Burwood Presbyterian Church

Introduction Revelation is God's picture book; induces impressions, rather than deducing facts. The call here is to forget about the question: what next? and ask: what now? This is about the end of the beginning. God's revelation says: 'serve the Lord, and watch this space!' Jesus' death and resurrection make Heaven possible for believers in Him. 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ [1:1-8] # "God showed the orderly way that things must happen." It is a blueprint, not a timetable. God reveals his mind on the purposes of History. v2 John witnessed to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, "in all the things he saw" in this vision. John saw Jesus on the Cross. In 90-95 AD he saw Jesus on the throne of heaven. v3 records the first of seven blessings in the book. "Blessed are those who read / hear / keep the words of this prophecy". Revelation is authorised by the Apostle John. v4 God the Father… "who is… and was… and is to come" anchors the prophecy. The Holy Spirit activates it by making believers' prayers acceptable to the Father. v5 Jesus the Son… "the faithful witness" is the achiever of the prophecy; described here as who is… and was… and is to come. [John 14:8-9] # He is "the firstborn from the dead". Because he rose, believers live also. "He is the ruler of the kings of the earth". "Unto him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever". Jesus is at the centre of our worship because v5b "He loved us…. and loosed us from our sins by his blood." He achieved our salvation "once and for all". There can be no further offering for sin. v6a "He made us a kingdom of priests unto his God and Father…" We can pray effectively for others… we can proclaim the hope of the Gospel. # Mankind produces ideas about the future: 'look what we have achieved.' If you do not follow the Saviour, you cannot be with the Lord forever. Here is 'the blueprint' for what will definitely happen. v1 [i] "Jesus Christ… the faithful witness comes in the clouds" v5 Daniel [7:13] in an apocalyptic dream had a glimpse of Christ's glory. Matthew 24 Jesus announced the end of temple worship and sacrifice. Sun, moon and stars fade. "The sign of the Son of Man appears" [Matt 24:30] Jesus' Ascension [Acts 1:9] "a cloud hid him from their sight…" An angel [Acts 1:11] said, "This Jesus will come back in the same way." [ii] "Every eye will see him" [v7] No announcements on social media, mobile phone or AI. "They who pierced him" will see him clearly. "All will see Jesus…" [iii] "All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him." Seeing him without knowing him by faith is the ultimate disaster. v8 "I am… the alpha and the omega": the beginning and the end. Seven times he says: "I am the Almighty…" 2. The Vision to John [1:9-20] John [v10] "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day"… was open to God's leading. John explains he is a brother — sharer in troubles and the patience God gives. # John says "I heard a Voice like a trumpet" v12 John "turned to see the voice, but… saw seven golden lamp stands…" v13 "In the midst of the lamp stands: I saw one like a son of man". He was someone like no other he had ever seen. v14 The man… "had snowy white hair… eyes like flaming fire…" v17 "When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man…" v15 The voice continued to demand attention. Later [14:2] John speaks of the sweetness of "a choir with harps singing a new song before the King's Throne…" Deeper [19:6] "a mighty clap of thunder" and the call: "Hallelujah, for the Lord God, the Almighty reigns". # I Saw a Vision for All People [v12] A vision of the end of time, a vision of the Son of Man [v13] Matthew 26:64 Jesus spoke as King. "You will see the Son of Man… sitting on the right hand of power… coming in the clouds." Cf Stephen the first Christian martyr [Acts 7:55] # On the Isle of Patmos John saw the everlasting risen Lord. John saw the Son of Man [a] dressed as King. [v13] [b] crowned in holiness. [v14] [c] enduring forever. [v15] [d] administering Justice The Churches are upheld by his right hand. [v4] They are lamp stands providing light around the Throne. [v20] People who oppose the Gospel face the "two-edged sword of his mouth" [v16] 19:15 With it "he will smite the nations… ruling with a rod of iron…" Those who embrace the Gospel see God's face shining like the sun at the highest point of the day. # Notice the Lord's tenderness toward his servant John. [v17; Matthew 8 & 17] John was commanded to do two things. [i] "Do not be afraid" v18. [1 John 4:18] the Apostle says: "There is no fear in love…. Perfect love drives out fear…" v17 The Risen Lord is the first and the last…. v18 "I am the Living One…" [ii] Write what you have seen. v19-20 Israel had a physical temple. Followers of Jesus are the temple of God. Many churches have lost their way… rejecting Jesus as Lord. Challenging Biblical authority… remaining quiet about what God demands… not distinguishing right from wrong… substituting entertainment for worship. Revelation 2 and 3 provide God's mission statement for HIS church. [Rev Tom Halls]

