The Preached Word

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-11

I. Introduction

II. Each Christian Receives their Spiritual Gift

III. Each Christian Uses their Spiritual Gift

IV. Each Christian Gives an account of their Spiritual Gift

V. Each Christian Glorifies God with their Spiritual Gift

VI. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-11

I. Introduction

II. Expected to Evangelise

A. Commissioned by Christ

B. Channels of Christ

III. Empowered to Evangelise

A. To have compassion for sinners

B. To speak boldly to sinners

IV. Equipped to Evangelise

A. The Message

B. The Model

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Psalm 91

I. Introduction

Psalm 91 unfolds in 3 parts. Psalmist opens proclaiming his experience of trust in Yahweh. In

the middle part of the Psalm, the Psalmist instructs his fellow believers about trusting the Lord.

And then right at the end of the Psalm, God steps in to close the Psalm pledging His

commitment to those who trust in Him

II. We are protected from threatening anxieties of an unsafe world when we trust the

Lord. (1-2)

A. Whoever lives with God is perfectly safe under the care and protection of the Almighty

God. (1)

B. The Psalmist testifies of his trust in the Lord as his refuge (2)

III. When you put your trust in the Lord as your refuge, our fears of harm are tamed (3-

13)

A. The Psalmist teaches what God’s care and protection offers (3-8)

B. He draws his hearers from trusting themselves and their abilities to trusting the Lord and

His protective care. (9-13) (Exod. 23:20, Heb 1;14, Mat 4:7-8)

IV. The Lord pledges to protect and satisfy the needs of those who trust Him as refuge.

(14-16)

A. God is committed to deliver he that is faithful (14)

B. God is committed to hear him in time of need (15)

C. God is committed to satisfy him with long life through salvation (16)

V. Conclusion

1 The promises of God are sure. Their enjoyment requires us to trust Him completely and

remain faithful by His grace.

2 How big is your God? Is He bigger than your fears, anxieties and worries? Do you live it?

Or do you just pay lip service to it?

3 William Carey once said: “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.”

Psalm 91 gives us every confidence to expect great things from God and great courage to strike out for him.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

1. The Christian Race

2. How We Run the Race

3. Looking to Jesus to Run the Race

Scripture Reading: John 4:19-26

I. Introduction

II. The Priority

III. The Premise

IV. The Purpose

V. Conclusion

• Christ is in the midst of our worship

• Ultimate Priority - Worship

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-14

I. Introduction

II. Prayer is learned

III. Prayer is expected

IV. Prayer is answered

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:21-27

I. Introduction

II. Obedience - The Imperative

A. It is a test for one’s salvation

B. It is preferred over sacrifice

III. Obedience - The Means

A. Student of the Word

B. Doer of the Word

IV. Obedience - The Blessings

A. Our foundations will stand

B. Our foundations is on Christ

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33

The Cost of Discipleship

I. Introduction

II. It is possible to follow Christ superficially vs 25

III. A Disciple Love Christ More Than Anyone Else vs 26

IV. A Disciple Sacrifice Everything for Christ vs 27

V. A Disciple Renounce All Worldly Possessions for Christ vs 33

VI. A Disciple Counts the Cost of Following Christ vs 28-32

VII. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

I. Introduction

II. Marring of Discipleship

A. Easy-Believism

B. Legalism

C. Apathy

III. Discipleship is calling from:

A. Satan

B. Sin

C. Self

IV. Discipleship is calling to:

A. Christ

B. A life in Christ

C. A mission for Christ

V. Conclusion

“The Master has come, and he called us to follow”

“This is the way the Master trod, should not his servants tread it still”

“Discipline yourselves for the purpose of godliness” 1 Tim 4.7

Scripture Reading: Ezra 10:1-17

Introduction

II. Dealing with Sin Starts with the Right Heart Attitude (v. 1,6)

III. Dealing with Sin Requires a Plan (v. 2-8)

IV. Dealing with Sin can be Messy (v. 3, 9-11)

V. Dealing with Sin Requires Accountability (v. 12-17)

VI. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Genesis 16

Introduction

1. We learn that human life is full of challenges and we must accept

God’s sovereignty over our lives regardless of how hard it is (vs 1-2).

2. When it appears that God has been preventing what we have been seeking, we should wait and be hesitant to “work” and take matters into our own hands (vs 1-2).

3. We should only do our part when our motivation is right before God and out of faith (v 2).

4. We should never work with the wrong method (v 3).

5. Running away from problems is not the solution (vs 3-10).

6. There are negative consequences for taking matters into our own hands (vs 11-12).

Conclusion

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

1. Without love we are nothing (vs 1 - 3)

2. What true love is ( vs 4 - 7)

3. Love in light of the end. ( vs 8 - 14)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 30

Sermon Outline

Introduction

1. Psalm 30 is made up of 2 stanzas. 30:1-5 give an overview of David’s story

while 30: 6-12 unpacks the story with more important insight or details.

2. The song describes David's near death experience, its cause, his plea for

deliverance, the reversal of his circumstances, and his response of

thanksgiving.

II. When we live as if our strength and not God’s favour is our security, we

live in danger of losing our souls (1-3, 7-9)

A. David nearly died (3, 9a)

B. David's heart was heavy (7)

III.We can easily be misguided by our prosperity and ease to become self-

sufficient (5-6,7)

A. David acknowledged that for a time he boasted of his prosperity (6)

B. He had to be woken up by his Father’s discipline (5,7)

“God whispers to us in our pleasures; he speaks to us in our work; he shouts

at us in our pain.” C. S. Lewis

IV. Our cries to the Lord distinguishes us as those who by faith endure

affliction even at the hand of God. (2,8,10)

A. David believed the Lord was yet present to hear his cry (30:2, 8)

B. David humbly reasoned and argued with God (9)

V. When we acknowledged God’s favour overshadow our affliction, we are

compelled to give thanks and praise to Him FOR EVER. (1-2, 4-5, 11-12)

A. The LORD answered David’ prayer (11-12)

B. David’s great turnaround was because of an even greater turnaround that

David’s greater Son, Jesus experienced

C. David acknowledged that the LORD’s discipline is brief but his favor lasts a

lifetime (4 - 5)

D.David exalted the Lord (1–2) for lifting him up

E. David cannot be silent in his joy (4-5, 11–12)

VI. Conclusion

1. We can frequently become self-sufficient, until God wakes us up with a

thunderclap.

