The early section deals with church leaders exploiting the congregation, with parallels in today’s church strongly emphasised.

ZXXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXXZXZXZXZX

TRANSCRIPT OF THE SERMON

This will be uploaded … soon

There is a “button” labelled “Save Video” (or “Download Video” sometimes). See below (“PS0” for full info)

PS2: ::: The latest development on the “Transcript” section is that the text-file will be subject to far less preparation than before – less editing and correction. It will still be converted to sentence-column form as before, but any trimming and polishing will be left to the user. Any shortcomings in the transcription software should be pretty obvious and so not a problem in getting the meaning (and the audio file will provide the necessary clarification if required )

PS1: ::: {not-so-}NEW FORMAT of the transcript.
To ease the processing and preparation of the transcript, and we hope improve the readability of the text, a new format was been adopted in mid October. This breaks the text into sentences instead of arbitrarily-sized “paragraphs”. When the reader opens the file in a program such as Notepad (in MS Windows), then the appearance can be just like a newspaper column. The format is such that the user has many options available, depending on preferences and what software they like to use.
Any feedback on usefulness, improvement suggestions, or whatever, would be most welcome.

PS0 ::::: TRANSCRIPT OF THE SERMON
There is a “button” labelled “Save Video” (or “Download Video” sometimes). This actually links to a text-file to download. It is a transcript of the sermon. At present it is at an experimental stage: it is an aid to getting the most out of the sermon audio. There is no substitute for listening to the verbal delivery of a sermon. However, searching through an audio file lasting the best part of an hour can be somewhat difficult. When you approach the search knowing that you’re sure there is something about “redemption”, for example, then a transcript text-search can take you right there and show you the time in the recording where you will find it! The file is simple “text” rather than a more sophisticated form so that you can edit or reformat as you prefer. This transcript is in 2 forms (in the one file). One half consists of normal text arrangement. These ‘blocks’ were at purely arbitrary boundaries (boundaries were inserted at about 800 character intervals, purely to avoid having one huge unbroken deluge of text, i.e. no attempt at grammatical accuracy). The format has now been changed as described above in PS1. The other section is short bunches of words (8 to 12 nomally) beneath the TIMES at which they occur (for the whole sermon).
This facility is in development (“experimental” as mentioned above) so any feedback on usefulness, improvement suggestions, or whatever, would be most welcome.

The post Ezekiel Chapter 34 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

Pilate had asked Jesus the question “What is truth?”

To many, truth is merely relative, that is, we can each decide our own truth depending on our circumstances and experiences.

The day before Pilate asked this question, Jesus stated “Thy Word is truth!”, that it, God’s word does not merely contain ideas and concepts that are true, it is truth itself. Every part of it, every statement made, every doctrine taught is true. It is the fount of truth. Without out it, we would be lost in a sea of ideas, opinions, philosophies and dreams.

Sadly, today’s church has largely become blinded to this great fact, and has replaced the truth of God’s word for politically correct and socially acceptable axioms*.

1. *a generally accepted proposition or principle, sanctioned by experience; maxim

Today society seems to dictate truth and the church, like an obedient dog, walks on behind!

However, that is not the way it was in the early church! They knew they had been given something precious that they were to earnestly contend for! Despite what modernists and liberal theologians would have us believe, truth is non-negotionable!

Doctrine is not open to debate, and we do not get to decide what the Bible means – it tells us itself what it means and we have been given the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us into all truth!

Today’s ministers and clergy can spiritualise and allegorise all day long. They can tell you the Second Coming is not going to be a physical return; they can tell you that God didn’t really Create everything in 6 literal 24 hour days if they like; they can tell you that God is not going to keep His untold number of promises to National Israel, that these somehow will now fall on the church. They can tell you these things and teach them in pulpits all over the land – BUT IT DOENS’T MAKE THEM TRUE!

They have missed the boat! Truth has already been declared (and God did not consult them first!). The Apostles Doctrine is as rock solid and non-negotiable today as when it was given. Christianity is based on this. The fundamentals are not open to debate!

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study!

As usual, the Powerpoint slides used in this study are available for free download.

