Are We Living in the Last Days? -- Dr. Ken Moore

Matthew 7:24-29

New English Translation

Hearing and Doing

24 “Everyone[a] who hears these words of mine and does them is like[b] a wise man[c] who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the flood[d] came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!”[e]

28 When[f] Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed by his teaching, 29 because he taught them like one who had authority,[g] not like their experts in the law.[h]

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 7:24 tn Grk “Therefore everyone.” Here οὖν (oun) has not been translated.

  2. Matthew 7:24 tn Grk “will be like.” The same phrase occurs in v. 26.

  3. Matthew 7:24 tn Here and in v. 26 the Greek text reads ἀνήρ (anēr), while the parallel account in Luke 6:47-49 uses ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) in vv. 48 and 49.

  4. Matthew 7:25 tn Grk “the rivers.”

  5. Matthew 7:27 tn Grk “and great was its fall.”

  6. Matthew 7:28 tn Grk “And it happened when.” The introductory phrase καὶ ἐγένετο (kai egeneto, “it happened that”) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.

  7. Matthew 7:29 sn Jesus’ teaching impressed the hearers with the directness of its claim; he taught with authority. A study of Jewish rabbinic interpretation shows that it was typical to cite a list of authorities to make one’s point. Jesus addressed the issues directly, in terms of his own understanding, without citing other teachers.

  8. Matthew 7:29 tn Or “their scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

God’s Recipe for Revival* -- Dr. Ken Moore

Matthew 7:1-5

New English Translation

Do Not Judge

7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.[a] 2 For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.[b] 3 Why[c] do you see the speck[d] in your brother’s eye, but fail to see[e] the beam of wood[f] in your own? 4 Or how can you say[g] to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while there is a beam in your own? 5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 7:1 sn The point of the statement do not judge so that you will not be judged is that the standards we apply to others God applies to us. The passive verb will not be judged has God is the unstated performer of the action. Such usage is generally thought to have arisen within Judaism out of the tendency to minimize the mention of God’s name out of reverence for God, and carried over into early Christian tradition, although in this particular verse the agent may be left unstated more for rhetorical effect. See also ExSyn 437-38.

  2. Matthew 7:2 tn Grk “by the measure with which you measure it will be measured to you.”

  3. Matthew 7:3 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

  4. Matthew 7:3 sn The term translated speck (KJV, ASV “mote”; NAB “splinter”) refers to a small piece of wood, chaff, or straw; see L&N 3.66.

  5. Matthew 7:3 tn Or “do not notice.”

  6. Matthew 7:3 sn The term beam of wood refers to a very big piece of wood, the main beam of a building, in contrast to the speck in the other’s eye (L&N 7.78).

  7. Matthew 7:4 tn Grk “how will you say?”

God’s Recipe for Revival -- Dr. Ken Moore

Psalm 51:1-10

Lexham English Bible

A Prayer of Repentance and Plea for Mercy

For the music director. A psalm of David.

When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.[a]

51 Be gracious to me, O God, according to your loyal love.
According to your abundant mercies,
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and from my sin cleanse me.
3 For I myself know[b] my transgressions,[c]
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, only you, I have sinned
and have done this evil[d] in your eyes,
so that you are correct when you speak,
you are blameless when you judge.
5 Behold, in iniquity I was born,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden parts you make me to know wisdom.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and all my iniquities blot out.
10 Create a clean heart for me, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.[e]

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 51:1 The Hebrew Bible counts the superscription as the first two verses of the psalm; the English verse number is reduced by two

  2. Psalm 51:3 Literally “I, I know”

  3. Psalm 51:3 Or “rebellions”

  4. Psalm 51:4 Hebrew “the evil”

  5. Psalm 51:10 Literally “in my inner parts”

Holy Communion - Feb. 2022

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

New English Translation

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread, 24 and after he had given thanks he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, every time you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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5th Sunday - Jan. 2022

Psalm 92:1-4

New English Translation

Psalm 92[a]

A psalm; a song for the Sabbath day.

92 It is fitting[b] to thank the Lord,
and to sing praises to your name, O Most High.[c]
2 It is fitting[d] to proclaim your loyal love in the morning,
and your faithfulness during the night,
3 to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument and a lyre,
to the accompaniment of the meditative tone of the harp.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me happy by your work.
I will sing for joy because of what you have done.[e]

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 92:1 sn Psalm 92. The psalmist praises God because he defeats the wicked and vindicates his loyal followers.

  2. Psalm 92:1 tn Or “good.”

  3. Psalm 92:1 sn The divine title “Most High” (עֶלְיוֹן ʿelyon) pictures God as the exalted ruler of the universe who vindicates the innocent and judges the wicked. See especially Pss 7:17; 9:2; 18:13; 21:7; 47:2.

