Christians often think of Jesus as the guy with all the answers. However, when you read the biographies of His life in the New Testament you will find that Jesus preferred to ask people questions. Maybe it’s because the right question can open the door to radical transformation. Jesus asks questions that invite pondering, that encourage contemplation, that don’t lend themselves to easy answers. Over the next few weeks Pastor Wallace will challenge you to examine these life changing questions in the hope that you will grow deeper in your faith and closer to God. In today’s passage, the Lord Jesus turns His attention to our heart attitudes in a variety of relationships. This passage is one of the best known in all the Gospels and the most misunderstood: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” Things to know from this sermon: 1) caution about being a judge; and caution about being a hypocrite. We must be humble, sympathetic, conscious of our own sins, and without condemnation. Amen

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The verses towards the end of 2 Timothy underscore the reality of life as a disciple of Jesus. Sometimes you can do everything right and still be mistreated – even by those who claim to be Christians. This was the case with Paul as he expresses in today’s passage, 2 Timothy 4:14-18. No one stood in his defense. This deeply wounded Paul. Humanly speaking, he stood alone. There is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States today and we all experience loneliness one time or another. In today’s message, Pastor Wallace teaches on the three distinct causes of loneliness and examines what Paul did to combat his loneliness. First, minimize your pain; second, recognize God’s presence; and third, empathize with other people. In following these steps, Paul could express confidence about the future.

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Part 5 in our sermon series: “Endure” is “Finish Well,” and the Apostle Paul was the foremost example of one who finished well. The lessons we learn from this aging apostle will enable us to run well today, while encouraging us to finish well tomorrow. First, Paul sees himself as a “drink offering” about to be poured out. The drink offering was a symbolic way of saying, “I gladly give all that I have to the Lord.” In so doing, he is giving Timothy the encouragement to do likewise: give it your all, pour out your best. Second, Paul likens his life and ministry to that of a long-distance runner who has competed honorably in the ancient Olympic games. First, he lives a disciplines life: “I have fought a good fight;” second, he lived a directional life: “I have finished the race:” and third, he lived a doctrinal life: “I have kept the faith.” Paul did all of this because he knew he would receive a reward directly from Jesus Christ. As believers, our calling is to fight the good fight of faith. Finish well because there is a finish line out there somewhere and it may be closer than any of us realize. Amen

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