Our memory verse for the week comes from 2 Timothy 1:13 "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" [Paul in prison in Rome, writing to Timothy in Ephesus]
Wed night was a great time
studying God's word in 2 Timothy! We did an inductive Bible study of chapter 1:8-18, and covered the key themes: not being ashamed, perseverance, grace, boldness, & God's power! In this passage, the author of the letter, Paul is determined not to let Timothy get discouraged as the church in Ephesus is dealing with false teachers and falling away from God's truth. He is empowering them with God's Word and the belief in a Savior who has rescued them from death and brought them life (v.10)
studying God's word in 2 Timothy! We did an inductive Bible study of chapter 1:8-18, and covered the key themes: not being ashamed, perseverance, grace, boldness, & God's power! In this passage, the author of the letter, Paul is determined not to let Timothy get discouraged as the church in Ephesus is dealing with false teachers and falling away from God's truth. He is empowering them with God's Word and the belief in a Savior who has rescued them from death and brought them life (v.10)
In light of the grace we receive from God (v.9) we are to "hold fast the pattern of sound teaching" (v.13) and live in boldness, unashamed to speak the good news of Christ even to the point of suffering.
We are also instructed to not be ashamed, knowing that, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (sound familiar - it was last weeks memory verse, cool!) Paul also reminds us in Romans 1:16 that he is "not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile"
We are also instructed to not be ashamed, knowing that, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (sound familiar - it was last weeks memory verse, cool!) Paul also reminds us in Romans 1:16 that he is "not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile"
Paul emphasized his responsibility as an appointed apostle and teacher (v. 11), aware that his suffering is for good reason as he stands firm in his belief in Christ and understands that he must count the cost (Luke 9:23). He then 
warns Timothy against feeling shame, but rather allowing God to guard over him and in turn allow the Holy Spirit to guard the scripture in his heart and life.
warns Timothy against feeling shame, but rather allowing God to guard over him and in turn allow the Holy Spirit to guard the scripture in his heart and life.
Paul wraps us this section of the letter sharing with Timothy the contrast between Phygelus and Hermogenes who had fallen away from their faith compared to Onesiphorous 
who was not ashamed of Paul's suffering and encouraged and refreshed him. This was an encouragement to the church in Ephesus to receive God's grace and blessing and be counted amongst those who are not ashamed of Christ!
who was not ashamed of Paul's suffering and encouraged and refreshed him. This was an encouragement to the church in Ephesus to receive God's grace and blessing and be counted amongst those who are not ashamed of Christ!
We ended the night with this beautiful song to the Lord:
"Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name"
And finally, here's the formal blog introduction for our newest addition: Shiloh Olivia Mascardo born on December 9, 2011. Her parents are Pastor Dennis and Xu who lead the young adult discipleship. She is beautiful and such a gift from above (James 1:17)
