Purity

We don’t have to guess. We don ‘t have to take a stab in the dark as to what we should be faithful in.
I want to be sure that I’m explaining this correctly. There is a large difference between being faithful in something and to something. We are faithful to God. Our allegiance is to God. We are not faithful to our Job, we are faithful in our job. We are not faithful to our manager, your are faithful in all that you do for your manager. God is faithful to us, therefore, we are to be faithful to him and faithful in the lives that we are living for him. When working with believers or not. We are to be faithful.

3Jo 1:1-5

I wasn’t sure whether that word strangers was speaking of unbelievers or not. So I took a look at some other scripture. I recalled a very familiar verse. One that i’m sure is familiar to you as well.

Eph 2:19

The word strangers here is the same as in 3 John.
So it is unbelievers that are being spoken of in 3 John 1:5. Do whatever you do, whether to believer or unbeliever faithfully. We are known by our fruit. If we are to be known to unbelievers with good fruit, that requires faithfulness.

I want to take a look at one final scripture and we’ll close here.

1Co 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1Co 4:2 Moreoverit is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

It is what of stewards?
It is what of stewards?

REQUIRED

It is required that a man be found faithful. I looked all throughout the Word. Nowhere is there anything else that is REQUIRED. We are beseeched, we are requested, we are persuaded, we are even commanded of different things. But no where else does it say that something is absolutely required. No where but here.
This is what is required of you and of me. Faithfulness. Be faithful in all that you do. God will honor that. A commitment means no excuses. Whether to our jobs, our program, our family, our friends, our God.

Lets bear the fruit of faithfulness for our brethren and strangers to see so that God may be glorified in all that we do.

Everyone has a job to do.  Everyone has a mission.  Some can be specific and some can be generic.  Either way, we all have something that we need to be doing.  A lot of people feel that their mission is something special and personal.  Well, regardless of that, there is at least one thing that we all have in common.  As a moving body of believers, we all have something that we are supposed to be doing.  What’s my job?  What’s your job?

Matthew 28:19-20

What’s the first word in verse 19?
                GO
Not “when you get a chance”
Not “when you’re feeling up to it”
Not “when I find the time in MY busy schedule”
It’s just a flat out blatant statement.  GO.
It’s a command.  Jesus Christ was not suggesting something to them.  He was commanding them to do something.  We have been told to be doing the same things.

That word teach is the Greek word

Math-ayt-yoo’o
It means to disciple.  To instruct or to teach

To Disciple by Webster’s definition is to teach or to train.  We aren’t just supposed to throw the word out there and hope that it sticks.  Were to disciple young believers, or people who are just receiving the word for the first time.  Or even the second or third time.  Sometimes it takes 22 different believers opening their mouth for the word of God to stick with some people.

Also, it says “all nations” 
So not just your family or your friends who know you really well.  It’s all people.  It’s the clerk at the grocery store.  It’s the woman at the coffee house.  It’s anyone and everyone.  Because all people need the word.  People want and desire to be delivered and you have the answer.  You have the keys.

Also, take note of what it says in verse 20
“I am with you always”
He is always with us.  So if you have the opportunity to speak to someone.  You don’t need to fear.  God will give you the words.  He will tell you what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.  It’s truly a wonderful thing to have.

I Corinthians 3:7-9

God will bring the increase.  Not you.  Not your fellow believers.  Not the guy on the pulpit.  God.  God is the one who will bring the increase.  But realize that God can’t bring increase to something that hasn’t been planted.  That’s where we come in.  We need to be out there in the field sharing the word.  We need to be out there on the battle grounds for our God.  It’s going to continue to be a mystery if it’s no revealed to someone.  It’s revealed in the word and we are Stewarts of that word. 

People don’t have to open the word if they don’t want to.  But guess what, they can’t close your mouth!

It’s our job to make it known.  We learned that God is with us when we go to plant.  And that God is the one who brings the increase
IT’S TIME TO ENLARGE THE FAMILY

Acts 2:36-41

The people saw this and immediately asked “what do we do” Peter told them to repent and they would be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Then after this, it says in verse 41
     “And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand      souls”

Three thousand.  Not 3 or 30 or 300.  Three thousand souls.  That’s a lot of people that are going to be rejoicing with you in heaven.  But look at what it was that got them.  It was the proof.  It was the Holy Spirit being manifest.  People can say whatever they want and give whatever opinions they want.  And they can do it whenever they want.  But I don’t care who you are. 

No one can deny the love of God manifest in you!  No one can deny the Joy of God manifest in you.  No one can deny the peace of God manifest in you. 

YOU ARE THE PROOF!

If were going to do our job, we need to step out there like Peter.  We need to be preaching the good word and people need to see, be witness to it.  Be witness to the proof.

Faith cometh by what?
                HEARING
And hearing by what?
                THE WORD OF GOD
How are people going to hear if we don’t open our mouth?

Acts 6:1-8

Look at the reward.  Look at the outcome.

