Most likely, you have heard by now that my first grandchild will be born in August of this year. We are expecting a granddaughter. Each day grows with greater anticipation.

My son has asked me to compile a list of books I recommend for him and his wife to read to help them raise a Christ-centered child. Therefore, being evermore a bibliophile, I have joyfully done so. I share this same list with you with some parameters of why these books made the list.

First off, these books are all written with a biblical foundation. We should always let the Bible guide our understanding, just as it says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17; “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  (17)  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

That being said, I have left out any books that use worldly wisdom without a foundation in the Scriptures.

Each of these books are solid, trustworthy, and proven.

• The Faithful Parent, Martha Peace and Stuart Scott
• Sacred Parenting, Gary Thomas
• Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware
• The Heart of Anger, Lou Priolo
• Raising Kids in the Way of Grace, Bob Kellemen
• Age of Opportunity, Paul Tripp
• Instructing a Child’s Heart, Tedd and Marcy Tripp
• Helping Children to Understand the Gospel, Truth 78
• Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children, Joel Beeke
• The Family at Church, Joel Beeke
• Family Worship, Joel Beeke
• To the Rising Generation, Jonathan Edwards

July 2    Matthew 3:1-7

Saints,

I share with you the rough draft notes from the sermon preached on July 2. Please overlook errors, typos, and dwell upon the word of God.

Matthew at 3:1-12  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,  (2)  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  (3)  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”  (4)  Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.  (5)  Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,  (6)  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.  (7)  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  (8)  Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.  (9)  And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.  (10)  Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  (11)  “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  (12)  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

INTRODUCTION

A little show and tell, today on this Independence Day Weekend, I am preaching from my grandfather’s NT that he carried in WWII and the Korean War. I do so in remembrance of the sacrifices made for our country. Our country was founded by Believers who sought the opportunity to worship God. Of all our freedoms, this is the most crucial. May we never give it up. May we guard against it slipping away.

THE MESSAGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Repent = Make paths straight, Flee wrath, bear fruit.

G3341  μετάνοια  metánoia; gen. metanoías, fem. noun from metanoéō (G3340), to repent. A change of mind, repentance (Heb_12:17).[i][ii]

Repentance is….

• Change
• Spirit convicted
• Public in act and testimony
• Humbling in act and testimony
• Longstanding and persevering
• Achieved by walking with Christ in the Holy Spirit
• It is a working out of the transformation that is evidence of redemption (No change, no redemption)

John was preparing the way as a fulfillment of prophecy.

People were going out to him. Being baptized…They were fleeing the wrath to come.

The Pharisees came, but they were not of the crowd. They were there to make a spectacle of it all. John called them out. (More on them next week)

John’s message is the same as the prophets in the Old Testament and is the New Testament’s clarion call; REPENT.

A FEW ACTIONS TO TAKE IN THE LIFE OF REPENTANCE

Do It. (Work) Action. Requirements Mat 3:8  Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.  Jas 2:17-19  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  (18)  But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  (19)  You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 

When is a thief not a thief? Eph 4:28  Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Spirit Led Not humanly possible must abide must put to death, crucify the flesh. Only can be done by the Holy Spirit. Gal 5:24-25  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  (25)  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Put Off The Old And Put On The New (Change Habits)  Col 3:9-14  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices  (10)  and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.  (11)  Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.  (12)  Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,  (13)  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  (14)  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Renew Your Mind  (Change Thinking) Rom 12:1-3  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  (2)  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  (3)  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

The saved Pursue Christ. (Worship and Values matter) The upward call. Php 3:7-14  But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  (8)  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  (9)  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—  (10)  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  (11)  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  (12)  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  (13)  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  (14)  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The goal is Jesus.

Persevere Mat 10:22  and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  A continual pursuit.

Contentment Is In Your Spiritual Achievement And The Promises Of God.  2Co_12:10  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Php_4:11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

1Ti_6:8  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Heb_13:5  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Purposefully Pray

Armed with Armor

Worship in Wonder of God

CONCLUSION

2Co 7:8-11  For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.  (9)  As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.  (10)  For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.  (11)  For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

1. If you are not bothered by your sin, then Beg, plead, pursue that God would convict you of your sin. Cry out for conviction. Battle to the death of your sin.
2. If you are a Christian, continue to kill the sins in your life. Continue to do Spiritual Warfare. For as the Puritans taught, Be killing sin or it will be killing you.

---

[i] G3341

μετάνοια

metánoia; gen. metanoías, fem. noun from metanoéō (G3340), to repent. A change of mind, repentance (Heb_12:17).