2. But we are to hang on amid our afflictions because weeping may stay for a

night but joy comes with the morning. Our affliction is for a moment, but

his favour lasts a lifetime. So hang in there!

3. God delivers us from our troubles so that we might give thanks and praise to

Him FOR EVER. It is not that God needs our praise. It is because worship

filled with praise and thanksgiving invigorates our souls. Give thanks in all

circumstances, Apostle Paul reminded in 1 Thes 5:18; for this is the will of

God in Christ Jesus for you.

Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-8

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• Grace triumphs when all seems lost and hopeless.

• Being reminded of God’s grace that changed us will motivate us to show

His grace to others through our good deeds.

II. Reminder One: How we are to act towards the ungodly world vs 1-2

A. Submissive, obedient, and ready to do good to rulers and authorities

B. Speak evil of no one

C. Peaceable and Gentle to all

III. Reminder Two: You were once just like the people of the world vs 3

A. We were foolish and disobedient

B. We were deceived

C. We were enslaved by our passions and pleasures

IV. Reminder Three: Salvation is of the Lord vs 4-7

1. We were saved by God’s grace and mercy

2. We were saved by Christ our Saviour

3. We were regenerated by the Hoy Spirit

II. Conclusion

• The doctrines of Grace must be preached in season and out of season

• The doctrines of Grace should motivate us to excel in good works for

God’s glory

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-15

Sermon Outline

Introduction

II. Grace Definition

III. Grace Saves v11

IV. Grace Sanctifies v12

V. Grace Gives Hope v13

VI. Grace Empowers v14

VII. Conclusion

Introduction

II. Graces and Character of the Christian Man vs 2,6

III. Graces and Character of the Christian Woman vs 3-5

IV. Graces and Character of Christian Servant vs 7-10

Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:10-16

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

· The Eldership must be above reproach, godly and Spirit-gifted to

serve Christ and his church

· The Elders must guard the flock by refuting false teachers and by

correcting believers who have followed false teaching

II. The Eldership must guard the flock by refuting false teachers

· First, false teaching always damages

· Second, the greatest danger for false teaching always comes from

within the church.

A. Refute false teachers by teaching sound doctrines vs 9

B. Refute the false teachers by exposing their false teachings vs 14

False teachers add works to salvation by faith in Christ alone vs 10 False teachers focus on baseless speculation vs 14 False teachers promote legalism vs 14

III. The Eldership must refute false teachers by exposing their sinful

behavior

A. Bad doctrine always results in bad behavior vs 15

B. False teachers are not usually so honest as to say that they are atheists or

the antichrist vs 16

IV. The Eldership must guard the flock by correcting believers who have

followed false teaching

A. Correct by warning of bad cultural and social norms vs 12

B. Correct by convincing strongly of the importance and narrowness of the

truth vs 13

Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:5-9

Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Necessity of Godly Eldership vs 5

A. Every church without Elders is incomplete

B. Every church requires a plurality of Elders

III. Qualifications of Godly Eldership vs 6-8

A. A goodly man

B. A graceful man

C. A godly man

IV. Purpose of Godly Eldership

A. Feed the flock

B. Protect the flock

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:1-4

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

a. Paul wrote and instructed Titus and the church down the ages on church

ministry; on how to do church.

b. Worldly principles and practices are preferred because they can bring in the

crowds.

c. God helping, we shall learn, relearn, and come face to face with the biblical

principles and practices of church ministry we glean from the Letter to Titus.

d. The first principle of church ministry is servanthood

II. Definition of Servanthood (v. 1a)

a. The word doulos for servant should be more accurately be translated as

bondslave.

b. The bondslave or doulos means that we have been chosen deliberately to serve

God and that we are God’s property

c. There’s a secondary sense in which we like being servants or slaves of God, that

we can also be His ambassadors.

III. Purpose of Servanthood (v. 1b-3)

a. Evangelism

b. Education

c. Sanctification

d. Expectation

e. Proclamation

IV. Passing on the Baton of Servanthood (v. 4)

a. Mentoring

b. Mimicking Christ

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• Divided into 5 books, the psalms trace the ebb and flow of a life through the lens

of 3 main psalm types : hymns, laments and thanksgivings.

• Books 1 to 3 (Ps. 1-89) of the Psalms, trace this rise and fall of the Davidic

monarchy. At end of Book 3, the crisis of faith arises. Books 4 to 5 (Pss. 90-150)

provide insight into how to respond to this apparent failure of the promises made

to David and his descendants.

• Worship is not an add-on to our lives. It is the heart-beat of our spiritual lives. It is

not incidental. It is primary and it is fundamental. Not only is worship more

important than evangelism, fellowship, edification, discipleship or church planting,

but it is really the means to these things. (Deffinbaugh, B)

II. When things don’t turn out the way we like, we tend to stray away from

coming into God’s presence (8-11)

• As people who have experienced God’s blessings, we enjoy coming into the presence of the Lord

• But hearts can be hardened as we question and quarrel with God’s ways over our

disappointments. (8-9)

• God denies rest to those who stray from coming into His presence and acknowledging

Him as God. (10-11)

III. God is still great and still our covenant God even when we don’t

experience the promised Christian life at every point of our life. (3-5,7)

• God revealed Himself that He is a great God (3-5)

• God revealed Himself that He is our God (7)

IV. Because God is great and is our covenant God we find rest and

blessings worshipping and submitting to Him even when times are

challenging (1,2,6)

• Because God is great, He is worthy of all our worship (1-2)

• Because God is our God, He deserves all our submission (6)

V. Conclusion

• Today and whenever, if you hear God’s voice, God calls you to come and worship Him.

• Will you take heed to God’s voice even in challenging times.