  4. Psalm 92:2 tn The words “it is fitting” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons. Verses 1-3 are actually one long sentence in the Hebrew text, but this has been divided up into two shorter sentences in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.

  5. Psalm 92:4 tn Heb “the works of your hands.”

Three Types of Churches -- Dr. Ken Moore

Hebrews 11:6-10

New English Translation

6 Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard[a] constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, and he went out without understanding where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner[b] in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs[c] of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with firm foundations,[d] whose architect and builder is God.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 11:7 tn Cf. BDAG 407 s.v. εὐλαβέομαι 2, “out of reverent regard (for God’s command).”

  2. Hebrews 11:9 tn Or “settled as a resident alien.”

  3. Hebrews 11:9 tn Or “heirs with him.”

  4. Hebrews 11:10 tn Grk “that has foundations.”

How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life! -- Dr. Ken Moore

Isaiah 40:28-31

New English Translation

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is an eternal God,
the Creator of the whole earth.[a]
He does not get tired or weary;
there is no limit to his wisdom.[b]
29 He gives strength to those who are tired;
to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.
30 Even youths get tired and weary;
even strong young men clumsily stumble.[c]
31 But those who wait for the Lord’s help[d] find renewed strength;
they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings,[e]
they run without growing weary,
they walk without getting tired.

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 40:28 tn Heb “the ends of the earth,” but this is a merism, where the earth’s extremities stand for its entirety, i.e., the extremities and everything in between them.

  2. Isaiah 40:28 sn Exiled Israel’s complaint (v. 27) implies that God might be limited in some way. Perhaps he, like so many of the pagan gods, has died. Or perhaps his jurisdiction is limited to Judah and does not include Babylon. Maybe he is unable to devise an adequate plan to rescue his people, or is unable to execute it. But v. 28 affirms that he is not limited temporally or spatially nor are his power and wisdom restricted in any way. He can and will deliver his people, if they respond in hopeful faith (v. 31a).

  3. Isaiah 40:30 tn Heb “stumbling they stumble.” The verbal idea is emphasized by the infinitive absolute.

  4. Isaiah 40:31 tn The word “help” in the phrase “for the Lord’s help” is supplied in the translation for clarification, as is the possessive on “Lord.”

  5. Isaiah 40:31 tn Heb “they rise up [on] wings like eagles” (TEV similar).

DEDICATION OF MEMORIALS TO BILL HUST

DEDICATION OF MEMORIALS TO BILL HUST. This morning we will dedicate new communion linens and paraments for the altar table in memory of our beloved friend and pastor emeritus Bill Hust. Bill regarded the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as one of his most cherished and sacred duties as a pastor and he joyfully and faithfully assisted in its serving here at Morgan’s Chapel as long as he was physically able. These gifts were chosen by Judy and purchased with donations given in Bill’s memory by the many who loved him and wished to honor his ministry, his lifelong service to God, and his loving friendship. We are blessed to have several members of the Hust family here with Judy to present these memorials.

The Greatest Gift -- Dr. Ken Moore

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:35-40‬ ‭RSV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/2020/mat.22.35-40.RSV

Holy Communion -- Dr. Ken Moore

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral


This is a methodology for theological reflection that is credited to John Wesley. The term itself was coined by 20th century American Methodist scholar Albert C. Outler. This method involved scripture, tradition, experience, and reason as four different sources of theological or doctrinal development. The theological teaching of each parts are stated as follows:


Scripture


Wesley insisted that scripture is the first authority and contains the only measure whereby all other truth is tested. It was delivered by authors who were divinely inspired. It is a rule sufficient of itself. It neither needs, nor is capable of, any further addition. The scripture references to justification by faith as the gateway to scriptural holiness are well known to true Wesleyans:

Romans 2:13 - For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.


Tradition


Wesley wrote that it is generally supposed that traditional evidence is weakened by length of time, as it must necessarily pass through so many hands in a continued succession of ages. Although other evidence is perhaps stronger, he insisted: "Do not undervalue traditional evidence. Let it have its place and its due honor. It is highly serviceable in its kind, and in its degree". The Apostle Paul spoke of the importance of tradition, but with proper understanding: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.Wesley states that those of strong and clear understanding should be aware of its full force. For him it supplies a link through 1,700 years of history with Jesus and the apostles. The witness to justification and sanctification is an unbroken chain drawing us into fellowship with those who have finished the race, fought the fight, and who now reign with God in his glory and might. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2


Reason


Although scripture is sufficient unto itself and is the foundation of true religion. Wesley wrote: "Now, of what excellent use is reason, if we would either understand ourselves, or explain to others, those living oracles." He states quite clearly that without reason we cannot understand the essential truths of Scripture. Reason, however, is not a mere human invention. It must be assisted by the Holy Spirit if we are to understand the mysteries of God. With regard to justification by faith and sanctification Wesley said that although reason cannot produce faith, when impartial reason speaks we can understand the new birth, inward holiness, and outward holiness. Although reason cannot produce faith, it can shorten the leap.