Introduction 1. The Faith of a Gentile Woman (7:24-30) 2. Open Up, O Ears! (7:31-37) 3. Open Up, O Eyes! (8:22-26) Conclusion • Am I 'open' to the truth about Jesus, or am I still closed? • The failure of the children of the Covenant to see who Jesus is will open up a door of opportunity for the Gentiles to enter in. • If outsiders can receive the scraps of grace from the children's table – and be healed – how much more will we find life and hope in Christ today, if we only open up to him! • Jesus does not reject those who come to him humbly, with faith. • Don't be dull like the disciples, or heartless like the Pharisees. • Pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes, ears, and mouth; and send you out with the message of salvation in Jesus' name.

Introduction • Culture and cleanliness. • How can I be made 'clean' from my sins? 1. 'Dirty Hands!' (v1-5) 2. Dead Hearts (v6-13) 3. How Sin Defiles Us from Within (v14-23) Conclusion • Your personal purity matters to God. • Holiness follows faith in the Christian life. • Because we love Jesus, we make it our priority to live pure and holy lives under God's direction. • Beware of the temptation to 'reimagine holiness' to make it easier to achieve. • Don't pretend to be a sheep when you know you are not! • Grace overcomes the guilt of sin. Jesus sets us free to serve God wholeheartedly, if not perfectly, in this life.

Introduction • Comparing two banquets, two kingdoms and two kings. 1. The Banquet of Herod Antipas (v14-29). 2. The Banquet of Jesus Christ (v30-44). Conclusion Which banquet will you choose – Herod's banquet or Jesus' banquet? • You need to be at the right banquet with the right king. • Jesus is the Bread of Life. Only he can satisfy your soul. • Three simple realities: 1. Simple food. There is joy in the simple things of life. 2. Simple prayer. Give thanks to God for your daily bread. 3. Simpler service. Jesus includes his disciples in the miracle so that the food only multiplies as they do their ministry.

Introduction 1. Unappreciated at Home (v1-6a). • Familiarity breeds contempt. 2. Who Will Appreciate the Lord? (v6b-13) • No one likes to be told their life is offensive to God. • No one likes to be told they're wrong. • No one likes to be told they need to change. Conclusion • Are you undervaluing Jesus? • Have you downgraded your faith? • Is the Gospel in the 'bottom drawer' of your life – rattling around, half-forgotten and unappreciated? Stop! Say sorry to God and put Christ first. Treat your salvation as your most treasured possession.

Introduction • My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. 1. The Distressed Woman (v21-34). 2. The Distraught Father (v35-43). Conclusion 1. God can use desperate times to lead you to Christ. 2. Faith is not a magic trick. It is a personal relationship with a powerful Saviour. 3. If you believe Jesus can save you, you'll reach out to him, every time. 4. The word 'hopeless' is not in Jesus' vocabulary. There is always hope for those who put their trust in Him. 5. Be thankful to God for the help you receive from others. 6. Are you desperate and in need now? Come and speak to us about it.

Introduction 1. Demented: A Miserable Life (v1-5). 2. Delivered: The Bay of Pigs (v6-13). 3. Disciple: The Living and the Dead (v14-20). Conclusion 1. Concerning demonic powers: Jesus is the Victory. • Real, powerful, and dangerous – but defeated by Jesus. • Claim the victory that Christ has won for you, and repent. 2. A Call to Faith: An unlikely disciple. • He ran to Jesus and was received. • He trusted in Jesus and was cleansed. • He followed Jesus and was restored. • He obeyed Jesus and became a witness to Gospel.

