God Desires That All Men Shall Be Saved
Do you pray for your enemies?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes shall be saved”, John 3:16. I don’t have the research to back this up, but I’m willing to guess this is the single most well-known Bible passage. Even non-Christians are familiar with it because it concisely and beautifully summarizes the “Good News” of the Gospel. People love to write “John 3:16” on signs at sporting events, on their bodies, or even on their cars, because it is such good news.
While it’s not today’s sermon text, it does clearly give us the message that God wants all people to be saved. Salvation is universal and free of charge. It’s free because Christ paid the price for us. And, it’s universal because God loves all people.
In today’s sermon text, Paul reminds Timothy to pray. And it’s not mentioned casually. No, Paul mentions four different kinds of prayer. He also encourages Timothy to pray for the kings and rulers, whether they are the oppressors or allies. And most importantly, for all to be saved. Whether they are an oppressive ruler or a stranger from a foreign land — God wants all men to be saved.
So in your prayers and supplications, remember those who don’t know Christ Jesus. Pray that they hear the Gospel. Ask that those who have heard and rejected the Good News may open their hearts once again. Pray for your enemies, our leaders, and those you love. Pray for everyone.
Thanks be to God for His all-encompassing love and the gift of salvation!
Here is today’s sermon text from 1 Timothy 2:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
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Announcements
Vacation: Pastor Jenson is taking a well-deserved, extended vacation until September 25th. If a need arises, please contact one of the Deacons (Loyd Harris, Sean Poe, Doug Helwig, Andrew Berg, and Bruce Selin). Their contact information is printed in the bulletin and in our church directory.
Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study is on hiatus. Sunday morning Bible study starts at 10 am.
Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses continue. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday. Remember to obtain permission if you bring a prayer request on behalf of another person.