Repentance, change of mind from evil to good or from good to better (Mat_3:8, Mat_3:11; Mat_9:13 [TR]; Mar_2:17; Luk_3:8; Luk_5:32; Luk_15:7; Act_5:31; Act_20:21; Act_26:20; Rom_2:4; Heb_6:6; Heb_12:17; 2Pe_3:9). In the NT, used with reference to noús (G3563), mind, as the faculty of moral reflection (Act_11:18; Act_20:21; 2Co_7:9-10; 2Ti_2:25; Heb_6:1).

It is combined with áphesis (G859), remission of sins (Luk_24:47 [cf. baptism of repentance Mat_3:11; Mar_1:4; Luk_3:3; Act_13:24; Act_19:4]) which identifies one as having repented.

In the Sept., metánoia occurs only in Pro_14:15. In the NT, we find John the Baptist preaching repentance (Mat_3:2, Mat_3:8, Mat_3:11; Mar_1:4; Luk_3:3, Luk_3:8). Jesus began His ministry by preaching repentance (Mat_4:17; Mar_1:15; Luk_5:32; Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5; Luk_15:7). The noun occurs six times in Acts (Act_5:31; Act_11:18; Act_13:24; Act_19:4; Act_20:21; Act_26:20), and metanoéō occurs five times in Acts (Act_2:38; Act_3:19; Act_8:22; Act_17:30; Act_26:20). This early Christian preaching involved the announcement of Jesus as the Messiah and the simple call for repentance. This is equally true of the sermons of the original apostles and of Paul. Paul tells the Athenians that God is summoning all to repentance, using the same phrase (Act_17:30) as he expresses his own action in Act_26:20 with the use of apaggéllō (G518), command. Essentially, this is identical with the preaching of John the Baptist (Act_13:24; Act_19:4 [cf. Mat_3:2]). However, John the Baptist spoke of Jesus as coming and of the kingdom of the Messiah as at hand, while the Apostles referred to Jesus as having already come.

How repentance is to be brought about is not stated. The imper. mood implies an act of human will possible for all to whom the call comes. On the other hand, the apostles speak of Jesus as having been exalted by God as Captain and Savior to give repentance unto Israel and remission of sins (Act_5:31); and the Christians in Jerusalem, hearing of the conversion of Cornelius, exclaim “Why, God has given repentance to the Gentiles!” (a.t. [Act_11:18]). Man could not be thought of as forced into repentance independently of his own will, although repentance is made possible only through a dispensation of God’s grace. 2Pe_3:9 states that the Lord wills (boúlomai [G1014], will, which is expressive of His desire) that all men should come to repentance.

As in the preaching of John the Baptist (Mat_3:8), repentance is expected to manifest itself in conduct (Act_26:20). From the references to repentance in Acts, it is demonstrated that repentance was an integral part of Paul’s preaching, yet references to repentance in the Pauline Epistles are rare. (The verb occurs only in 2Co_12:21 and the noun in Rom_2:4; 2Co_7:9-10; 2Ti_2:25). The kindness of God leading to repentance stated in Rom_2:4 provides a striking similarity to Eze_36:29 ff. In Eze_6:9, the impulse to repentance is attributed to a different cause. The forbearance and mildness of the servant of God may lead to God’s giving repentance to those who experience such treatment (2Ti_2:25). In each case, the simple concept of Act_5:31; Act_11:18 (that repentance is an attitude induced or made possible by God) is at once elaborated upon and modified. There is no explicit reference here to the work of Christ; but, as in Ezekiel, the experience of blessings felt to be unmerited or the surprise of unmerited forbearance from Christian people brings about a change of mind toward sin and God.

Is it possible for God to deny a man’s repentance? There are two statements in Hebrews which may falsely give that impression. The first is in Heb_6:4-6, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and who were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” The key for the understanding of this passage is the verb anakainízō (G340), to make new again, referring to the repentance experience. Here repentance is intimately related to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross once and for all (Heb_9:26, Heb_9:28). Peter states it very clearly in 1Pe_3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” The supposition in Heb_6:4-6 is that if an individual has repented and his repentance is based on the death of Christ, if that repentance fails in any way, then it must be concluded that it is Christ who failed. However He cannot suffer again; it is impossible that He be recrucified to provide a new kind of repentance that would be effective. Therefore, true repentance based on the once-and-for-all death of Christ on the cross must avail the sinner to the very end. The other passage is Heb_12:17, “For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he [Esau] was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” “Repentance” here is spoken of Esau’s changing his mind for what he had done in selling his birthright as the firstborn “for one morsel of meat.” Although he repented, it was impossible for him to recover the privilege of being the firstborn anymore. This proves that repentance does not necessarily guarantee the restoration of the loss caused by a wrong decision even as was the case with Lot who selfishly chose the green pastures of the plain of the Jordan in the area of Sodom (Gen_13:8-13; 2Pe_2:7). Repentance brings eternal salvation to us, but it does not necessarily bring deliverance from the consequences of our wrong choices whether as unbelievers or believers.