• Worship exposes our hardness of heart and softens it to make way for the Lord’s

kingship. Often, He removes one blessing only to bestow another and a greater. We are His and He is ours.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 15

Sermon Outline

I. The context

a. “After these things.” Abram’s response to God seems to show a sign of his

doubt on God’s promise. God understood and confirmed His promise.

b. In confirming His promise, God has simply acted consistently with Himself, as

He always does and always must.

II. The means of justification (v. 6)

a. Romans 4:1-5, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather

according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has

something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture

say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the

ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”

b. How can Abram be just before God? Paul answers: “It is not by works but by

faith.”

c. Works mean conformity to the moral law and obedience to the ceremonial law

(see Rom 4:10).

d. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a

place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing

where he was going.”

e. John Calvin: The circumstance of time it is recorded in the Scripture that God

counted Abram’s faith as righteousness is very important and critical.

f. Faith is not the ground but the means of his righteousness.

g. Westminster Confession of Faith: “Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ

and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification.”

III. The faith that leads to justification is the faith in the personal promise

of God regarding the Messiah or Christ (v. 5,6).

(i) Abram believed in the promise of God concerning his offspring – Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ.” Genesis 22:18 “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Only through Jesus Christ, there will be many who will be blessed. John 8:56, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” Galatians 3:8, “[T]he Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’”

(ii) Abram showed faith in the promise as made to him.

a. Galatians 2:20, “[He] loved me, and gave Himself for me”.

IV. The faith that justifies will persevere to the end (v. 18).

a. The faith that counts has the seal of the covenant.

b. God made a unilateral covenant with Abram in which He took full responsibility

for the fulfilment of these promises.

c. Abram's assurance is also our (every justified believer) assurance.

d. Luke 22:20, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My

blood.”

V. Conclusion

a. How can a sinful person like me be right before a holy God? Can you settle that

question by trusting God’s Word concerning Christ?

b. Do you know Jesus Christ has saved you?

I. Introduction

II. Purpose of Christ’s Coming vs 1-3

III. Preparation for Christ’s Coming vs 4

IV. Program of Christ’s Coming vs 5-6

V. Conclusion

3.3

the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2.14

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home

his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and

kissed him.” – Luke 15:20

1. Our Rebellion

2. Our Sinful and Wasteful Life

3. Our Misery in Sin

4. Our Repentance and Restoration Through Christ

Passage: Romans 15:17-21

I. Introduction

· It is frustrating to buy and use fake products as it would not stand the

test of time.

· Malachi’s sixth message to the people of God of old addresses the core

of the matter; Genuine faith in contra to Fake faith.

· Fake Believers will not stand the test of time. Genuine Believers will

persevere to the end because Christ preserves his people.

II. Contrary to Genuine Faith vs 13-15

A. They speak hard things about God

· Ungrateful to the Lord’s blessing

· Oblivious of their bad attitude towards God

B. They serve the Lord for material blessings

· Vain to serve the Lord when it is unfulfilling.

· Unprofitable to walk and worship the Lord when the material blessings

are not forthcoming.

C. They hold to a skewed and wrong view of God

· Go with the flow of the world

· Disillusion with God

III. Descriptions of Genuine Faith vs 16

A. They fear the Lord

· Not a slavish fear but an awe for the Lord

· Godly fear and faith in the Lord

B. They spoke with one another

· Law of God Deut 6.6

(Suggested by the Puritan Thomas Watson in his book The Great Gain of

Godliness)

· Exhortations – Preciousness of Christ, beauty of holiness, sinfulness of

sin, spiritual wellness

· Reproofs – silent in matters of faith, idle and worldly talks, sinfulness,

and waywardness

C. They esteemed God’s name

· The name of the Lord is meant his essence, his attributes, his person

· “Our mind should be steeped in holy thoughts” Thomas Watson

IV. Blessings of Genuine Faith vs 16b-18

A. The Lord pay attention and hear them

B. The Lord keep a book of remembrance for them

C. The Lord owns them as a treasured possession

D. The Lord will spare them from eternal condemnation

E. The Lord will distinguish them from the ungodly

V. Conclusion

· Thank the Lord for his manifold blessings in Christ!

· Test yourselves to see if you possess genuine faith in Christ

· Transformed by the renewing of our mind in Christ

I. Introduction

II. The Offense of Robbing God vs 6–9

III. The Blessing of Giving to God vs 10–12

differences and similarities between the biblical audience and us?

returning to the Lord will open the windows of heaven in blessing.

IV. Does God Command Christians to Tithe?

V. Does God Promise Financial Blessing through Giving?

VI. Conclusion

Apart from the Gospel, this makes no sense

Background of the Letter

I. Paul’s Reason for Writing

II. Paul’s Request (v17)

III. Paul’s Offer to Repay (v18-19) Application Questions 1. Do we love each other as family? 2. Do we forgive each other? 3. Do we think we are superior to others?

The Story So Far

I. God works out his promise to Jacob despite death (49:29-50:14)

II. God is sovereign over human evil for the good of his people (50:15-21)

III. God will work out his promise to his people despite Egypt (50:22-26; cf.

15:13)

The great gulf that begins in Genesis

1. Share one thing on how your understanding or appreciation of God has grown.

2. Share one way in which this world’s evil makes it hard for you to keep trusting God. Take some time to pray with one another.

