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 DiscipleshipOn 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”Amos 7 begins a series of five visions given to the prophet by Yahweh concering the northern kingdom. The first two were of destruction, yet the Lord’s hand was stayed by the prophet’s intercession. The third described the finality of God’s decision to punish the nation due to their persistence in unfaithfulness to the covenant. …
Continue reading Sermon: A Plumb Line in the Midst of God’s PeopleJesus alluded to the “queen of the South” to bring shame upon the Jewish rulers who resisted His will, and the evidence supporting His claims (cf. Matthew 12:42). The queen Jesus considered was of Sheba, who made a long journey to hear Solomon’s wisdom straight from the source (cf. 1 Kings 10:1-13). Her eagerness and diligence in seeking the …
Continue reading Sermon: Judgment from the Queen of the SouthIn 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 DoJohn’s account of Jesus washing the disciples feet in the upper room provides an example of humility, service, and love that each disciple is called to engage in. Jesus answered Peter’s objection to Him washing his feet, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (John 13:8, ESV). The “share” Jesus alludes to is no …
Continue reading Sermon: Blessed are You if You Do Them – Engagement in GraceWhile awaiting a decision on his case, Paul was presented an opportunity when the governor, Felix, “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (Acts 24:24) Luke records that Paul “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” (v. 25). Ppt: Outline: To download, right-click on the title in the track list and select “Save …
Continue reading Sermon: Concerning the Faith in ChristAmidst 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 PriorityAs Paul defends his ministry against his opponents in Corinth, he highlights how much better the New Covenant is than that from Sinai. Several contrasts are drawn, and important insight is given from a scene at Sinai in Exodus 34. What does it mean that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Ppt: Outline: …
Continue reading Sermon: Letter and Spirit