Trinity Church Victor Harbor: Recent Episodes
Trinity Church Victor Harbor
How quickly life can changeDavid - a model of trusting in the rock, through life’s tragedies and triumphsHe trusts God’s promises enough not to grasp (1:1-16)He trust God’s justice enough to grieve instead of gloat (1:17-27)He trusts God’s wisdom enough to wait for God’s direction (2:1-7)Jesus - the true rockOur rock through tragedy and triumph
20260726 God Saves to Glorify His Name (Ezekiel 36~22-36) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
God’s forgiveness is abundant beyond anyone’s ability to recompense.Recognising our debt to the Lord is the beginning of faith.Recognising we can’t repay that debt and yet have received forgiveness is to know Christ.To forgive others is to see our overwhelming need for Jesus, our Saviour.
- We are called to a faith in Christ Jesus that does not shy away fromsin in this world, even the sin of a brother or sister.2. The church is the body of Christ that we may be confident in what webelieve.3. Christ is our boundary of belonging, in which we know him and areknown by him.4. Christ has established his church by the indwelling presence of hisSpirit.
A decision to be made: which hand, which foot and which eye?Acting in the worldStepping forth in the worldSeeing and understanding the worldChoosing ChristGod will never forsake his childrenRest in the peace of the Good Shepherd
Big things shape the little things…Getting the big things right will help shape:Our relationships.Our thinking and our prayers.Our contentment and our generosity.
Press on toward the goal of knowing Christ more and more (3:12-16)A. Christ saves us to know Him intimately (12)B. Knowing Christ requires lifelong commitment (13-14)C. Pressing on shows maturity in Christ (15-16)Press on in unity following the example of mature believers (3:17-21)A. Discipleship with one another is key (17)B. Not pressing on leads to becoming enemies of Christ (18-19)C. Our citizenship is in heaven (20-21)D. Pressing on in unity is how we stand firm in the Lord (4:1)
- What can we do to be righteous before God?2. Can we have any confidence in what we do?3. Turning from the world, we gain Christ and have confidence in his righteousness.4. We are called to leave the past behind, and to know Christ and life eternal with him.
Confident Evangelism?Confidence In the Power of the Gospel (4:1-7)Confidence In the Necessity of the Gospel (4:8-12)Confidence In Personally Sharing the Gospel (4:13-22)What’s Your Next Step?For everyone: _____________________Three extra ideas:
Work out your salvationHow to work out our salvationA clear view of your SaviourIntentional effortRadical relianceWhat happens when we work out our salvationYour mind is renewedYour behaviour changesYour witness shinesTwo examples of those who work out their salvationTimothy who serves Christ and othersEpaphroditus who puts his life on the lineWorking out our salvation will look different for each of usLet’s trust and obey
How’s your humility?This is a passage that…Humbles us by showing us what Christ has done for us.Humbles us by showing us the kind of Love God’s people are to show.Gives great hope for those who humble themselves and humbly trust in Jesus.
Gospel Citizens……conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel:Strive TogetherSuffer TogetherBe united in love
What do you live for?Citizens of heaven (like Paul) live for…The Mission of ChristThe Hope of being with ChristThe People of Christ
What is church to you?Paul says to be part of the church is to be….Set Apart (in love)Together (in love)To partner in what matters most (the gospel)So will you partner with us?
Just another miracle story?Jesus is teaching the disciples something wonderfully liberating Jesus reminds the disciples of his mission The disciples confess that Jesus is the MessiahJesus tells them his mission again - this is God’s plan!Jesus replaces the temple as the way to GodThe two-drachma temple taxJesus is the templeThis liberates us from all religious performanceJesus forgoes his freedom for the sake of the gospel Don’t use your freedom to cause offenceCome to Jesus
- A Glorious TruthJesus speaks God’s wordsJesus has God’s GloryJesus brings relationship with God2. A Failure of Faith3. How to Move Mountains
- A Life surrendered (we die with Christ)2. A Life found (we rise with Christ)3. A Life that lasts (our souls are secure in Christ)
A Hope that Changes EverythingThree key questionsWhy would I want it to be true?Is there any evidence that it’s true?Will I ‘go’ to Jesus?
Service Outline Welcome Song Hallelujah What a Saviour Reading 1 Matthew 26:36-46 Time of Prayer Song Jesus Strong and Kind Reading 2 Matthew 26:47-68 Talk 1 The Crown Song When I Survey Reading 3 Matthew 27:15-31 Talk 2 The Cross Reading 4 Matthew 27:32-44 Talk 3 The Curtain Time of Prayer Reading 5 Matthew 27:45-54 Song The Power of the Cross Sending Out
20260329~follow the King ~Will you follow this king (Matthew16~13-28) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
A crossroads momentThree key questionsWho is JesusWhat has he come to do?Will you follow him?A crossroads momentThree key questionsWho is JesusWhat has he come to do?Will you follow him?
The crowds see Jesus’ healings as a sign of God.Jesus multiplies what little the disciples have, providing for those abiding with him.Jonah, a sign given to the Pharisees and the Sadducees – God’s compassion for the people will be done.Beware the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees: Jesus teaches compassion for the many who are in need.
Introduction - Our doctors appointmentThe Pharisees DiagnosisOur DiagnosisThe right treatment and the wrong treatment
Intro - A fearful world?Four things to notice:The power of JesusThe identity of JesusThe call of JesusThe promise of Jesus
Cruelty and Brutality v Compassion and GraceWhich King will we follow? Which King will we live like?Which Kingdom are we standing on?
Nearing the end- How do you live and die without regrets? 1. Remember we are accountable the living andThe judge of the deadAnd yet confident not fearful 2. Making this life Count Preach the wordIn season and out of seasonCorrect, rebuke and encourageTell people what they NEED to hear 3. Faithfulness is Success Do you long for Jesus to appear?
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth2 Timothy 2:1-2 1. Endure in the gospel2. Pass the gospel on to reliable people who will teach others1.Enduring in the gospel (vv1-13)What?How? (vv3-6)Why? (vv 8-13)2.Faithfully passing on the gospel (vv14-26)Correctly handle the word of truth (vv14-19)Embody the word in our lives (vv20-26)Humbly and gently handling the word (vv23-26)Who does God approve?
A weighty, emotional letter…The risk of shame (v8, 12, 16)Why there is no need to be ashamed of Jesus (vv8-10)No need to be ashamed of the Apostle Paul (v8, 15-18)The Main Task: Guard the Gospel (vv11-14)2 Timothy 1:14 is the centrepiece of the letterTimothy’s gift? 1 Timothy 4:13-14Things we need to remember (to avoid being ashamed)It is only the gospel that savesIf you stick with the gospel, you will sufferV8 …join me in suffering for the gospelV12 …this is no cause for shameJesus guards the gospel and usV12…I am convinced he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day
I. Justice is not ours (v.17)A. Do not repay evil with evil (17a)B. Instead, do what is right in the sight of all (17b) C. Living the gospelII. Live Peaceably and Trust God for justice (v. 18-19)A. Live peaceably with all (18)B. Do not seek personal revenge (19a)C. Trust God for justice (19b)III. Overcome evil with Good (v. 20-21)A. Be kind to your enemy (20a)B. Kindness produces guilt and shame (20b)C. Grace overcomes evil (21)
IntroductionLove graciously (v.14) Bless those who persecute youBless and do not curseLove sensitively (v.15)Rejoice with those who rejoiceMourn with those who mournLove in humility (v.16)Love without favouritismLive in harmony
The proof is in the puddingWe need to get our thinking rightA genuine attitude of humilityA clear view of yourself According to the faith you’ve been givenFaith opens up a whole new worldA deep sense of belongingWe belong to Christ and to each otherWhen we give ourselves to others we growWhere do we get the power to give ourselves?A keen desire to use your giftsEveryone in the body has giftsThe gifts are for serving each otherDo you have a servant’s heart?
1.God’s mercy: responding in faith.2.Worshipping God: our faithful response.3.Living faithfully: our life renewed in Christ.4.God’s pleasing will: living in Christ.
We now have peace for we are justified in the resurrection of Christ. More than this: we now live in the hope of the glory of God, which is guaranteed, by the love of the Holy Spirit. More than this: we shall continue to realise how much Jesus loves us, because he died for us even though we rejected and crucified him. There is so much more than this: more than justified, more than reconciled, we are resurrected into the love and eternal life of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
A New Song on Christmas Day Sing! Because of the salvation of our God (v1-3) Shout! Before the LORD, the King (v4-6) Resound! Because he comes to judge the earth. (v7-9)
What’s happening this morning: Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing .Scene 1: Mary Carol: O Come All Ye Faithful Scene 2: Joseph Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem Scene 3: Shepherds and Angels Carol: Angels From the Realms of Glory Scene 4: Star-Watchers Carol: On That Very First Christmas Scene 5: His Christmas Present to You Carol: Silent Night Carol: Joy to the World Join us for free food and fun in the gym!
Dear Colossians,Remember who you are: undeserving receivers of God’s wonderful graceSo…Keep going!Keep growing!Keep overflowing!Dear Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Unfinished business?The message of the risen Lord The hope of Israel, the kingdom of GodWitnessed, explained, persuaded Proclaimed, taughtThe response to the risen LordSome were convincedOthers would not believeThe (unfinished) mission of the risen LordThey will listen!Acts 29…
Do the ends justify the means?Ananias and the elders bear false witness, revealing their true motivation.Paul, amid false accusations, continues to be a calm and clear witness to the truth.Felix, needing to make a decision, chooses personal gain over the truth.Paul continues to bear faithful witness, sharing the Gospel and trusting in God.
An age of safetyism? Trial # 2: Before the Sanhedrin (22:30) Where does Paul get his courage? A good conscience (23:1) The word of God (23:2-5) The hope of the resurrection of the dead (23:6-10) The plan of the Lord who is near (23:11) Paul’s courage is well founded: The Lord continues to work out his plan despite murderous plots (23:12-15) through a young man’s quick thinking (23:16-22) using the powers of this world (23:23-35) Take courage!
An age of outrage? Trial #1: Paul before the crowd The crowd is outraged by half-truths (21:27-36) Paul sets the crowd straight… He was a Hebrew of Hebrews (21:37-22:5) He was chosen and transformed by Israel’s Messiah (22:6-16) He was sent to the Gentiles by the Risen Lord (22:17-21) The crowd is (even more) outraged by the truth (22:22-24) Paul sets the commander straight (22:25-29) In an age of outrage: We preach Christ
What’s the cost? The Unstoppable Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Fulfilment and transformation in Jerusalem (ch 1-7) Walls torn down in Samaria and Galatia (ch 8-15) (The beginning of) the ends of the earth (ch 16-20) Paul sets his face to Jerusalem, despite… personal heartbreak (v. 1, 13) the urging of fellow believers (v. 4) The warning of Agabus (v. 10-11) being misunderstood by his fellow Jews (v. 17-26) Why? The collection for the Jerusalem church (24:17) Compelled by the Spirit, to complete his task (20:22-24) The cost of testifying to the good news of God’s grace
20251005 - 1 Timothy ~ Gospel Godliness in the Household of God (1 Timothy 5~1-6~2) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Instruction concerning false teachings.Instruction concerning true godliness.Exhortation to flee from evil and stay true to the good confession of our Lord Jesus Christ.Instruction on the sure hope in God, and the life that is truly life.Affirmation of the Grace of God, revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy #5 - Gospel Godliness in the Household of God (1 Timothy 5:1-6:2) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
What do you think of church?The community of godliness: God’s household (3:14-15)The key to godliness: Jesus! (3:16)Counterfeit godliness: the teaching of demons (4:1-5)Christian godliness: taught and trained (4:6-10)Contagious godliness: set an example (v. 11-16)That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God
Name Your 3 Most important Christian Truths3 ‘Trustworthy sayings’1 Timothy 1:151 Timothy 4:9-101 Timothy 3:1Why is leadership so important?In Search of the Perfect Leadership StructureCharacter is ParamountAble to teach (1 Timothy 3:2)How does the gospel shape a leader’s life?What are we looking for in Leaders?What is the ‘pass mark’?1 Timothy 3:2 ‘above reproach’1 Timothy 3:10 ‘nothing against them / blameless’What Sort of Leader?The Privilege of Leadership
A culturally bound instruction?1.What is this chapter here for?2.The importance of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-8)3.Women who worship God (1 Timothy 2:9-11)4.Men and Women: Learning and teaching when we gather (1 Tim 2:11-15)5.Thinking through some ImplicationsNot a timebound instructionWhat it doesn’t meanApplication for 21st century Adelaide believersWhat if you disagree with this?
1 Timothy is politically incorrectWhat sort of ‘letter’ is this?Personal (1 Tim 1:1-2; 18)Not just for believers at Ephesus in the 1st century (1 Tim 2:7. 3:14)Tackles a problem (Acts 20:29-30; 1 Timothy 1:3)What is the biggest problem any church can face?Who are the False teachers?What is the false teaching?What do we do when faced with false teaching?The cure for false teachingGospel centred teachingPaul’s own experience (1 Timothy 1:13, 14, 15, 16)Some Fights are Worth HavingChoose your ‘fights’ carefully'Fight’ with the right motivationStrong Love
Two ways to lead‘He will give strength to his king’ (ch 29-30)The Lord protects David from his desperate measures The Lord strengthens and guides David to victory The Lord’s blesses his people with extravagant grace‘Those who oppose the Lord will be broken’ (ch 31)The Lord fulfils his word against Saul The Lord’s enemies proclaim their victoryTwo ways to follow
Desperate times? David in despair: ‘I shall be destroyed’ Saul in despair: ‘Consult a spirit for me’ Jesus in despair: ‘not what I will, but what you will’ Therefore, we do not lose heart
The Lord tests David; the Lord teaches righteousness (ch. 24) The Lord stays David’s hand; the Lord teaches mercy (ch. 25) David waits upon the Lord; the Lord teaches grace (ch. 26)
Great expectations? A surprising suffering: David is a man of sorrows (21:1-22:5), (Psalm 34, 56) A tragic suffering: Saul is a ruthless destroyer (22:6-19),(Psalm 52) An inevitable suffering: Messiah Vs anti-messiah (22:20-23:29), (Psalm 54) Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things?
Love him or hate him? The hate of God’s Messiah: A jealous envy A fear-filled opposition A murderous rage The love of God’s Messiah: A deep friendship A humble submission A thankful following ‘Do you love me?’
Psalm 150: The praise at the end of the Psalms Whom do we praise? Where do we praise? Why do we praise? How do we praise? Who should praise? The praise at the end of all things
How do you know that God loves you? The problem we have Envy He nearly lost his foothold The breakthrough we need A different perspective Shift your attention to God The reality we now know God is gracious God is precious God is a refuge As for me it is good to be near God
Righteous Reign (v1-7)Universal Reign (v8-11)Compassionate Reign (v12-14)Ever-prosperous Reign (v15-17)Praiseworthy Reign (v18-20)
Who is JesusThe KING all people are pointlessly united againstGod's perfect and permanent KINGGod's all-powerful and praying SONThe KING to be kissed while people canBlessed are all who take refuge in him
The ‘blessed one’: their path and prospect The ‘wicked’: their path and prospect Who is the ‘blessed one’?
What are you afraid of? ‘Dismayed and terrified’: The ‘people’s choice’ messiah Vs the champion of Gath (v1-11) ‘Who is this?’: The Spirit-filled messiah Vs the fear-filled Israelites (v12-31) ‘The battle is the Lord’s’: Sword and spear Vs the name of the Lord Almighty (v32-58) Jesus our Champion: Take heart!
The Lord is revealing the new King in His good timing. The Lord reveals how He chooses in accordance with His heart. David is the Lord’s choice in fulfilment of the Lord’s good purpose. David, the Lord’s chosen king, is empowered by The Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord continues His work in the world – to bring peace to the hearts of humanity, through Jesus Christ.
The people’s choice?The folly of the people’s messiah (ch 13)The self-centredness of the people’s messiah (ch 14)The rebellion of the people’s messiah (ch 15)The wisdom, love, and obedience of the Lord’s Messiah…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!
What kind of leader?(Another) leadership crisis in Israel (8:1-3)The people’s response? A king like all the other nations have (8:4-5)BUT!They already have the one true King! (8:6-9)The kings of this world take and take and take (8:10-22)The kings of this world look good (on the outside) (ch 9-10)Only the true King is mighty to save his people (ch 11)Only the true King gives and gives and gives (ch 12)…do not turn away from the Lord
Leadership scandals The problem with Israel’s leaders: making light of the glorious God (2:12-36) BUT:The glorious God can’t be put in a box! (4:1-22) The glorious God is terrible in his majesty (5:1-7:1) The glorious God helps his repentant people (7:2-17) ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’
Where are we up to in the Bible’s picture? Where are we up to in world history? Where are WE up to?
