Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: Christmas
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Theme: Choosing Wisely Is Not Always Easy, but It Is Possible

One: This troubled life is marked by difficult decisions.

Two: Our righteousness is revealed, exercised, and honed in the valley of decision.

Three: We are not without light for our path.

Four: God is always at work in our distress for our good and for his glory.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

*

~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: Christmas
Text: Matthew 1:1-12
Theme: Wisdom Calls for a Life of Worship

One: A life of worship begins with revelation from God.

Two: A life of worship is sustained by desire for God.

Three: A life of worship is marked by humility.

Four: A life of worship is expressed by giving to God.

Five: A life of worship is expressed by giving to God.

We have come to worship him ~ Matthew 2:2

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Theme: You Can Live in Christmas-Promised Peace

One: God-sourced peace

Two: Circumstance-transcending peace

Three: Relationally-experienced peace

Four: Truth-anchored peace

Five: Grace-enabled peace

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Theme: Demonstrate Faithfulness by Rejecting Laziness in Your Daily Work Ethic

One: Laziness...is a bad influence.

Two: Laziness...needs a good example.

Three: Laziness...suffers a practical consequence.

Four: Laziness...warrants a firm instruction.

Five: Laziness...can be exchanged for faithfulness.

If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: Thanksgiving
Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22
Theme: Your Faith Must Fight with Thanksgiving

One: Faith...in the midst of fear.

Two: Faith...anchored to God's faithfulness.

Three: Faith...in the face of the unknown.

Four: Faith...in God's kingdom agenda.

Five: Faith...in God's words.

Six: Faith...to fight with thanksgiving.

Seven: Faith...that produces triumphant joy.

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you" ~ 2 Chronicles 20:12

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be faithful until Christ returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Theme: Pray that our hearts would be directed to God's heart

Who do we pray this for?

• For those who are growing, but need to grow more.
• For those who are facing opposition, but are hoping in the ultimate victory of Jesus.
• For those who are alarmed by the prevalent evil, but desire to stand for good.
• For those who are aiming at obedience, but are in need of God's establishing and guarding.

Why do we pray this?

• Because of distracted hearts.
• Because of wandering hearts.

What is the desired outcome of this prayer?

• To know God's love...and to love him.
• To know Christ's steadfastness...and to follow him.

Conclusion: "Lord, direct _________'s heart to your love and faithfulness."

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
Theme: The Lord is faithful.

Because the Lord is faithful...

One: ...You can rightly view a faithless culture.

Two: ...You can firmly stand in your faith.

Three: ...You cdan confidently rest in the Lord's keeping.

Four: ...You can faithfully live in biblical obedience.

...but the Lord is faithful. He will establish you... ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalnonians 3:1-2
Theme: Faithfulness in spreading the truth

4 Questions that call for Faithfulness in spreading Truth

Question 1: Are you embracing—by conviction—the necessity of prayer?

Question 2: Are you communicating—by word and walk—the authority of God's Truth?

Question 3: Are you hoping—by God's promise—in the gospel's life-transforming power?

Question 4: Are you ready—by God's grace—to face opposition?

...pray...that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored... ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:2

Speaker: Daniel Moorehead
Series: Reformation Sunday
Text: 1 Kings 16:29-33; 17:1-5; 18:20-41; 19:17-18
Theme: Faithfulness: Our Roles May Vary

One: Look at a stage set with sin.

Two: Look at four faithful roles

Three: Look at how we ought to live

Moreover, it is required of stwards that they be found faithful ~ 1 Timothy 4:2

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Theme: Christians Must Be Confident in the Face of Apostasy.

One: Clearly see salvation. (What God has done.)

• You were loved, chosen, & called
• You were set apart by the Spirit
• You believed the gospel
• You share in Christ's glory

Two: Firmly believe truth. (What God has said.)

• Because of your firm foundation...
• ...keep on clinging...
• ...to God's revealed word.

Three: Boldy pursue godliness. (What God is doing.)

• Inwardly rejoice in the kindness of God
• Outwardly reflect the character of God

But we give thanks...because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved... ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Theme: Don't Be Unsettled when Unbelievers Reject Christian Faith and Its Foundation of Biblical Truth

One: What is apostasy?

• to depart; to forsake; to rebel against.
• Someone who before claimed he was a Christian is now saying he is not a Christian anymomre.

Two: A Biblical Anchor: true believers will never fully or finally fall away from the faith.

Three: The Biblical Explanation: the realization that a person was never truly transformed by the gospel.