While in the Synoptic Gospels, repentance as a rule covers the whole process of turning from sin to God (as in Luk_24:47), it also includes faith which is a part of the process, the last step of it. This application is also used in the discourses of the early chapters of Acts. In these, the comprehensive condition of admission to the brotherhood of believers and of participation in the life of the Spirit is repentance (Act_2:38; Act_3:19; Act_5:31). Faith is not mentioned, though, in the nature of the case, it is included. In the Gospel of John, the reverse is the case. There faith is the condition of salvation (Joh_3:15-16, Joh_3:36), and while repentance is not specifically mentioned, it is included in the notion of faith. Faith is the trustful commitment of oneself to God for forgiveness of sins, deliverance from sin, and victory over sin; but it is impossible to commit oneself thus to God without renouncing and turning away from all that is contrary to God. This impossibility is expressed or implied in the discourses of the Gospel of John. They clearly set forth the moral conditionality of faith. A man cannot exercise faith whose heart is not right (Joh_5:44). Faith is the condition of entrance into the experience of salvation, the enjoyment of eternal life; but repentance is the psychological and moral condition of faith. As eternal life is unattainable without faith, faith is unattainable without repentance. If repentance means to change from the self-centered life to the God-centered life, then Jesus is the Author and Inspiration of repentance. No other was ever able to reach down deep enough into human nature to effect this change.

[ii] μετανοέω

metanoéō; contracted metanoṓ, fut. metanoḗsō, from metá (G3326), denoting change of place or condition, and noéō (G3539), to exercise the mind, think, comprehend. To repent, change the mind, relent. Theologically, it involves regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God. It is distinguished from metamélomai (G3338), to regret. Intrans.:

(I) Generally (Luk_17:3-4). After epí (G1909), upon, with the dat. (2Co_12:21).

(II) In a religious sense implying pious sorrow for unbelief and sin and a turning from them unto God and the gospel of Christ. Used in an absolute sense (Mat_3:2; Mat_4:17; Mat_11:20; Mar_1:15; Mar_6:12; Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5; Luk_15:7, Luk_15:10; Luk_16:30; Act_2:38; Act_3:19; Act_17:30; Act_26:20, meaning to repent and turn to God from idolatry; Rev_2:5, Rev_2:16,

PREFACE: Posted below are my notes for the Sunday morning sermon of November 27th, 2022. Due to a lightning strike, our audio and visual equipment has been out of commission for some time. Thus, I am unable to provide a link to the actual message. As usual, my notes do not always follow what was delivered. However, I provide these for your own study as a means to help you further your discipleship. These notes are unedited and are provided merely for guidance.

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Luke 1:46-55

INTRODUCTION:  Think of those moments when you were truly alive. Full of awe and wonder. You burst out in song. That is exactly what Mary does here.

Many of you know the operatic “Magnificat,” the song of Mary. Personally, I find it a dirge rather than a huge anthem. This song is a burst of praise. It is a soul being released from bonds to this world and being enraptured with the delight of God Himself.

THE SETTING: Mary sees Elizabeth, and within Elizabeth, John the Baptist leaps for joy.  Mary has found a friend who can relate, one who can share excitement over the redemptive work of God.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, (Luk 1:46)

SOUL=Psuche=part of life that is able to communicate with God.

Magnify/exult Found in several references in the Bible

• Magnify takes the focus off of self and puts it upon the object of worship
• It fails to look at distracting objects
• It is Focused. That is, it is learning what it can and receiving delight in what it pays attention to.
• Megalyno is closely related to the words for Majesty and greatness. (Height or growth)

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (Luk 1:47)

• Ecstatic leaping joy

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (Luk 1:48)

• Who am I to receive such a blessing. 
• Worship brings humility, and humility brings worship as we come to a right perspective of our relationship to the Almighty Holy God.

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.(Luk 1:49)

• Encounters with God will always come to grips with His holiness

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (Luk 1:50)

Mercy=compassion  His mercy is not wasted upon those who will not give it its proper place.

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; (Luk 1:51)

• Judgment is a reality that defends God’s name. 
• Proud in the thoughts of their hearts is akin to Satan and his rebellion

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; (Luk 1:52)

• Worldly successes are no guarantee of favor with God. Nor are they secure from judgment. Rather, the more you are given the more that will be required of you.

he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (Luk 1:53)

• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
• How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy (Luk 1:54)

• Honoring His reputation, He fulfills His promises by His power, despite our sinfulness.
• His birth would dawn the ultimate redemption

as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luk 1:55)

• Covenant, this all goes back to the covenant.

