In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul establishes the preeminence of Christ – “so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18, NASB) What does it mean that Jesus has first place in everything? What does this look like in the daily life of discipleship? Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the …
Continue reading Sermon: He Has First Place in Everything – The Comprehensive Nature of DiscipleshipFaith
On two occasions, Jesus responded to the Pharasaic oppostions He faced by quoting Hosea 6:6. On one occasion He instructed them to “go and learn what this means”(Matthew 9:13). After this, He exposed their negligence, saying, “if you had known what this means…you would not have condemned the guiltless” (Matthew 12:7). “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the …
Continue reading Sermon: Go and Learn What This Means – “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”In her bitter trial of barrenness and persecution, Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord in faith. When God blessed her with a son, whom she called Samuel, noting that God had heard her, she turned to God in fervent praise. Her prayer-song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is filled with wonderful reflections on God and His …
Continue reading Sermon: The Prayer of Hannah – The Lord is a Rock Like No OtherFollowing his exhortation for the Philippians to work out their salvation, Paul noted the Divine activity adjoining their efforts – “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) How does God work in us? What does it mean that He works in us to will? …
Continue reading Sermon: God Works in You to Will and to DoAmidst the rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees by Jesus in Matthew 23, He addressed a problem concerning their intense attention to small matters of the law, while failing to adhere to the weightier matters (v. 23). He likened this to straining out a gnat, but swallowing a camel (v. 24). This failure in proportion …
Continue reading Sermon: Gnats and Camels – Failure in Proportion and PriorityPaul told Timothy about a coming apostasy where some would prohibit certain things God had blessed man with. He explained that “those who believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:3) partake in these things, knowing they are from the Lord. The phrase, “those who believe and know the truth,” speaks of one class of people, but provides nuance. …
Continue reading Sermon: Those Who Believe and Know the TruthGalatians 5:22-23 contains a list which comprises the fruit of the Spirit. These characteristics are possessed by those who are led by the will of God revealed by His Spirit. By bearing this fruit one is in fellowship with Christ, and imitates Him. The context of Galatians 5 is key to understanding the point of list given …
Continue reading Sermon: The Fruit of the Spirit (1) – Contrasts and ContextEveryone likes a compliment. However, some compliment to flatter or manipulate. Not all compliments are equal. On several occasions, Jesus gave compliments to people for certain character traits displayed in their lives. If Jesus gave a compliment, it meant something. What did Jesus find worthy of a compliment? Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the …
Continue reading Sermon: Compliments from ChristAfter his sin of unlawful sacrifice Saul was told that his kingdom would not continue, and that God has “sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:14) This tells …
Continue reading Sermon: A Man After his Own Heart“Holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, ASV) A relationship with God is impossible without fear, and reverence. This is fundamental to His nature, and His dealings with man. Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save link as…”
Continue reading Sermon: Reverence