Questions from Family Retreat

Return of Christ

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the return of Christ through the lens of 1 Timothy 6:14–15 and Sunday’s sermon, “The Fighting Men of Faith” (1 Timothy 6:11–16). Scripture repeatedly points believers toward the glorious return of Jesus, but Christians have often differed on exactly how the end unfolds. This episode explores the major orthodox views surrounding Christ’s return, common errors to avoid, and how these truths should shape everyday Christian faithfulness. We discuss dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism—highlighting where faithful Christians may disagree while still remaining united in the gospel. Along the way, we examine key biblical passages, historical teachers connected to each view, and why humility and charity matter when discussing third-order doctrines. The episode also addresses views that fall outside Christian orthodoxy, including full preterism and date-setting speculation. Most importantly, we focus on the truths all believers must hold firmly: Christ will return personally, visibly, bodily, and gloriously; His coming will bring judgment and salvation; and His return should motivate holiness, endurance, hope, and faithful service. Whether you’ve studied eschatology for years or have always found it confusing, this conversation aims to encourage thoughtful study while keeping the focus where Scripture keeps it—on faithful living while we await the appearing of our great God and Savior. I. Four Orthodox Views of Christ’s Return • The Millennium (Revelation 20:1–3) • The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) 1. Dispensational Premillennialism A. Teachers—John Nelson Darby, C. I. Scofield, John MacArthur B. Key texts— Daniel 9; 1 Thessalonians 4–5 2. Historic Premillennialism A. Teachers— Justin Martyr, Irenaeus B. Key texts— Revelation 20:1–6; Matthew 24 3. Amillennialism A. Teachers— Augustine of Hippo; John Calvin; Anthony Hoekema B. Key texts— John 5:28–29; 2 Peter 3 4. Postmillennialism A. Teachers— Jonathan Edwards; Charles Hodge B. Key texts— Psalm 2; Isaiah 2; Matthew 13 II. Views to avoid 1. Preterism 2. Exact dates/people III. What we must hold true 1. Christ will return 2. Exact timing is a mystery 3. Judgment for nonbelievers and salvation for believers 4. Resurrection of the dead 5. New heaven, new earth IV. What must we do? 1. Be motivated for daily godliness, hope, endurance, mission 2. Be watchful, pursue holiness, persevere, be faithful 3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Handout Link [https://storage1.snappages.site/Q7PVR8/assets/files/Handouts-for-Return-of-Christ-1-Tim.-6.1-22.pdf]

Money

Money is one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in both Scripture and everyday life. In this episode, we take a deeper look at 1 Timothy 6:9–10 and explore what the Bible really says about wealth, desire, and the danger of misplaced trust. Drawing heavily from Proverbs, this conversation helps you develop a biblical framework for thinking about money—not as something to love, but as a tool to steward for God’s purposes. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”— 1 Timothy 6:10 I. Money Do’s and Don’ts from Proverbs 1. Do honor God with the first of your wealth (3:9–10). 2. Do seek righteous treasure (10:2–3). 3. Do be diligent in your work (10:4–5). 4. Do be generous with your money (11:24–25). 5. Do desire a good reputation more than money (22:1). 6. Do hone your craft (22:29). 7. Do be leery of false generosity (23:6–8). 8. Do not seek quick wealth (13:11). 9. Do not be greedy (15:27). 10. Do not be flippant about debt (22:7). 11. Do not rob the poor (22:22–23). 12. Do not become a pledge for someone else’s debt (22:26–27). 13. Do not swindle someone out of what the Lord has given him/her (22:28). 14. Do not be manipulated by the wealthy (23:1–3). 15. Do not work for fleeting riches (23:4–5). II. Treat money like a tool. • Luke 16:1–9 III. Focus on God’s good work and let him provide the money. • Matthew 6:19–21 • Matthew 6:33 • 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 Handout Link [https://storage1.snappages.site/Q7PVR8/assets/files/Microsoft-Word-Handouts-for-Money-1-Tim.-85.pdf]