I. Introduction

II. Receiving the Gospel vs 1

III. Repenting of Sin vs 2,5

IV. Responding with Sacrifices vs 3-4

V. Conclusion

I. Introduction

II. Faithless to one another (v.10)

III. Faithless to God (vv. 11-12, 17)

IV. Faithless to the wife of your youth (vv. 13-16)

V. Conclusion

I. Introduction

II. Aspects of Preparation

Spiritual

Organizational

III. Attitudes of Implementation

Confidence

Humility

IV. Conclusion

I. Introduction Psalm 2 and Psalm 1 serve as an introduction to the Psalter of 150 songs.

II. With ever rising anti-Christian sentiments everywhere, Christians are left wondering if we will enjoy the happy life Psalm 1 offers. (1-3)

A. God made David and his descendants to be kings to bring blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3) B. But David sees the world in a rage of a violent uprising (1-3) C. This raging attitude continues in our own day. (Acts 4:25-28; Acts 13:33; Rev. 19:19)

III. In spite of world’s raging revolt against heaven, God has the last say as the ultimate Sovereign. ( 4-6)

A. God brushed aside the world’s futile attempts to stop his eternal purposes with a laugh. (4)

B. God rebukes the nations and declares he has already installed His king over all (5-6)

IV. God shall triumph over all nations and rulers through his anointed Son, the Messiah Jesus Christ (7-9)

A. God’s Messiah speaks for himself and affirms the decree God had made concerning Him (7a) B. The decree identifies the Davidic King as the Son of God. (7b) C. The decree also announces the king’s destiny (8) D. And finally the decree ascribed to the king the authority and power to rule. (9) E. The message of Psalm 2 holds out awesome hope for those who trust in God.

V. Our true happiness is found not in futile rebelling against God but to embrace His kingship through His Son, Jesus Christ (10-12) A. The wise and the warned are invited to embrace the kingship of Christ. B. We embraced the kingship of Christ by serving the Lord and kissing the Son C. Blessed are those who find their refuge in Jesus Christ VI. Conclusion

A. Living with the tension of the “not yet” in the midst of the perils and threats of the powers at work in the present world, Christians are tempted to be afraid and discouraged and to believe that these powers are the only reality in their lives. B. Psalm 2 gives us a reason to be faithful and not give up but persevere. When Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mat 28:18), we are hearing the fulfilment of His request in Psa 2:8: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage” (Ps. 2:8). C. The certain coming dominion of the Christ over the entire universe assures believers of a victorious Christian life.

I. Introduction

II. The chastisements and judgements on ungodly leadership vs 1-4

Chastisements/judgements are coming and blessings withhold Ill-effects on subsequent generations Dishonour to their name Removal from their offices The reasons for the Lord’s judgements?

III. The ideals of godly leadership vs 5-7 The LORD’S description of the ideal and godly priesthood cannot be traced to any that is mentioned in the Bible, except for Christ Himself who is our perfect High Priest

Trustworthy and morally pure in doctrine. Unswerving in his judgments Pure and righteous in his conduct Focused in his work for the Lord Immersed in Biblical knowledge and the preserver of it Messenger of the Lord of hosts

IV. The measure (in contrast) of godly leadership vs 8-9

Alignment with the ideal priesthood i.e., Christ Example to the flock Faithfulness and commitment

V. Conclusion

Main point:Since Jesus is our superior high priest and perfect sacrifice, we can live out the priesthood and sacrificial life.

I) Introduction

II) Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to Aaron's

III) Jesus comes from the superior order of Melchizedek’s priesthood

IV) Jesus guarantees a superior covenant

V) Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for God’s people

VI) Conclusion

Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-12

I) Beware of spiritual lethargy

II) Do not presume participation equates to salvation

III) Seek growth with the full assurance of hope that comes from the gospel

I) Introduction

II) The High Priest of God

a) The beginning of the Levitical priesthood of Israel

b) The role of the High Priest

c) The High Priest, Aaron

III) Jesus is the High Priest of God

a) Jesus’ priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek’s priesthood

b) Genesis 14, Psalm 110:4

IV) Jesus is the Merciful High Priest

a) Jesus sympathizes with His people’s weaknesses

b) Jesus prays for His people continuously

V) Jesus is the Faithful High Priest

a) Jesus learned obedience in His suffering

b) Jesus did not sin in His suffering

VI) Conclusion

a) We must hold fast to believing that Jesus, the Son of God, is our great High Priest.

b) We are to confidently draw near to Jesus’ throne of grace to receive His mercy and help.

I. Introduction

a. If God is sovereign in history, as the Bible claims Him to be (e.g., Acts 4:28), then His hand is to be seen as guiding history to achieve His purposes.

b. It is the first time here that God's plan of redemption for His people and specifically His promises to Abram intersect with secular, national history.

c. James 2:14 says, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

II. True faith produces love, sympathy and forgiveness that seeks to restore a brother or sister who has fallen into difficulties or sin (vv 1-14).

a. Abram demonstrates a forgiving spirit toward his nephew and seeks to rescue him despite how Lot had treated him.

b. All believers in Christ, are called to exhibit the same sort of forgiveness toward those who have wronged us and commanded to rescue those who have fallen into sin (Gal 6:1). Three principles:

We must separate ourselves from the love of the world (the spiritually matured). We need preparation and wisdom to rescue the fallen brethren. It must base on principle and not results.

III. True faith produces courage (vv 14-16).

a. Abram springs into war with only 318 of his trained men and his allies against a vast army of four powerful kings. He is not a king but just a rancher.

b. God passes no moral disapproval of Abram’s conduct in the Scripture and even awarded him with victory.

c. “I have lifted my hand to the LORD” (v 22) seem to signify a solemn oath promises the Lord that if He would give him success, he would not enrich himself by his campaign. d. It is Abram’s faith in the Lord that He will give him victory that produces his courage. IV. True faith produces humility and loyalty to God (vv 17-24).

a. It was providential that Melchizedek’s appearance interrupted the meeting of Abram and the king of Sodom.

b. It puts Abram’s victory in proper theological perspective.

c. Abram may be a brilliant military strategist and his bravery cannot be doubted but the victory was God’s!

d. Abram acknowledgment (giving a tenth of everything) demonstrated his humility.

e. Bera, though, has been humiliated in defeat, was trying to show himself as superior, generously allowing Abram to keep the goods.

f. To accept anything from a pagan king would be to give him the opportunity to suppose that his giving was responsible for Abram’s success (“I have made Abram rich”).

g. Abram also remembered his vow to the Lord (v 22) that he must honour it. h. Abram did what he did, even at a personal sacrifice, in order that he might be loyal to the LORD.

i. And Abram’s greatest victory is the victory over self-righteousness: he does not expect his Amorites allies to follow his standard of conduct but let them have their due. V. Conclusion

a. God is in control of history.

b. This chapter provides us with a divine commentary on the decisions made in Chapter 13. History weighs the decisions of men.

c. Abram’s faith is increasingly showing himself to be a faithful servant of God, like the Seed of the woman who one day would come, God’s great Servant, Jesus the Messiah, the son of Abraham.

d. As we look to Abram, may we be encouraged, but may we look beyond him to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

I. Introduction

II. The Author

• Malachi - the messenger of God

• A contemporary or late contemporary of Nehemiah the Governor 420BC

• The word of God always supports and goes with the work of God

III. The Purpose

• To show the messiness of the people of God

• To correct the messiness of the people of God

• To point to the coming Messiah who would fix the messiness of the people God

IV. The First Charge (v2-5)

• They doubt God’s love

• They left God’s love

• They spurn God’s love

V. Conclusion

Big idea: God mercifully preserves, gently speaks and graciously reassures His weary servant.