How are your listening skills? The Lord’s word was rare:We are in the dark without God’s word (3:1-2) The Lord revealed his word: We serve God by listening to his word (3:3-18) The Lord revealed himself: We know God through his word (3:19-4:1) ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’
Looking for a leader… The deep anguish of a self-led world: Does God know? Is God in control? Does God care? The leader God provided: an unexpected deliverance
Our great hope is the resurrection Stand firm in the truth Remember you’re in the family of believers So, persevere in the wonderful gospel realities With a settled determination Work Hard for the Lord What is the work of the Lord? … it’s gospel work Paul’s challenge, ‘Always’ It gives real purpose to our lives The resurrection changes everything
WelcomeThe Easter story doesn’t stop at Good Friday -Jesus died for the forgiveness of sin; but he also rose again three days later!Death could not hold Jesus. In his resurrection, God has begun to undo the evil and sadness of this world. Jesus now reigns as the risen King of kings, and he freely offers all people a new and eternal life with him.Our time together this morning will be a relaxed service celebrating this great news.“…then the saying that is written will come true.” Death has been swallowed up in victory,” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57Order of ServiceWelcomeSong:Christ the Lord is Risen TodaySong: King of KingsReading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5Talk: The Resurrection I centralSong: He Died Upon the CrossReading: 1 Corinthians 15:17-22Talk: The Resurrection is certainSong: There is One GospelReading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57Talk: The Resurrection changes usPrayer:Song: Christ Our Hope in Life and Death
20250418 -Easter 2025~ Good Friday Service (Isaiah 53~1-6, John 16~32-19~42) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
20250418 -Easter 2025~ Good Friday Service (Isaiah 53~1-6, John 16~32-10~42) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
20250418 -Easter 2025~ Good Friday Service (Isaiah 53~1-6, John 16~32-10~42) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Good FridayEaster is always a special time of the year. It’s a chance to pause and reflect on the deeper question of life.Central to the Easter story is the person of Jesus, and his death on the cross. Jesus taught that his death was not just one more Roman execution; it was instead at the centre of God’s plans for his world. Jesus’ death is the key for all people to be restored to a right relationship with God. He bore our sins on the cross, so we might have forgiveness and new life.Our time together this morning will involve a reflective service of songs, prayers, and readings from the Bible’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion Order of ServiceSong: Hallelujah! What a SaviourReading: Isaiah 53:1-6Reading John 16:32 - 17:26Prayer and SilenceSong How Deep the Father’s LoveReading John 18:1-27Prayer and SilenceSong : Jesus Paid it AllReading: John – 18:28 - 19:16Prayer and SilenceReading John 19:17-27Song: When I Survey the Wondrous CrossReading: John 19:28+42Message It is Finished!Song: The Power of the Cross
Power, wisdom, and winning at life ‘Alexamenos worships his god’:the cross looks weak and foolish ‘Where is the wise person?’: the cross is God’s true power and wisdom Joining the revolution: those who are being saved, who believe, and whom God has called Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God
Parting words? This word is of first importance (v1-16) This word comes with tears (v. 17-23) This word is the good news of God’s grace (v. 24-26) So…Be on your guard! (v. 28-31) Rest in and be built up by this word (v. 32-33) Work hard to help the weak (v. 34-35) Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace
Australian Idols?Our idols are ridiculous and fragileYet we give them incredible powerBut the risen Lord will bring them to nothing“Gods made by human hands are no gods at all”
Who has the power? The powerful Lord gives life by his Spirit, through his gospel (v. 1-7) spreads his word through the boldness of his people (v. 8-10, 20) triumphs over the forces of darkness (v. 11-17) brings about stunning repentance (v. 18-19) In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power
Our faith journey in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (v18-21) Strengthening along the way, growing in the Gospel (v22-23) From strength to strength, maturing in the Gospel (v24-26) From receiving to giving encouragement - proclaiming the Gospel (v27-28)
Our mission is to speak up for the Lord (v1-8)Jesus is the MessiahSpeaking for Christ is hard and rewardingThe Lord encourages courageous speaking (v9-11)The Lord confirms that He is GodThe Lord promises that He is with usThe Lord commands us to keep speakingThe Lord pledges that He has people who will be savedWe see the Lord's faithfulness when we are faithful (v12-17)The Lord provides opportunities to keep speakingLike Paul, the Lord uses our testimony to save many with the gospel
‘…if I could have seen the shore…’ Seeing the shore:The risen and reigning Lord Who turns death into sleep Who will come in glory to dwell with us So:Don’t focus on times and dates Wake up! Therefore encourage one another and build each other up
Dear Thessalonians… We thank God for who you are: Loved, chosen, faithful and fruitful (ch 1)Remember who we are: approved by God, sharing both gospel and life (ch 2-3)So do this more and more: Living in order to please God (ch 4-5)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
How do you respond to a city? What Paul sees A city full of idolsHe is greatly distressed by thisThe Lord Jesus alone deserves all our worship What Paul does He engages with people where they are (synagogue, marketplace, Areopagus)How do we engage with people around us?Merging our universesCrossing the ‘painline’ What Paul saysGod is our CreatorGod will be our JudgeGod calls all people to repent Three things we can work onLove those with a different worldviewLook for openings & opportunities to present the Christian worldviewKnow where you’re going
There is another king… Be persuaded! (v. 1-9) Be a Berean! (v. 10-15) ‘Many of them believed’
The sovereign, triune God has a global gospel (v. 6-12)opens closed hearts (v. 13-15)frees the oppressed (v. 16-24)saves the captives (v. 25-40)‘...he was filled with joy’
Artificial love in an AI world: disembodied, ‘magical’ relationships enabled by a digital guide that curves us inward Real love in God’s world: whole-person, divine love poured out by the Holy Spirit who leads us up and out ‘….put on love…’
Time for an upgrade?An artificial hope:An upgraded humanityconquering the technical problem of deathon a fading planetThe certain hope of the gospel:A glorified humanityhealed of the spiritual problem of deathon a new heaven and earthCome, Lord Jesus!
Fake news in a post-truth world: Can you be sure of anything?Real faith in the real world: …is in the faithful One …whose word is true,…who has made his dwelling among us,…and who is full of grace and truthPeople take refuge in the shadow of your wings
Depression … it’s more common than you think A helpful Psalm The long, dark night of the soul (v1-4)Desperate for fellowship with GodMisery, mockeryRecollectionSelf-talk (v5-6)Evangelist to selfIt won’t always be like thisLeaning in to God (v7-10)Deep calls to deepSongs in the nightStanding on the RockThe Ongoing Battle (v10-11)Bodily pain, taunts & questionsThe self-talk of faith For those who’ve experienced depression … For those who haven’t …
Other Sermons #44 - Running the Race of Faith, Looking to Jesus ( Hebrews 12~1-3 ) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
The Names of Christmasyou are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ (1:21) ‘...they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).’ (1:23) ‘..out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people…’ (2:6) ‘...they bowed down and worshipped him.’ (2:11)
What's happening this morning This morning some kids from our church family are going to share the story of the first Christmas through a play called: Festive Frieda Finds the Greatest Gift Along the way we'll need your help with some actions, and there'll be a chance later on for any kids to come on stage and gather around the manger. We'll also be singing some great songs together:Angels from the Realms of GloryOn That Very First ChristmasOnce in Royal David's CityWhile Shepherds Watched their Flocks by NightHark the Herald Angels Sing0 Holy NightJoy to the WorldMessiah Medley0 Come All Ye Faithful
What child is this? End of the ages Word of the Father King of Creation Beautiful Saviour Risen ruler Fix your thoughts on Jesus
The Gospel Paul Preached (v1-11)If Christ is not raised (v12-19)Christ HAS been raised (v20-28)
The strange security of elect exiles: The God of all grace is the God of all power! (v. 10-11) So…shepherd with a willing, servant heart (v. 1-4) clothe yourselves with humility (v. 5-6) cast your anxiety on him (v. 7) resist your enemy the devil (v. 8-9) This is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it!
Secular suffering? The strangeness of suffering in Christ: Don’t be surprised… but rejoice! Don’t be ashamed… but praise God! Don’t lose perspective… but commit yourself to your faithful Creator and continue to do good. Suffering as a Christian
Making the most of the time (1) Think like Jesus Look back at what Jesus did on the cross Finish with sin Living like this will mean suffering (2) Understand that everything is about to be wrapped up We look to the future So we pray (3) Focus on one another Love one another Be hospitable to one another Serve one another So that in everything God may be praised through Jesus Christ
Intro: “I could never do that”A Caution: GIGO, ChatGPT & “Odd“ Passages1 — (v8-14) Doing what doesn’t come naturally.2 — (vv15-22) What the heart loves, the Will chooses.Conclusion: A change of Heart.
A dirty word??The key to being strangers in a strange land: Shine out the goodness of your homeland (v. 11-12)One beautiful way to do that: Submit yourselves (2:13-20; 3:1-7)to every human authority for the Lord’s sakeso that God would be glorifiedThe strange submission of Jesus is both our gift and our example (2:21-25)‘but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls’
We are strangers in a strange land. But what now?We are becoming a Holy Priesthood called to offer spiritual sacrifices.Jesus is our cornerstone.The Word of the Lord endures forever, the Love of the Lord endures forever.We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.Declare the praises of the Lord. Declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Holier-than-thou? The strange holiness of God’s elect exiles: strains toward a thought-out hope (1:13) is modelled on our holy Father (1:14-16) is purchased by the precious blood of Christ (1:17-21) works itself out in deep love (1:22, 2:1) is fuelled by the living and enduring word of God (1:23-25) ‘…now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.’
1 Who we are in Christ (vs 1-2)2 What we have in Christ (vs 3-5)3 The preciousness of faith in Christ (vs 6-9)4 Our privilege to see the fulfilment of faith (vs 10-12)
A. Jesus shows He is GodB. Jesus confesses He is GodDisciples believe Jesus is GodA. Disciples worship Jesus as GodB. Disciples confess Jesus is GodLive in confident faith that Jesus is God our saviourA. Faith to save usB. Faith to endure
Job - Wisdom when it hurts #8 - ‘The Lord restored his fortunes : Wisdom and Hope‘ (Job 42:7-17) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Job’s complaint:‘let the Almighty answer me’ The Lords answer: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself! Consider…the wonders of the natural world (ch. 38) the amazing animal kingdom (ch. 39) the strength of Behemoth (ch. 40) the matchless pride of Leviathan (ch. 41) ‘Everything under heaven belongs to me.’ (41:11) Job’s response: ‘but now my eyes have seen you…’ ‘My Lord and my God!’
The pain of waiting Elihu’s Answers to Job: #1: God does speak, and he speaks to save (ch 32-33) #2: It is unthinkable that God would do wrong (ch 34) #3: God opposes the proud (ch. 35) #4: God comes in golden splendour (ch 36) Wise waiting
‘He’s as wise as an owl…’ Wisdom’s inaccessibility: ‘it cannot be found’ (v. 1-14) Wisdom’s worth: ‘beyond rubies’ (v. 15-19) Wisdom’s keeper: ‘he alone knows where it dwells’ (v. 20-27) Wisdom’s path: ‘The fear of the Lord’ (v. 28) …in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Falsely accused? Job’s great pain:Inexplicably struck down by God Unjustly pursued by his friends Job’s great longing:an advocate on high a living redeemer But this I know…
Miserable comfort? Job’s miserable comforters: say some true things say some ignorant and cruel things have a strict system with no place for innocent suffering have a self-assured and grace-less tone are condemned by God are forgiven by God ‘Who, being innocent, ever suffered?’: The true wisdom and comfort of the cross of Christ
Toxic positivity? Job’s suffering: No one said a word to him (2:11-13) Job’s curse: ‘May the day of my birth perish’ (3:1:10) Job’s question: ‘Why?’ (3:11-23) Job’s lament: ‘I have no rest, but only turmoil’ (3:24-26) The grace of lament in the man of sorrows
An armchair or a wheelchair conversation? Introducing Job: A truly wise man Satan’s test: Fearing God for nothing Job’s ordeal: Unexplained, extreme suffering Job’s wisdom: Persevering worship Wisdom in suffering
Peace when it hurts?The glory due his name (v. 1-2)The glory of his voice (v. 3-9)The glory in his people (v. 9-11)Glory, strength, and peace
- The Lord provides, the Lord guides. 2. The Lord provides for our whole being, body and soul. 3. The Lord is with us even in the darkest hour of our lives. . In the darkness, Jesus has gone before us. 4. Our Lord and Saviour, Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is with us now and forever. Jesus provides life in abundance, pouring out beyond the boundaries of this world, into his eternal Kingdom.
God reveals His glory in creationGod reveals His grace in His wordGod's revelation saves and transforms us
What’s the fine print? The sharp dispute: “Required to keep the law of Moses” (v. 1-5) Peter’s warning: “Why do you try to test God?” (v. 6-11) James’s judgment: Fulfilment and flexibility (v. 12-21) Faith expressing itself through love
God's question for us is? Who has(Isaiah 53:1)1) Responses to Jesus so far ... (6:5o-7:24) a) Jesus' not there yet. brothers in Galilee (1-9) b) Who arethe. Jews' and why do they want to kill Jesus? (10-24) 2) Divided responses during the feast of booths (25-36)a) a people’s shallow. belief &grumbling' about Jesus' identity' (25-36)b) unable to arrest & unable to come where Jesus is going (7:33-34 cf 13:33) 3) Jesus' great invitation on the last day of the feast (37-52) a) Symbolic meaning of the last day " If anyone thirsts, Iel him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said. Out of-his heart will flow rivers of living water. " (31-38;) 4) `The thirsty' are coming to Jesus & believing in hima) a thirsty woman transformed and telling out (John 4) b) a man coming to & coming out at great cost (John 3:1-15; 7:50-51: 19:39) What do you believe will matter in the end? "It Is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. (Revelation 21:6) The Spirit and the Bride say "Come” And let the one who hears say, "Come " And let the one who is thirsty come. Iet Ihe one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)
Watch out!Paul’s three questions for these new churches:What’s with you!? Jesus + something = nothing! (ch. 1-2)Who are you? The redeemed children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (ch. 3-4)How then should you live? Freedom, faith, and the fruit of the Spirit. (ch. 5-6)‘…what counts is the new creation’
‘Men wanted for hazardous journey…’Reality check #1: We must go through many hardships…Proud plotsSuperstition and stoningReality check #2: All that God had done through them!Bold, effective, confirmed proclamationgreat numbers believechurches are strengthenedDangerous journey: The pilgrim’s progress from this world to that which is to come
What’s your mission?An international church sends out an international missionThis mission:is God’s mission! is what all history has been straining towards proclaims beautiful news to all nations provokes fierce opposition brings eternal life and global light and Spirit-filled joy What’s your mission?
Storm clouds are coming…The Spirit of the Lord provides for his hungry people (11:27-30)The angel of the Lord rescues his imprisoned apostle (12:1-19)The word of the Lord triumphs over a pretender King (12:20-24)But the word of God continued to spread and flourish
A critical spirit?A critical moment: even to Gentiles! (v. 1-18)Ahead of the curve: Cypriots and Cyrenes go rogue (v. 19-21)What the grace of God had done: The first ‘Christian’ church (v. 22-26)“…he was glad and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”
‘Tear down this wall!’Jesus wonderfully transforms lives … among the Jews (9:32-43)But what about Acts 1:8? The ends of the earth?(From B.C. to A.D.: God’s holy people fulfilled in Jesus)Jesus demonstrates his radical, global fulfilmentWith two disturbing visions (10:1-16)With two illegal house visits (10:17-33)With two astonishing outpourings (10:34-48)‘For he himself is our peace’ (Ephesians 2:11-22)
An unlikely convert?The risen Lord breaks through with transforming light The risen Lord binds together in shocking unity The risen Lord sends out in suffering boldnessLives transformed by the good news of Jesus throughout the Fleurieu region
A eucatastrophe!?From scattered defeat (8:1-3)To shocking expansion:To the Samaritans!? (8:4-25)To an Ethiopian eunuch!? (8:26-40)A completely unsurprising shockActs 1:8Isaiah 56:3Genesis 12:1-3‘Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went’
To some, the cross is a stumbling block.To some the cross is foolishness.To those who believe, the cross is the power and wisdom of God.How might the cross shape our lives?
Why did Jesus tell this story?Leaving dad, and where it ended up.Coming to his senses.Dad's reaction.The elder son's reaction and dad's response.Ourselves?
Uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion?The patient proofs of the risen Lord (v. 36-43)The amazing fulfilment of the long-awaited Lord (v. 44-46)The Messiah WILL suffer (e.g. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53)The Messiah WILL rise (e.g. Psalm 16)The global mission of the ascended Lord (v. 47-53)The Messiah’s good news WILL be proclaimed to the nations! (e.g. Isaiah 49:6)Meet Jesus: certainty, peace, and purpose
Easter journeys….The Emmaus journey:From blind despair and foolish doubt to heart-burning certainty and joy-filled witnessthrough meeting the glorious Kingin all the Scriptures!Were not our hearts burning within us
Order of Service Welcome Song: King of Kings Song: I Stand Amazed Reading: Luke z3:5o-56 Talk: Waiting for the kingdom Song: The Lord is King Reading: Luke 24:I-8 Talk: The King is risan ! Song: He is Risen Reading: Luke 24:9-12 Talk: Searching for the King Prayer Song: In Christ Alone
Meet Jesus #9 - Meet Jesus: The Saving King (Isaiah 53:1-6; Luke 22:7 - 23:49) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
I. Salvation is impossible for us to achieveII. Jesus Christ achieved salvationIII. Jesus gifts salvation to all who trust in Him
Meeting Jesus: Famine or feast?The Pharisee’s feast:a manipulative trap (v. 1-6)full of proud, self exalting people (v. 7-11)and a host looking for favours (v. 12-14)The feast of the Kingdom of God:a great banquet (v. 15-17)full of all the wrong people (v. 18-21)and a host of lavish, persistent grace (v. 22-24)Come, for everything is now ready!
What place does money have in my life? (1) Watch out for greed in our lives Signs of greed in our lives There is more to life than wealth(2) How to be stress-free about money Money makes us anxious There’s a loving Father in heaven who knows what you need Two stress busting exercises (3) How to use your money wisely Invest in eternity … seek the Kingdom God’s grace makes money just money What do I treasure?
“Who do the crowds say I am?”Meet Jesus: God’s anointed King (v. 18-20)Follow Jesus: The suffering Son of Man (v. 21-27)Listen to Jesus: The glorious Son of God (v. 28-36)But what about you?
Where is your fear?Meet Jesus:The Master who stills the roaring of the seas (8:22-25)The Son of the Most High who destroys the devil’s work (8:26-39)The unhurried and tender Lord of life (8:40-56)Where is your faith?
A memorable encounter?A disabled man meets Jesus (5:17-26)has his sins forgivenand goes leaping awayA wealthy traitor meets Jesus (5:27-32)leaves everythingand throws a banquetA notorious sinner meets Jesus (7:36-50)is forgiven muchand pours out her lavish loveWho is this!?
Good news??Jesus message: The best news everThe people’s response: from earnest praise to murderous rageThe reason: Good news to the poorGood news for you
Which Jesus?The real Jesus:was seen & talked about by many eye-witnessesbrought about a great fulfilmentwas carefully investigated by Lukeso that you might have certaintyThe humble boldness of gospel certainty
‘To be loved, be loveable!’Loved by the God-who-is-lovewho loves the unlovelythat they might lovely beAn infinite and incomprehensible fountain of love
‘I know him!’The thrill and terror of being knownBeing known by God:Humbles our pride (Hebrews 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:1-3)Raises us up as his loved children (Galatians 4:4-11)Comforts and sustains through any trial (Isaiah 49:13-16)Gives us a sure voice to follow (John 10:1-16)‘Who am I? Lonely questions mock me.Who I really am, you know me, I am yours, O God!’
Who am I!? Our crisis of identityIdentity from without or within?Identity from above:Created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-31)Re-created in Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15-20)Whose am I? The security and purpose of receiving your identity in Christ
What brings you joy?Three things worth celebrating:(1) The Lord has shown his salvation to the worldWhat the Lord has done for usGod’s rescue is worth singing aboutDoesn’t this excite you?(2) The Lord is ruling the world What the Lord is doing for us Jesus’ rule is worth celebrating(3) The Lord will come to judge the worldWhat the Lord will do for usThe whole creation anticipates this with joyIs this your ultimate hope? Singing this song above all other songs
Blessed are:The poor in spirit (v3)Those who mourn (v4)The meek (v5)Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (v6)The merciful (v7)The pure in heart (v8)The peacemakers (v9)Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake...and on my account (v10-12)
Peace on earth!?The Prince of Peace:Fulfils every longing (v. 25-29)Is the saviour of all people (v. 30-33)Conquers through a cross (v. 34-35)A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices!
What's happening this morning:Aussie Carol: Go Tell it to Australia!Reflection: The Missing PeaceReading: Isaiah 60:1; 9:6-7Carol: 0 Come, 0 Come EmmanuelReading: Luke 1:26-33Carol: 0 Come All Ye FaithfulReflection: The Prince of PeaceReading: Luke 2:1-7Carol: 0 Little Town of BethlehemCarol: Away in a MangerReading: Luke 2:8-14Carol: lt Came Upon a Midnight ClearCarol: The First NoelReflection: Peace on EarthCarol: Hark! The Herald Angels SingCarol: 0 Holy Night
The risen Lord Jesus:transforms his people to be like himfulfils the temple and the law reigns in unstoppable glorygrows his kingdom even through suffering“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went…”
The unstoppable word Vs: the doors of a prison (5:17-26)the commands of men (5:27-32)the rage of rulers (5:33-42)the needs of the church (6:1-7)So the word of God spread…
You can change?A transforming graceA holy graceAn amazing graceGod’s grace is powerfully at work in us
Being the bad guys!?An unstoppable boldness…to proclaim the risen Lordgiven by the Holy Spiritlearned from being with Jesusmade clear with gospel glassesasked for in humble prayer“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”
Remember that old song??An unstoppable restoration, as the risen Lord:makes the lame to leapbrings the outcast inrefreshes the repentantfulfils and restores all thingsRepent, and be restored!