CONCLUSION: My goal is for us to gain and never lose the awe and wonder of God. Of Christ with us, of redemption, of forgiveness and thankfulness. You exist, you were created for the worship of God. Does your soul Magnify the Lord?

True worship of God worships Him for Him, not just the stuff He provides. We want the Bread of Life, not the bread He gives.

Luk 2:16-19  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  (17)  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  (18)  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  (19)  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Mary treasured the awe and wonder of God. She worshipped.  Worship is not just the expression of praise in song. It is a condition of the heart that fears and is in awesome wonder of God.

Today, our invitation is a little different. I simply want to pray for our church body……

Sunday, May 22 of, 2022, marks the darkest day of the Southern Baptist Convention in my recollection. I am ashamed of actions within my denomination, much akin to Isaiah when he cries out that he is undone in his sin and dwells among culpable people of unclean lips. This revealing report of blatant disregard and often intentional harm done to victims of sexual abuse is no better than the practices of the Pharisees themselves.

At present, my fearful thoughts center on these basic ten ponderings

1. Pray for pastors. Wow. We often tritely say to pray, but for those pastors who keep the faith, the ministry has just become all the more difficult.
2. Quit worshipping these guys. In 1 Corinthians, people tout Paul, Apollos, and others as their favorite preachers. Stop it! When we make them rock stars, we subject them to greater temptations and fall into a culture of theological idolatry. Yes, I love several men who rightly present truth; however, I am reminded that these are men and not Christ.
3. We all sin. Psalm 53:3 reminds us that we are all guilty. We all will one day stand before God. Let us not ridicule another. Let us be about our impalements. Further, just because someone has fallen in sin does not justify us thinking we were and are right.
4. Be redemptive where repentance has been made. We are commanded to restore the repentant. (Galatians 6:1). This restoration does not necessitate empowerment to return to sin.
5. Repentance involves several specifics. True repentance involves clear-cut confession, not general statements, a willingness to submit to authorities, a restoration of wrongs (Ephesians 4:28F), and thus giving evidence of heart change.
6. We Southern Baptists must care for victims. There are many possibilities here, not the least of which include assuring them that they are innocent and should not remain as forever identified by the sins against them.
7. Listen to these people. They are the weightier matters. Matthew 23:23
8. I believe God will hate our denomination if we turn a blind eye to the issue at hand. This includes our emphasis on the Great Commission. (Amos 5:21.) I say this in part as the report often shows how the Great Commission was an idolized scapegoat for our leaders.
9. Christ remains the main thing. For those churches who stay committed to the Bible, this will be where we begin, continue, and end. For too long, we have divided over secondary issues.
10. We, therefore, need true revival, not a show for recommitment, but a fundamental change of heart. It is my opinion that after reading much of the SATF report, this year’s convention must scrap all scheduled programs and see EC resignations, open confession and repentance by everyone, and a falling upon our faces in prayer. We do not need another sermon. Scripture as God has commanded must be obeyed. We need to seek God.

Further, if we are going to work in the public eye, we would do well to fight the injustices of sexual abuse in all areas, none-the-least of which include pornography and human trafficking.

I believe God is bringing judgment. We should all repent in sackcloth and ashes while we can.

The following review was shared with me concerning yet another helpful book from Bob Kellemen. I am not the author, however, I find it helpful enough that it needed to be shared. Wes

Author Interview Q & A with Bob Kellemen About Equipping Biblical Counselors

Book Details

Title: Equipping Biblical Counselors: A Guide to Discipling Believers for One-Another Ministry

Author: Bob Kellemen

Publisher: Harvest House (2022) (336 Pages)

Category: Biblical Counseling, Discipleship, Equipping, One-Another Ministry, Soul Care 

ISBN: 978-0736985673

Retail Price: $19.99

Releases: June 14, 2022 

Book Cover Images

Author Jpeg

Book Author Interview Q & A with Dr. Bob Kellemen

Author Interview Question: “Bob, what’s the big idea behind Equipping Biblical Counselors: A Guide to Discipling Believers for One-Another Ministry? What would you like readers to take away from the book?”