I. God mercifully preserves (v1-8)

II. God gently speaks (v9-14)

III. God graciously reassures (v15-18)

IV. Reflection Questions a. How do you reach out to a weary soul? b. In the midst of the challenges of life and ministry, what can you do to be still before the Lord?

I. Introduction

a. The text invites us to decide what we truly believe about Jesus’ historical resurrection.

II. What the skeptics did before Jesus’ resurrection

a. They prepared to secure Jesus’ tomb.

III. How the skeptics reacted to the news of Jesus’ resurrection

a. The Roman soldiers guarding the tomb fainted.

b. The Jewish leaders bribed the soldiers to spread fake news.

IV. What the followers did before Jesus’ resurrection

a. They prepared to mourn Jesus’ death.

V. How the followers reacted to the news of Jesus’ resurrection

a. They departed with reverence and great joy.

VI. Conclusion

When you believe in the resurrected Jesus,

I. One Parade

II. Two Aspects of Jesus’ Identity

a) Jesus is the _____________ Messianic King.

b) Jesus is the _____________ Messianic King.

III. Three Responses

a) The ____________ response

b) The ____________ response

c) The ____________ response

IV. Conclusion

“Who is this?”

I. Introduction

II. Noisy lives filled with pride and over-reaching ambition often rob us of quietness our souls are privileged to possess.

a. The centre piece of Psalm 131 is the image of a weaned child in the mother’s arms

b. But this song begins with a confession of trust in negative terms – “my heart is not lifted up ...........”

c. Noise in our soul begins with our swollen pride

d. That noise is reinforced by chasing ambitious impossibilities

e. And noise amplifies and begets deafening noise

III. Amid our noisy lives, cultivating humility and contentment in God restore a child-like quietness in our soul for our Godward journey.

Quieting the soul takes effort

b. Quieting the soul begins with putting aside the sources of noise in our souls and cultivating humility

c. Quieting the soul builds trust, confidence and contentment in the Lord like a weaned child’s relationship with the mother

d. Another way of looking at importance of quietness of the soul amid our noisy lives is a wheel revolving on its axle

IV. We are to embody and share this contented hope in the Lord for the life and ministry of the church

a. The call to hope in the Lord

“My times are in Your hand

whatever they may be,

pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

as You know best for me”.

Psalm 130:7-8

b. We are to hope now and always.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”- Corrie ten Boom

V. Conclusion

a. Amid our noisy lives, cultivating humility and contentment in God restore a child-like quietness in our soul.

b. Trust, confidence and contentment in the Lord find their home in a quieted soul.

c. Only one who is humble, hopes in the Lord

d. We are to hope in the Lord now and always by faith in the work and person of our Lord.

A. Introduction

B. Opposition 6.1-19

C. Resolution

D. Incompletion 7.1-4

E. Conclusion

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

29Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-31

What can we learn about God from these 7 verses?

I. He Cares for Lowly Me!

II. He Cares for Lowly Me with Real Needs! (v.5)

III. He Cares for Lowly Me with Real Needs_________! (v.6-7)

Our God is far greater than words can make known, Exalted and holy, He reigns on His throne. In infinite splendor He rules over all; Yet He feeds the poor sparrows, and He knows when they fall.

He rides the wild heavens, He strides thro’ the seas; The high mountains tremble to hear His decrees. His voice with great thunderings sounds from above; But to His own children He whispers His love.

His power is great and will ever endure, His wisdom is peaceable, gentle, and pure. But greater than all these glories I see, Is the glorious promise that He cares for me.

Read our 7 verses again, and what do you see?

Worship your God and have a _____ confidence in Him!

I) Introduction

II) The status of Angels (v5)

III) The status of Man (v6-8)

IV)The status of Jesus as fully Man (v9)

V) Conclusions

FOUR SCENARIOS OF LIFE

TWO REVERSALS IN LIFE (PSALM 107:33-41)

ONE MESSAGE FOR LIFE:

AND NOW FOR YOUR DAILY LIFE

I) Introduction (1a)

II) We must pay the closest attention, lest we drift away from the gospel (1b-3a) 

III) We must pay the closest attention, for the Lord and God confirmed the gospel. (3b, 4).

IV) Conclusion: The gift of peacemakers in the church. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Hebrew 12:4, ‘Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.’ 

I. Introduction

II. Peace in the church can be elusive.

III. We are all to help bring peace in the church (4:3)

IV. In unsettling times, we are to stop worrying but to rejoice, forbear and pray with thanksgiving (4:4-6,8)

V. God promises us peace and safeguard us from anxieties when we in Christ  practice what we learned. (4:7,9)

VI. Conclusion 

Big Idea: 'Jesus is superior to angels; let us have the confidence to believe in Christ’s  name.' 

