Small Town W/Matt Gaff

2 Timothy 2:3 (NASB1995) Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 6:4 (NASB1995) but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 2 Timothy 4:5 (NASB1995) But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NASB1995) For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. Nehemiah 9:32 (NASB1995) Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness, Do not let all the hardship seem insignificant before You, Which has come upon us, our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers and on all Your people, From the days of the kings of Assyria to this day. James 1:12 (NASB1995) Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Philippians 4:13 (NASB1995) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, 19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

John 1:1 (NASB1995) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1 Peter 1:25 (NASB1995) But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. James 1:22 (NASB1995) But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 2 Timothy 4:3 KJV-King James Bible For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; NIV-New International Version For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. NASB-New American Standard Bible For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, GWT-GOD'S WORD® Translation A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. NKJV-New King James Version For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; The Message-You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant. The Passion-For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. The Living Bible-For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

2 Timothy 4:3-4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. John 14:6 (NASB1995) Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 8:32 (NASB1995) and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Ephesians 6:14 (NASB1995) Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, John 17:17 (NASB1995) Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8 (NASB1995) For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. Zechariah 8:16 (NASB1995) These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Ephesians 6:4 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Psalms 144:12 12 Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace; Proverbs 27:18 18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who cares for his master will be honored. Luke 3:8 8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 (NASB1995) 1 “Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; And let the earth hear the words of my mouth.2 Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As the droplets on the fresh grass And as the showers on the herb.  3 For I proclaim the name of the Lord; Ascribe greatness to our God!  4 The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. 2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB1995) 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NASB1995) 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 1 Peter 2:2 (NASB1995) 2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Psalms 25:9 (NASB1995) He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. 1 Peter 5:6 (NASB1995) Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, Matthew 11:29 (NASB1995) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Proverbs 11:2 (NASB1995) When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. Matthew 18:4 (NASB1995) Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB1995) and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

John 14:6 (NASB1995) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 9:5 (NASB1995) While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” Isaiah 43:11 (NASB1995) I, even I, am the Lord, And there is no savior besides Me. 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NASB1995) Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Colossians 3:15 (NASB1995) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB1995) For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Hebrews 6:19 (NASB1995) This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, Romans 5:5 (NASB1995) and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 1 Peter 1:3 (NASB1995) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Psalms 42:5 (NASB1995) Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. Psalms 31:24 (NASB1995) Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Proverbs 27:24 (NASB1995) For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. Matthew 19:23 (NASB1995) And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Ephesians 1:18 (NASB1995) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB1995) 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Matthew 7:15-23 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Matthew 2: 1-12 The Visit of the Magi 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Luke 2:1-20 Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem 1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Matthew‬ ‭1:18-25‬ ‭NASB2020 “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Job 1:9-12  9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord. Job 1:21-22  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

1 TIMOTHY 3 Overseers and Deacons 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Titus 1: 5-9 Qualifications of Elders 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

John 4:24 (NASB1995) God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Psalms 2:11 (NASB1995) Worship the Lord with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Exodus 34:8 (NASB1995) Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. Psalms 99:9 (NASB1995) Exalt the Lord our God And worship at His holy hill, For holy is the Lord our God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Psalms 47:6 (NASB1995) Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises. 1 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB1995) Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. 1 Chronicles 29:13 (NASB1995) Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. Isaiah 42:12 (NASB1995) Let them give glory to the Lord And declare His praise in the coastlands. 2 Samuel 22:50 (NASB1995) Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

Matthew 5:44 (NASB1995) But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Luke 5:16 (NASB1995) But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Jeremiah 29:12 (NASB1995) Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. Matthew 14:23 (NASB1995) After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support

James 5:16 (NASB1995) Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Philippians 4:6 (NASB1995) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB1995) pray without ceasing; 1 Timothy 2:8 (NASB1995) Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. Romans 12:12 (NASB1995) rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matthew-gaff/support