Introduction • How do you live by faith in a world of sin? 1. 'Do not fret because of evil men …' (15:1-24) • God is in control, so you can rest secure. 2. '… or be envious of the wicked.' (15:25-34) • Are you envious because the wicked have power? 3. 'For the evil man has no future hope …' (16:1-14) • Without God, this life is all they have. 4. '… and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.' (16:15-34) • Look at what God did to all these kings – and repent! Conclusion • The ministry of Elijah is a prelude to the light of the Gospel. • 'As for me and my household, we will trust in the LORD!'

Introduction 1. Distressed by Idols of Worship. 2. Understanding the People We Reach. 3. Proclaiming the God who is Greater than Our Idols. 4. Calling People to Respond to Jesus. Conclusion Waiting for the video encode to finish.

Introduction Why should I care about the consequences of sin? 1. The Death of Jeroboam's Son (v1-20) 2. The Bankruptcy of Rehoboam's Reign (v11-22) 3. The Consequences of Sin (Romans 1:21-32) Conclusion Sin is a miserable business. We should care about sin because God hates sin, and he will not leave any sin unpunished. How then should we live? Remember we are all sinners. So, stay humble and prayerful. Pray for one another. Although we are all sinners, God still cares for us; and he has given us the means to take up the fight against sin. Pray that God will 'Deliver us from evil.' Don't hide the truth. Secrecy is one of Satan's biggest weapons. Don't hide in the shadows. Keep putting sin to death in your own life. Know yourself. Know your weaknesses and know your times of temptation. Flee from sin! Strive to be holy, as God has called you to be.

Introduction 1. The Altar at Bethel (v1-10) 2. A Deadly Deception (v11-22) 3. The Lion, the Donkey, and the Dead Man (v23-24) Conclusion What is true worship? • True worship is the joyful response of a sinner who knows they've been forgiven by a loving and gracious God. It involves your whole being in declaring the glory and honour and worthiness of the LORD. • True worship is relational. It engages with God in all him fulness – Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. • True worship finds pleasure in pleasing the One who loves us and who died for us. It does not give in to the imaginations and devices of our sinful hearts, or the suggestions of Satan.

1. The King Who Refuses to Be a Servant. 2. The Kingdom That Fractures. 3. The King Who Secures His Kingdom the Wrong Way. 4. Christ: The Servant King of the Eternal Kingdom.

Introduction 1. The Queen of Sheba a. An impressive woman (v1-2) b. What she saw (v3-5) c. How she reacted (v6-9) d. Gifts exchanged (v10-13) 2. Solomon's Splendour a. Rich! b. Faithful? 3. The Greater Glory of King Jesus Conclusion • How far are you prepared to go to find the Truth? • How far are you prepared to go to defend the Truth?

Solomon the Worshipper | 1 Kings 8:1–2, 10–30, 54–61; 1 Kings 8:65–9:9 Introduction 1. The Glory of the LORD Filled the Temple (Ch 8) a. The Ark of the Covenant (v1–21) b. Solomon's Prayer (v22–66) 2. Solomon's Imperfect Obedience (Ch 9) a. The Big ‘IF' (v1–9) b. How Folly Finds a Foothold (v10–28) 3. Solomon's Place in Salvation History Conclusion Four Lessons from Solomon's Life Aim high! (Strive for Christlikeness. Set noble goals.) Be a Kingdom builder. Be a man or woman of prayer. Don't tempt God's patience by walking on cliff edges. ➢ Examine yourself regularly, to see whether there is any offensive way in you – and repent of it. (Psalm 139) ➢ ‘If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!' (1 Cor 10:12) Live a life of loving obedience to the LORD!