His name is above the angels. (4-7) His nature and role are incomparable and beyond the angels. (8-12) He rules over the angels (13-14)

Depend on the Spirit, sacrifice our lives as spiritual worship by the mercies of God. (v1)
Push back, sacrifice the world’s bad ideas by the renewal of the mind. (v2a)
Be a church member,  sacrifice self-will by testing and discerning God’s will together. (v2b)

A. Introduction 

B. The Unusual Circumstances 

C. The Peculiar Problem 

D. The Greatest Gift

E. Conclusion

1. What Christ Does (10-13) 

2. How He Does It (14-16) 

3. Why He Does It (17-18)

Introduction

Its Meaning

Its Movements

Its Maintenance

Conclusion

I) Introduction

II) The call to believe in God with His promises (5-38) 

III) The call to believe in a Savior with God’s mercy (46-56, 67-79)

IV) The call to believe in Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s joy  (39-45, 56 - 66, 80, 2:1-7)

V) Conclusion: God calls us to the certainty of faith in Jesus

I) Introduction 

II) The Causes 

III) The Strategies 

IV) The Counterattack 

V) Conclusion

Big Idea: God’s common grace for all people and Jesus’ saving grace for God’s  children. 

1. God’s common grace for the disciples and skeptics in the same boat. (27:39-44)

2. God’s common grace through the unusual kindness of humanity. (28:1-3, 7) 

3. God’s saving grace through the disciples’ gospel ministry. (28:3-6, 8-10)

I. Introduction

II. Leadership of the Body of Christ vs 1-2, 9, 12, 14-19, 28

III. Service of the Body of Christ vs 1, 12, 20-27

IV. Disruption in the Body of Christ vs 5

V. Conclusion 

I. Introduction 

II. Preparation for the work of faith vs 1-2 

4 months have passed since Nehemiah received the “bad news” from his brother and his  prayerful decision to do something about it. Preparation for the man of God in the work of faith in the following areas is needful –  character, graces and giftings, maturity, spirituality, knowledge Waiting on the Lord before you can do anything is not new for the people of God 

III. Praying for the work of faith vs 3-8 

The king notices Nehemiah’s sad disposition and asks Nehemiah what’s bothering him  instead of sending him to the gallows for spoiling his chill out session with the queen 

IV. Planning for the work of faith vs 9-18

Nehemiah conducts a survey personally and, on the ground, to assess the magnitude of  the problem. A kind of SWOT analysis Nehemiah shares the vision of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem with the people of God  through empathy. He encourages them by acknowledging the good hand of the Lord upon  him and the work ahead.

V. Plans to undermine the work of faith vs 10, 19-20 

The children of the world are displeased when Nehemiah comes along to seek the welfare  of God’s people. They accuse the Nehemiah and the Jews for plotting a rebellion when they hear that they are going to rebuild the walls. Like father like children, the Devil and the Accuser of our brothers are on the prowl to  stop anyone from seeking the welfare of God’s children by his many devices. all that he  has, and he will curse you to your face.’”

V. Conclusion

Introduction

1. Abram’s faithlessness and failure in his character (12:10-16)

a) There is no indication in the Scripture that Abram sought the Lord’s guidance in this situation nor that the Lord told him to go to Egypt.

b) Abram knew very well that he would be put into a position where he had to lie and compromise and he still decided for it.

c) A sharp rebuke of Abram, the friend of God, for his untruthfulness from the godless, unbeliever, Pharaoh.

d) Many trustworthy commentators think Abram has sinned: John Calvin, Derek Kidner, William Henry Griffith Thomas, and Ligon Duncan, etc.

2. God’s faithfulness (12:17-20)

a) God uses a pagan king’s rebuke to get Abram back to the Promised Land to uphold His divine call.

b) God’s covenant are preserved by His sovereign intervention alone, not by Abram.

c) If Abram had got what he deserved, he would have been killed in order for Pharaoh to keep Sarai and all his possessions.

d) Is your God bigger than all the circumstances of your lives?

3. Abram’s repentance and restoration to his faith (13:1-4)

a) Abram returned back to the place of worship. The place where he had built an altar and called on the name of the Lord.

b) He repented and was restored to his faith by God’s grace alone.
c) Is there no punishment for Abram’s sin?

Applications

1. If you are called of God for His purpose, expect to be tested.

Why does God allow His children to be tested and live a suffering lives?

i) It is to test the genuineness of their faith.

ii) To produce perseverance and steadfastness in us.

iii) To show that God’s grace is sufficient for us.

iv) God is treating us as His sons to share His holiness.

2. The covenant promises are preservedonlyby the sovereign Lord’s intervention.

i) Repentance is not putting things right by our own effort after messing up our lives.

ii) Shorter Catechism Q 87 defines repentance unto life “as saving grace, by which a sinner, being truly aware of his sinfulness, understands the mercy of God in Christ, grieves for and hates his sins, and turns from them to God, fully intending and striving for a new obedience.”

3. Know the purpose of your calling.

i) Abram knew what God has promised him, the land of Canaan and not Egypt (v 10 – “sojourn”)

God advances His gospel through the persuasive witness with passionate rationality in a reasonable world.

I) Introduction  (25:23-27)

II) The persuasive witness humbly submits oneself for the salvation of others. (26:1-11)

III) The persuasive witness passionately offers rationality for the hope of the gospel (12-23, 25)

IV) The persuasive witness purposefully elicits responses in a reasonable world. (24. 26-32)

God’s perfect justice for His Kingdom is established with the gospel in a world of imperfect justice. 

I) Discern God’s providential justice for His Kingdom (1-5)  

II) Trust in God’s unchanging justice though Man does imperfect justice  (6-12)  

III) Submit to God’s ruling justice with patience for the gospel to work ( 13-22)

I Introduction 

II. God calls us to keep in mind that we are made after God’s likeness when we become His sons and daughters. (4:20, 22) 

We have experienced a new creation. (4:24)  We have received a new mind that is constantly being renewed. (4:23)  God’s will and purpose motivates us live out our Christlikeness

III. As believers made in the life-changing likeness of God, we are to live out our Christ-like identity by the renewing power of His Spirit (4:21-22) 

Our old family ties are put off We are to put on a radical new lifestyle in its place C. We are entrusted with new family commitments and responsibilities God has given us everything we need to live out our Christ-like identity

IV. Conclusion

As God's children, we should always keep in mind that we are new creations and that we are given a Spirit renewing mind.  We who are united to Christ need to remind ourselves continually that we have a new Christ-like identity. We can to live out this identity for God has given all things we need for this life. Family likeness is a booster in difficult times because it assures us in a real sense we are participants in Christ and receivers of His very life.