Bob Kellemen: “I had two assumptions as I wrote the book. First, pastors, counselors, educators, and church leaders are passionate about equipping God’s people for every-member ministry as biblical counselors and one-another ministers. Second, they are tired of seeing great effort expended on ‘programs’ that don’t launch, don’t last, or don’t result in leaving a legacy of loving leaders. So am I. That’s why in Equipping Biblical Counselors I offer a biblical, field-tested, best-practice approach to equipping God’s people for biblical counseling. As a result of reading the book, readers will be able to apply to their unique setting the ‘4E’ ministry training strategy of:

• Envisioning God’s ministry, 
• Enlisting God’s ministers for ministers
• Equipping godly ministers, and 
• Empowering godly ministers for ministry.”

Author Interview Question: “What motivated you to write Equipping Biblical Counselors?”

Bob Kellemen: “By God’s grace, I’ve had the joy of launching and leading biblical counseling equipping ministries in four very diverse churches. Then, for the past quarter century I’ve had the privilege of teaching pastors and counselors the ‘4E’ process as a professor at Capital Bible Seminary, Crossroads Bible College, and Faith Bible Seminary. Additionally, for the last two decades I’ve consulted with hundreds of churches about the launch process. In each situation, people kept saying:

‘Dr. Kellemen, you need to turn this material into a book. There’s nothing else out there like this that provides a practical map without becoming a one-size-fits-all strait-jacket.’ 

So, it was really pastors, church leaders, biblical counselors, and students who motivated me to write Equipping Biblical Counselors.”

Author Interview Question: “Is the book only for equipping ‘biblical counselors,’ or is there a larger, broader focus? Who should read Equipping Biblical Counselors?”

Bob Kellemen: “In my churches, classes, and consulting, I’ve had students and church leaders use these ‘4E’ principles to plant churches, to launch small group ministries, to start women’s ministries, to begin para-church organizations, and more. The comprehensive, field-tested, best practice principles fit for anyone who wants to move from any ministry launch to ongoing ministry leadership. While the focus is on ‘biblical counseling,’ the broader emphasis is on equipping for one-another ministry so that every member is not only a minister, but a disciple-maker. Anyone interested in applying the 2 Timothy 2:2 process in their ministry would be the right ‘audience’ for the book.”

Author Interview Question: “You note that in one sense you did not write this book alone, but with twenty-four best practice church partners. Tell us about how these two dozen leading churches impacted the book.”

Bob Kellemen: “I’m convinced that no one person can possibly outline a comprehensive approach to church equipping. So, I enlisted twenty-four church ministry leaders to share their insights—in a multitude of counselors there is great wisdom. Among these two dozen churches are ‘mega-churches’ and ‘average size churches,’ and ‘small churches.’ There are churches that are predominantly Caucasian, African American, Asian American, and multi-cultural churches. I included urban, suburban, and rural churches. In every chapter I weave in their diverse insights that provide readers with a robust, relational GPS. In this way each church can apply the ‘4E’ principles in a way that uniquely fits their specific calling in their particular congregation and community.”

Author Interview Question: “You’re not writing out of academic theory, but out of real-life pastoral experience. How has your experience equipping believers in three churches impacted your writing of the book?”

Bob Kellemen: “Mainly I’m seeking to help readers not to make the same mistakes I made! For example, my first church was a ‘mega-church’ of over 3,000 in an urban setting with a long history of extensive equipping ministries. My second church was a smaller rural church with little history of equipping the laity. Initially I made the huge rookie mistake of trying to plop down the ‘mega-church’ model on my second church. I quickly had to backpedal. That’s why in the book I teach ‘relational change management and biblical conflict resolution.’ Big picture—this is not a pie-in-the-sky book. I know personally the struggles and joys, the downs and ups of launching and leading equipping ministries—in four very different churches. I’m trying to share that ‘wisdom’ with my readers.”

Author Interview Question: “You already briefly mentioned the “4Es.” Big picture: what are these ‘4Es’ and could you summarize what happens if any one of them is neglected?”

Bob Kellemen: “God ‘wired’ my brain with a focus on being comprehensive and ‘both/and.’ I’ve found how important this is when launching and leading biblical counseling and soul care ministries. In fact, in my consulting, I’m often asked to help churches to re-launch their ministries because something just didn’t ‘take.’ Once we start interacting, inevitably we discover that at least one of the 4Es was missing or minimized. Those 4Es are: 

1. Envisioning God’s Ministry: Jointly creating mission, vision, passion, and commission (MVP-C) statements that nourish the compassion, conviction, and connection needed to launch flourishing biblical counseling ministries.” 
2. Enlisting God’s Ministers for Ministry: Mobilizing ministers by nurturing a family and building a team prepared for change, skilled in conflict resolution, and connected to the MVP-C Statement. 
3. Equipping Godly Ministers for Ministry: Applying transformational transformational training strategies that comprehensively address the “4Cs” of biblical content, Christ-like character, counseling competence, and Christian community. 
4. Empowering Godly Ministers for Ministry: Overseeing the ongoing ‘organizing of the organism’ by leading ministries that are built to last, that grow from good to great, and that leave a legacy of loving leaders.”