Acts 6:7 – and the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;

The disciples didn’t just multiply.  They multiplied greatly.  Stephen had a job to do.  He did it and look what happened.  The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied.  And that came from serving widows.  Imagine what would happen if we, as a body, moved together to teach (disciple) people about what is in the word of God. 

Imagine the reward.  Imagine the outcome.  Imagine the deliverance!

In Acts 17, it talks about how the believers turned the world upside down.  (Or right side up).  We have the same Holy Spirit they did.  And just think, we are not going to get stoned for preaching the goodness of God.  We are not going to be killed for telling someone about what we have seen and heard. 

Acts 4:18-20

They couldn’t help themselves.  What else were they going to talk about?  Nothing.  They were going to do what was commanded.  Preach, teach and heal.  And that’s what they did.  And people got delivered.  Peter and John did their job and saw great things happen because of it.

Another great example is Paul.  Paul did his job.  And guess what, we just a happen to have that same holy spirit that Paul had.

Acts 22:6-15

God chose you.  God has called you to be his witness.  A witness of what you have seen and heard.  So what have you seen?  Well, I can tell you what I have seen in our home fellowship.

I’ve seen the love of God manifest in our fellowship
I’ve seen the Peace of God manifest in our fellowship
I’ve seen the Joy of God manifest in our fellowship
I’ve seen Healing take place in our fellowship
I’ve seen great faith in the people in our fellowship

What have we heard?
I’ve heard messages from God in tongues and prophesy in our fellowship
I’ve heard of great healings and great believing
I’ve heard of the deliverance in each one of us and in those we come in contact with. 
I’ve heard the word of God preached with great boldness and confidence. 

Here’s the thing.  I already know the mystery.  We can never be reminded enough of what the word says and what God promises in his word.  But he called it “the great mystery” for a reason.  We are the stewards of that mystery.  We need to do our job. 
In Eph 6:19, Paul asks the church to pray that he may speak boldly, to make known the great mystery of the gospel. 

You need to realize how important you are to God.  The ratio of “truth believers” to other people is probably a little weighed on one side.  You know the truth.  You know the truth of his word.  You know what that word and that truth can do for people.  But people are not going to be delivered by us hanging out in a cave somewhere having fellowship by ourselves.  God needs each and every one of us to go out and preach, teach, and heal.  To SPEAK BOLDLY that which has been revealed to us. 
 
I’m going to be lame and quote a movie. 
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
You have great power.  Therefore you have great responsibility.  To make the truth known.  To go out and be a witness like Paul.  To serve like Stephen and watch as God brings the increase.  I guarantee that we will see the church be multiplied.  We will see the fruits of our labor.  So I encourage all of you to make it a point to make known the truth each and everyday of your life.  If not by word, then by the Love, Peace, Joy and all else of God manifest in you. 

Let us begin to look at one thing that God has done for us:

I Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

This is the gospel of deliverance for you today: that if you are born of God you are not an unrighteous person because God has made you righteous, given you wisdom, you have been sanctified, and you have been redeemed! No one can achieve this by their own efforts. It was made unto us, done for us.

From the Webster’s Dictionary:

Righteous – Right and just. Virtuous; blameless.
Wisdom – Ability to discern what is true and right, and to make sound judgments from those discernments.
Sanctify – To set apart as holy. To free of sin; purify.
Redeem – To regain possession of by paying a price. To set free; ransom. 

These words above describe you and what God has freely done for you.

Basically everyone wants to be righteous before God.  Therefore, they try to work out their own righteousness and do works that make themselves look righteous.  These actions include confessing sins and following the Ten Commandments.  However, good works do not make a person righteous.  Righteousness comes from God through the faith of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:9
And be found in him [Christ] not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

The righteousness of God is given to everyone who believes (every believer).  It is not by the cross you bear, but by the cross that Christ bore for you.

II Corinthians 5:21
For he [God] hath made him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

We were made the righteousness of God.

Some people teach that you can be righteous one minute and then become unrighteous the next minute.  This is not true.  Once God makes you righteous, you are forever stamped “RIGHTEOUS.” 

You cannot earn it. God just made you that way when you received holy spirit.  Praise God!

The sin problem no longer exists.  It was settled in Jesus Christ.  Now it is only a matter of renewing the mind back to the truth.  You no longer need to fear, worry, or feel unworthy!  You can have that confidence that you are worthy through Christ Jesus!

I John 3: 20-21
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 

No worry, fear, guilt, or any other lie from this world can defeat you because you know all these things were overcome by way of Jesus Christ and that you have been made righteous.  When you realize this truth from God’s Word, you will then have confidence to “come boldly unto the throne of grace…” (Hebrews 4:16).

Eph 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Are you blessed?  You have been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings…I would say that makes you, of all people, most blessed. 

God chose you.  He chose you to be holy and without blame!  And you are before Him in love.  What a wonderful truth that breaks the chains off my heart, and I’m sure your’s as well. 
This truth (that God has made us righteous, holy, and with out blame because He loves us) enables people to think and live victoriously.  Set people free with this truth.  Study it, make it your own so that you can have confidence in God and share it with others.