Change?An unstoppable transformation, as the risen Lord calls his people to:repentance and faith devotion to his wordglad and sincere communitysacrificial partnershipawe-filled prayer and praiseBe assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah
Waiting…An unstoppable fulfilment:of God’s restoring presence (v. 1-13)of the ‘last days’ (v. 14-21)of the plan of God in the cross (v. 22-24)of the hope of a risen Christ (v. 25-32)of the promise of an ascended Lord (v. 33-35)“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this”
Unstoppable…?An unstoppable kingdom…with a living Lord (v. 1-3)empowered by God’s promised Spirit (v. 4-8)growing across the whole world (v. 8)until the King returns (v. 9-11)founded on the witness of the Apostles (v. 12-26)The unstoppable acts of the risen Lord Jesus
What makes the Great Commission great? Who gives it Philippians 2:9-11 Who gets it Matthew 4:15-16 How we do itGenesis 12:2-3 Who goes with us Hebrews 4:11
Rest Assured Matthew 27:45-50 Isaiah 57:20 The struggle to Rest Psalm 127:2 The World erodes the Rest secured by Jesus Hebrews 4:1-11 The Bible’s Call to Rest Hebrews 4:11
Team work…Paul’s gospel team:Real people in real relationshipsworking hardfor the kingdom of Godin partnership togetherfuelled by God’s graceGrace be with you!
I. Be devoted to prayer A. Make prayer essential B. Be aware of prayer needs C. Be thankful D. Pray for gospel opportunities E. For Christ clearly proclaimedII. Be devoted to proclaim Christ A. Show Christ B. Speak Christ
Post-holiday blues?The glorious riches of the gospel:From the cosmic heights……to the everyday grindThe key principle: Thankful, all-of-life submission to Jesus (3:17)Continuing in Christ behind closed doors:Wives and husbands (3:18-19)Parents and children (3:20-21)Slaves and masters (3:22-4:1)‘Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’
What do Australians have their hearts set on?Colossians 3:1 ‘…set your hearts on things above…’How do you do that?Remembering we are ‘in Christ’ (v1-4)‘in Christ’?You died (v 3; 2:20)You have been raised (v1)You will appear with him in glory (v4)Set your hearts on things abovePut to death… (v5-11)Putting on… (v12-16)Doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (3:17)
But there’s more….How do you go on as a Christian?Not this wayDon’t let anyone judge you (v16-17)Don’t let anyone disqualify you (v18-19)Don’t Submit to Human Commands and Teachings (v20-23)Religion is anti-Christian
How do we grow as Christians?
Be careful how you grow
Stay grounded in Christ (v6-7)
Continue the live in Christ
Be rooted & built up in Christ
Learn more of Christ
Overflow with thankfulness
Find fullness in Christ (v9-10)
The fullness we discover in Christ
The fullness we receive from Christ
Realise what we have in Christ (v11-15)
We have fellowship with Christ
We have forgiveness in Christ
We have freedom through Christ
Are you growing in Christ?
What is it that motivates you and excites you?
Paul’s passion for gospel ministry
1) He serves the church with the Word of God
A servant who brings the Word of God
A Word that is all about the mystery revealed in Christ
A service that entails suffering
2) He works hard to present everyone mature in Christ
Paul labours, toils and strives to make Christ known
All ministry is hard work
But we do it with the strength Christ gives
3) He wants to see Christ formed in others
Paul wrestles in prayer for Christians:
To be encouraged in heart
To be united in love
So they might really know Christ
And be equipped to resist false teaching
Once we were enemies of God (v21)
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour.
God has reconciled us through Christ (v22)
22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
Persevere in our faith in Christ our hope (v23)
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
How Marvellous?
The most potent force in the universe is … (Gen 1:25-28; Col 1:6, 10)
1) Christ’s Supremacy and the Creation of ‘all things’ (v15-17)
WHO is Jesus … (v15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
WHY Jesus is WHO he is … (v16) FOR by [in] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
In SUM Jesus is … (v17) [And he] is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
2) Christ’s Supremacy and the Reconciliation of ‘all things’ (v18-20)
in SUM Jesus is … (v18a) [And he] is the head of the body, the church.
WHO is Jesus … (v18b) He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
WHY Jesus is WHO he is … (v19-20) FOR in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to[in] himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
IF Christ really is Supreme THEN …
Colossians #1 - Are You Seeing God’s Better Way? (Colossians 1:1-14) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Is Trinity Church Victor Harbor a Spirit Filled Church?
- What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
a) Is Ephesians 5:18 talking about speaking in tongues?
Filled with the Spirit in Acts
Different results of being filled
Not a one off experience
A sovereign work of God
b) Filled with the Spirit in Ephesians
A command
Ongoing
Never completed
- What does a Spirit filled Church look like?
Live wisely (Ephesians 5:15)
Spiritual speakers and singers (Ephesians 5:19)
Always giving thanks (Ephesians 5:20)
Submitting to one another (Ephesians 5:21- 6:9)
Is Trinity Church Victor Harbor a Spirit Filled Church?
Are you led by the Spirit?
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom 8:14)
-where is the Spirit leading us?
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The Holy Spirit Leads us into Godliness (vv12-13)
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The Holy Spirit Leads us into the riches of a relationship with God as Father (vv 15-16)
Mark 14:36
- The Holy Spirit Leads us into our inheritance (v17)
Where is the Holy Spirit leading us?
The most controversial chapter in the Bible? But meant to bring unity and thankfulness.
The Promise
Luke 24:46-49
Acts 1:4,6,8.
What happened?
Pentecost
Unusual, but not unique
The impact (Acts 2:12-13)
What did it mean? (Acts 2:14-41)
Speaking in tongues (vv17-21)
The ‘Last Days’
Jesus is the focus (vv22-41)
What does it mean for us?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Living in the Age of Salvation
A Spirit Filled Church (Acts 2:42-47)
Longing for glory
The transforming glory of God:
… in his mighty works
… in his provision
… in his presence
… in his goodness
… in his Son
‘Transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory’
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
The enemy in the ranks: the tragic evil of idolatry
The man in the breach: Moses the faithful mediator
The saviour from on high: Yahweh the gracious and compassionate God
‘forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance
Getting in touch with the Divine…?
God drew near in a tent
God drew near in flesh
God draws near by his Spirit
God will draw near in the new creation
‘let us draw near to God…’
“Look at your people Moses… They are free!”
A covenant of wonderful grace (ch 19)
A covenant with good instruction (ch 20-23)
A covenant that brought death (ch 24)
Jesus fulfils the covenant for us (Matthew 5:17)
Jesus fulfils the covenant in us (Hebrews 8)
“…and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
‘What a whinger!!’Grumbling and grace for IsraelGrumbling and grace for us From grumbling to gratitude: ‘I am the bread of life
'The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still'1.See ... Fear ... Trust ... Sing (14.31, 15.1)- Living between the two points of Redemption (13.1-16)2.The Day the LORD fought for us- the God who leads and cares (13.17-22)- 'Hallowed be my name!' (14.1-4)- Action from all angles (14.5-18)- See the deliverance of the LORD (14.19-29)- See ... Fear ... Trust ... Sing (14.30-15.18)3.The Exodus, Jesus, and us- the baptism and temptation of God's son - Jesus' exodus(Luke 9:31)- when was God our 'rear-guard'? (Isaiah 52.10-12, 52.13f)4.See ... Fear ... Trust ... Sing
A day to remember…When God passes through:JudgmentDistinctionGloryWhen God passes over:SubstitutionFreedom Worship“Behold the Lamb!”: Receiving, and remembering, the blood of the Lamb
God in a box?The God who met Moses:The God who isThe God who is with his peopleThe God who patiently calls Moses to join his planThe God who meets us in Jesus Christ:The One who isThe One who is God-with-usThe One who patiently calls his people to join his plan
Over-promise, under-deliver?The promise progresses (1:1-7)The promise in peril (1:8-22)An unexpected rescue (2:1-10)An unexpected rescuer (2:11-22)The promising, rescuing God (2:23-24)
Pie in the sky when you die…?Labour that is not in vain:Gospel giving (v1-4)Gospel going (v5-12; 15-18)Gospel greeting (v. 19-20)Two final pleas:to the people of the gospel (v13-14)to the Lord of the gospel (v. 21-22)The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you
Live in Assurance of Perfect VictoryI. Imperfection cannot inherit perfectionII. We will be victoriously changed to perfectionIII. Victory is given through Jesus ChristIV. Serve the Lord in victorious hope
On getting out of bed…The hope of the resurrection:A glorious hope (v. 20-23; 35-49)A cosmic hope (v. 24-28)A transforming hope (v. 29-34)But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep
Order of ServiceSong King of KingsSong There Is One GospelReading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8Talk News that is of first importanceSong He Lives!Reading 1 Corinthians 15:9-11Talk News that Transformed Paul's LifeReading 1 Corinthians 15:12-20Talk News that can transform your lifeReading 1 Corinthians 15:9-11Song In Christ Alone
Order of ServiceReading: Isaiah 53:4-6Song How Deep the Faters Love For UsReading Mark 14:1-26Prayer & SilenceSong Hallelujah! What a SaviourReading Mark 14:27-52Prayer & SilenceItem The Power of the CrossReading Mark 14:53-72Prayer & SilenceSong Before the Throne of God AboveReading Mark 15:1-32Prayer & SilenceReading Mark 15:33-47Song And Can It Be
Order, Order!When you gather… (v26)Three Corinthian disorders:Tongues (v. 27-28)Prophecy (v. 29-33)Men & women (v. 34-36)Re-ordered by the Lord (v. 37-40)The promise of a rightly-ordered body today
Accept one another?1: How God Glorifies Himself2: Christ's People and Christ's Words3: Through the Church, Within the Church. Same Same?
Why do you church!?Being a body-builder: Run after love, seek God’s enabling (v. 1)Body-building in Corinth: A case-study of tongues and prophecyWhat are they?Their impact on the body (v. 2-19)Their impact on those outside (v. 20-25)Body-building today
“We are one, but we are many”?Christ’s body: United in one Spirit (12-14)Dividing the body: “You don’t need me” (15-20)Dividing the body: “I don’t need you” (21-26)Building the body: eagerly desire the greater gifts (27-31a)Building the body: follow the most excellent way (31b)“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it”
A Spiritual church?Holy Spirituality: All about Jesus (v. 1-3)Holy Spirituality: All of God’s grace (v. 4-6)Holy Spirituality: Diverse gifts, united purpose (v. 7-11)A Holy Spirit Church
Family mealsThe Corinthians’ family meal: Despising the church of God (v. 17-22)The Lord’s family meal: Remembering Christ crucified (v. 23-26)The travesty: Re-crucifying their Lord! (v. 27-31)The remedy: Receiving their Lord’s discipline (v. 32-36) Discerning the body today
A difficult passage?God’s good design in creation:A noble calling (Gen 1:28)A beautiful partnership (Gen 1:27; 2:23-25)God’s good design in his church:A noble calling (1 Cor 10:31-11:1)A beautiful partnership (1 Cor 11:2-16)Embracing God’s good design; displaying God’s wonderful gospel
Lost!?Surprisingly lost (15:11-19)Surprisingly found (15:17-24)Surprisingly angry (15:25-30)Unsurprisingly glad (15:31-32)Coming home to the prodigal Father
A strange way to change the worldEnlightenment over aggression (Luke 2:32)Matthew 26:50-54Matthew 28:19-20 Acts 18:1-13Aggression over enlightenmentColossians 1:28-29Discussion question: How does Jesus’ mission help us think about the good and the terrible in ‘Christian’ history?
Spot the difference?Jesus’ equality revolution:Equally precious to God Equally fallen before God Equally invited by God The test of equality: Love for your enemyThe ground is level at the foot of the cross
- Freedom is the air we breathe The odd ones out 2. We believe in freedom because of Jesus Jesus the liberator The seed that brings freedom 3. True freedom is only found in Jesus Freedom eroded Fish don’t fly birds don’t swim Question of the day: What do you think would be different about the world today if the Christian view of freedom had never spread?
‘How’s the water boys?’ The air we breathe: Compassion for the weak The air of the ancients: Discarding the weak The Jesus revolution: Compassion incarnate (Luke 7:11-17) Jesus sees… and feels… and acts… Jesus’ compassion for you
Where is this new life and how did we get it? What's included in this new life in Christ as we read about it in today's passage?1. The Father and his family. " to the praise of his glorious grace." 2. A new freedom. 3. A new future. 4. A new focus. 5. The forever Spirit. "Sealed". "Guarantee".
- "Since we have a great high priest …" (4:14-16) 2 reasons why Jesus is the "great high priest": i. He ___________________ ii. He ___________________ Isa 6:5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 2. Why Jesus is such a great High Priest (5:1-10) i. He is able to empathize with our weaknesses (5:1-4, cf 4:15) ii. He has been called by God (5:5-10) Q1. What does Jesus "learned obedience" mean? Q2. What does "once made perfect, Jesus become the source of eternal salvation" mean? 3. So what, for us? i. pray like Christ prayed ii. "bold I approach" Eph 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus My Father in HeavenWherever I go today; whomever I meet; whatever I say and do: thank you that I am already seated in your throne room alongside your SonIf I wander astray; if I stumble and fall; if at any point you feel far off: remind me that I will always be welcome home, if only I will return to my great High Priest Jesus who gets me and is acceptable to you
O come, o come Emmanuel! The dawn of redeeming grace: from slavery… …to Sonship …through sacrifice I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
I’m only human!
God became human? Some more ancient errors
Jesus the super-hero
Jesus the ply-wood
Enjoying the pastures of Chalcedon: Truly God, truly man
The second Adam who re-boots humanity (1 Cor 15:22)
The self-giving Son who models true humanity (Phil 2:1-11)
‘…have the same mindset’: Becoming more human through our union with Jesus
Ho, Ho, Homoousious! The real St Nick and the eternal significance of one little ‘i’
Questions in the dark: Is it really possible to know God?
The light that shines in the darkness:
The eternal Word (v. 1-5)
The witnessed Word (v. 6-8)
The rejected Word (v. 9-11)
The adopting Word (v. 12-17)
The revealing Word (v. 18)
‘Lord, show us the Father!’
Freedom and the idols of our hearts
The way out: Flee! (10:14-22)
…from idolatry
…because you’re playing with fire
The way on: Follow! (10:23-11:1)
…the example of Paul (& Christ)
…by living for God’s glory
…and the salvation of many
The expulsive power of a new affection
Strict training?
Run with your eyes on the prize (9:24-27)
Run heeding the warning of those who fell (10:1-10)
Run with your confidence in God alone (10:11-13)
God is faithful; so run!
Fight for your rights?
Paul’s consuming ambition: the gospel (v. 12, 23)
Paul’s past example: giving up his rights for the progress of the gospel (v. 1-18)
Paul’s ongoing pattern: a free slave for the sake of the gospel (v. 19-23)
Faithful flexibility as gospel slaves
Is it ok to…?
The issue in Corinth: Food sacrificed to idols (v. 1)
The principle: Love and knowledge (v. 1-3)
Right knowledge: The one true and living God (v. 4-6)
Right love: Freely giving up your freedom (v. 7-13)
The freedom of a Christian
Other Sermons #31 - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ my Lord (Philippians 3:1-16) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
- Live in expectation of Christ's return (vv.1-10)
a. Day of the Lord will surprise people in darkness
b. Day of the Lord will not surprise those of us in the light
- Encourage each other in light of Christ's return (vv.11-15)
a. Acknowledge and respect church leaders
b. Live in peace and care for each other
- Live God's will in light of Christ's return (vv.16-26)
a. Live a Spirit lead life
b. Live a transformed life
Quiet contentment or revolutionary devotion!?
Revolutionary devotion in the last days: Live as those who belong to God’s coming world
within the good (but temporary) constraints of this present world
in gospel-fuelled wisdom and freedom
…that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
‘If only…’
Jesus’ contentment revolution The big idea: You can (and should) live a faithful life right now (v. 17, 20, 24)
The reasons: Because of the sovereign call of God (v. 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24)
Because in Christ the new creation has come (v. 18-19)
Galatians 5:6, 6:15
Because you belong to the one whose service is perfect freedom (v. 21-23)
Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-24
Live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to you
The unusual beauty of faithfulness
To the married: Give yourself to your marriage as God’s gift (v. 1-7)
To the unmarried (or once married): It’s good to stay unmarried! (But fine to get married too) (v. 8-9)
To those in strained marriages: Pursue faithfulness and reconciliation, and live in peace (v. 10-16)
Entrusting ourselves to the God of faithfulness
The trouble with our bodies…
Bodies in the City of Corinth: Ownership
Purpose
Destiny
Bodies in the Kingdom of Christ: Destiny
Purpose
Ownership
Therefore? Flee sexual immorality
Honour God with your bodies
When families feud…
The Family Feud in Corinth The issue Disputes in the courts
The problems Defeat
Disrepute
Disinheritance
The response Do you not know!?
Revolutionary transformation in the family of God: You do (the new) you
The (first) sexual revolution
Seeds of the revolution: Israel, redeemed from slavery for holiness
Revolutionary holiness in Corinth: The problems? Porneia
Pride
The response? Mourn together
Act together
Celebrate together
Therefore let us keep the Festival
What is the point of work?
There is a futility/vanity to work (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3)
Work has a significant but limited purpose
But there is work/labour that is not vain/futile (1 Corinthians 15:58)
What is this ‘working for the Lord’?
Who are the ‘workers’? (1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Corinthians 16:10)
What is the ‘work’? (1 Corinthians 3:10-13, 1 Corinthians 9:1)
What is the connection between our jobs and labouring for the Lord?
Keep remembering what your ‘main job’ is?
The difference between ‘work’ and ‘good works’ (1 Peter 2:12)
Should you do the ‘work of the Lord’ at work?
Having the right job aspirations
Struggling to find a work/life balance?
Putting ‘work’ in perspective
- What does the Bible say about vocation/calling?
Ecclesiastes 2:24
The Bible on calling God ‘calls’ people 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Christians are ‘called’ ones Romans 8:28
‘Called’ through the gospel 2 Thessalonians 2:14
What are we ‘called’ to? 1 Thessalonians 4:7
What is your calling?
- How does my ‘calling’ relate to my job?
Ephesians 6:5-9
We have a new boss
We have a new goal
What does it mean to work ‘wholeheartedly’?
Career advancement?
Unhappy? Should you look for another job?
Having a different goal
Work: a love/hate relationship
Made to work
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 2:15
Colossians 3:17
The ‘Fall’ affects our work
Genesis 3:17
The Necessity of Work
2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10.
A diagnostic framework for Work
Exploring some implications
Work and self-worth
Should we fulfil our potential?
Should we look for Job satisfaction?
What about work and money?
Work is inevitably a ‘mixed bag’
Permanent praise??
David’s testimony: Praise from the pit (v. 1-7)
David’s plea: Be filled with good fear (v. 8-14)
David’s God: The Lord who sees, hears, and acts (v. 15-22)
Let us exalt his name together
My soul finds rest in…?