Author Interview Question: “Equipping Biblical Counselors has a built-in discussion-application guide. How do you envision churches, para-church groups, Bible colleges, and seminaries using the book?”

Bob Kellemen: “I like to say, ‘This is not your father’s equipping manual!’ Past approaches tend to be too academic (not written from the ‘trenches’ of real-life ministry), too uniformed (not written with the realization that every church and community is unique), and too ‘secular’ (not written from a biblical theology of equipping). Thus, I envision churches using Equipping Biblical Counselors as a workbook that a ministry leadership team walks through together. Launching and leading ministries is a relational process that God’s people share in a collegial way. The discussion-application guide helps ministry teams to interact in relational, practical ways so that they experience one-another community as they launch a one-another ministry.”

Author Interview Question: “Equipping Biblical Counselors has an extensive ‘Online Appendix’ with dozens of practical, user-friendly resources. Introduce our listeners to some of those resources.”

Bob Kellemen: “People who have reviewed and recommended the book have made the proverbial comment more than once, ‘The Online Appendix is worth the price of the book!’ It is extensive: over 125 pages! It is practical: sample Mission-Vision-Passion-Commission Statements, sample Congregational Analysis Forms, sample Informed Consent Forms, sample Confidentiality Statements, sample Church Discipline Statements, and much more. While I’m convinced that every church must apply biblical equipping principles to their unique setting, 

I’m also convinced that there’s no reason to ‘reinvent the wheel.’ The extensive Online Appendix provides ministry leaders with the head start that I wish I had in my four church equipping ministries.” While leaders don’t need to reinvent the wheel, it also is very helpful to be able to ‘tweak the wheel.” So, I provide all sixteen Appendix documents online as Word documents so that anyone can easily take my materials and make them fit their own ministry situation. Anyone can enjoy free access to download all sixteen Online Appendix documents here: Equipping Biblical Counselors: Appendices and Resources.”

Author Interview Question: “How can people learn more about Equipping Biblical Counselors?”

Bob Kellemen: “People have several convenient options:

• They can visit Harvest House Publishers. 
• They can order the book at all the typical online sites such as Amazon and CBD. 
• They can learn more about Equipping Biblical Counselors at my RPM Ministries site. 
• They can download all sixteen Online Appendix documents here: Equipping Biblical Counselors: Appendices and Resources.”

Welcome to my blog. In some instances, I am asked for notes on the sermons that I preach. Due to time constraints, I do not always have the time to create a manuscript or even detailed notes. But I share with you today my outline notes for your benefit.

These particulate notes were used to preach on two Sundays, April 3 and 10, 2022 at Poplar Springs North Baptist Church. It is my hope that the use of these materials will help you grow in sanctification and discipleship.

INTRODUCTION

Example of reading How to Read a Book, by Mortimer Adler.  Listening to a sermon is different than entertainment, opinion, or a speech. It is a form of devoted discipleship with an openness to correction from and adulation unto God.  A sermon is not seeker-sensitive, for it is more “Thus Sayeth the Lord” than a roadmap to some form of happiness or self-justification. (VERY MUCH of what is accepted as a Sunday Sermon is more psychology and self-help motivation) Sermons are to glorify God. We are to be awed by them. A sermon preached unto no matter how small a congregation, has eternal significance for every soul.

OUR TEXT

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive and were not a little comforted. (Act 20:7-12)

• Why did Eutychus die? Who’s at fault? 
• Others did not fall asleep.
• What holds our interest?
• How should we prepare to hear the Word of God?

PREPARED HEARTS (The Seed and the Sower)

And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The Sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”(Mar 4:13-20)

• Your heart is the soil. How will you be prepared? Will you be a hard path, not even giving a chance to receive the word?
• Will you be rocky ground, hearing emotionally and yet without rooted application and true treasuring? Are you quick to forget His truth by looking at problems and life as greater than God Almighty?
• Will your heart be full of thorns that choke out the word? Will you idolize earthly treasures above the call to gladly sacrifice unto God to get God? Is your heart about prosperity and comfort in the short term or is it filled with love and compassion that you live a life that others may know Christ?
• Or a great soil, plowed, ready to receive and fortify, accepting God’s promises by faith? You can’t pick and choose, but by the very definition of faith, you abandon all to follow Christ, even taking up your cross daily to gain Him.