Introduction 1. A New Compelling Power: Christ's love for us. 2. A New Identity: New Creations in Christ. 3. A New Calling: Ambassadors of Christ's reconciling work. Conclusion:

Introduction: 1) From 7AM to 9AM (v26-31) Simon of Cyrene's bad day. The daughters of Jerusalem. 2) From 9AM to 12PM (v32-43) At Golgotha, the place of the Skull. Behold, Your King! The two criminals. 3) From 12PM to 3PM (v34-49) Jesus' last words. Responding to the Gospel. Conclusion: Where do you stand in this story? (Simon of Cyrene, the women of Jerusalem, the two criminals, the centurion?) It is important to listen carefully to Jesus' final words. He challenges us to renew our faith and hope in him, today.

Introduction 1. The Foundation of God's House is the rest He gives (5:1-18). 2. God's Presence Requires Covenant Faithfulness (6:11-13). 3. The Dwell ing of God Ref lects His Glory (6-7) . 4. Jesus is the True Temple Where God Dwells. Conclusion

Introduction 1. The Formation of Wisdom: Solomon's Prayer (1 Kings 3:1-15) 2. The Fruit of Wisdom: A Tough Case to Solve (1 Kings 3:16-28) 3. The Fullness of Wisdom (1 Kings Chapter 4) Conclusion True wisdom is the knowledge that God's way is the best way to live. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." How can I gain such wisdom? Ask for it! God is pleased to give it to those who ask Him with right motives (James 1:5-8). True wisdom always leads back to God as our Saviour and Lord. "Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Introduction David's Charge to Solomon (v1-12). Solomon Drains the Swamp (v13 - 46) Adonijah's Deceit (v13 - 25) Abiathar's Disloyalty (v26 - 27) Joab's Disgrace (v28 - 35) Shimei's Downfall (v36 - 46) Solomon's Reign is Firmly Established (v12, v46). Conclusion Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! Avoid the temptation of power - of which there are many. Follow David's advice: 'Be strong, be the man (or woman) God wants you to be, observe what the LORD your God requires.' When exercising power, don't be a tyrant. Reward loyalty and love. Show mercy. Dlea judiciously with wickedness. Read and pray over David's last words in 2 Samuel 23:1-7

1. Introduction • Personal testimony and ministry background • The unity of the Old and New Testaments • Overview: Prophecies concerning the Messiah 2. The Messiah's Identity (His “ID”) A. His Title – Messiah / Christ (The Anointed One) • Anointed as Priest (Leviticus 8:12) • Anointed as King (1 Samuel 16:13) B. His Lineage • Son of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) • Son of David (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 132:11) • The Branch from Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) C. His Place of Birth • Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1) D. The Time of His Coming • After the exile and before the destruction of the Second Temple (Daniel 9:24–26) 3. The Role and Mission of the Messiah • The seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15) • The Child and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9) • The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31) • The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12) – Pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:4–5) – Offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10) 4. Conclusion • Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament • God's love demonstrated through the cross (Romans 5:8) • Invitation to receive forgiveness and peace with God

Introduction 1 - 8 Redemption Settled Publicly at the Gate 9 - 12 Redemption Secured through Costly Commitment 13 - 22 Redemption that reverses Emptiness and Looks for a Greater Redeemer Jesus the Greater Redeemer Who Settles and Secures Eternal Redemption

Introduction 1-5 A Bold Step of Faith 6-13 A Redeemer Who is Righteous 14-18 Waiting Until Morning Faith that Waits the Fullness of what Christ has Promised

Introduction 1. Faithful obedience under God's provision 2. The surprising kindness of the LORD 3. Learning to interpret life through God's mercy Seeing God's kindness fulfilled in Christ

Introduction: Homecoming Vs1-5 Going out from God's land: living beyond God's place of promise Vs6-18 Returning home: a costly decision of faith by Ruth the Moabite Vs19-22 Arriving home: The bitter mercy of God Christ's homecoming secures ours

Introduction  The King's Confession of Love (v1-4).  The King's Relief (v5-11).  The King's Gratitude (v12-19).  Conclusion  With big trouble comes big relief, especially when you know you could never have saved yourself. Only God can rescue you from your helpless sinful state – and he has!  Be thankful Don't take God's love for granted.  Repent and renew your love for the Lord.  Be bold in prayer Tell God how you feel.  Be honest – unfiltered prayer is faithful prayer.  Leave space for God's grace Remember: You are a sinner too. 

