Women play a very vital and crucial role in the growth and development of the local church. In the Scriptures we read of many women who served the body of Christ well…..Phoebe in (Romans 16:1-2)…..Priscilla in (Romans 16:3-4)…..Mary in (Romans 16:6)…..and Tryphena – Tryphosa – Persis – in (Romans 16:12). Even today, the growth of many churches is the result of the labor by its women. Notice just how two women Paul addressed served the body of Christ (2 Timothy 1:5). By the way, Grandmothers and …

So what kind of faith would be considered genuine, the faith that pleases God. It is faith that is a strong conviction. Such is the Biblical definition of faith (Hebrews 11:1). In God and His promises (Hebrews 11:6). It is faith that believes God raised Jesus from the dead, and this faith is necessary for our salvation (Romans 10:9-10). It is faith that is proven by walking in the light (1 John 1:5-7). It is a faith that keeps His commandments (1 John 2:3-6). It is …

We have many reasons as Christians to not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. For one, He is a great and marvelous Lord, and for two, His gospel is a great and marvelous message. Our greatest concern should be whether we will be ashamed when the Lord returns:

• (1 John 2:28)….And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

 We have seen and heard in Paul’s words to Timothy – the charge …

Paul knew the power of God. He knew that the gospel of Christ that he proclaimed was powerful. Even though to some it might seem foolishness, it is powerful. What power is contained in the gospel of Christ you might ask?

• The power to save those who believe – (Romans 1:16)
• The power to cause one to be born again – (1 Peter 1:22-25)
• The power to work effectively in those who believe – (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
• The power to produce fruit in those who know and understand it – (Colossians

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Many people have been embarrassed about being a Christian in our culture, especially in a work place or home where Christianity is ridiculed or shunned. As with Paul the Apostle, our Lord wants us to be bold in our faith and to be able to stand with the same confidence as Paul. So how does one over come shame? How did Paul do it? Let me first say it is completely the work of the Lord in us (Philippians 2:13), and not us alone. Here are some things we see …

Have you ever been ashamed of Jesus?  His gospel? Suffering in the name of Christ? This is what Timothy was facing in his life, while seeing the toll and cost that it takes to be a Christian in the midst of trials. Paul, being imprisoned and facing death for the preaching and teaching of the Gospel encourages Timothy (who was in some danger of shrinking back from his calling) not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Just what is involved in the testimony of our Lord that Timothy …

Remember from last week, at the time this epistle was written to Timothy to encourage him. Paul was in prison awaiting the sentence of death for preaching the gospel, so he writes to Timothy reminding Timothy that he was constantly in prayer for him. Where did the desire to see Timothy come from in Paul?

• Yes – it can be said it was because of his love for him – which is indicated in – (1 Timothy 1:2)
• Notice – as we read this passage – Paul’s love and longing was

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