The post Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

This is our concluding study of Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The audio and Powerpoint slides used in this study are available for free download.

The post 1 Timothy 6 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

The Audio and Powerpoint slides used in this study are available for free download.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this teaching.

The post 1 Timothy 5 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

Following on from the teaching by Pastor Antonye Holyde last week, we see that in 1 Timothy 4 how those from within the camp can leave and join the enemies ranks – having given “heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”.

The conclusion is still the same.

We must be ‘nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine’, refuse ‘old wives’ fables’ and not give into compromise (or like Saul in 1 Sam 14 settle for a place where we feel safe), instead we must be on the offensive and ‘both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men’

We must ‘exercise ourselves toward godliness’ and take our stand against the wiles of the Devil, knowing that if we do, we will not only ‘save ourselves, but also those who hear us’ (1 Tim 4:16) – and we might just win some of those who left to join the enemies camp back again!

May you be challenged, strengthened and encouraged by this teaching!

The post 1 Timothy 4 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this study, we review the various forms of Church Government and the role of the Pastor, then go on to look at the role of deacons, i.e. those who serve the congregation in practical ways to enable the body to function as it should.

One of the key verses is v.10 where Paul tells Timothy that Deacons are to ‘use the office’ as a means to an end. If you serve the congregation by making refreshments after the service, that is merely a means to an end that you might use it as an opportunity to minister. If you help by setting the equipment up each week, that is simply the ‘excuse’ you have t0 fellowship and encourage each other. Of course, the practical needs are important, but the spiritual needs always should take precedence!

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Timothy 3 8-16 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In chapter 3 of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he outlines the requirements of a ‘poiman’ (Shepherd) / ‘episkope’ (overseer) – one who is entrusted by God with the spiritual care and nurturing of the sheep given into his care.

As in the last chapter, the real issue is again one of the heart. It is not the outward appearance that matters so much as the inward person that only God sees.

If our relationship with God is one of surrender and yielding, what people see as they look upon the outside is merely a reflection of what God’s grace has done on the inside!

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Timothy 3 1-7 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this study, we continue to look at the order in the church and see that at the heart of it is the condition of our hearts!

Are we prepared to submit to one another in love? Are we prepared to submit to the authority God has placed above us? For men we have to submit to government and the powers that be – that we might, by our peaceable and godly lives be a witness that would lead others to Christ. Godly men are not about flexing muscles and showing wrath.

In like manner, women should not flaunt themselves but be willing to learn ‘peaceably’, recognizing God’s order in creation. Whilst a woman may teach in a variety of situations, the office of Pastor is for men only, and then only for a few men that God specifically calls. It is a sad fact that practically all denominations now appoint women as pastors

Whilst Paul would have women learn in silence (i.e not shouting out in public meetings), a woman is given the great responsibility of raising Godly children that would continue in faith, love, holiness and with sobriety. The influence that God has entrusted to women is a powerful thing!

Paul would have the men step up and get on our knees and fight like men – in prayer!

Women are not to usurp the authority of the man, for God calls the men to march first into battle. Even Deborah, a Judge of Israel, in Judges 4, had the wisdom to get Barak to lead the army of Israel against the enemy. In the few examples in scripture where the woman as usurped the man and ‘gone into battle ahead of him’, it has never ended well! From the Garden of Eden to woman in Revelation 17 & 18.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Timothy 2 5-15 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

We now began to look at Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding men and women in the church. Men must not be militant ‘political activists’ be willing to be under the authority of government and laws of the land.

In contrast, Woman must be willing to be under the authority of their husbands. Both men and women in the church then, by their lives and actions show their willingness to submit to earthly authority as a practical and outward sign that they are willing to submit to heavenly authority.

Paul explains the reason for this is that it is not only pleasing to God, it also becomes a witness to the world, that thereby others may be saved.

We begin to see unfolding here how important our attitudes are in winning other souls to Christ. Yes, these views seem outdated to the world, they do not understand the concept of submission. But far from rolling over and being a ‘doormat’ for others to walk all over, we show by our willingness to submit a real strength and trust in God’s order and His plan.

May this study bless and encourage you in your walk with Him.