Rest for God’s King: A solid rock through the assaults of his enemies (v. 1-7)
Rest for God’s people: A trustworthy refuge in a fleeting world (v. 8-10)
The source of rest: The God of power, love, and justice (v. 11-12)
Yes, my soul, find rest in God
The blessings of a repentant heart
I. Blessing of forgiveness A. God erases the sin of the honest
B. God heals the guilt of those who confess
II. Blessing of deliverance A. God protects those who call on Him
B. God cancels the penalty of sin
III. Blessing of restoration A. God restores His relationship to those who submit to Him
B. God restores true joy to those who trust in Him
The search for guidance…
The Guide: The God of covenant faithfulness
The Guided: He guides the humble
The Guidance: Show me your ways
Being guided by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
Paul's opening words to Timothy.
Paul tells us about his own experience of grace and mercy.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Why is it that it is Jesus who saves sinners? Christ has died
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
To close: For what, ultimately, did Jesus come to save us?
Life in a fallen world?
Life in God’s new world:
A grace-filled yesterday,
a glory-filled tomorrow,
and a gospel-filled today
‘Be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create'
A world in darkness
A world of light An eternal city (60:1-22)
A glorious bride (61:10-62:12)
The light of the world (61:1-9)
‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing…’
Groundhog Day?
The restless futility of self-righteousness
The transforming peace of the righteous God
Repentance and transformation for God’s people in exile
Banquets and festal joy
The Invitation: Come! (55:1-2)
The Menu: And everlasting covenant (55:3-5)
The Call: Turn! (55:6-7)
The Host: Utterly trustworthy (55:8-11)
The Aftertaste: Eternal, cosmic joy; the host’s renown (55:12-13)
‘O Lamb of God, I come’
The unbelievable message: highly exalted, despised and rejected (52:13-53:3)
The incredible reason: pierced for our transgressions (53:4-9)
The wonderful outcome: the light of life (53:10-12)
The heart of the gospel: guilt, substitution, and grace
Great Expectations?
Great expectations for the Servant of the Lord The sharp messenger to the nations (v. 1-2)
The surprising splendor of God (v. 3-4)
The saving light of the world (v. 5-6)
Great expectations for the servants of the Lord
A burden for the weary: The enslaving seduction of idolatry (46:1-2)
‘Turn to me and be saved’: Replacing our idols with the one true and living God The incomparable God who carries his people (46:3-7)
The sovereign God who does as he pleases (46:8-11)
The saving God who will not be delayed (46:12-13)
Comfort?
Isaiah 40-66: Surprising relief, stunning hope
Glorious comfort for suffering exiles (40:1-11) The comfort of atonement (v2)
The comfort of God’s presence (v3-5)
The comfort of the eternal gospel (v. 6-9)
The comfort of the strong and tender shepherd (v. 10-11)
Comfort through the justice-bringing Servant (42:1-4) The (current) servant Vs the (future) Servant
The strong and tender hope of the world
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Jesus proves he has risen (v36-43)
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Jesus shows he is the fulfillment of prophecy (v44-47)
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Jesus is the saviour of the world (v48-53)
Order of Service
Song This Is Amazing Grace
Reading Luke 24:1-3
Talk An Early Morning Mystery
Song The Lord is King
Reading Luke 24:4-8
Talk A World-Changing Light
Song He Is Risen
Reading Luke 24:9-12
Talk An Invitation to Wonder
Song Christ our Hope in Life and Death
Order of Service
Reading Isaiah 53:4-6
Song There Is A Fountain
Reading Luke 22:1-23
Prayer & Silence
Song The Power of the Cross
Reading Luke 22:24-46
Prayer & Silence
Song Hallelujah! What a Saviour
Reading Luke 22:47-65
Prayer & Silence
Song Before the Throne of God Above
Reading Luke 22:66- 23:25
Prayer & Silence
Reading Luke 23:26-56
Song Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
In life, we are continually becoming
The truth of WHO Jesus is (v. 1-4; 14)
The goodness of WHY Jesus (v. 9-13)
The glory of WHAT Jesus has done (v. 14-18)
Who will you become?
Jesus’ hidden kingdom causes joyful sacrifice (v. 44-46)
Jesus’ hidden kingdom will one day be all-in-all (v. 47-50)
Jesus’ hidden kingdom creates disciples with ever-new treasure to share (v. 51-52)
"For the joy set before him he endured the cross”
Matthew #28 - Parables of the Kingdom: Weeds, seeds, and yeast (Matthew 13:24-43) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Great expectations…
Jesus’ parable: A nice sea-side farm yarn? (v. 1-9)
Jesus’ parable: Hiding and revealing the secrets of the Kingdom (v. 10-17)
Jesus’ parable: Hearing the message of the kingdom (v. 18-23)
‘Whoever has ears, let them hear’
The King’s Admirers: ‘Could this be the Son of David?’ (v22-23)
The King’s Accusers: ‘You’re demonic!’ (v24-37)
The King’s Sceptics: ‘Show us a sign!’ (v38-45)
The King’s Family: True disciples (v46-50)
The Kingdom of God has come upon you
Jesus: The Hope of the World
Where’s your hope?
Hope Hidden…
In the grain fields (v. 1-8)
In the synagogue (v. 9-14)
Hope Revealed…
To bruised reeds (v. 15-21)
In his name the nations will put their hope
Come to…?
Jesus’ invitation: Come to me!
Jesus’ gift: Soul rest
Jesus’ yoke: Learning from him
Jesus’ heart: Gentle and humble
Come to Jesus, together, today
The blind men and the elephant…
It (really!) matters how you respond to Jesus (v. 20-24)
Because God IS the Jesus-God (v. 25-27)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- When Jesus disappoints …
’… should we expect someone else …?’ 11.1-3
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Dealing with Doubt
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a powerful report (Isaiah 29.18, 35.4-6, 61.1) 11.4-5
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the blessing in accepting Jesus as he is, not as we want 11.6
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Examining our Expectations
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take the case of John the Baptist … 11.7-10
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the blessing of living after John 11.11-15
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are we so childish? 11.16-17
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can we ever be satisfied? 11.18-19
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Having Ears that Hear
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Wisdom proved right
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Hearing the report
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Adjusting expectations
Wise living in a culture of fear
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’: The book of Proverbs
Foolish fear: The dread of holiness
Wise fear: Trembling joy
Growing more (and less) fearful this year
Love along the grain?
The goodness of love
The poetry of love
The dangers of love
The wisdom of love
The flame of love
Getting your expectation right matters
Meaningless
From: Questions Observations from nature Observations from life
Testing the theory
The teacher’s response (2:17, 20)
A real / current response?
Something more (Ecc 12:13-14)
What difference does Jesus make? (Rom 8:18-25)
Present. Future.
A hope based on Jesus (1 Cor 15:20)
An armchair or a wheelchair question?
Introducing Job: A truly wise man (v. 1-5)
Job’s test: Fearing God for nothing (v. 6-12)
Job’s agony: Unjust suffering (v. 13-19)
Job’s wisdom: Persevering worship (v. 20-22)
Job’s God: The sovereign ruler of all things (ch. 38-42)
Wisdom in suffering: the blessing of perseverance (James 5:11)
Wisdom: life with the grain of the universe
Humans can do incredible things, but we cannot find wisdom (v. 1-16)
But wisdom is what we long for and need! (v. 17-19)
Where then does wisdom come from? God alone (v. 20-27)
God’s true wisdom revealed (v. 28)
Receiving, and living in, the wonderful wisdom of God
Two obstacles to our having a relationship with God, and he with us - overcome through the Son.
The greatness of the Son.
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Seen in his relation to the universe.
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Seen in his relation to God himself.
God put the whole picture of himself together in one Person, His Son Jesus.
We can grow in our Christian understanding, and in our Christian character.
A plan interrupted.
A Triumphal Procession.
An Aroma.
“… the priest is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord...” (Leviticus 1:9b)
Who is up to the task?
An impressive CV?
Gospel wisdom for leadership: faithfulness before an audience of one (v. 1-5)
Gospel wisdom for life together: humility under the word of God (v. 6-7)
Gospel wisdom for life together: imitating the apostles (v. 8-17)
A gospel-shaped church family
‘A new way of looking at the world’
Don’t boast about human leaders, because:
Church leaders are only servants (v5-15)
You (the church) are God's temple (v16-23)
‘All things are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Enlightened?
Spiritual Wisdom…
… is the ‘foolish’ message of the Christ crucified (1:18-2:5)
...comes from God (2:6-7)
...can’t be achieved by people (2:8-9)
...can only be received from the Spirit of God, through the word of God (2:10-16)
...is something Christ’s people can (and should!) grow in (2:1-4)
Living more and more by the Spirit’s wisdom today
“Alexamenos worships his god”
Foolish gospel, foolish people (1:26-31)
Foolish gospel, foolish preacher (2:1-5)
“Think of what you were”
The gospel is the wisdom and power of God (vv.18b, 21b, 24)
The gospel is foolish to human wisdom (vv.18a, 21, 22, 23)
The gospel makes human wisdom foolish (vv.19, 20, 21, 25)
Trust that the gospel is God’s power to save (vv.17, 18, 23, 24)
Saints behaving badly...
The appeal (v. 10)
The Problem (v. 11-12)
The Solution (v. 13-17)
United in the gospel
Thankful?
Introductions: Who do you think you are? (v. 1-3)
The shape of gospel thankfulness: (v. 4-9)
Remembering what God has done
Recognizing what God is doing
Recalling what God will do
Resting in who God is
‘I always thank my God for you’
Church is…?
The church in Corinth:
The act of the risen Lord (ch 1:1)
Preparing the soil (v. 1-4)
Planting the seed (v. 5-8)
Protecting the seedling (v. 9-17)
The church of God in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:2)
Who shaped your view of work?
Genesis 1 & 2: Work is good
Genesis 3: Work is bad
Reshaping work: Christ and his great work
Work forever? Heaven and serving
A little summary of Paul's: Romans 1.v16,17 - in 3 main statements.
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"I am not ashamed of the gospel".
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"Because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
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"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Longing for the End?
The Not-Yet End: Definite and Very Near
The Not-Yet End: A Revelation
The Not-Yet End: A Purification
The Not-Yet End: A Consummation
Longing for the Beginning
The End has come… Really!?
The overlap of the ages: The tension between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’
The End in us: Life in the age of the Spirit
The Spirit unites us to Christ
In him we are already new!
In him we are being made new
Boarding the plane
The story so far...
The End Super-Fulfilled in Jesus:
...God’s Glory
...God’s Person
...God’s Place
...God’s Presence
Case Study: The Coming of the Son of Man
It’s all about Jesus!
Unfinished business?
The End under threat: Humanity’s fall
Life under God’s curse:
Living for our own glory,
...in conflict with each other
...with creation
...and with God
The only hope: God’s promise
God’s gracious promise:
The snake crusher
The blessing bringer
The forever King
The New Covenant
The Day of the Lord
‘...for us, on whom the end of the ages has come’
Unfinished business?
The End under threat: Humanity’s fall
Life under God’s curse:
Living for our own glory,
...in conflict with each other
...with creation
...and with God
The only hope: God’s promise
God’s gracious promise:
The snake crusher
The blessing bringer
The forever King
The New Covenant
The Day of the Lord
‘...for us, on whom the end of the ages has come’
Visions of the End
The End, from Creation… (Genesis 1-2)
God’s glory: In the beginning, God
God’s people: Reigning under the first Adam
God’s place: The good garden
God’s Presence: Spirit hovering, Word forming
...To New Creation (Revelation 21-22)
God’s glory: The Alpha and the Omega
God’s people: Reigning under the second Adam
God’s place: The Holy City
God’s presence: They will see his face
The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’
Following the Leader Under Pressure
Following the Leader to God’s Promises
Following the Leader to Rest
Following the Leader to Assurance
As the deer pants…
1/ Emptiness and God’s people
2/ Believing in God when you’re feeling empty
When experience assumes precedence over creed, we don’t feel much like worshipping. Walking by sight is always deleterious to walking by faith. The Psalms direct us to factor God into current situations; true religion is always relevant to life. It is good in worship to dwell on God’s faithfulness and the sensibility of trusting Him regardless. Praising God tends to put everything else in proper perspective, even life. – Michael Barrett, “The Beauty of Holiness,” 2006.
3/ Being Filled by God
On a mission…
Jesus’ Kingdom mission…
… flows out of his deep compassion (so weep with him)
… is HIS mission (so pray to him)
… includes his people (so work for him)
… is founded on his apostles (so listen to them)
… will bring opposition (so be on your guard)
… is under the Father’s sovereign care (so don’t be afraid)
… is accomplished at the cross (so follow him)
‘Freely you have received; now freely give’
Other Sermons #25 - A Better Resurrection (Hebrews 11:1-12:3) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
The Lord is King #14 - How to stay Confident ( Isaiah 36 and Hebrews 10:19-25) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Other Sermons #23 - Fullness of Life in Christ (Colossians 2:1-15) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Power, trust, and a skeptical age
Two daughters (v. 18-26)
Two blind men (v. 27-31)
Two reactions (v. 32-34)
‘Are you the one who is to come…?’
Feasting and joy
Jesus’ feast: Who’s on the guest list? All the wrong people. (v. 9-13)
What kind of feast is it? The ultimate wedding! (v. 14-17)
Feasting with Jesus
Needs great and small
Forgiveness! Why? (v1-2)
Forgiveness: Who? (v3-6)
Forgiveness! Wow!!! (v7-8)
In awe and praise of the God who forgives
What kind of a man is this!?
The mighty Son of God…
…who rescues the oppressed
...who destroys the works of the devil
...who is rejected by many
Following the crucified champion, the saving Son
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Jesus convinces us that He is God with all authority
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Storms challenge our faith in Jesus' authority
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Jesus proves that we can trust in His authority
I’m going all in...
Going all-in for Jesus: No home here (v. 19-20)
Going all-in for Jesus: No rivals here (v. 21-22)
The One who has gone all-in for us (v. 16-17)
Jesus’ Authority over Sickness (Matthew 8:1-17)
A contagious World
Contagious Christ
Contagious Faith
Would you rather…?
The transforming promise: Your God will come (v. 1-7)
The joy-giving hope: The rescued will return (v. 8-10)
Crowned with everlasting joy
Kingdoms rise and fall...
A Kingdom of Righteousness (32:1-8)
A Kingdom of the Spirit (32:9-20)
A Kingdom of Victory (33:1-16)
A Kingdom of the King (33:17-24)
There is still one King reigning over all
‘Why can’t I rest…?’
The source of rest
The (unexpected) enemies of rest
The achievement of rest
Returning to rest
‘Why can’t I change…?’
Now: ‘Their hearts are far from me’ (v. 13-16)
Then: ‘They will stand in awe’ (v. 17-24)
How: ‘I will astound these people’ (v. 14)
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God
‘A driving rain and a flooding downpour...’
The trampled wreath and the glorious crown (v. 1-13)
The false boast and the sure foundation (v. 14-20)
The strange work and the wonderful plan (v. 21-29)
The strange, wonderful, sure, and glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
Reading Isaiah 53:4-6 Song There Is A Fountain Reading Matthew 26:1-30 Prayer & Silence Song The Power of the Cross Reading Mathew 26:31-56 Prayer & Silence Song Hallelujah! What a Saviour Reading Matthew 26:57-75 Prayer & Silence Song Before the Throne of God above Reading Matthew 27:1-31 Prayer & Silence Reading Matthew 27:32-66 Song Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Appearances can be deceiving...
Two gates: Enter! (v. 13-14)
Two fruits: Watch out! (v. 15-23)
Two builders: Hear, and do! (v. 24-27)
The eternal life, abundant fruitfulness, and unshakeable stability of the kingdom of Heaven
Righteousness, hypocrisy, and being full of yourself
New relationships with each other (v. 1-6)
The problem: hypocritical self-righteousness
Jesus’ solution: humble, discerning love for each other
A new relationship with God (v. 7-11)
The problem: cynical self-reliance
Jesus’ solution: child-like dependence on our good Father
Jesus’ one-sentence job description for life in his kingdom (v. 12)
Humble and hungry
‘My precious…’
Treasure and Worship (19-24)
Two treasures (v. 19-21)
Two eyes (v. 22-23)
Two masters (v. 24)
Treasure and Worry (25-34)
‘Therefore, do not worry...’ (v. 25, 34)
Rest in the abundance of your Father (v 26-32)
Invest in the kingdom of your Father (v 33)
The incomparable riches of our true treasure
‘All the world’s a stage…’
The promise of righteousness: A city on a hill! (5:14-16)
The parody of righteousness: the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (6:1)
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Giving to be honoured (6:2-4)
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Praying to be seen (6:5-15)
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Fasting to show off (6:16-18)
The power for righteousness: Kingdom-centred, humble dependence on your Father in heaven (6:9-13)
Living for an audience of one
Hypocrites and masks…
The greater righteousness of the kingdom of Christ (v. 20)
Righteousness from the inside out:
A heart of reconciliation (v. 21-26)
A heart of purity (v. 27-30)
A heart of faithfulness (v. 31-32)
A heart of truthfulness (v. 33-37)
A heart of generosity (v. 38-42)
A heart of love (v. 43-47)
Called into our Father’s perfection (v. 48)
Matthew #8 - A World That Knows Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
‘In the fullness of time’: the world-shaking news of Jesus the Messiah
Jesus’ relationship to the Hebrew Scriptures: not abolish but fulfil (v. 17-18)
The ‘surpassing righteousness’ of Jesus’ kingdom: a transformed heart (v. 19-20)
Living in fullness and righteousness today
Blessed?
A New Blessing
Jesus’ famous sermon:
Entry requirements? Impossible demands?
The King’s gracious wisdom for life in his Kingdom
A Flourishing Life in the Kingdom of Heaven (v. 1-12)
Poor, mourning, and meek
Hungry, merciful, and pure
Peacemakers and persecuted
A Shining Life in the Kingdoms of This World (v. 13-16)
Salt and light: Be who you are
Flourishing and shining today
A royal tour
The Son who defeats the devil (v. 1-11)
The Light who dawns in the darkness (v. 12-16)
The King who calls, proclaims, and heals (v. 17-25)
The good news of the kingdom today
People get ready…
The Herald (v. 1-4)
The Crowd (v. 5-10)
The One (v. 11-17)
A new beginning with the righteous Son
Lives that point people to Jesus
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The ‘Big Idea’ (v 11-12) Living in such a way that we commend the gospel to unbelievers around us.
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Submitting to Human authorities (v13-17) • Submit • For the Lord’s sake • Doing good
- What does it mean for us in the 21st Century? a. Proper respect and honour to human authority b. There are limits to our obedience/submission c. To what degree should we engage in the political process? d. Remember we are firstly citizens of heaven
Don’t underestimate the impact of ‘doing good’
What do you want to be when you grow up?
- Christian vocation Starts with Jesus (v4)
How can Jesus be chosen?
He is a PRECIOUS living stone (v6 - quoting from Isaiah 28)
Jesus value is not based on his popularity
Jesus divides people
We are a church that treasures Jesus (2v24; 3v18)
- Our Vocation – in more detail
Believers are living stones (v5)
Believers are priests (v5; Exodus 19v5-6)
Priests in the Old Testament?
Priests now? (v9-10)
What are spiritual sacrifices?
With Great Privilege Comes Great Responsibility
Each day let’s make sure we ‘turn up.’
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
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Set your Hope on Future Grace (1:13)
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Be Holy (1:14-15)
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Live in Reverent Fear (1 Peter 1:17-21)
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Love one another Deeply (1:22-2:2)
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Crave Pure Spiritual milk (2:2)
Do you ever feel short-changed by God?