YOU HAVE A DUTY TO EXAMINE THE SERMON AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD.

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. (Act 17:10-14)

• Honorable Jews.
• Received the word with Eagerness.
• Examined daily the Scriptures.
• Examined the words of Paul against the Bible they had.
• Greeks and Jews, women and men altogether to learn.
• You must know the Word of God to be able to examine a sermon.

FAITH IS CRUCIAL TO HEARING THE WORD/ YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1Co 2:12-14)

• If you quench the Holy Spirit you will suffer greatly when the Word is preached.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Rom 10:14-17)

• Faith is a result of being in the word.
• We abide through the word.

But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”(Joh 6:64-69)

• Some will hear and not believe.
• Seek the Father to grant belief. (I believe, help my unbelief)
• See Christ as the only source of satisfaction.
• Crave eternal life.
• Listen to grow your faith.
• See Christ and Holy.

CONCLUSION

Know that there is a command for the word to be preached

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2Ti 4:1-4)

APPLICATION

Preaching guards your soul.

• Never miss it. Your pastor is given to you by God for the purposes He has for your life.
• Pray for the one who preaches
• Pray using the sermons you hear to have your life changed and reproved, rebuked and exhorted, and be wary of accumulating preachers who make you feel self-assured.
• Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (Jas 1:21-22)

Below you will find the rough draft outline for the sermon delivered at PSNBC.ORG on Sunday May 23. Please forgive any typos or misspellings.

Relationships: Marriage a Gospel Witness

INTRO: Our engagement, obedience first love secondary.

Eph 5:22-33  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  (23)  For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.  (24)  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.  (25)  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,  (26)  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,  (27)  so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.  (28)  In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  (29)  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,  (30)  because we are members of his body.  (31)  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  (32)  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.  (33)  However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Biblical marriage does not look like the world.

Modern takes on marriage, though good in their books, methods an procedures, often muddy the water. Marriage is not about us. It is about the glory of God.

Is summary, this passage in Ephesians carries the meaning that God created marriage to demonstrate His glory. In all of creation, marriage was to exalt Him.

OUR TEXT

Eph 5:22-33  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  (23)  For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.  (24)  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 

• Abuse note about misinterpreting this scripture/What to do.
• Wives are not inferior, but God has created each person for the duty of glorifying God. The role of the wife as such is that she is the nurturer of the home. She literally sets the tone of the upbringing of the children. She is an example to family and those around her of what it is like for a person to be reconciled with God.
• God simply teaches us that He has a purposeful order.

(25)  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,  (26)  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,  (27)  so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 

• Husbands have a directive to lead their wives in sanctification. This is the continual refinement of Holiness. It cannot be done by any other method than by love, a sacrificial love.
• Both husband and wife are called to sacrifice in ways that clearly benefit the other They also play to one another’s strengths.

(28)  In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  (29)  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,  (30)  because we are members of his body.

• Love, over and again is the command of God to the husband.

 (31)  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  (32)  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.  (33)  However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

• Thus, the marriage is a picture of our relationship to Christ and the work of love for holiness. Marriages in Christianity are to be a teaching tool and an example that gives God the glory in a confused and bewildered world.

Nor does it take its clues from the world. Worldly marriage is often self-centered driven. “What’s in it for me?”

A secular marriage can be fantastic, it can be long lasting and filled with love. Ut as Christians, our calling is to have a marriage that honors God that is quite evident to the church, our children, and the lost.

WHAT DOES BIBLICAL MARRIAGE LOOK LIKE?

Biblical marriage is a lot like a tandem bicycle. 1 drives the other supports.

Without the encouragement of support =drudgery

Without a clear leader= ambling without purpose

Biblical marriage is quite different from the Greco-Roman or even Jewish marriages that existed at the time that these Scriptures were written. Because of the culture, both Jewish and Gecko-Roman, the idea of submission was involved.

The only time submitting is a problem is when you do not want to submit.

This is so because of 1, your heart position 2 poor leadership that you cannot respect.

To lead in biblical marriage is to be a leader who leads with love and not threats or conditions.

Biblical marriage is a heart issue that seeks to glorify God together.

Christian Gospel Centered marriage therefore demonstrates how God makes a difference.

• In trials, growth, and submitting to Jesus
• In honesty and forgiveness
• In Fidelity
• In Worship
• In cleaving together
• In raising Children
• Endurance and perseverance
• In aging and the chapters of life
• The list goes on.

As Christ loves the church, so should the husband love the wife. This is imperative, non-negotiable.

GOD’S PLAN

Gen 2:24  Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

It is a joy despite circumstances. As a matter of fact, the cleaving of a marriage often occurs as the couple seek God together through the hard trials of life, rather than placing blame or working in selfishness.