God advances His gospel through the faithful witness with a clear conscience in a secular world.

I. The challenges of the faithful witness in a secular world. (1–9)

II. The faithful witness’s gospel response with a clear conscience toward God. (10-21)

III. The faithful witness living out the gospel with a clear conscience toward Man. (22-27)

Believers are enabled to rejoice by God's power in the restoration process.

I. Introduction: Rejoice, Aim for Restoration (11-13)

II. Depend on the power of Christ for restoration. (1-4)

III. Examine ourselves for restoration. (5,6,8)

IV. Pray for restoration. (7,9,10)

V. God's Word of Blessing (14)

Christians are to speak to the concerns of each other's soul with edification

I. Convey the issue of the relationship 

II. Express the love relationship 

III. Share the plead to restore the relationship

The fool's godly jealousy over Jesus' gospel is divine love for God's people

Introduction

Throughout its history, the church has led a precarious existence. 

1. God’s call of Abram

2. God’s blessings to Abram

3. Abram’s response to the call

Conclusion 

If you have received the blessings of God’s salvation, you are under the responsibility to do all you can to be the channel of that blessing to those who have not heard. Be part of this history God is making in the world, establishing His kingdom on earth.

The power of Christ’s grace strengthens the humble who are suffering for the gospel 

I) The positive encounter with the power of grace (2-7a) 

II) The negative encounter with the power of grace (7-9a) 

III) The power source of grace for the humble (9b-10)

Main Idea: Boasting like a fool to confront and comfort

I) The boastful confidence that is not from the Lord (16-21)

II) The foolish boasting, confronting other fools (22-27)

III) The foolish boasting, comforting believers in the church (28-33)

Main Idea: The fool’s godly jealousy over Jesus’ gospel is divine love for God’s people

I) The jealous fool of God boasts about the gospel truths. (1-4, 10-12)

II) The jealous fool of God is not inferior to the impostors. (5-11)

III) The jealous fool of God pushes back the impostors. (12-15)

I. Introduction 

The historical narrative took place during the postexilic period – around 445 BC to 430  BC. Judah was a small backwater province (no longer an independent kingdom) of the  Persian Empire The characters a. Main cast: Nehemiah the Cupbearer  b. Supporting casts: Ezra the Scribe, the Priests, the Levites, the remnant of the  Children of Captivity, and the enemies of God’s People.  Main Theme: Rebuilding the spiritual lives of the people of God through rebuilding the  walls of Jerusalem, the worship of God, and the lives of the people  

II. The unfolding of the Crisis vs 1-3 

The remnant of the children of the captivity were in trouble and shame.  The city of God – Jerusalem’s wall and gates lie in ruins for almost 150 years  What is the crisis you are facing in your life?   How do you evaluate the crisis in your life?  

III. The reaction to the Crisis vs 4 

The common ways one reacts to a crisis  a. Anxious, Fearful, Disappointed, Dejected, Depressed The child of God should and can cast his care and crisis to God in prayer 8 

IV. The resolution of the Crisis vs 5-11 

Praised the God of heaven vs 5 Confessed and identified oneself with the sin of God’s people vs 6-7 Laid hold on God’s covenant mercy and promises vs 8-11 

V. Conclusion 

Each crisis in life is essentially a faith crisis – a test to show us how much we trust in  the Lord and what is our esteem of God  We can carry everything including our crisis of life to the Lord in prayer  Christ, who faced the greatest crisis in his life, yes, in the history of mankind, cried to  the LORD at the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Though God seemed silent,  and the crisis seemed long, yet the LORD raised Christ from the dead to give Him the  victory over sin and death.

I. Introduction

II. Christ’s loving relationship with His church is reflected in the Christian marriage union (v.31)

A. Just as “two become one flesh “in marriage, believers are one with Christ and part of  Him. (v.31-32)

B. In this spiritual and mystical union, Christ is joined to believers as their head and  husband. (v.23)

III. In spiritual union with Christ, we enjoy the privileges of spiritual life and  strength, Christ’s intercession and advocacy, His companionship, guidance  and protection as His bride. (v.26-29)

A. Christ is our indwelling life and strength

B. Christ is our Intercessor and Advocate

C. Christ is our companion, guide and protector

IV. Conclusion

1. “God being ours, whatsoever is in God, whatsoever God can do, whatsoever he has, is  ours, because He is ours.” -- Richard Sibbes 

2. Hence Christians ought not to lose their bearings when life’s journey is beset with a  pandemic of dark storms when we take to heart the truth that Christ is with them and in them.  

3. Indeed, if we be in Christ, and Christ, the Lord of all, is our head and husband, then  the privileges and benefits of belonging to Christ are truly infinite.

Main Idea: Let the Christian boast in the Lord to influence others with the gospel truths.

I. Introduction (17) 

II) Everyone boasts about some things (17a) 

III) The bad type of boasting ( 7-13, 18a) 

IV) The good type of boasting ( 13-17, 18b) 

V) Conclusion (17)

Main Idea: Christian maturity is vital for contending the gospel truths of Jesus. 

I) The meekness and gentleness of the heart (1-2) 

II) The warfare of the mind (3-5a) 

III) The capture of the will. (5b,6)

I. Introduction

II. Necessity of the newness of life (Eph 2.1-3)

Dead in trespasses and sins without Christ Dominated by the world and the prince of the power of the air Doomed because you are the children of wrath

III. Entry into the newness of life

Christ has opened the door to the newness of life in his death and resurrection so that sinners may enter in You are to embrace Christ and the good news of salvation and turn away from sin

IV. Walking in the newness of life

Confess your faith in Christ by baptism Combat sin Consecrate yourselves to God

V. Conclusion

Men’s action (vs 3-4): reveals their depraved character. 

God’s response (vs 5-8): reveals the grace of God for mankind and His faithfulness to restore His kingdom on earth.

Conclusion (v 9).

I. Introduction: The presence of a misplaced priority, a misplaced perspective, a misplaced godliness amid God’s people speaks of a greater spiritual concern – a misplaced kingship of Christ.