Christmas in dark places?
The darkness of the first Christmas
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices: A new Exodus for enslaved people (v13-15) A new covenant for weeping people (v16-18) A new hope for sinful people (vv19-23)
The light shines in the darkness
‘They say there’s a big man who lives far away…’
Jesus our Emmanuel:
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Born to the Virgin Mary
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Adopted by the faithful Joseph
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Foretold by the ancient prophet
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Named for his great mission
‘God the Son became God our Brother’
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think Jesus is? (v1-16)
God’s anointed, eternal King…
…who would bring his blessing to the whole world
Living in His story
Travel broadens the mind
The fate of the nations
Isa 13-23 is a series of prophecies about a group of nations
What will happen to them? God will destroy them
Why? Because they are proud
How can God hold them responsible?
The hope of the nations
‘Hope notes’ in Isa 13-23
But now in Christ . . .
Our world is needy. How can we help?
Start locally
Think globally
Pray
Pay
Go
Travel broadens the mind
The fate of the nations
Isa 13-23 is a series of prophecies about a group of nations
What will happen to them? God will destroy them
Why? Because they are proud
How can God hold them responsible?
The hope of the nations
‘Hope notes’ in Isa 13-23
But now in Christ . . .
Our world is needy. How can we help?
Start locally
Think globally
Pray
Pay
Go
Justice and peace
Infinite justice
Israel (9:8-10:4)
Assyria (10:5-35)
Our enemies
Total peace
A new king (11:1-2)
What will he do? Bring justice and peace (11:3-5)
Where will he do it? Across the whole world (11:6-9)
Who can be part of it? Anyone who wants to be (11:10-16)
A song to finish (12:1-6)
Longing for a leader
Three desperate kings and three significant kids (Isaiah 7-8)
• Kings: Ahaz (Judah) Rezin (Aram/Syrria) Pekah (Israel/Ephraim)
• Kids: Shear-Jashub ("A-remnant-will-return/repent") Emmanuel ("God-with-us") Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz ("Quick-to-the-plunder-swift-to-the-spoil")
The divine Son, the eternal King (Isaiah 9:1-7)
From darkness to light … from distress to joy … from oppression to freedom …under the eternal reign of the Prince of peace
O come, O come, Emmanuel!
A Perspective quake?
Isaiah's new perspective on God (v1-4)
Isaiah's new perspective on himself (v5-7)
Isaiah's new perspective on his mission (v8-10)
Isaiah's new perspective on the future (v11-13)
The wonder-full perspective of the gospel of Christ
Bad fruit?
“What more could have been done!?” (5:1-7)
Woe! Israel’s cluster of rotten fruit
Oppressive materialism (v8-10) Thoughtless hedonism (v11-12) Cynical wickedness (V18-19) Moral confusion (v20) Proud arrogance (v21) Drunken corruption (v22-23) Therefore!
Exile (v13) Death and humiliation (V14-17) Decay (v24) The Lord’s anger burns (v25)
Yet, for all this, his anger is not turned away... (v25-30)
The wonder of the gospel: What more was done
Anger turned away at the cross (Mark 15:33-39) The true vine who enables good fruit (John 15:1-8)
Receiving the Gardener’s gracious pruning
"We're not ready..."
In that day:
The Lord will humble human pride (2:6-17)
The Lord will destroy man-made idols (2:18-22)
The Lord will judge oppressive leaders (3:1-15)
The Lord will snatch away finery (3:16-4:1)
The Lord will create lasting beauty, cleansing, and security (4:2-6)
The glorious gospel: That day has already come...
... and is coming
Living with 'Judgment Day Integrity'
The best-laid plans...
A Plan for Jerusalem
A Plan involving Judgment
A Plan leading to Transformation
A Plan fulfilled in Jesus
What has profoundly shaped your life?
A bit of background on 1 Peter The big idea 1 Peter 5:12 “…I have written to you briefly, encouraging and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it”
Exiles Scattered (v1) Chosen by God (v2) New birth into a living hope (v3) Into an inheritance (v4) Hope that sustains us in challenging times (v6)
What sort of trials are we talking about? 1 Peter 2:12
1 Peter 2:19
1 Peter 3:9
1 Peter 3:13
1 Peter 4:4
1 Peter 4:14
And the reason for the trials (v7)
Standing Fast in the Gospel
United #12 - Standing Together in God's Mighty Power (Ephesians 6:10-24) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Home is...?
Kids: obey your parents in the Lord (v. 1-3)
Dads: train up your kids in the Lord (v. 4)
Slaves and Masters: Work for the Lord (v. 5-9)
A worthy walk: Serving Jesus in all of life
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Alarm Bells!
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Insights from Context
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grace (3.19-21, 4.1-3, 5.1-2, 5:18ff)
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submission is for everyone (5.21)
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submission will look different (wives … children … slaves …)
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a bigger story, a greater reality (5.31-32)
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Pastoral Gold
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wives: Respect your husbands (5.22-24,33)
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headship explained (5.28-31)
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husbands: Love your wives (5.25-33)
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The Greater Reality
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singles
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married
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everyone
A family walk (v. 1)
Walk in love (v. 2-7)
Walk in light (v. 8-14)
Walk in wisdom (v. 15-21)
Aussies hate hypocrisy
- Christians who talk the talk should walk the walk
‘Walking’ is a big idea in Ephesians 4-6
Ephesians 4:1 – ‘… live a life worthy of the calling …’
Literally ‘… walk worthy of the calling …’
Ephesians 4:17 – ‘… you must no longer live (walk) as the Gentiles do…’
Ephesians 5:2 – ‘… walk in the way of love …’
Ephesians 5:8 – ‘Live (walk) as children of light’
Ephesians 5:15 – ‘Be careful how you live (walk) …’
- Changed ‘walking’ flows from a changed mind
Ephesians 4:17-18
- A change of clothing
Ephesians 4:22-24
a. The way we speak
Take off
Ephesians 4:25 – Falsehood
Ephesians 4:29 – Unwholesome talk
Put on
Ephesians 4:25 – Speak truthfully
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak to build up
b. The way we handle our emotions
Ephesians 4:26 – In your anger do not sin
Ephesians 4:31 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger
c. Our attitude to stuff
Take off
Ephesians 4:28 – Steal no longer
Put on
Ephesians 4:28 – Do something useful with your hands to share with those in need
The gospel transforms lives and communities
Is Church any different?
- What Holds a Church Together?
Then/therefore (v1)
What is the ‘calling’ being talked about? (v1)
Walking worthy of the calling (v3)
- How do we stick together?
The immature church (v14)
The mature church (v15)
Speaking the truth in love (v15)
‘Bearing with one another in love’ (v2)
Notice the Emphasis on God’s word to build the church (v7-13)
- What are the threats to unity?
a. No truth no unity
b. No love – no unity
Eager to maintain Unity?
Discouragement, suffering, and weakness
Paul’s glorious sufferings (v. 1, 13)
The glorious mystery (v. 2-7)
The glorious church (v. 8-12)
Suffering and glory through the lens of the gospel
When the walls come down
The key to unity: Remember...
... who you once were (v. 11-12)
... what Christ has done (v. 13-18)
... who you now are (v. 19-22)
'enclosed by arms that are not of this world'
Key Idea –From the worldly depths of our human depravity and sin God mercifully makes spiritually dead people alive and raises us up to the ‘heavenly’ heights of new life in Christ to be HIS masterpieces of grace for God’s glory.
Where do you go to …?
A Mortuary World (v 1-3)
… of spiritually dead people
Captive
Culpable
Condition
A Merciful God making… (v4-7)
Spiritually dead people alive …
God’s motive …
God making …
God guaranteeing …
Masterpieces of Grace (v8-10)
God’s grace and getting saved
Dear Jesus please have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive me for my sin. Please help me to live this day trusting in you and your word. Amen
God’s mission and finding meaning
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Stuck knowing what to Pray for others?
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Praying … to know God better!
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The Spirit of wisdom and revelation … (v17)
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Purpose …
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knowing our hope (v18)
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knowing the wealth of God’s inheritance (v18)
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knowing the surpassing greatness of his power (v19)
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in us … exercised in Christ
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resurrection & ascension! (v20)
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heavenly enthronement! (v20-21)
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all things under, head of everything (v22)
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power … for the church (v22-23)
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Praying what we really need
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Paul, Cicadas, and his Symphony of Praise
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Movements of Praise:
a) Allegro: .. Every Spiritual Blessing (v3)
b) Adagio: .. Election (chosen in him)
.. Adoption (to sonship) (v4-6)
c) Scherzo: .. Redemption (v7-9)
.. Revelation
d) Finale: .. Consummation! (v10)
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The Hills are Alive! (v11-14)
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We also … You also … (v11, 13)
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how? (v13)
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is it real? (v14)
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our goal: (v6, 12, 14)
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Knowing this Symphony
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Living the music
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Knowing the score
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Anticipating the finale! … Praise!
Q. How would seeing God here today change the way you live?
- What Ps 14 says about God
vv1-4 (the problem)
=> "the vertical always shapes the horizontal"
=> the doctrine of original sin
(=> the doctrine of total depravity)
vv5-7 (the solution)
Q. Who are the "they" in v5 (who are "overwhelmed with dread")?
=> r____________ and r_____________
- How Ps 14 points us to Jesus
1 Cor 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
- What Ps 14 asks of us, today
Q. Which is the bigger challenge to your faith: the questions in your head, or attacks from unbelievers?
- What Psalm 13 says about God
vv1-4
vv5-6
trust -> rejoice -> sing
“the best indicator of future performance is past behaviour”
from: dwelling on our circumstances
to: praising God’s character
- How Psalm 13 points us to Jesus
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46)
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Lk 23:46)
- What Psalm 13 asks of us, today
The view from the mountain peak
Paul’s testimony: I am convinced
No separation from the love of God in Christ
Threats to God’s love?
Death or life?
Spiritual forces?
Present of future?
Height or depth?
Anything else!?
Living in the assurance of God’s love
A victorious life?
What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us: Four threats to our assurance 1) Who can be against us? 2) Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? 3) Who then is the one who condemns? 4) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
More than conquerors: God’s gracious gift in Jesus, not our own achievement
Challenges to faith
The Bible is very honest about the problem of suffering in our world
Romans 8:18 ‘…our present sufferings…’
Romans 8:35 ‘…trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword?’
And yet rock solid confidence for believers
What is God doing about our suffering NOW?
Romans 8:28 ‘ …we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
How can ‘good’ and ‘suffering’ go together?
What are the ‘all things’?
The doctrine of the sovereignty of God
Not a doctrine to create controversy or debate BUT to generate security and confidence
What is the ‘Good’ that God is achieving?
Romans 8:29-30
A revolution in thinking – the good is being changed to become more like Jesus
Does that mean pain and suffering are good?
But suffering is not the last word
We have already been glorified
And right now God is at work for the good of those that love him
A world awash with sin and pain
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are there any advantages to being a Christian?
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We have the 'first fruits' of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:23)
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what we have now
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what we don't have yet we 'groan' now
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confident hope
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some peddle false hope
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The Spirit 'Groans' with us (Romans 8:26)
Where is God when we are hurting?
The Bible is such an honest book
- We are never alone
We have never faced a year like this…
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Is God both good and powerful?
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Why does God let his beloved children (Romans 8:15) suffer?
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And yet the Bible seems to insist Christians will suffer…
Romans 8:17 “…we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we might also share in His glory.”
- Present sufferings cannot compare with future glory (Romans 8:18)
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
- But why can’t we be pain free now AND have future glory later?
We live in a groaning world Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
But why is the world a ‘groaning’ place?
Romans 8:20 “For the creation was subjected to frustration (futility), not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it…”
The backdrop to the argument in Romans 8 Genesis 1-3
Subjected to frustration….in Hope
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What are some of the implications for us?
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Things are not the way they should be
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The place of Christian environmentalism in a frustrating world?
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Suffering is not the end of the story
Romans 8:19 “The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
A spiritual person?
Two realms: Adam / flesh Vs Christ / Spirit
The Realm of the Flesh: Death and hostility
The Realm of the Spirit: Life and peace
A new identity in the realm of the Spirit
Assurance #2 - Condemnation and Assurance (Romans 8:1-4) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Our deep need
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Clarity about the Gospel a) What is a 'gospel'? b) Whose gospel is it? c) What is its background? d) What's it about? e) What's its scope? f) What's its purpose? g) What's the ultimate goal?
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The Fellowship of the Gospel
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The Realisation that brings Confidence
- not ashamed
- power
The field (v. 1-3)
The Valley (v. 4)
The Feast (v. 5)
The Home (v. 6)
Who is your shepherd?
The Kingdom of God #12 - The Resurrection of the King (Mark 15:40- 16:8) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Intro: A universal contagion needs a universal rescue package.
Three significant images at the cross:
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An unjust exchange Mark 15:1-15
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An unparalleled humiliation 16-32
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An unthinkable isolation v33-39
Conclusion: Lessons from the past to face the present Could a past event rescue us today?
Crisis and clarity
Context: Confrontation
Which is the most important? (v. 28)
The heart of the Kingdom: Hear (v. 29)
The heart of the Kingdom: Love for God (v. 30)
The heart of the Kingdom: Love for your neighbour (v. 31)
Not far from the Kingdom? (v. 32-34)
The Heart of the Kingdom: The transforming love of God
Being clear about what we mean
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What is the kingdom of God?
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How must we receive it? a. by becoming like little children child (vv. 13-16)
b. by not walking away from Jesus (vv. 17-31)
c. by accepting that Jesus is more than a good teacher (vv. 32-34)
Daring to hope
Jesus the king of grace and truth Upholding God’s good gift of marriage (Mark 10:1-12) A threatening situation (v. 1-2) Command Vs permission (v. 3-4) Softening hard hearts: pursuing God’s good design (v. 5-9) Softening hard hearts: confronting sin (v. 10-12) Marriage, divorce, and remarriage across the Bible’s teaching 1. ’Outside the garden’ all marriages are marred by sin and will involve a normal rhythm of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. 2. While never letting go of God’s good design, and his general prohibition of divorce, the Bible teaches that in our fallen world circumstances can arise in which divorce is permitted by God. - Sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9) - Abandonment (1 Corinthians 7:12-16) - Others? 3. Divorce in these circumstances is not commanded, and where there is genuine repentance, forgiveness, and restoration is the ideal; but it is permitted by God. 4. Divorce ends a marriage; therefore a divorced person is, in principle, free to marry another. 5. This provision can be abused, and marriages can be ended which should not be. This is tragic. 6. However, where someone, tragically and regrettably, has legitimate 'grounds' for divorce, they do not sin in making use of that provision, nor in remarrying. 7. Human marriages are signs pointing towards the beautiful gospel of Jesus, the ‘marriage’ of the King with his bride, the church. 8. Marriage is a good gift, but a terrible idol. While marriage shows the shape of the gospel, singleness shows the sufficiency of the gospel. 9. In Christ, there is overflowing healing, peace, forgiveness, the power to repent, and the eternal satisfaction of every good desire.
- Jesus is the Christ (8:22-30)
A. Jesus heals a blind man (8:22-26)
B. Peter confesses Jesus is Messiah (8:27-30)
- Jesus Christ is our hope (8:31-33)
A. Our hope through his death & resurrection (8:31)
B. This hope is unexpected (8:32-33)
- Jesus Christ is our example (8:34-9:1)
A. Expect and endure rejection and suffering for living for Christ (8:34-38)
B. Christ endured rejection and suffering so his kingdom would come (9:1)
‘Dear sirs, I am.’
The King’s rebuke: The hypocrisy of avoiding uncleanness ‘out there’ (v1-13)
The King’s teaching: Seeing the uncleanness ‘in here’ (v. 14-23)
‘The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit...’
Fear, distrust, and following Jesus
The fearful, divine power of the King
The surprising, transforming grace of the King
Fear and faith in the kingdom of grace
Going viral?
The secret of Jesus’ kingdom: the seed of the word (v. 1-20)
The nature of Jesus’ kingdom: hidden to be revealed (v. 21-29)
The future of Jesus’ kingdom: incredible abundance (v. 30-34)
Consider carefully what you hear
The lie of a safe Jesus
The scandal of Jesus’ kingdom: A new people of God
The opponents of Jesus' kingdom: Crowded by conflict
The victory of Jesus’ kingdom: Binding the strong man
The safety of the real Jesus
The scandal of forgiveness
The King’s mighty power: the forgiveness of sins (v. 1-12)
The King’s citizens: not the ‘righteous’, but sinners (v. 13-17)
Receiving, and holding out, our King’s forgiveness
Good news?
The ‘gospel’! (v. 1)
The Kingdom of God
promised (v. 2-3)
prepared (v. 4-8)
announced (v. 9-11)
tested (v. 12-13)
proclaimed (v. 14-15)
Hearing the greatest news today
Other Sermons #21 - A Strategic Faith - Matthew 25:14-30 by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Psalm 126: A song of the king?
Psalm 126
A joyful memory (v. 1-3)
A sudden plea (v. 4)
A sure confidence (v. 5-6)
Restore our fortunes, Lord
The unpredictability of Life
Living with Certainty in an uncertain world (4:15)
Planning to ‘do good’ (4:17)
Having the right perspective on Money (5:1-5)
Planning with Eternity in Mind (5:5-6)
Be patient as we await the Lord’s coming
Praise God for 2019?
The King listens talks to himself (v. 1-2)
The King’s blessings (v. 3-5)
The King’s God (v. 6-19)
The King’s call (v. 20-22)
Talking to your soul for 2019
Other Sermons #17 - Advent - (Isaiah 35:1-10 & Matthew 11:1-15) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Would I Lie to You?
Those who are against Christ (v18-19, 23-24)
Those who are for Christ (v20-21)
Remaining in Christ (v24-27)
Here comes the bride…groom!?
The King’s bard (v. 1)
The King’s beauty (v. 2-8)
The King’s bride (v. 9-15)
The King’s dynasty (v. 16-17)
The transforming beauty of our King
Security in a fragile age
The King’s prayer (v. 1)
The King’s undivided heart (v. 2-8)
The King’s eternal security (v. 9-11)
Destiny and desire in the kingdom of Christ
Wonder in a cynical age…
The king’s awe:
at Yahweh’s universal rule (v. 1a, 9)
at Yahweh’s unexpected stronghold (v. 1b-2)
at Yahweh’s unexpected care (v. 3-4)
at Yahweh’s unexpected crowning (v. 5-8)
"But we do see Jesus”: The glorious rule of the second Adam
Are we any different to animals?
Professor Peter Singer: “To give preference to the life of a being simply because that being is a member of our species would put us in the same position as racists who give preference to those who are members of their race.”
The enigma that is humanity
Humanity – the apex of God’s creation Collecting the clues The ‘key change’ on day 6
Careful use of words Made – Genesis 1:7, 16, 25
Created – Genesis 1:1, 21, 27
‘Created’ in the image of God Unique relational capacity
Delegated authority and responsibility
- What are some of the implications?
The dignity and value of all human beings (James 3:9-11) Our responsibility to care for the world To be fully human is to know your Creator
More than mammals
The elephant in the room
Asking the right questions
- Literature that is simple but not simplistic
First impressions?
Some of the features
The ‘hero’ of the account
God exists before anything
Everything is created with purpose
God creates by His word
God sustains all things (Acts 17:25)
- What difference does this make?