Questions from Family Retreat

In this episode, we’re working through unanswered questions from our recent Family Retreat. These are thoughtful, real-life questions from our church family—covering the Christian home, spiritual growth, family relationships, and pastoral ministry. Our aim is simple: to search the Scriptures for clarity and wisdom on issues that matter in everyday life. Scripture is sufficient to equip God’s people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Whether in gathered worship or personal questions, God’s Word both asks and answers what we need most. Questions from the congregation: 1. What habits are most important for sustaining a Christ-centered home long-term? How do those habits translate as children grow into teens and adults? a. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 2. How do you integrate embodied development (nutrition, fitness, recreation, fashion/beauty, work) with spiritual formation in your home? a. 1 Timothy 4:7–8 b. 1 Corinthians 10:31 3. Sometimes I have a hard time making sure I remember events that happen in the Bible. Even though I study the Bible. Do you have any tips for people with learning and memory issues? a. Psalm 119:11 4. How can I deal with difficult relationships in my extended family? a. Matthew 5:43–44 5. What’s the #1 thing the congregation does that is stressful/annoying for you as a pastor? Handout Link [https://storage1.snappages.site/Q7PVR8/assets/files/Handouts-for-Questions-from-Family-Retre-57.pdf]

Alcohol and the Christian

How should a Christian think about alcohol? Scripture presents a nuanced picture—one that affirms alcohol as a good gift in some contexts while also warning strongly about its dangers. In this episode, we walk carefully through God’s Word to answer a better question than “Is it allowed?”—instead asking, “What most glorifies God?” I. Scriptural affirmation of alcohol 1. Some Old Testament passages speak of wine and beer as symbols of prosperity and goodness. a. Proverbs 3:10 b. Proverbs 9:5–6 c. Deuteronomy 14:26) d. Psalm 104:15 2. Jesus was not opposed to wine. a. Matthew 11:19 3. Paul tells Timothy of a possible health benefit to wine. a. 1 Timothy 5:23 II. We must be keenly aware of the dangers of alcohol. • Proverbs 23:29–35 i. It can escalate problems (Prov. 23:29). ii. It can bring needless pain (Prov. 23:29–30). iii. It can be aggressive toward its user (Prov. 23:31). iv. Its danger is not immediately apparent but can be deadly (Prov. 23:32). v. It can keep you from seeing things as they truly are (Prov. 23:33). vi. It can impair the body (Prov. 23:32). vii. It can downplay its own consequences (Prov. 23:35). • Poor use of alcohol can keep a person for serving in the church. i. Romans 14:20–21 ii. 1 Corinthians 5:11 iii. Titus 1:7 iv. Titus 2:3 III. We must be wise. • Proverbs 20:1 • Ephesians 5:15–21 Handout Link [https://storage1.snappages.site/Q7PVR8/assets/files/Handouts-for-Alcohol-and-the-Christian-1-99.pdf] Referenced Article Link [https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics]

Biblical Women's Ministry

In this episode, we take a deeper look at what biblical women’s ministry should look like in the local church. Expanding on 1 Timothy 5:1–16 and the sermon “On the Elderly and Widows,” we address common cultural missteps and recover a clear, Scripture-driven model. This conversation challenges both men and women to think rightly about discipleship, church structure, and the vital role women play in the health of the body of Christ. Women’s ministry is not optional—it is essential. Yet too often it drifts into something shallow, event-driven, or disconnected from the life of the church. Scripture gives us something far richer. When women’s ministry is done well, the entire church flourishes. I. Biblical women’s ministry must be. . . 1. Complementary, not parallel, to the church (Romans 16:1 - see vv. 2, 6, 12) 2. In submission to the elders (Hebrews 13:17) 3. Word-centered (2 Timothy 3:16–17) II. Biblical women’s ministry must do. . . 1. Intergenerational discipleship (Titus 2:3–5) 2. Prayer and biblical fellowship (Acts 1:14) 3. Equip women in knowledge and service (know and do) (Proverbs 31:26) Handout Link [https://storage1.snappages.site/Q7PVR8/assets/files/Handouts-for-Biblical-Womens-Ministry-1--33.pdf]