II. Ways of rejecting the Kingship of Christ - (a)substitution, (b)syncretism

III. Ways to reinstate the Kingship of Christ (v.22-23) - (a)God is going to shake the cosmos, (b)God is going to overthrow all kingdoms and dominions, (c)Christ has come to set up his kingdom

VI. Ways to live our lives under the kingship of Christ (v.23) - (a)avail oneself to serve the Lord, (b)answer the call to serve the Lord, (c)acknowledge the kingship of Christ

V. Conclusion: Christ is coming again to (a)judge the unbelieving, (b)bring his people home, and is (c)building his kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

I. Introduction II. The misuse of Scripture. III. The right use of Scripture. IV. Blessings for the right use of Scripture. V. Conclusion

God’s people will have His comfort and joy in godly grief. Introduction (2-4) I) Filling up those afflicted with comfort (5-8) II) Expecting earnestness in godly grief (9-12) II) Rejoicing when godly grief has proved true (13-15) Conclusion (16)

God loves the cheerful giver, sowing and reaping according to the gospel. I. The biblical principle of sowing and reaping(vs 6,7, 10) II. The benefits of sowing and reaping (vs 8, 10-14). III. The gracious generosity of God’s people glorifies Him (vs 9, 12, 13, 15)

The good administration of generous gifts encourages us to love one another. I. Heartfelt appeal for help(vs 8:16-19) II. Thoughtful preservation of integrity. (vs 8:20-24) III. Superfluous communication beyond doubt. (vs 9:1-56)

I. Introduction II. God sent His Son to redeem us so that we might be adopted as His sons  now and for ever. (Gal 4: 4-5) III. God sent His Spirit so that we might experience our sonship and enjoy  its privileges by having confidence, peace, boldness and stability to  face whatever the world throws at us. (Gal 4:6-7)  IV.Conclusion

Main Point: The gracious generosity of a believer must be  motivated by the gospel truths. Outline I) God’s abundance for His people. (14, 15) II) God’s fairness for His people. (12, 13, 14c, 15) III) Jesus’s grace for God’s people. (8, 9, 10, 11)

Main Point: Believers must excel in everything to bear the marks of gracious generosity. Outline I) The gospel with gracious generosity (1-2) II) The marks of gracious generosity (3-5) III) The call to excel in gracious generosity (6-7)

Main Idea: God’s people are to bring holiness to completion to receive His promise I) A biblical principle leads to the commands. (14, 17, 7:1b) II) The two commands to bring holiness to completion. (14-17, 7:1c) III) The promises of a personal God. (16c, 18, 7:1a)

Introduction. 1. All nations are of one blood and have one need. 2. All nations have only one way of salvation. 3. The election of grace and the church in its progress. Conclusion.

I) Know God through Christ’s Love. (5:11-15) II) Work together through Christ’s reconciliation. (5:16 – 6:2) III) Warm hearts through open hearts. (6:3-11)

I. Introduction II. The flawed perspective (vs 3-4) III. The real perspective ( vs 5-8) IV. The end in perspective ( vs 9)

Main Point: God’s grace to believers through the witness of an 

unlikely confessor.

I) The situation and profile of an unlikely confessor (24, 25, 

26)

II) The grace for the unlikely confessor (26, 27)

III) The witness to other unlikely confessors. (28, 29)

We are the frail vessels made to show God’s surpassing power in His gospel. 

I. Our frailty in afflictions points to our lack of power. (7,8,9,12,16,18) 

II. Our frailty in carrying the gospel points to God’s surpassing power. ( 8-14) 

III. Our frailty in sensory perception is to be recalibrated heavenward.  ( 15-18)

I) Turn away from gazing at the fading glory of the old form 

of ministry and life v7-11

II) Turn to face the new form of ministry and life with the gospel 

v8,11-16

III) Unmask to reflect the transforming ministry and life of the 

Spirit v17, 18

I. Introduction 

II. The value of our life’s work is only as significant as how much of it is  spent for Jesus Christ.(v1-2a)

III. Our life’s work is significant and blessed only when our work is Godengaged and God-reliant. (2b-5)

IV. Conclusion

The Winning Smell of a Christian will spread from Life to Life.

I) The Smell of the Solider. (14)

II) The Two Smells on the Street. (15,16)

III) The Smell Spreads to the Spectators. (14b, 16b, 17)

I. . Introduction

II. Reasons for our misplaced priority Ezra 4.4-6, vs 2-4

III. Results of our misplaced priority vs 5-6, 9-11

IV. Resources to reorder our misplaced priority vs 12-15

V. Conclusion

Introduction
1. We learn that sin can strike anyone, even the godly and the spiritual giant (v. 21).

2. We all easily become calloused toward sin (vv. 21-23).

3. We notice that sin grows, multiplies and spreads (vv. 24-27).

4. The human race needs a new heart.

Conclusion

The love that obeys brings the church to life in everything.

I) The test of Love (v1,2,3 4) II) The test of Rest (v12,13) III) The test of Encouragement (v7,8) IV) The test of Obedience (v5,6,9,10,11)

Considering God’s promises, we are to resolve conflicts with godliness.
I): Approach with Godly sincerity (12-14)
II): Square with God’s promises (15-20)
III) Work with one another for the joy in Christ. (21-24).

Main idea: God encourages us with what Christ has done and doing through us.

I) Introduction (1,2)

II) Praise Who God is. (3, 4a)

III) Remember What Christ did. (5,6,7, 10)

I. Introduction
II. The Christmas story begins with a lost war where the defeated human race became enslaved to death and the Prince of this world (2:15)

III. The Christmas message is a victory celebration of the birth of Jesus, the founder of our salvation, in a war with death and the devil that we could never ever win on our own (2:14)

IV. Conclusion

The church is to pray for the sufferer, restore the sinner, and reclaim the wanderer.

I. Two things a sufferer should do ( 13,14,15 )

II. Two things the elders could do ( 15,16,17,18,19 )

III. Two things the church would pursue ( 14,16,19,20 )