• The Visible Church = as Christians see it; those who claim to be Christian and give evidence of it.
• The Invisible Church = as God sees it; those who repent & believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord
• Examples of apostasy: Judas and Demas

Four: What should characterize our response to apostasy?

• Humility
• Prayer
• Truth

...they refused to love the truth and be saved ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:10

Speaker: Adam Goshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Chris Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Theme: Amid the uncertainty of the "end times," be faithful until Jesus comes

One: You can be certain that the Devil is at work in the world.

• His work is characterized by deception, rebellion, & lawlessness.
• The believer is tempted with confusion & concern.
• The unbeliever is tempted to embrace lies & to enjoy evil.

Two: You can be certain that Jesus is coming in total victory.

• God is in control of present victory.
• God is control of future vicroty.

Applications:

• Resist evil with holiness.
• Resist discouragement with hope.

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ...let no one deceive you in any way... ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Theme: Jesus is Glorified as Savior and Lord

The glory of Jesus as Savior and Lord is...

One: ...the past testimony of the church.

• Do not be bashful about our legacy of truth.
• Speak boldly.

Two: ...the future hope of the church.

• Do not be bullied by evil in the world.
• Endure courageously.

Three: ...the present duty of the church.

• Do not be discouraged in the struggle with sin.
• Grow spiritually.

Four: ...the eternal reward of the church.

• Do not be forgetful of your glory to come.
• We will celebrate joyfully.

To this end, we always pray for you... ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Theme: The promise of Christ's future coming should influence the faithfulness of our present praying.

How can we imitate Paul's model of prayer

One: Pray

• Our prayer should be Constant
• Our prayer should be Caring

Two: Pray with Biblically-defined Purpose

• That we would be Conformed to the character of Christ
• That we would be Bold in the pursuit of goodness
• That we would do what we are called to do in his Power

Three: Pray for the glory of Jesus Christ

• His Sovereign glory; He is Lord
• His Saving glory; He is Savior

To this end, we always pray for you ~ 2 Thessalonians 1.11

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Theme: God Will Make All Things Right in the End

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians: Be Faithful Until Christ Returns
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Theme: Keep Growing - For the Good Of Others and For the Glory Of God

One: Keep growing - for the good of others.

• Model a robust confidence in God
• Model a robust love for others
• Model a robust endurance in hardships

Two: Keep growing - for the glory of God.

• Faithfulness is worthy of recognition.
• Faithfulness is rooted in grace.
• Faithfulness is cause for praise.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing...and that you are enduring. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: 2 Thessalonians
Text: Overview of 1 Thessalonians
Theme: The gospel will keep working until Jesus comes again.

One: Hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ = the purpose, Church, and coming of Jesus.

Two: Hope in the purpose of Jesus Christ.

• To imitate God; 1:6
• To walk worthy; 2:12
• To abound in love; 3:12
• To be holy; 3:3,7
• To be alert; 5:6

Three: Hope in the Church of Jesus Christ.

Four: Hope in the coming of Jesus Christ.

• Jesus is coming back to earth.
• Until then, believe that the gospel is still turning the world upside-down.

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: Forgiveness
Text: Various Passages
Theme: Forgiveness Q & A

One: How do I deal with large offenses where forgiveness is never requested?

• Leave it to God - Romans 12

Two: What if the offender is dead?

• No one escapes the justice of God. Psalm 58:10-11

Three: What do I do with someone who takes advantage of my obligation to forgive?

• Expect fruits in keeping with repentance; Luke 3:8

Four: Is God's forgiveness the same in the OT as it is in the NT?

• Yes. Forgiveness is always granted on the basis of God's promise of the work of Christ.

Five: How should I respond when someone says, "I need to forgive myself"?

• Steer the focus to understanding how God forgives us in Christ.

Conclusions:

1. Be ready to forgive. Psalm 86:5
2. Trust your God.
   a. To do good to you.
   b. To make all things right.

Speaker: Adam Godshall
Series: Forgiveness
Text: Romans 12:14-21
Theme: In all the offenses we suffer, bitterness is avoidable

How to keep from being bitter toward...the repentant:

One: Keep your promise.

• Forgiveness = I graciously promise to release from moral liablility the repentant offender for reconciliation.
• The 3-fold promise.
  • I will not recall this offense to you.
  • I will not recall this offense to others.
  • I will not recall this offense to myself.

How to keep from being bitter toward...the UN-repentant:

Two: Don't seek revenge.

• Do not repay eveil for evil.
• Do not avenge yourself.
• Do not be overcome by evil.

Three: Love your enemies.

• Maintain honor.
• Seek peace.
• Be kind.

Four: Trust your God...

• ...to care for you.
• ...to judge your enemies.