Sermon Notes

MArch 26th

Foundations for Living - A Study of 2 Timothy

Being an unchanging Christian in a changing world.


Your Christian Heritage

2 Timothy 1:1-7


Thank God for those who poured into you. (v 3) 

Legacy-What I leave behind.

Heritage-Received from those who came before us.


To Leave a Good Heritage:

  1. Pray (v 3) The most effective thing we can do. Who have I/can I pour into?Who needs the investment from me?
  2. Be involved (v 4) It requires an investment of my time! 
  3. Display your faith openly. (v 4)
  4. Never stop growing (v 6) We have not arrived; we don't know everything. Recognition is not enough.  We need to continue to seek God, be in the Bible daily, be in a small group and be a part of a local congregation.
  5. Be courageous & loving (v 7)

March 19th

Foundations for Living - A Study of 1 Timothy

Being an unchanging Christian in a changing world.


Final Instructions

1 Timothy 6:11-21


  • Flee from materialism. (v 11)
  • Pursue Christlikeness. (v 11)
  • Fight the good fight. (v 12)
  • Take hold of eternal life. (v 12)
  • Keep the commandments wnstained and free from reproach. (v 13-16)
  • Charge the rich of the world to store up treasure in the next world. (v 17-19)
  • Guard the gospel by avoiding the babble of false knowledge, thereby swerving from the faith. (v 20-21)

March 12TH

Foundations for Living - A Study of 1 Timothy

Being an unchanging Christian in a changing world.


Receiving a Great Reward

1 Timothy 6:1-10


Who will receive a great reward?

  1. The 1st ones are those who suffer as a servant. (v 1-2) Bondservant not a slave - working for a price to pay off a debt.  We are supposed to have respect for bosses whether or not they have earned it.
  2. The 2nd ones are those who are teachers of truth. (v 3-5) We are all teachers.  We just may not know who our students are.  We have to know (be learning) the truth - God's Word.
  3. The 3rd ones are those who grow in godliness. (v 6a) Godliness is the character, nature and attitude of God (Loving, forgiving, kind, just, an advote) - not being sin-free.  We will start looking less like us and more like Him.
  4. The 4th ones are those who crave contentment. (v 6b-8) Being satisfied wth what we have. In this materialistic world, we should want to pursue more and more of God. The target of our ambition needs to change: know more of God's Word, follow God's will, reach others for Christ.
  5. The 5th one are those who test their treasures (v 9-10)  The test will change from one person to person.  Are you willing to give up "____" to follow Him?

Depression Series Notes

October 30th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

November 6th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.      (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the #1 problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

November 13th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression -    2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening - Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22