The post 1 Timothy 2 1-4 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

Paul continues to give instruction and encouragement to young pastor Timothy.

The challenges before him, as with so many churches and pastors today are:

• to teach sound doctrine and correct the erroneous ramblings of those who have become self-appointed teachers
• yet to remain humble, recognising that it is only by Grace we stand and have been called to minister
• then standing in that Grace, because you have been called and appointed by God, to wage a good warfare against the enemy

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Timothy 1 6-20 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this session we look at the opening 5 verses of Paul’s first letter to Timothy and see that Paul gives Timothy two essential qualities that should be found in any spiritual officer within the church:

• He must be a man of faith, and
• He must be motivated by love.

Paul also explains the three fundamental responsibilities for a pastor in a local church:

1)  Teach sound doctrine                 vv.1-11

2)  Proclaim the Gospel                  vv.12-17

3)  Defend the faith                         vv.18-20

Above all, what we do in the church must be done in love, out of a pure mind and good conscience.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post 1 Timothy 1 1-5 first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

In this study, we look at the historical background that brought the Apostle Paul to Lystra where a young 13/14-year-old Timothy first heard him preach about Jesus of Nazareth, whom Paul claimed was the promised Messiah of Israel! On that occasion it almost cost Paul his life, being stoned and dragged outside of the city, left for dead. But then, surrounded by the faithful believers, who were no doubt praying, Paul miraculously got up and headed straight back into the city! What must his enemies thought! But what too must a young impressionable boy have made of it?

Around three years later Paul returned with Silas to find a faithful young Christian man with an obvious calling on his life to pastoral ministry.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The post Introduction to 1st Timothy first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

Written by Paul to his young prodigy and ‘son in the faith’ Timothy, to encourage this young pastor of the church at Ephesus to keep going!

We all face challenges in life, and as a Christian, we can expect challenges in ministry. Paul urges Timothy that it is too soon to quit! He had been given a charge by God, called to a work that could only be accomplished by standing strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.

This is a message for all believers, to endure as a faithful soldier enlisted in God’s army.

May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.

The audio and Powerpoint slides used in this study are available for free download.

The post Introduction to 1&2 Timothy first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.

1^ST TIMOTHY

Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are instructions for young pastors. In all three epistles Paul is dealing with two things: the creed of the church and the conduct of the church. For the church within, the worship must be right. For the church outside, good works must be seen. Paul deals with these two topics in each of the three epistles. In 1 Timothy chapter 1 Paul speaks of faith, the faith of the church, and underlines that the Law is not for believers, but unbelievers, the Law is to lead men to Christ, but of itself cannot save us. We are saved by grace through faith. Chapter 2 addresses the order within the church, not based on cultural expectations, but rooted in God’s order laid down in Eden. Chapter 3 concerns the officers of the church, and the requirements of those who are called (and have the privilege) to serve. Chapter 4 describes the apostasy that was coming (and is now in full swing), putting the emphasis on the importance of sound doctrine; and chapters 5 and 6 give basic instructions to be observed within the church “that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed” (6:1)

2^ND TIMOTHY

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he continues to give this young pastor instruction for the ministry. Once again, the importance of doctrine is underlined (1:13), without which it just becomes human opinions. In chapter two Paul returns to one of his favorite themes – grace. For any minister or ministry to function, the prerequisite is to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1), everything else flows from this. Personal study and an understanding of the scriptures is mandated (2:15), as is a pure heart and mind (2:22). Paul then warns that “perilous times will come” (3:1), going on to describe the world we now live in. Because of this, all who live godly must expect persecution (3:12). However, we will be unshaken if we are grounded in God’s inspired Word, which is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (3:16-17). It is also our mandate to ‘preach the word’ (4:2), because many within the ‘church’ will reject God’s Word in favor of man’s fables. Paul said ‘the time will come’. As we survey the ‘church’ today, we find it now has.

May this overview prompt you to undertake your own study of these divinely inspired books.

The PDF slides are from the PowerPoint presentation used during the teaching session.

You can listen to the audio on this web page, or save it for later listening.

The post Session 43 – 1 & 2 Timothy first appeared on Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.