Experience


Apart from scripture, experience is the strongest proof of Christianity. "What the scriptures promise, I enjoy". Again, Wesley insisted that we cannot have reasonable assurance of something unless we have experienced it personally. John Wesley was assured of both justification and sanctification because he had experienced them in his own life. What Christianity promised (considered as a doctrine) was accomplished in his soul. Furthermore, Christianity (considered as an inward principle) is the completion of all those promises. Although traditional proof is complex, experience is simple: "One thing I know; I was blind, but now I see." Although tradition establishes the evidence a long way off, experience makes it present to all persons. As for the proof of justification and sanctification Wesley states that Christianity is an experience of holiness and happiness, the image of God impressed on a created spirit, a fountain of peace and love springing up into everlasting life.

Purge me from every sinful blot; My idols all be cast aside: Cleanse me from every evil thought, From all the filth of self and pride.

The hatred of the carnal mind Out of my flesh at once remove: Give me a tender heart, resigned, And pure, and full of faith and love.

John Wesley

New Beginnings -- Dr. Ken Moore

Psalm 119:59

English Standard Version

59 When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;

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Psalm 119:59 in all English translations

I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God's creational intentions.

John Wesley

He Is Our Joy! -- Dr. Ken Moore

1 John 1:4

Revised Standard Version

4 And we are writing this that our[a] joy may be complete.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 1:4 Other ancient authorities read your

1 John 1:4 in all English translations

Isaiah 9:6

Revised Standard Version

6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
    and his name will be called
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

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Isaiah 9:6 in all English translations

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Singing is as much the language of holy joy as praying is of holy desire.

John Wesley

He is our peace -- Dr. Ken Moore

Isaiah 9:6

Revised Standard Version

6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
    and his name will be called
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

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Isaiah 9:6 in all English translations

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“It is good to renew ourselves, from time to time, by closely examining the state of our souls, as if we had never done it before; for nothing tends more to the full assurance of faith, than to keep ourselves by this means in humility, and the exercise of all good works.” ― John Wesley

He Is Our Hope! -- Dr. Ken Moore

Isaiah 9:6-7

Revised Standard Version

6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
    and his name will be called
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,
    to establish it, and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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Attitudes of Gratitude -- Dr. Ken Moore

Psalm 100

Revised Standard Version

All Lands Summoned to Praise God

A Psalm for the thank offering.

100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands![a]
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord is God!
    It is he that made us, and we are his;[b]
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him, bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures for ever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 100:1 Heb land or earth

  2. Psalm 100:3 Another reading is and not we ourselves

John Wesley

I have seen (as far as it can be seen) many persons changed in a moment from the spirit of horror, fear, and despair to the spirit of hope, joy, peace; and from sinful desires, till then reigning over them, to a pure desire of doing the will of God.

I have seen (as far as it can be seen) many persons changed in a moment from the spirit of horror, fear, and despair to the spirit of hope, joy, peace; and from sinful desires, till then reigning over them, to a pure desire of doing the will of God.

John Wesley

All Stressed Out? -- Dr. Ken Moore

Isaiah 40:28-31

Revised Standard Version

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary,
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint.

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John Wesley

Wesley understood himself well when he said his mission was:

“to stir up all . . . to worship God.”

Click Here ==> We need the soul stirring of John Wesley

“Communion Sunday Nov 2021”

Today we celebrate All Saints Day:

Remembering especially our church members who have gone on to glory in the past year:

James “Skip” Gibson

William “Bill” Hust

Lester Whitaker

May light perpetual shine upon them.

John Wesley

“The case is this: God offers you one of the greatest mercies on this side of heaven and commands you to accept it. Why do you not accept this mercy in obedience to His command…. God offers you a pardon for all your sins.”

“The Lasting Results of Pentecost” -- Dr. Ken Moore

Acts 2:36-47

Revised Standard Version

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

The First Converts

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40 And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Life among the Believers

43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

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John Wesley

“The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made you free—really, actually free—from the law or power of sin and death.” “This is liberty, true gospel liberty, experienced by every believer” (“A Blow at the Root,” 1762)

https://www.seedbed.com/the-gospel-according-to-john-wesley-offers-freedom-in-christ/