The Bible challenges Ancient world views
The God of the Bible and other religions The Bible and modern world views
Believing in the God who created everything
Humility (Psalm 8:3-4)
Accountability
A God you can trust
‘Who will bring us prosperity?’
The King’s distress: The sin of his people (v. 1-2)
The King’s instruction: Know, tremble, offer, trust (v. 3-5)
The King’s prosperity: You alone, Lord (v. 6-8)
Suffering, and rejoicing, with our King
The Psalms: Comfort or confusion?
The Psalms: The songs of Jesus
Psalm 3: The king’s suffering
The king’s enemies (v. 1-2)
The king’s confidence (v. 3-6)
The king’s deliverance (v. 7)
The king’s people (v. 8)
Suffering with our king
Intro: Changing the world
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The Principle of _____________________
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The Principle of _____________________
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The Principle of _____________________
A Word For Trinity Church...
Introduction - Living with buyer's regret
Gospel Mission and Costly Love (vv1-6)
Gospel Mission and Costly Worship (vv7-21)
Conclusion - Living with disciples hope
The gift and purpose of freedom: For freedom Christ has set us free (5:1)
The promise of freedom: God’s plan from first to last (4:21-31)
The life of freedom: Standing, waiting, and running (5:1-12)
Standing firm in faith
Waiting in eager hope
Running in freely given love
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The Big Picture: What’s Paul Saying And Why Is He Saying It?
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The Implications of Being Children of God
1) We have unity with all brothers and sisters
2) We pray prayers of a child of God
3) We inherit the inheritance of a child of God
4) We must not go back to enslavement.
1) The Folly of Good Works
2) Faith Justifies, Not Good Works
a) Evidence of Spiritual experience
b) Evidence of the first gospel believer
c) Evidence of God’s unbreakable promise
3) The Wisdom of Faith
High Profile Conflict
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The Problem
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The Solution
a) Justification By Faith
b) How to Mock the Cross
c) Gospel Mathematics
Searching for the unseen
Evaluating authority
Hearing Paul’s story
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He didn’t create the gospel
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He didn’t receive the gospel from others
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His (independent) gospel didn’t contradict the Apostles
Apostolic authority and the grace of God
Series Introduction: Starting and finishing with the gospel
- The surprise of getting it wrong
We don’t like the idea of right and wrong
The gospel is not that complex
The modified message resonates with us
- The results of getting it wrong
False teachers cursed
Our witness is undermined
We’re enslaved again
Assurance for those with faith in Christ
A warning about complacency
Love for God vs Love for the World
2.
Introduction
What things might indicate his humility?
Isaiah 50:6; 53:7. John 8: 10,11; Isa.42:3. Matthew 21: 1- 5. Philippians 2: 5 -8.
We as followers of Jesus are called to be humble.
Romans 12: 16. 1 Peter 5:6 -7; 3:8. John 13: 15.
Our Lord's gracious invitation.
Matthew 11: 28.
Introduction
An example of Jesus' compassion.
Jesus' compassion to a leper has inspired others - 3 examples.
Some other examples of the compassion of Jesus from the gospels.
What do these examples tell us about the compassion of Jesus?
Jesus is our sympathetic high priest now.
As followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to show compassion.
Intro: What is blessing?
The Matter of Belonging The Matter of Inheritance The Matter of Future Hope
Conclusion: What is blessing?
Prayer Points Praise God that he has an eternal desire to bring us blessing because he is filled with love for his creation. Praise God that we have come to know Jesus Christ and that all the blessings we have in Christ are sufficient for every kind of human flourishing we could dream of. Let us pray to God that he would fill us with the knowledge of his will and of the extraordinary inheritance that we have received because of our blessing in Christ. Let us pray to God that he would make us bold in witness to Christ, asking him to use our conversations and our interactions with others to be a vehicle for his blessing.
Verses Section Title " 42:1-5 Jacob sends 10 brothers to Egypt for food. Jacob sends his 10 sons to Egypt: a shroud of suspicion rests over this family as he holds back Benjamin from possible harm. 42:6-28 A test for Joseph's brothers (Part 1): Simeon imprisoned They do not recognise the governor to be Joseph, who has the appearance of harshness, but in reality, affection, mercy and generosity, seeking to expose their sin and give them opportunity to repent. Joseph imprisons Simeon and tells them not to return without Benjamin. 42:29-38 Jacob's despair and Reuben's (ill-timed] pledge The brothers report to their father and discover their silver in their sacks. Jacob sees only trouble and despair. Reuben's pledge to guarantee Benjamin's safety falls on deaf ears because of broken trust and bad timing. 43:1-15 Jacob's second mission for food (along with Benjamin on Judah's pledge) Judah takes responsibility and persuades Jacob to allow Benjamin to travel with them to Egypt. They go with Jacob's gifts and double the silver. 43:16-34 Joseph's Dinner Party Joseph honours his brothers by hosting them, showing special affection and provision for Benjamin, despite the brothers' fears, giving them every opportunity to display old jealousies. 44:1-17 A test for Joseph's brothers (Part 2): Benjamin accused The brothers are found to be in possession of their silver, and Joseph's silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack. They are fully exposed and completely at the mercy of Joseph. How will they handle the threat to Benjamin's liberty and their father's hope and wellbeing? 44:18-34 Judah's Speech Judah pleads with Joseph, not for mercy, but for permission to stand in for Benjamin, bearing the guilt and taking responsibility for his father Jacob's grief.
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Joseph
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Judah
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Joseph and Judah: What do we learn?
a) God brings transformation of flawed people
b) God brings blessing even through sin
c) God brings salvation by a rejected saviour
Assurance of Fellowship with God (1 John 1:1-2:3)
Assurance of Knowing God
The New Command…which is Old…but is New!
Implications of Following the New Command
Part 1: A Call To Stand In Grace (vv15 – 17)
Part 2: A Call To Persevere In Suffering (vv18 – 19)
Part 3: A Call To Follow Without Distraction (vv20 – 25)
Prayer Points:
- Praise God for his glorious grace: that he knows our weaknesses and failures, and still wants to restore us and call us on as disciples.
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Praise God that his grace has given us glorious hope, because of which we can endure all things, including hardships and even death, since we have eternal life.
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Pray that God would enable us to come to him humbly, in recognition that we have failed to live up to his call on our life, reaching out to accept his forgiveness and restoration.
- Pray that God would help us to keep our eyes on our eternal hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love that we have in Jesus.
Christian mums’ and grandmothers' influence.
God's commandment to honour parents Saved by comes before saved for. "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.."
“For this is right” "In the Lord.” "this is the first commandment with a promise…” "Fathers, do not exasperate your children…" "but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
A second stage - to courtesy and respect for parents.
A third stage of honouring parents - supporting & caring for them.
Jesus is our example in honouring parents. At the age of 12. When suffering on the cross. Jesus is not only our example, but also our help.
Epilogues
By The Sea
Didn’t You Catch Any Fish?
It’s The Lord
Recognised By His Power
4 Points About The Parable:
- The events take place in the overlap between night and day
- The Disciples are called from the sea to the shore
- Jesus is the one who makes their labours fruitful
- Jesus knows everything in this story
What’s Your Challenge Today?
If something sounds too good to be true…
-
Jesus’ resurrection gives his disciples an extraordinary peace to be sent into the world. (20:19-23)
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Jesus’ resurrection gives Thomas an extraordinary peace to worship Jesus as he deserves. (20:24-29)
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Jesus’ resurrection gives us an extraordinary peace to believe that he is God’s chosen King and to eternally live as subjects of his Kingdom. (20:30-31)
An extraordinary peace that’s so good because it’s true.
- What if Jesus did NOT rise from the dead?
Implication 1: Christians have been sold (and are selling!) a lie
1 Cor 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.
=> Jesus is a liar … Mk 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
=> Jesus is not the Son of God Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
=> Jesus is not the judge … Acts 17:31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. Implication 2: our sins have not been forgiven
1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
Heb 7:23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Implication 3: we are without hope
1 Cor 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
- But Jesus DID rise from the dead …
1 Cor 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
- So where is Jesus now?
So what, for me?
Matthew 25:14-30
Other Sermons #10 - Good Friday 2019 (Zechariah 12:10-13:2, John 18:1-19:42) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Two things to say to bring us hope in this desperate situation.
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GOD’S MERCY IS ASTOUNDING.
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GOD’S VICTORY IS AWESOME.
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Jesus' prayer for himself
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Jesus' prayer for his disciples
a. Protection
b. Sanctification
c. Unity
d. Eternal Company
A fruitful life?
Remaining in the vine: Bearing much fruit (v. 1-8)
Remaining in the vine: Overflowing, obedient, joy-filled love (v. 9-17)
Remaining in the vine: Pruned by persecution (v. 18-25)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
A troubled heart?
‘My peace I give you’
The receivers of peace: those who love and obey Jesus
The reason for peace: another advocate
the triune God with us and in us
the Spirit of truth
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’
A troubled heart...
John’s gospel: believe, and live!
Do not let your hearts be troubled:
because Jesus is preparing a place for you (v1-3)
Because you know the way (V4-6)
Because you know the Father (v7-11)
From a troubled heart to confident, trusting work (v12-14)
Fellowship With God!
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What they proclaimed (v 1-2)
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Why they proclaimed it (v 3-4)
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Why we need to hear the proclamation (v 5-10)
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What God has done to make fellowship with Him possible. (2:1-2)
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Fellowship with God
Friendships along the grain
Wise neighbours:
kind
shrewd
truthful
merciful
Wise friends:
fragile
careful
faithful
honest
The best of friends
What a friend we have in Jesus!
Family with the grain
The beginning of families
Wisdom for families: Marriage
Wisdom for families: Parents
Wisdom for families: Children
The ultimate family
Speaking with the grain
Speaking in Proverbs:
The power of words
The limits of words
The complexity of words
Words that give life
The Word who gives life
Speaking with the grain of the gospel
Nailed it!
Life with the grain: Introducing the book of Proverbs ‘The proverbs of Solomon…’: Listening to God’s wise King (v. 1)
‘For gaining wisdom’: Skilful living under the grace of God (v. 2-6)
‘The beginning’: The fear of the Lord (v. 7)
Living today with the grain of the universe
Plastic surgery prayers?
A model of prayer:
Experience and knowledge – v1-10
A simple request – v11-21
Remarkable confidence - v22-31
The model fulfilled:
Matthew 27:27-46
Christmas is about...?
Psalm 98 and the hope of Christmas: Christmas is about salvation
Christmas is about love
Christmas is about joy
Joy to the world this Christmas
Awe in a dull age…
The awesome God of Psalm 97: The Lord reigns! (v. 1-6)
The awesome God of Psalm 97: Exalted far above all gods (v. 7-9)
The holy joy of those who love this God (v. 10-12)
Having an awe-filled Christmas this year
Come, let us sing! (Psalm 95:1-5)
Come, let us worship! (Psalm 95:6-7a)
Hearing the good shepherd today (Psalm 95:7b-11)
30 sleeps…!
Psalm 102 and the longing of Christmas:
“I am in distress…” (v. 1-11)
“But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever” (v. 12-17)
“Let this be written for a future generation” (v. 18-28)
Lamenting in hope, hoping in lament this Christmas
Praying big little prayers…
This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Give us this day our daily bread’
‘Forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors’
‘Lead us not into temptation’
‘Deliver us from the evil one’
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and forever.
Prayer and the danger of familiarity…
How not to pray
“This, then is how you should pray”… Our Father in heaven
hallowed by your name
your kingdom come
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
“Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise…”
Prayer and the restless search for perfection
Perfection in prayer:
The Father loves to hear his children
The Son makes every prayer pleasing to God
The Spirit helps us as we pray
God’s precious gift: Praying to the Father, in the Son, by the Holy Spirit
Why not pray?
The journey into cynicism: “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3)
The progress of cynicism: Worthless idols, broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2)
An age of cynicism: Praying in the 21st century
Learning to trust again
A touchy subject?
Our approach: Prayer in the big picture
Beloved dust: Created to live with God (Genesis 1:26-2:7)
All things new: Redeemed to live with God (Revelation 21:1-22:5)
Prayer in the push and pull: Glorifying God, enjoying him forever
The key to the Psalms: “what God is like, not what we should do” • so we avoid moralism (we’re not OT Jews; only God is exemplary - He’s the main character in the Bible) • so we see how Jesus is the fullest revelation of what God is like • so we have the confidence to read the Psalms for ourselves!
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What Ps 131 says about God
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How Ps 131 points us to Jesus
Mt 11:27 - “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
- What Ps 131 asks of us today
1 Pet 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
The God-enabled response that brings all of someone to respond to Him.
What is Worship?
• A rebellious people ransomed
• Rebellion despite ransom
• A faithful God
Our Lives as Worship
• Now • Romans 12:1-3
• Because of Eternity • Revalation 22:1-5
Our Golden Calves
Signs and wonders today?
- An Amazing Miracle
A sign
- What does the sign point to?
The significance of the Ark of the Lord
A Sign for us?
Miracles today? Matthew 12:38ff
Preaching the sign today?
Experiencing God today?
Not what you would expect… After chapter 1
Spies from Shittim Numbers 13 and 25
1.An Unusual hero (v2-7)
2.What do we learn from Rahab?
Unexpected grace
God can use anyone Matthew 1:5 1 Corinthians 1:26
The God who judges
The nature of faith James 2:24-25
Not exactly earth shattering news
The crisis
Deuteronomy 34:10
Written for people like us – who face an uncertain future
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How to Face the future with confidence
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A positive attitude?
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Joshua 1:2-5
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What has God promised us?
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Taking hold of the Promises of God
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Strong and courageous – Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18.
Facing the future with confidence
Joy of the Redeemed The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. 9 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, 10 and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Making preparations
Glory is coming… but Jesus is going (13:31-33)
Life after Jesus
= a life of witnessing love (13:34-35)
= not self belief … (13:36-38)
= … but hope-filled belief in God (14:1-4)
= life with Jesus! (15:4-7)
Life after Jesus in the Year of our Lord
Et tu, Brute?
Surprising sovereignty (v. 18-20)
Distress and confusion (v. 21-26)
Betrayal (v. 27-30)
“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”
Joe Louis. Boxer.
Transition: the stage is set (v. 1)
Scandal: the all-powerful slave (v. 2-5)
Confusion: Peter blurts out what everyone’s thinking (v. 6-11)
Model: following the master (v. 12-17)
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Darkness and light
Jesus, the unbelievable arm of the Lord (v. 37-43)
Jesus, the radiance of the Father (v. 44-46)
Jesus, the speaker of salvation (v. 47-50)
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
God is holy.
"Who will go for us?"."Here am I, send me.".
The loving kindness of God.
"As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, since it is written" You shall be holy, for I am holy".
Psalm 23 could be summarised under 6 “P’s”
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Profess. “The LORD is my Shepherd.”
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Provide. “I shall not want”
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Pilot. “He leads me in paths of righteousness…”
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Protect. “...I fear no evil for you are with me…"
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Prepare. “you prepare a table before me…”
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Promise. “and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
God's greatness.
God has no body
God has no birthdays
God has no bounds
God's Fatherly goodness.
It is vital to hold together these two "sides" of God.
1.Vital to our welfare
- Vital to our worship.
Famous last words...
Waiting together
in thoughtful, gospel-focused peace (v12-15)
in joy-filled, discerning dependence on God’s Spirit (16-22)
in yearning, confident trust (23-24)
in warm, word-based unity (25-27)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
KEY IDEA: The Courageous Christian who stands firm and endures to the end as they share Jesus with others is a confident Christian, thoroughly convinced that having ‘come once’ Jesus is coming again to save those who live and die believing in him. This ‘confidence’ will not just ‘stand firm’ but ‘stand out’ in a Christian’s courageous choices and conduct towards others trusting that God always finishes what he starts.
1) The Courageous Christian’s confidence (4:13-18)
Therefore encourage one another with these words.
2) The Courageous Christian’s concern (5:1-11)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
3) The Courageous Christian’s cry (5:23-24)
God of peace please sanctify us completely. May our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. You who call us is faithful; You will surely do it.
Death and FOMO
'Those who sleep...'
An informed, hope-filled grief (v13),
made sure by Jesus’ once-for-all victory (14),
that guarantees his triumphant return (15-17),
and means those who sleep ‘in him’ will in no way miss out (15-17).
The eternal encouragement that outshines our fear
Now about love in God’s family…
This love comes from God (v. 9)
This love never ends (v. 10)
This love is ambitiously humble (v. 11)
This love is attractively hard working (v. 12)
…we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more
God’s better story of sex and relationships
Living the better story in Thessalonica
The underlying reality: God’s will for our holiness (v. 3)
Sanctified sex: Three commands
Avoid pornea! (v. 3)
Control your own body (v. 4-5)
Don’t wrong a brother or sister (v. 6)
Sanctified sex: Three motives
The judgment of God (v. 6)
The call of God (v. 7)
The Spirit of God (v. 8)
Living the better story in Victor Harbor
A sense of direction?
‘As for other matters…’
‘…we instructed you’
‘…how to live in order to please God’
‘…do this more and more’
‘…by the authority of the Lord Jesus’
“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul” – Proverbs 13:19
Do you know this joy?
Do you have a when and where story yet?
FULFILMENT (v1-2)
…when Jesus again entered Capernaum …
FAITH (v3-5a)
When Jesus saw their faith …
FORGIVENESS (v5b-10)
“I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough- (Psalm 49) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)
Do you know THIS joy?
Do you have a when and where story yet?
Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to give his life for the forgiveness of my sin. I want to turn to you now as my Saviour and Lord for the forgiveness of my sin and the certainty of everlasting life with you.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Love’s joy and anguish at ‘Kiah Ridge’
CONTEXT: Love’s joy and anguish at Thessalonica … Paul’s ‘love letter’ defence against deceivers … (‘you know’ … 1:5, 2:1, 2, 4-5, 7-8, 9, 10, 11)
1) Love’s anguish with no news (2:17-20)
2) Love’s disruption to find out news (3:1-5)
3) Love’s joy and thankfulness with THIS news (3:6-9)
4) (WHY) Love prays like this (3:10-13 cf 2:18, 3:5)
No greater love for Trinity South Coast
… for one another? i. ii. iii.
… for all? i. ii. iii.
An attitude of gratitude
Grace and peace (v1)
Gospel-shaped gratitude (v2-10)
The fruit of the gospel (v3)
Gospel assurance (v4)
The coming of the gospel (v5a)
Gospel imitation (v5b-6)
Gospel modelling (v7)
The going out of the gospel (v8-9a)
Lives transformed by the gospel (v9b-10)
Greater gratitude, expressed in joyful thanksgiving
What do you give the person who has (given you) everything?
Mary's grace-soaked gift (v. 1-3)
Judas' self-soaked piety (v. 4-6)
Jesus' cross-soaked priority (v. 7-8)
Lazarus' Jesus-soaked witness (v. 9-11)
Giving as receivers
Learning to live die well
Life and death in John 11
Jesus meets anxious news: a puzzling reaction (v. 1-16)
Jesus meets Martha: the resurrection and the life (v. 17-27)
Jesus meets Mary: the God who weeps (v. 28-37)
Jesus meets the Dead Man: the Word who speaks life (v. 38-46)
The leaders meet together: an ironic plot (v. 47-57)
Do you believe this?
