23-0514p - Detailed Summary

Jim expressed appreciation for how the Holy Spirit works, noting that when he asked Tom what scripture to read, Tom selected a passage perfectly aligned with the sermon topic. He reflected on his childhood, which had little parental supervision, describing himself as a child constantly on the run and spending little time at home. Some of his best memories involved activities with an element of risk, such as exploring woods, daring to peer into an abandoned "spook house" in Columbia Station, or picking wild strawberries in an angry farmer’s field despite rumors of the farmer using rock salt in a shotgun.

Jim shared a vivid memory from the Serena family’s yard, which was filled with crabapple trees and ongoing projects that created trenches and dirt mounds perfect for play. Bobby Serena’s older brother Doug invited the younger boys, including six-year-old Jim and neighbor Mike, to a crabapple fight against the teenagers. Rules were simple: do not cross the middle line, and surrender only by running out of ammo or being called for dinner. The battle was chaotic and thrilling, with crabapples whistling past and occasional direct hits.

When the younger boys ran out of ammo, Jim made a dirt clay ball and threw it, accidentally hitting a teenager in the forehead. The teen chased him angrily. Jim ran screaming to his father, who was napping in the driveway on a chaise lounge, dove onto him for protection, and clung tightly. His father intervened, becoming a hero in that moment. Normally Jim ran from his father due to discipline for being a wild, rule-breaking child, but this experience brought newfound love and respect.

Jim explained that while we verbally tell parents we love them—especially honoring mothers on special days—the best way to show love is by doing what they say. As a parent, seeing children obey willingly brings great joy. This principle extends to our Heavenly Father, who teaches right from wrong and provides peace, safety, shelter, and food. From the beginning in the Garden, God gave Adam one rule, which was broken, leading to discipline. Jim referenced John 14:21, where Jesus states that whoever has His commands and obeys them loves Him, and will be loved by the Father, with Jesus showing Himself to them. Obedience demonstrates love for God more than words alone.

Actions speak louder than words, similar to how faith without works is dead. To please God, we must know His will, rules, and what pleases or displeases Him, requiring self-discipline and restraint. The Bible is the fully revealed will of God, reliable, relevant, and inspired. Jim quoted Acts 20:24-27, where Paul, parting from the Ephesian elders, declared his commitment to finishing the race by testifying to the gospel of God’s grace, preaching the kingdom, and proclaiming the whole will of God. These terms are synonymous with the gospel, showing Paul’s focus on presenting Jesus' teachings.

Jim referenced the law of the excluded middle from logic, discussed in a recent class: something is either what it claims to be or it is not, with no middle ground. He illustrated this with a current cultural example of a man claiming to be a woman, which defies observable reality and logic. The Bible claims to be God’s Word, not man’s. He cited 2 Timothy 3:16-17, stating all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. From 2 Peter 1:20-21, no prophecy originated from man’s will but men spoke from God as carried along by the Holy Spirit. The prophets were guided like taking dictation, making the Bible fully God’s Word, a standard and moral compass to measure ourselves against.

Following our own reasoning without a moral compass leads to chaos, as seen in the world today. The Bible is plenary-inspired, totally from God’s mind. We must have faith in its reliability to know and do God’s will. Paul in Romans 15:4 encourages studying the Old Testament for endurance, encouragement, and hope. To Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul urged presenting oneself as an approved workman who correctly handles the Word of Truth, which can be handled rightly or wrongly. In 1 Timothy 4:16, he advised watching life and doctrine closely, persevering to save oneself and hearers. Study involves familiarity, chewing on the Word, understanding, prayer, perseverance, and practice. Personal and group Bible study benefits from teachers' efforts, guarding against error while seeking truth and accuracy.

Jim quoted Galatians 1:6-9, where Paul expressed astonishment at deserting grace for a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. Even if an angel or anyone preaches another gospel, they are to be eternally condemned. An incomplete gospel, such as one claiming salvation comes merely from saying a sinner’s prayer, is dangerous. True love for self and others motivates accurate teaching of God’s Word to avoid leading anyone to condemnation. As citizens in Christ’s kingdom and a royal priesthood, we are to carry out His commands, motivated by love. The greatest commands are to love God fully and love neighbor as self. In John 13:34-35, Jesus gave a new command to love one another as He loved, identifying His disciples. This is agape love—patient, kind, not envious, rude, or proud—as described in 1 Corinthians 13, distinct from eros or philadelphia love.

Paul in Romans 13:8-10 sums up the commandments by stating that loving one another fulfills the law, as commands against adultery, murder, stealing, false witness, and coveting are covered by loving neighbor as self. Love does no harm and is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus told believing Jews in John 8:31-32 that holding to His teachings makes one a true disciple, leading to knowing the truth that sets free—free from sin, the old law, and the law of sin and death. The crux of God’s law for New Testament Christians is loving God, the family of God, and neighbors. Combined with proper study and teaching, this ensures we proclaim the same gospel as Paul. God, as a good Father, gives rules to make us good, transforming us into Christ’s loving image through the Spirit’s fruits. Jim offered the invitation for anyone needing prayers or to make known a need, as the congregation sang the invitation song.