Trinity Evangelical Cc's Podcast

Randy & Cristy Shearer, our guest speakers today. They are Harrisburg natives who felt God’s call to become career missionaries. They began serving overseas with TWR (Trans World Radio) in 2008. Due to health issues, Randy is currently a volunteer and Cristy is the event coordinator. They are stateside until January when they will return to Cyprus.

Purpose Statement: A true understanding of the Bible consists in a true understanding of the meaning of its main words. How do we understand key words like sin, salvation, redemption, and the new birth? Even simple words that we throw around that we might feel insignificant and casual about are words that have tremendous importance. In fact, two words make a big difference. The words are “But now…” Our salvation is through Christ by His grace. We have the opportunity of freedom from sin’s grip and freedom from a works-based salvation by the grace of God. How does God transform us?

Purpose Statement: Joseph had every right to be angry with his brothers. The fact that he wasn’t angry reveals his character. How would our character be in the same situation? In Genesis 50 things have changed drastically for Jospeh. Would Jospeh take revenge? Why would Joseph forgive his brothers? Would the brother’s fear Joseph’s wrath? Why would Joseph already extend forgiveness? True forgiveness can’t be offered until acknowledgment of a trespass committed. Cheap forgiveness is no forgiveness. How do we see the Lord in every situation good or bad? How does Joseph comfort his brothers? God meant it all for the good.

Purpose Statement: This is the account where Joseph makes himself known to his brothers. The background of Jospeh’s story. Son of Jacob. Jacob was not a good father because he showed favoritism. Joseph received a coat of many colors. Joseph had a gift of prophetic dreams. He knew that his brothers would bow down to him. And another dream with a sun, moon, and stars bowed down. The brothers decided to kill him. The only reason why they didn’t kill him is when they saw the Ishmaelites come and they sold him. What they did to the coat and took it to Jacob was sinful and horrendous. How did Joseph make himself known to his brothers in Egypt? Joseph worked for Potipher. Joseph faced sexual temptation with Potipher’s wife. Who would tell on an affair? Joseph said, “How can I do such things and sin against God?” Joseph was falsely accused and put in prison. What happens when we do the right thing yet penalized?

Purpose Statement: Jospeh has a dream and tells the brothers. Joseph has bad blood with the brothers already. Jacob already favored Jospeh and Benjamin because Rachel bore them. This dream Joseph told his brothers created emotions of hate. Even the second dream that Joseph had that he told the family caused rebuke by Jacob. Not every dream should be explained. Jacob did blunder in sending Joseph to find the brothers in the field. The brothers conspired to kill Joseph. What do we do with frustrations and bitterness? How did Reuben try to help Joseph even though he wasn’t at the scene? What happened to Joseph when the brothers saw the Ishmaelites coming? How do we deal with situations and forgiveness let alone Total Forgiveness?

Purpose Statement: The subject of tithing is threatening and personal. Some people think that preaching on it is meddling. It is actually a thrilling experience. It is like a rollercoaster. When we understand the principle of tithing it may change our lives. Do we want to please the Lord? Do we want the blessings from God? Tithe. It is a solution that nobody talks about. Some churches prohibit their pastor from preaching on it. If every professing Christian would tithe, the church would be free from financial burden. When we do not support the work of God according to the Biblical principles in the Bible it is no wonder that the world does not respect the church. Tithing can be the solution to personal problems. Tithing does something for you spiritually. You may ask “Why didn’t I tithe earlier?” Why do we not tithe? Why should we tithe?

Purpose Statement: In our Scripture Titus 2:11-13 I want to talk about the Grace of God or Amazing Grace. The grace of God is inexhaustible. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. In Revelation the Lord Jesus Christ said “may the grace of God be with you.” Jesus in a description was full of grace and truth. The question is “what do we mean about the grace of God?” The grace of God is the unmerited favor of God. God is giving us what we don’t deserve. Grace is like a vessel, precious cargo. Grace from heaven is given to you and me through salvation. What do we bring to others? How do we experience God’s grace and live it?

Purpose Statement: Who has credentials of a thorn in the flesh? Who has encountered a messenger of Satan to torment you? What happened? Paul’s work of ministry was full of accusations by a person. Who opposed Paul in his work in the church of Corinth? Why would God allow such suffering to humble Paul by a false teacher? Humility is important in the life of a Christian and a preacher. Embrace it. Why? It keeps one from being conceited and becomes our greatest preparation for usefulness. How do we deal with painful reminders of our weaknesses? Why did Johnathan Edwards get thrown out of the church? Who gives grace which is sufficient? How did Paul pray for the thorn to be removed? How is our identity in Christ?

Purpose Statement: I am ready to preach the Gospel. You might not be called to preach but it is the will of God to share with others. Who do we share it with? Anyone and everyone. Everyone needs the Gospel. Everybody needs a Savior. Who led you to the Lord? Who have you led to the Lord? How are you laboring for the Lord through the church? Do we seize good opportunities? When do we do it?