Introduction  ‘Not to us, O LORD, not to us …' (v1-3).  Unbelievers and their Idols (v4-8).  Trust in the LORD! (v9-13).  The Blessings of Faith (v14-18).  Conclusion  Trust in the LORD … Encourage one another in your faith.  Get rid of the idols in your life.  Remember: God is our strength and shield.  Find your voice … Don't be silent about your faith.  Share the Gospel when opportunity arises.  Witness to the truth.  Praise the LORD with joyful voices. 

Introduction  Two psalms with a long association with the Passover.  Jesus likely sang them on the night he was betrayed.  God's Condescending Grace (Psalm 113).  God's Redeeming Grace (Psalm 114).  Conclusion  Faith brings Christ into focus.  Praise the Lord – Be a Joyful Christian in song, service, prayer and proclamation.  Please the Lord – Be a Humble Servant not grumbling or complaining, not doubting God's promises, not grieving the Holy Spirit.  Promote the Lord – Be a Faithful Witness share the Gospel, and support mission and outreach. 

Introduction  Are you a contented Christian? Are you happy in life?  The Source and Fountainhead of our Joy (v1).  The Blessings of the Upright (v2-10).  Godly Children (v2)  Wealth and Riches (v3)  Protection and Care (v4)  Generosity of Spirit (v5, v9)  Unshakeable Faith (v6-8)  Final Vindication (v10).  Conclusion  Are you happy in your life?  Are you happy IN CHRIST? There is nothing wrong in wanting to be happy (…but are you looking in the right place?)  The happiness of the saints (… comes from joyfully obeying the LORD)  Learn to delight in his commands (… God's way is the best way to live)  Look to Jesus, the truly Upright Man (… He fills our lives with God's blessings) 

Introduction 1. Our Present Bodies are Seeds (v35-44). 2. Our True Humanity is Still Ahead of us in Christ (v45-49). 3. Our Future Resurrection Gives Meaning to Faithful Living Today (v50-58). Conclusion

Introduction 1. Jesus is ... Lord of Creation (v15-17). 2. Jesus is ... Lord of Salvation (v18-20). 3. Jesus is ... Lord of Life (v21-23). Conclusion: This Christmas, don't let the world shrink your view of Jesus. Jesus Christ is God and Lord of all. Let our hearts rejoice at the news of the Saviour's birth. The New Creation began on Christmas day. Give thanks and praise to God for his goodness to us. Worship him - who is the firstborn over all creation.

Introduction • ‘If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.' 1. Shine the Light, Share the Word (v21-25) • The Parable of the Lamp (v21-23) • The Parable of the Measure (v24-25) 2. From Little Things, Big Things Grow (v26-34) • The Parable of the Growing Seed (v26-29) • The Parable of the Mustard Seed (v30-32) 3. A Test of Faith (v35-41) Conclusion God's Kingdom grows mysteriously, gradually, assuredly. • Jesus is the Lamp, the Cross is his Lampstand. o Shine the light. Share the word. Spread the love. • God's Kingdom grows mysteriously, gradually, assuredly. o Ask God for ‘ears' to hear what He is saying to you. o Grow up into your salvation. (Seek the light.) • Jesus is the Lord. o Fear not. Get in the boat with Jesus! o Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

Introduction  Misunderstanding (v20-21)  Those we assume to be on the inside, Jesus' family, misunderstand Him and stand outside.  Rejection (v22-30)  Those who deliberately reject Jesus, place themselves outside of God's forgiveness.  Redefinition (v31-35)  Jesus declares the true insiders: a spiritual family of those who receive His saving work and live according to God's will.  Conclusion 

Introduction  Picking Corn on the Sabbath Day (2:23-27).  Plotting Murder on the Sabbath Day (3:1-6).  Following Jesus: Then and Now (3:7-12).  Conclusion  There is no law against doing good.  Any interpretation of God's Word that promotes evil must be wrong.  Beware the temptation of being a moral policeman. 