Resurrection: Fact or Fiction? 1 Corinthians 15:1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1. Did Jesus actually exist? Josephus (Jewish Pharisee), c. AD90, Antiquities “ … a man named James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ” Tacitus (Roman Historian), c. AD110, Annals of Imperial Rome “ … Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one our procurators, Pontius Pilate.” Pliny (Roman Governor of Bithynia), c. AD112, Letters to Emperor Trajan “ … It was their habit on a fixed day to assemble before daylight and recite by turns a form of words to Christ as a god” 2. How reliable are the primary documents about Jesus? 1. How soon after the events was it written?
- If the original is lost, how many copies exist, and how close are they to the
Q. But isn’t any record written by a follower inherently unreliable/biased?
- How do you explain the empty tomb?
A. The “swoon” theory
B. The Jews and/or the Romans hid the body
C. The disciples stole the body
- How did people at the time respond to the claim that Jesus was alive?
“Doubting” Thomas Didymus John 20:25 "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Saul of Tarsus 1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
- So what?
1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
1 Cor 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
- “Beyond ANY doubt” or “beyond REASONABLE doubt”?
Chief Justice Lord Darling "There exists such overwhelming evidence, positive and negative, factual and circumstantial, that no intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection story is true
Order of Service
Item Hallelujah! What a Saviour
Reading Isaiah 53:4-6
Song How Deep the Father's Love for Us
Reading Matthew 26:1-30
Prayer & Silence
Song My Song is Love Unknown v. 1 - 3
Reading Mathew 26:31-56 Prayer & Silence
Song My Song is Love Unknown v. 4-6
Reading Matthew 26:57-75 Prayer & Silence
Song There Is a Fountain Reading Matthew 27:1-31
Prayer & Silence
Reading Matthew 27:32-66
Lord's Supper
Song It Is Well With My Soul
Another festival, another stoning… (John 10:22-39)
A charged question
Those who don’t believe
Those who do believe
The calm before the storm (John 10:40-42)
Being lead by the Good Shepherd
Shepherds & Sheep
Jesus the Good Shepherd
A shepherd who…
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Knows us
-
Cares for us
-
Calls us
-
Dies for us
Jesus the Gate
A Mixed Response
Ignorance comes in different forms
Ignorance about Jesus?
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An amazing Miracle (v1-7)
-
What does the miracle ‘Signify’ ?
Blindness and sin (v1, 34)
Spiritual implications
When the blind man sees…
- Responding to the light
a) The parents
b) The Pharisees
c) The blind man
The enlightened response
Who do we think you are? A demon-possessed Samaritan! (v. 48-51)
Who do you think you are!? Greater than Abraham? (v. 52-56)
Older than Abraham!? (v. 57-58)
The fall-out (v. 59)
Water, light, truth, and life from the great I Am
Truth and freedom
Truly free:
those who remain in the Son's word (v. 31-32)
those set free by the Son (v. 33-38)
those who belong to God as their Father (v. 39-47)
A sobering warning and a glorious promise
Darkness and light...
Jesus’ claim: the Light of the World (v12)
Jesus’ witnesses: Father and Son (v. 13-20)
Jesus’ home: From above (v. 21-30)
Walking in the light
An unusual passage and an important question
On Scripture…
footnotes and fragments
Staggering confidence
A Jesus-centred view of holy Scripture
On Stones…
The trap (7:53-8:6)
The response (v. 6-8)
Grace and truth, forgiveness and holiness (v. 9-11)
...neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.
A Psalm for Aussies?
Psalm 116: The overflowing thanks of a restful soul
The dark sorrow of the grave
The relief of a Saviour who hears and acts
The free response of sacrifice & praise
A Psalm of Jesus
A Psalm for you
Psalm 73: from public affirmation to personal conviction (v. 1, 28)
Hovering on the edge of belief: envying ‘the wicked’ (v. 2-14)
The turn: the fearful comfort of encountering God (v. 15-17)
Encountering the God of judgment (v. 18-22, 27)
Encountering the God of all comfort (v. 23-26)
But as for ME...?
All is discovered! Fly at once!
Psalm 51: The cry of an exposed heart
The anatomy of true repentance:
Grounded in the mercy of God
Involves an open, unconditional confession of deep sin
Pleads for cleansing, renewal, and joyful obedience
Moves you outside of yourself in humble confidence
You are discovered… Fly at once!
A new year, an old prayer
The Psalms: the cries of God’s waiting people
Praising God as we wait for his King
The all-embracing praise of the people of God (v. 1-2)
The key question: Who do you trust? (v. 3-9)
It’s not finished just yet… (v. 10)
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be ‘till I die
- What's so special about Jesus?
His titles.
The angel's announcement to Mary.
Two wrong views (heresies).
The angel's announcement to shepherds.
Saviour - from, and to.
- We await his appearing in glory.
When will he appear?
Why will he appear?
- Being ready.
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A powerless powerful man (v21-24)
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A desperate nameless woman (v25-29)
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Shock #1: Jesus stops for the nameless woman (v30-34)
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Shock #2: Jesus offensive confidence (v35-40)
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Shock #3: Death is sleep to Jesus (v40-43)
Ultimate healing, immovable hope
A deep thirst
Grasping at Jesus (v. 25-36)
Drinking from Jesus (v. 37-39)
Dividing over Jesus (v. 40-52)
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Being misunderstood
Getting Jesus wrong (v. 1-15)
Seeker of the world’s acclaim
Good man or deceiving prophet
Top of the class
Getting Jesus right (v. 16-24)
The Word of the Father!
The One who judges correctly
Judging Jesus?
Watersheds and turning points
The sticking point: the difficult claims of Jesus (v. 60-62)
The only hope: God’s gift of life, by his Spirit, through his word (v. 63-66)
The gift in action: desperation, trust, knowledge (v. 67-69)
The danger of counterfeit faith (v. 70-71)
To whom shall you go?
“I’m starving…”
Jesus: the bread who comes down from heaven (v. 35-40)
Those who eat: pure receivers (v. 41-44)
Jesus: the bread who belongs in heaven (v. 45-46)
Those who eat: anyone who believes (v. 47-51)
Jesus: the bread who is torn apart (v. 51-59)
Feed on Christ
Satisfaction?
The crowd’s confusion (v. 22-24)
Recalibration #1: Don’t miss the sign (v. 25-29)
Recalibration #2: Don’t try to earn the sign (v. 28-29)
Recalibration #3: Don’t idolise the sign (v. 30-33)
Resolution: Follow the sign, feed on Christ (v. 34-40)
“Whoever comes to me will never go hungry”
Absolute power…
The Son’s power
and a great crowd (v. 1-4)
and a great problem (v. 5-9)
and a great feast (v. 10-13)
and a great (but misguided) claim (v. 14-15)
and a great storm (v. 16-21)
Seeing, and living in, the power and goodness of the Son
Big claims?
The ultimate witness…
Jesus? (v. 31-32)
John the Baptist? (v. 33-35)
The Father! (v. 36-40)
in his works
in his word
Accusers become the accused (v. 41-47)
Believe the testimony, come to Jesus
He looks just like his dad!
The real Jesus: Equal with God
The screws tighten (v. 16-18)
Like father, like son (v. 19-23)
The now-and-not-yet hour (v. 24-29)
Full circle (v. 30)
Hearing and honouring the Son
Will the real Jesus please stand up?
The story so far
John’s fourth ‘sign’ (5:8-9)
… in a charged environment (v1)
… and a strange question (v6)
… and a desperate man (v7)
… and the Jewish leaders (v11-13)
… and Jesus’ surprising warning about ‘something worse’ (v14-15)
Hearing the warning, following the sign
Shock #1: “you can’t ask that”!
Shock #2: the prodigal is welcomed home
Lk 15:1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear
Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man
welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable:
(vv4-7 = the lost sheep; vv8-10 = the lost coin)
Shock #3: you can be lost without ever leaving home
Shock #4: no failure is too big to be forgiven
So what, for us?
Two Annies
The perfection of love in the Song of all songs
Love’s celebration (v5)
Love’s seal (v6)
Love’s fire (v6-7)
Love’s worth (v7)
The blazing fire of the love of God
Lost that lovin’ feelin’?
The fall of intimacy in the songs of this world
naturalism + individualism = ?
the folly of going against your heart
The fall of intimacy in the Song of all songs
the fall into insecurity
the fall into unmet longing
the fall into abuse
the folly of going against the grain of creation
The fall of Adam, and the renewing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
Slightly nervous…?
The Source of Intimacy in the Songs of our World
Intimacy by accident
Intimacy as right and achievement
Intimacy through looking in
The look of love in the songs of our world
The Source of Intimacy in the Song of all Songs
Intimacy by design
Intimacy as gift
Intimacy through looking in, and out, and up
The look of love in the Song of Songs
A receptive life and the gift of intimacy
Introduction
Stand firm - in the Lord
Stand together - in unity
Stand out - from the world
Stand up - for what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent & praiseworthy
No confidence in the flesh (v1-11)
Pressing on toward the goal (v12-14)
Enemies of the cross (v18-19)
Citizens of heaven (v20-21)
Citizens growing together (2:12-13)
Citizens shining together (2:14-18)
Two model citizens (2:19-30)
Timothy: Selfless gospel servant
Epaphroditus: Courageous gospel soldier
'Whatever happens, live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.'
A foreign outpost…
The city’s constitution (1:27)
The city’s enemy without (1:28-30)
The city’s enemy within (2:1-4)
The city’s Lord (2:5-11)
'Whatever happens, live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.'
There are three parts in today's reading that indicate that what made Paul "tick" is the Gospel. We can summarize them as:
-
Gospel possibilities v13,14.
-
Gospel priority v 15-18.
-
Gospel purpose for living and provision for dying. v 19-26.
Unfinished projects
Partnership (v. 1-5)
Promises (v. 6)
Passionate Prayers (v. 7-11)
Priorities
“he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
To Worry…is to be Human
Matthew 6:25,31 and 34
- The Top Priority (Matthew 6:19-24)
How do you know if your heart/treasure are in the wrong place?
- Worry – a misplaced heart (Matthew 6:25-34)
Is all worry wrong?
The antidote for worry
Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness
A timely word
For worriers
For all of us
A Warning for Believers
Matthew 6:1
The tension: Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 6:1
1.The Danger: Doing Righteousness to Impress Others
2.How to Guard Against Hypocrisy
3.What is the promised reward?
4.Hypocrisy and the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is
a)an antidote to hypocrisy
b)a test for hypocrisy
What’s the world coming to?
Daniel 7: The curtain is drawn back
The kingdom of chaos: the four beasts (7:1-8, 15-25)
The kingdom of God: the Son of Man and the saints of the highest (7:9-14, 26-27)
Living in the end of the world
“From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-19)
vv1-5 An outstanding servant
vv6-18 A vain and foolish king
vv19-28 A great salvation
So what, for us?
- Daniel and Jesus
Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
- Jesus and us
Rom 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A clash of kingdoms
The king’s party (v. 1-4)
The king’s terror (v. 5-9)
The king’s last hope (v. 10-16)
The king’s warning (v. 17-24)
The king’s sentence (v. 25-31)
“The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth”
Let it go!
Nebuchadnezzar Vs God
The proclamation (v. 1-3)
The dream (v. 4-18)
The interpretation (v. 19-27)
The fulfillment (v. 28-33)
The great reversal (v. 34-37)
Pride, power, and the even greater reversal of the gospel of Jesus.
"He is the image of the invisible God”
Christ is SUPREME
In Creation
In the Church
Christ is SUFFICIENT
In his Person, God with us
In his Work, God for us
And so: Colossians 2: 6,7
Introduction
The call for love
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13v34-35
The definition of love
the dimensions of love
the display of love
“If men have no likeness to the Father in heaven, it is vain to speak of their being his sons.” - J.C.Ryle; Holiness
The cost of love
The face of love
Truly loved, truly loving
An idol in Babylon (v. 1-7)
‘But there are some Jews…’ (v. 8-15)
‘The God we serve is able’ (v. 16-18)
Fury and fire (v. 19-23)
‘No other god can save in this way’ (24-30)
Idols, exile, and trusting the God who saves
A Deadly Dream (v. 1-15)
Daniel’s Response (v. 16-45)
Prayer
Praise
Proclamation
Nebuchadnezzar’s Response: Awe and Honour (v. 46-49)
The now-and-not-yet kingdom of God
A tale of two kingdoms (v. 1-7)
A crisis in the court (v. 8-20)
A surprising ending (v. 21)
Living as ‘elect exiles’
But wait, there’s more…
Hope for you:
Jesus our first-fruits (v. 20-23)
Trees and seeds (v. 35-57)
Hope for the cosmos:
God all in all (v. 24-28)
Death has been swallowed up in victory!
Resurrection #1 - Easter Sunday Resurrection Faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-20) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Stirrings in Switzerland
Conflict and mediation
Conflict - small and great
Prophets, Priests & Kings
A Final mediator
Christ Alone - Then
Mediators again?
Finished or not?
Once for all!
Christ Alone - Now
Inclusive exclusivity
One hope for all
Heralds of Good news
From Scripture alone: by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
Faith alone: A doctrine to die for…
Faith alone: an old battle (Galatians 2)
Faith alone: among the ‘solas'
Faith alone: some alternatives
Faith alone: hearing, accepting, trusting
Faith alone: the freedom of a Christian
Grace alone: Luther’s breakthrough
The offence of grace (Eph 2:1-3)
The wonder of grace (Eph 2:4-9)
The work of grace (Eph 2:10)
Putting the amazing back into grace
A monk, a money maker, and a mallet
Scripture alone? Some alternatives
Scripture alone: The inspired word of God
Scripture alone: The unfailing word of God
Scripture alone: The sweet word of God
Reading, and being read by, God’s word today
S.D.G.
The Glorious God: The terrifying blessing of God’s presence
Glory Incarnate: Christ, the brightness of his Father’s glory
Glory Overflowing: The glory of God in the glorification of his people
Loving and living for God’s glory today
Heresy bells or a theological free-for-all?
Be warned! The anatomy of false teachers (16:17-18)
Be wise! The ever-present threat of false teachers (16:19)
The victory of God: A grace-powered battle (16:20)
Holding fast to the glorious gospel today
Christianity with its sleeves rolled up…
Gospel Patrons
Gospel Workers
Gospel Family
Ambition, partnership, and rolling up our sleeves today
Partnership: you scratch my back…?
Gospel ambition —> gospel partnership (15:23-25)
Gospel partnership: glad giving (15:25-29)
Gospel partnership: front-line prayer (15:30-31)
Gospel partnership: joyful encouragement (15:32-33)
Partners in the gospel
Ambition?
Paul and the boldness of grace (15:14-19)
Paul and the ambitions of grace (15:20-24)
Living with gospel ambition
The mind of Christ: consumed with God’s glory (15:1-6)
The great purpose: nations together glorifying God for his mercy (15:7-12)
The promise of a united, God-glorifying people: joy, peace and hope (15:13)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God.
Freedom!
Disputable Matters: Black and white advice for the grey areas
Make up your mind (14:13)
Truth, conscience, and love (14:13-16)
Let the disputable be overwhelmed by the indisputable (14:17-18)
Pursue the indisputable! (14:19-23)
The Freedom of a Christian
Excuses…
Jesus and proud doers
“To some who were…” (v9)
Two very different men, two very different prayers (v10-13)
The scandalous summary (v14)
Jesus and humble receivers
“People were also bringing…” (v15)
Receiving the Kingdom of God (v16-17)
A house divided: ‘disputable matters’
The key to gospel unity: know who you are
You have been welcomed by God (14:1-3)
You are the servant of one Lord (14:4-9)
You will appear before one Judge (14:10-12)
Life together under the Lord of grace
Peter's introductory words, (vl-2)
God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. (v3-4)
For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith: (v5-7)
Goodness Knowledge Self-control Perseverance Godliness Mutual affection Love
If we possess these qualities in increasing measure then...? (v8)
But if anyone does not have them, then...? (v9)
Therefore, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. (v10a)
What follows? (v10b-11) You will never fall.
You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The land of deep darkness (Isaiah 9:2)
The light that brings joy, freedom and peace (Isaiah 9:2-5)
The light in the flesh: a child is born (Isaiah 9:6-7)
What time is it?
Understanding the time
Past mercy (12:1)
future salvation (13:11-12)
Living ‘as in the daytime’
Wake up! (13:11)
Get Dressed! (13:12)
Get going! (13:13-14)
Advent, Christmas, and the transformation of Christ’s body.
‘Debt’ in the Christian life
Love: the unpayable debt (13:8)
Love: the fulfillment of the Old Testament law (13:9-10)
Love in Christ’s body: from duty to delight
Two kingdoms…
The call: Be subject to the governing authorities (13:1)
The reason: They are established by God! (13:1-2)
The purpose of governing authorities: 'the sword' (13:3-4)
Living under earthly kings to please the eternal King (13:5-7)
In Christ, in Australia
What’s water?
A new paradigm: Life as a gift (12:3)
A new identity: In Christ, members of one body (12:4-5)
A new purpose: humble, grace-driven service (12:6-8)
Worship restored through the mercy of God
- The Appeal
a. To whom it is made
b. The grounds on which it is made
- The Appeal is to:
a. Offer our body to God
(Other mentions of using our body rightly include Romans 6:11-13 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
b. Do not conform to the world
c. Be transformed by the renewing of our mind
Who can you trust?
The fullness of Israel (11:1-32)
Has God rejected Israel? (11:1-10)
The cycle of Israel’s fullness (11:11-32)
The trust-worthy God (11:33-36)
Trusting in the God of overflowing mercy
“Young man, sit down!”
Two Kinds of Righteousness (9:30-10:13)
Pursuing through the law versus obtaining by faith (9:30-33)
Establishing our own versus submitting to God’s (10:1-4)
Achieving the far off versus receiving what has come near (10:5-13) God’s righteousness: global and free! (10:14-21)
The good news that makes beautiful
Wonder and tragedy
Paul’s pain: the tragedy of Jewish unbelief (9:1-5)
Paul’s consolation: the sovereign mercy of God
God chooses his people, and always has (9:6-13)
His choice is free and undeserved mercy (9:14-19)
This mercy is given to surprising people (9:19-29)
The humbling, energising reality of God’s sovereign mercy
Boaz’s shrewd kindness in action (4:1-12)
Fullness for Boaz and Ruth (4:13)
Fullness for Naomi (4:14-17)
Fullness for Israel (and the world!) (4:18-22)
“From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace”
A bold (and dangerous) plan (v 1-5)
A whispered conversation (v 6-l5)
A confident wait (v l6-18)
Kindness under the shelter of God's wings
The pattern of the Prodigal
The story begins: A sensible, tragic decision
Naomi: A faithful, bitter Israelite
Ruth: A determined, God-fearing Moabite
The LORD: The God of hidden sovereignty and welcoming kindness
Returning to the kindness of the sovereign Lord
Power corrupts…?
The God of absolute power
powerful word (v. 6-9)
powerful plans (v. 10-11)
powerful sight (v. 13-15)
The God of unfailing love
to the earth (v. 4-5)
to his people (v. 12, 16-19)
The people of this God
joyful praise (v. 1-3)
patient trust (v. 20-22)
The search for guidance…
The Guide: The God of covenant relationship who lovingly guides his people
The Guided: He guides the humble
The Guidance: Show my your ways
Being guided by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
The Real Jesus #9 - Jesus Heals the Rich Man's Son (John 4:43-54) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
I just want to be happy!