The union between man and wife is to grow and return to a condition of being unashamed

Gen 2:25  R1And the manH120 and his wifeH802 were bothH8147 nakedH6174 and were not ashamedH954.

bôš: A verb meaning to be ashamed, to act shamefully, or to put to shame. It is both an external and a subjective experience, ranging from disgrace (Hos_10:6) to guilt (Ezr_9:6). In Gen_2:25, shame is related to the sexual nature of humans. Moreover, to act shamefully is equivalent to acting unwisely (Pro_10:5; Pro_14:35). To be ashamed is to experience distress, as farmers with no harvest (Jer_14:4; Joe_1:11), but the blessing of God means that one will never be put to shame (Psa_25:20; Joe_2:26-27).

Gen 2:23  Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

It finds joy in pleasing the other as a means of honoring God.

The motive of biblical marriage is to honor God.

• The Husband loves His wife
• How the wife submits and respects her husband.

Purposes of a Biblical Marriage

• To complete each other
• To raise godly children
• To honor and glorify God

CONCLUSION

God calls us to be holy and no other relationship (except with Jesus) will be used more for our sanctification.

To neglect your marriage is to shun Christ’s work, His best for you.

Marriage like salvation and church membership is a covenant.

Your committal to God is greater than to your spouse, but God works through your spouse.

Marriage is a witness to the world of

• Love
• Forgiveness
• Mercy and grace
• Submission and sacrifice

Marriage is a gospel witness.

Below you will find the rough draft notes for the sermon preached today at PSNBC.ORG. I post these as a study guide for those who participate in the sermon. Please enjoy and grow.

Melchizedek priesthood is greater than that of Aaron.

The law covenant was given to Moses. This was to abate the wrath of God. (We talked of Hell last week)

The New Covenant in Christ’s blood falls under that of Melchizedek who is a King of righteousness and of Salem (Peace) (Jeru=salem)

Thus Christ is the one by which we are saved from the wrath of God.

Christ alone (Solus Christus)

Not Jesus and__________________

• Works
• Good works
• Baptism
• Sacraments
• Second Baptism
• A translation
• Mary
• Penance
• Purgatory
• Thoughts or intentions

Salvation is in Christ Alone!

It is also not Jesus and “now move onto other things.”

It is Christ and abiding at His feet.

Union with Christ is the only way of salvation.

Act 4:12  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 

Joh 15:4-6  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  (5)  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  (6)  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Php 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Hebrews 7 is thus pointing out the sufficiency of Christ for saving the people of God.

Jesus Christ is thus three things to us, Prophet, Priest, and King.

“Christ and Christ alone, is fitted to be mediator between God and man.” 1689 London Baptist Confession

Jesus Christ as Prophet

The prophet whom we need to instruct us in the things of God so as to heal our blindness and ignorance.

Deu 18:15  “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—

Mat 17:5  He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Jesus reveals to us God Himself.

Rom 16:25-27  Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages  (26)  but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—  (27)  to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Jesus Christ as Priest

“Because of our estrangement from God and the imperfection of our services at best, we need His priestly office to reconcile us to God and render us acceptable to Him.” 1689 London Baptist Confession

Salvation is in Jesus only as there are two conditions that must be met, and can only be me t in Him.

1. To satisfy the justice of God through obedience to the law.
2. To pay the price of sins.

Rom 5:19  For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Rom 5:10-11  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  (11)  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Jesus remains our High Priest and Intercessor forever.

Rom 8:34  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Jesus Christ as King

Jesus reigns through the Holy Spirit taking care of the judicial matters of atonement. He convicts of sin and righteousness and imparts faith to those whom would believe.

Act 2:30-36  Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,  (31)  he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.  (32)  This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.  (33)  Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.  (34)  For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand,  (35)  until I make your enemies your footstool.”’  (36)  Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

CONCLUSION

“ Shall we say that we have done our duty to God? Shall we say that we have done our duty to our neighbor? Shall we bring forward our prayers? Our regularity? Our morality? Our amendments? Our church going? Shall we ask to be accepted by any of these?” J C Ryle

Mat 7:21-23  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  (22)  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  (23)  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

The will is that

• Hab_2:4  “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
• Rom_1:17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
• Gal_2:20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
• Gal_3:11  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
• Gal_3:12  But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
• Heb_10:38  but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
• Heb_11:9  By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

“Through Him alone we can have peace with a Holy God. By Him alone we can have admission in the presence of the Most High, and stand there without fear. We have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. In Him alone we can be just, and justify the ungodly.” J C Ryle