Introduction  Moses Meets His Maker (v1-6).  A God who speaks. A God calls.  A God who is holy. A God who is personal.  A God who reveals. A God who desires to be known.  A God who forgives sin. A God who knows us by name.  Moses Meets the God Who Cares (v7-12).  Not a distant deity.  ‘I will be with you'.  Immanuel means ‘God with us'.  Moses Meets God by Name: ‘I AM' (v11-15).  ‘God' is not a name, it's a title.  Meeting God in Jesus  Doubting, Trusting and Accepting Jesus  Jesus IS … the ‘I AM' statements in John's Gospel.  Conclusion  Who is God?  Creator, Redeemer, Father, Friend. And that's just the start!  Jesus is our Immanuel – ‘God with us'.  Know Jesus, know God. (No Jesus, no God!) 

Introduction  The Success We Chase.  The Failure and Foolishness of our Success.  The True Success in Jesus.  Living as Successful People in Jesus.  Conclusion 

Introduction  God will do something about suffering.  God is doing something about suffering.  God has done something about suffering.  Conclusion 

Introduction  God's Glory and the Goal of Creation (Revelation 20:11-15).  Living in the Last Days (Matthew 24:1-14, 24:30-35)  Tomorrow's World (Revelation 21:1-5).  How then shall I live?  Make your peace with God.  Live your life in hope.  Bring glory to God.  Do all the good you can.  Conclusion 

Introduction  The Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13-14).  The Exclusive Lord (John 14:15-7).  The Message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).  Conclusion  FAITH = ‘Forsaking All, I Trust Him'.  Sometimes, narrow is good. The Gospel is just as narrow as it needs to be, to be savingly true.  Narrow with the truth.  Broad in invitation (grace).  Deep in application (love).  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18). 

Introduction  What's so good about being loved by God?  You have eternal life in Jesus (v16).  You are not condemned in Jesus (v17-18).  You can be in the light in Jesus (v19-21).  Conclusion 

Introduction  Contend  THE Faith  How Did You Get in Here?  Conclusion 

Introduction  Be Generous (11:1-6).  Be Joyfully Sober (11:7-10).  Be Heavenly-Minded (12:1-8).  Be Obedient to God's Word (12:9-14).  Conclusion  Everything in this world is temporary.  Everything in the world to come is eternal.  Our future will depend upon our willingness to trust God now.  Look always and only to Jesus Christ to make the most of the rest of your life. 

Introduction  Politics is the art of organising people to build better cities (‘polis', city).  Sin Ruins Everything (v1-3).  Fools in High Places (v4-7).  Be Wary of Political Traps (v8-11),  Advice for Public Speakers (v12-14).  Be Ever Committed to Christ (v15-20).  Conclusion  It is good for a nation when the people love God, love their city, and love to be good citizens.  Good citizens build strong communities.  Why let Satan have all the running?  Speak up for the truth; and expose the darkness and lies.  Local politics can be an opportunity for Gospel ministry. 

Introduction  The Shorter Catechism (Q11)  Q: What are God's works of providence?  A: God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving of all his creatures and all their actions.  In God's Hands (v1).  Our Common Destiny (v2-6).  How Then Shall I Live? (v7-12)  A Quiet Word of Wisdom (v13-18).  Conclusion  I am in God's hands, so I can get on living my life – doing the good works that he has prepared in advance for me to do – until he calls me home.  ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. And cast all your anxieties on him – because he cares for you.' (1 Peter 5:6-7) 

Introduction  Wisdom is a Powerful Light (v1).  The King's Command (v2-8).  The Uses and Abuses of Power (v9-15).  The Limits of Power (v16-17).  Conclusion  The Gospel seems at first to be a message of weakness, agony and abandonment. Yet, in Christ, we see the glory of God – and the power of an indestructible Life. (Hebrews 7:16)  ‘Not by strength nor by might, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty! (Zechariah 4:6b)  ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)  ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.' (Romans 1:16)