The gift of the Psalms
Psalm 1-2: The gateway to the Psalms
Blessed! The portrait of the blessed life (v. 1-2)
Longing for blessedness: An image to stir our hearts (v. 3-4)
Two ways to live: The final verdict (v. 5-6)
Psalm 1, the Word become flesh; and true happiness
Romans the Glorious Gospel #15 - Food for Thought (Romans 1-8) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
Life in Christ: one long plod?
“If God is for us…” (8:31)
God is for us: the achievement of God in Christ (8:32-34)
God is for us: the love of God in Christ (8:35-39)
Life in Christ: Super-conquerers through him who loved us
Romans 8:14 ... those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God Where does the Spirit lead us?
1 The Spirit of God Leads us into Debt (Romans 8:12-13)
2 The Spirit of God Leads us into Sonship (Romans 8:14-16)
a. A child of God - no fear b. Adopted c. intimacy Abba Father -Mark 4:36 3 The Spirit of God leads us into our inheritance (Romans 8:17)
Are you led by the Holy Spirit?
-
Is this the right question to be asking?
-
Why, God?
-
But where does all the pain come from?
-
the disorder of human nature
-
the disorder of nature
-
Is there any comfort?
-
God has promised to judge, but has kindly given us opportunity to repent.
-
God has promised to renew.
-
God himself has wounds.
A 'spiritual' person?
The freedom of the Spirit (v l-2)
The walk of the Spirit (v 3-4)
The mind of the Spirit (v 5-8)
The necessity of the Spirit (v 9)
The life of the Spirit (v 10-11)
Living a spiritual life
The main thing: United to Christ, freed from the Old Testament law
Death and release (7:1-5)
Chapters 7-8 in a nutshell (7:6)
So what’s the problem? Not God’s law but our sinful flesh
Law and sin in Adam: ‘me’ in the past (7:7-13)
Law and sin in Christ: ‘me’ in the present (7:14-25)
The penalty, power, and presence of sin in the Christian life
The Prime Directive (6:11)
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Two logics
The logic of licence
The logic of the gospel
Two Lords
Sin / law / wickedness
God / grace / obedience / righteousness
Two fruits
Shame and death
Holiness and eternal life
“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
I yam what I yam…
A logical question (6:1)
Some possible responses
Paul’s gospel answer (6:2-10)
We are united to Christ…
…and so share in his death to sin
…and in his resurrection to new life
The prime directive (6:11)
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
I yam…?
Who do you think you are?
The rule of death: being in Adam (5:12-14)
One with Adam (v. 12)
The depths of our inheritance (v. 13-14)
The triumph of grace: being in Christ (5:15-21)
Adam versus Christ (v. 15-17)
Adam like Christ (v. 18-19)
Why then the law? (v. 20)
The triumph of his grace! (v. 21)
So who do you think you are?
Through the looking glass…
Having been justified by faith, we have
a new peace (5:1)
a new place to stand (5:2a)
a new confidence (5:2b)
an unshakeable confidence (5:3-8)
fuelled by suffering (v. 3-4)
anchored in God’s love (v. 5-8)
a new future (5:9-10)
the ultimate boast (5:11)
Life in the new world of those justified by faith
‘A leap of faith…’
The ‘law of faith’ (3:27-31)
Always righteous by faith: the witness of Abraham and David (4:1-15)
Abraham: father of many nations (4:16-25)
The faith of Abraham: trusting in the faithful God
The jewel of the gospel
The Righteousness of God
A gift of grace
Received through faith
Accomplished by Christ
By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone
Lost for words?
The story so far… (chapter 1-2)
The great announcement! (1:1-17)
The black velvet backdrop: The wrath of God (1:18-32)
Defence #1: The religious exception (2:1-29)
Defence #2: The logical exception (3:1-8)
The final verdict (3:9-18)
The defence rests (3:19-20)
Silence and praise before the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ
Visiting Speakers #1 - Three Resurrections For the Price of One (Luke 7:11-17) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
The age of outrage
The judgers judged (2:1-5)
The impartial judge (2:5-11)
The perfect judge (2:12-16)
The people of the judge (2:17-29)
Outrage, grief, and joy under the exposing judgment of God
The dark backdrop
The Darkness: God’s wrath revealed (v. 18)
Wrath's Reason Failed worship (v. 18-20)
Exchanged worship (v. 21-25)
Wrath's Expression
'Giving over' to our worship (v. 26-31)
Wrath's Denial
Group-think worship (v. 32)
The wrath of God, the dynamics of sin, and the jewel of the gospel
Here comes the evangelist!
The gospel of God (v1-5)
The gospel of God (v1) … promised (v2) … regarding his Son (v3-4) … for the obedience of faith (v5)
The gospel for the Romans (v6-13)
The gospel for all who believe (v14-16)
The gospel revealing the righteousness of God (v17)
A world without purpose?
The Great Encounter: (Not quite) all the disciples (v. 16-17)
The Great Claim: All authority (v. 18)
The Great Commission: All nations (v. 19-20)
The Great Comfort: Always with you (v. 20)
Imagine a world of purpose…
Turning points and water-sheds
When Jesus and death collide (Matthew 27:57-28:15)
Jesus: a body to mourn? (Matthew 27:57-61)
Jesus: a threat to extinguish? (27:62-66; 28:11-15)
Jesus: the risen saviour to worship (28:1-10)
The joy-giving hope of Easter: “Imagine a world where death dies”
Imagine a World Without Easter #2 - Imagine a World Without Justice (Matthew 27:1-56) by Trinity Church Victor Harbor
What is the point of life? Where is the world heading Where is my life going?
Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 Life 'under the sun' goes round in circles Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 Ecclesiastes 1:8-10 A survey of' life investment' options Wisdom/Knowledge? Ecclesiastes 1:13,18 Pleasure? Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 Achievement? Ecclesiastes 2:4-8,11,16-17 Lifestyle?
Real Hope? 1 Peter 1:3-4 Life under the sun Life under the Son
Banquets and festal joy…
The Invitation: Come! (55:1-2)
The Menu: An everlasting covenant (55:3-5)
The Call: Turn! (55:6-7)
The Host: Utterly trustworthy (55:8-11)
The Aftertaste: Eternal, cosmic joy; the host’s renown (55:12-13)
The Unbelievable Message: highly exalted, despised and rejected (52:13-53:3)
The incredible reason: pierced for our transgressions (53:4-9)
The wonderful outcome: the light of life (53:10-12)
for the Servant, satisfaction
for the many, righteousness
The heart of the gospel: guilt, substitution, and grace
The Servant: instructed by the Lord (v4)
The Servant: obedient to the Lord, even to suffering (v5-6)
The Servant: helped and upheld by the Lord (7-9)
Responding to the Servant (10-11)
humble, obedient trust?
proud self-reliance?
Hearing the word that sustains the weary
The Servant and the islands
The Servant: weapon of the Lord, light of the Gentiles
The Servant: discouraged yet trusting; despised yet triumphant
The Servant and our island
A mistaken identity?
The Servant in the big picture
Isaiah 42: The first song
The identity of the Servant: God’s chosen King
The mission of the Servant: justice to the nations
The guarantee of the Servant: the glory of Yahweh
The heart of the Servant: tender and humble
The Servant and bruised reeds
Strange behaviour in the name of ‘Faith’.
A bizarre command.
In conflict with a promise.
-
A closer look at the details.
-
God, Abraham and Us.
a) The God who ‘tests’.
Romans 8: 28-29
James 1: 2-4, 12
b) Real faith
Hebrews 11: 1, 19
c) The Lord who provides.
Genesis 22: 8, 13-14
2 Chronicles 3: 1 Mt Moriah
Romans 8: 31-32
Yes… Hebrews 11:8-10 and …
No Genesis 12:10-17
Is Abraham someone to imitate?
How does Abraham fit into the plan of God?
-
The Unfolding Account Genesis 1-11
-
God Speaks Again
Genesis 12:1-5 1. I will bless you
-
Land
-
Descendants
-
Bless the world BUT Mixed response/results
A Serious Predicament
The status quo (John 3:18,36)
The Great Rescue Plan
The big story
The Great Rescue Mission
Divine intent (4:1-4)
A timely interruption (4:27-30)
The Great Saviour
Jesus’ food (4:31-34)
A great harvest (4:35-42)
“we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world”
Jesus wants a drink (v1-9)
If you’re thirsty…and you know it (v10-15)
A deep, deep thirst (v16-19)
The ultimate thirst quencher (v20-26)
“I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
An ugly reality
John the Baptist: a joyful nobody (3:22-30) A potential rival? A receiver A best man A joyful nobody
Jesus: the great Somebody (3:31-36) The one from above The witness The loved son over all things The giver of eternal life
'He must become greater; I must become less'
Resolutions and fresh starts
Being born again: what is in each person (2:23-25)
Being born again: Jesus and the theology professor (3:1-15) A polite approach (3:1-2)
An unwanted answer to an unasked question (3:3-15)
Being born again: the wonderful news that we’re condemned already (3:16-21)
You must be born again
I’d rather not think about a God who…
An outrageous act (2:13-17)
An (even more) outrageous explanation (2:18-25)
Following the sign: Temple religion today
Kings, Wise Men and Worship this Christmas
Matthew 2:1-12
We Two Kings (2:1-2)
Pretend Worship (2:3-8)
The Wise Men Worship Him (2:9-12)
When signs go wrong
The first sign (2:11)
Mother and son, woman and messiah (2:1-5)
A new, unexpected abundance (2:6-10)
Following the sign
The land of the big…
Day One: Who is John? (1:19-28)
Day Two: Who is Jesus? (1:29-34)
Day Three: Following John Jesus (1:35-42)
Day Four: We have found… Come and see! (1:43-51)
Being invited, becoming an inviter
In the beginning was the Word…
…the supreme Word (v1-5; 18)
…the witnessed Word (v6-8; 14-15)
…the rejected Word (v9-11)
…the adopting Word (v12-13; 16-17)
The Word became flesh!
Hearing the Word today
Marriage wars, book banning and the new sexual immorality
‘…what kind of woman she is’ (Luke 7:36-39)
Sex: the backstory
Sex is (very!) good
Sex is not god
‘Simon, I have something to tell you…’ (Luke 7:40-50)
Sex: the fulfilment
Sex is a signpost!
Sex, Jesus, and you
Not the way it’s supposed to be…
Suffering and God: an intellectual problem
Suffering and God: a personal problem
The Suffering God: suffering, hope, and the good news of Jesus
‘Hell is other people…’?
God’s new community of love (4:7-16) The source of love (4:7-8)
The ultimate expression of love (4:9-10)
The ongoing outworking of love (4:11-16)
From fear to love (4:17-21)
Church up, out, and in: the community of the gospel
Secret Societies, Inner Rings, and the Kingdom of Christ
An explosive word (Matthew 28:16-20)
A transforming word (1 Thessalonians 1:1-7)
An amplified word (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)
Ringing out across the South Coast
Body building, face swapping, and honouring our head
The glorious body
The babyish body
The body-building body
The victorious Head gives gifts to grow his body
How does this body grow?
trained by the word of truth
in united, loving community
as we serve each other
and live holy lives
Body-building at Trinity South Coast
Church: Gothic building, broken institution, social club, or self-help resource?
Ephesians 1: The greatest story ever told
All things are for Jesus (1:10)
… and Jesus is for the church! (1:22)
… which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way (1:23)
Church: the breathtaking outworking of God’s incredible grace
Warnings for friends
Discipleship Distractions
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Hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-3)
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Fear (Luke 12:4-12)
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The lure of stuff (Luke 12:13-21)
· The solution (Luke 12:22-34)
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Slackness/boredom (Luke 12:35-48)
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Opposition (Luke 12:54-59)
Using good judgement (Luke 12:54-59)
The best way to market the gospel
A challenging life
Luke 9:23
Luke 9:51
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The heart of the saviour (Luke 9:53-56)
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Tough words for would be disciples (Luke 9:57-62)
a. Where is your security (vv 57-58)
b. Single minded (vv.59-60)
c. Don’t be distracted (vv.61-62)
Do you call him Lord?
Dying is to become a Christian
Luke 9:51
On the Winning Side (verses 18-20)
Death is Not a Spectator Sport (verses 21-23)
a) Jesus’ death and me
b) Deny Self
c) Take up your cross
d) Daily
e) Follow
Losing and gaining life (verses 24-25)
Searching for a King
Illusions…
And now for something completely different!
Judges 17: nothing to see here?
Micah and his mum (17:1-5)
Micah and his priest (17:7-13)
The sleeper cell (17:6)
The quest for a King
Jesus: worth it, or worthy?
Kicking and screaming…
The spiral tightens (Judges 8-12)
Samson: sinner and saviour
A Nazirite from the womb (13:5)
He fell in love with a woman (16:4)
Betrayal! (16:5-21)
The bribe (16:5)
The bait (16:6-16)
The betrayal (16:7-21)
A faint glimmer of hope (16:22)
Samson and us
Yearning to be normal
Fixing our eyes
Victory! (Again)
Gideon’s journey: from fear to faith
‘Baal-Fighter’ (7:1)
1% (7:2-8)
Visions and Dreams (7:9-14)
Worship (7:15-25)
Triumph in Weakness
Good news for Gideons!
Living in the victory of God
Victory!
Othniel: the spiral begins
Sold to the doubly-wicked
Still at the top
Othniel: God at work
Living in the victory of God
Peace
Joy
A greater deliverance
Generation to generation…
The story so far
Living amongst counterfeit gods
Joshua’s legacy (2:6-9)
BUT another generation arose… (2:10)
The vicious cycle (2:11-19)
Yahweh speaks (2:20-3:4)
A foreboding summary (3:5)
Counterfeit gods and the desires of our hearts
SERMON OUTLINE
Have you ever had a mission?
God's heart
Has never changed.
Focused on the one plan.
Is a missionary heart.
Examining our hearts
How was Jonah's heart so far from God's?
All of God's people need a....
Trinity South Coast's heart
SERMON OUTLINE
How do you know what you love?
Gods heart
Gods gracious heart wants to save
Jonah 2
3 days and 3 nights
Examining our heart
Jonah, the Ninevites, and the sailors
Real repentance is the only response to God’s saving heart
Repentance today
SERMON OUTLINE Introduction Our Goal God's heart Exposing and examining ours The story
Where do we start?
What does God do with the different characters?
God's heart
Our heart exposed
SERMON OUTLINE
v8-10a Basis of Appeal
v10b-13 Paul & Onesimus
v14 Basis of Response
v15-16 Philemon and Onesimus
v17-21 Paul and Philemon
v22-25 Reconciling Grace
SERMON OUTLINE
Connected people (v1-2)
Grace and Peace (v3)
Gospel fruit (v4-5 & v7)
Good things (v6)
Definitions old and new
SERMON OUTLINE
Where is God?
1-4 Words about God
5-6 In the heavens – the champion bridegroom
7-11 Words of the LORD
Words to be obeyed
Words like God
Words which change
12-13 Words for me
14 Our Words
SERMON OUTLINE
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The Mighty One who summons (vv1-6)
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The Mighty One who needs nothing (vv7-15)
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The Mighty One who sees everything (vv16-23)
Q. How do you “sacrifice to God thanksgiving?”
Q. Why should I be interested in this God?
i. if you’re not a believer
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
ii. if you’re a believer
Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness
SERMON OUTLINE
Ivory towers and feet on the ground
Gospel team: the postmen (4:7-9)
Gospel team: in Rome (4:10-14)
Gospel team: in Colossae and Laodicea (4:15-17)
Gospel team: Paul’s last word (4:18)
SERMON OUTLINE
Captain Keane’s captive audience
Gospel growth: the story of the Colossians
Gospel growth: talking to God about people (4:2-4)
Gospel growth: talking to people about God (4:5-6)
The extraordinary ordinariness of life with Jesus
SERMON OUTLINE
living in our castles...
Living in the Lord: whatever you do (3:17)
Living in the Lord: wives, husbands, children, fathers (3:18-21)
Living in the Lord: slaves and masters (3:22-4:1)
A life 'joined-up' in Jesus
SERMON OUTLINE
fear, reward, and behaviour modification?
Living in Christ Jesus the Lord: a new identity (3:1-4)
a new past
a new future
a new present
Killing off the usurpers (3:5-11)
an old identity
idols of the heart
Putting on the family clothes (3:12-17)
wearing out?
wearing in
already worn
SERMON OUTLINE
Living under a usurper’s tyranny
The usurpers who would take you captive (2:8)
the shadow (2:16-17)
spiritual experience (2:18-19)
the world’s rules (2:20-23)
The Lord we have received (2:9-15)
Living in fullness and freedom: Jesus + nothing = everything
SERMON OUTLINE
Slowing down, sultanas, and small things
Receiving Jesus: beginning as a Christian ‘So then…
…just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord’
Receiving Jesus: continuing as a Christian ‘continue to live your lives in him…
…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.’
Living a receptive life
SERMON OUTLINE
Ambition: the good, the bad and the ugly...
Paul’s Jesus-shaped ambition The goal: Him
The result: maturity
The cost: suffering and struggle
The power: God’s energy
The threat: fine sounding arguments
The joy: ambition fulfilled
Our Jesus-shaped ambition
SERMON OUTLINE
Brokenness, failure, and the gospel of self-belief
The gospel is not about you… (1:15-20)
…but it is for you (1:21-23)
your past (v21)
your present (v22a)
your future (v22b)
your response (v23)
SERMON OUTLINE
The smallness of Jesus…
Jesus, Lord of creation (1:15-17)
Jesus, Lord of the new creation (1:18-20)
The greatness of Jesus
SERMON OUTLINE
Thanks, but no thanks…
In Colossae, in Christ (1:1-2)
Always thanking (1:3-8)
Always asking (1:9-14)
A life of joyful thanks
SERMON OUTLINE
Chilled out apathy, or anxious activity?
The Lord of peace and joy (24:36-44, 52-53)
The Lord of global mission (24:45-51)
The global mission of the risen Lord (Acts 1:8)
Living the resurrection: peace, joy, and purpose
SERMON OUTLINE
Dashed hopes…
Hearts discouraged and downcast (24:13-24)
Hearts foolish and slow (24:25-27)
Hearts burning within (24:28-35)
Setting our hearts on fire
SERMON OUTLINE
Finding the unexpected
An early morning mystery (24:1-3)
A world-changing light (24:4-8)
A mixed reception (24:9-12)
An invitation to wonder
SERMON OUTLINE
Domesticating God
Jesus – compassionate/angry
Luke 9:51
Luke 19:41
Luke 19:45
What authority?
Luke 20:2
Luke 20:3 First answer this question…
Just avoidance?
How should God respond? (Luke 20:9-19)
Give to God what you owe him (Luke 20:20-26)
SERMON OUTLINE
A delightful children’s story Zacchaeus was a wee little man…
He was a ‘chief tax collector’ (Luke 19:2)
- Lost but knows exactly where he is.
Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost
Luke 19:2 He was rich
Remember the rich ruler in Luke 18
Luke 18:25 Indeed it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
- The impossible is possible with God.
Luke 19:5 The lost one is found.
The divine ‘must’ (Luke 9:22)
Luke 19:9 Today salvation has come to this house.
What is important for Trinity South Coast?
Rush of blood to head or shot of grace to the heart?
It is possible with God.
A church full of Zacchaeus?
SERMON OUTLINE
Wealth, power and Jesus
The poor rich man (18:18-30)
The wealthy beggar (18:35-43)
The real rich man (18:31-34)
Living today as wealthy beggars