Burwood Presbyterian Church

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) 

Introduction  Sin has ‘bent' us out of shape with God, so that wisdom cannot save us… But if this is true, then what future do we have as fallen human beings?  How to Die Well (v1-6).  How to Live Well (v7-22).  Solomon's Confession (v23-29).  Conclusion  It is not ‘death' to die! Jesus defeated death by dying on the cross; and he reforged what sin has broken.  The Gospel is for life. Armed with the truth and hope of the Gospel, we learn how to die and live well. (This is true wisdom, and the gift of God.)  The world may scoff, but we will rejoice. For ‘The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.' (1 Corinthians 1:25)  Be wise in Christ. ‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.' (James 3:17) 

Introduction  Beginning With Worship (5:1-7).  Continuing with Christ (5:8-6:12).  Life's Joys and Disappointments (5:8-20).  Overcoming the Curse of Death (6:1-12).  Conclusion  There is wisdom in God's pattern for life.  By faith, we endure life's disappointments without being robbed of life's joys.  Begin each week with worship. Then continue by following and trusting in Christ. Live a ‘1+6 = 7' life! 

Introduction  The Tears of the Oppressed (v1-3).  The Trap of Human Envy (v4-6).  The Agony of the Lonely (v7-12).  The Folly of Power and Politics (v13-16).  Conclusion  Oppression is a spiritual problem. It requires a spiritual cure.  Only Jesus can save us!  Our God comforts the downcast, cares for the lost and lonely, and leads us into the hope of eternal life.  As Christians, we can share Christ as we Comfort and help the oppressed.  Love (not envy) our neighbour.  Offer friendship to the lonely; and  Exercise power with humility and grace. 

Introduction  We want to control time, but we are really in its grip.  We can never tell “what time it is”.  What do we gain in our time?  Because of Christ we now know what time it is:  Romans 5: 6: The right time for God to demonstrate His love for sinners in Christ.  2 Corinthians 6: 2: Now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation.  Big Idea: We live in the grip of time, but in Christ we know the end – so we can let go of control and live faithfully today.  What does it look like to live faithfully under Christ today?  Conclusion 

Introduction  What's the point of living if death is my only reward?  Here We Go Again! (v12-16) ‘ So I hated life …' (v17-23)  Back From the Brink. (v24-26)  Conclusion  Death is the great ‘equaller' of us all.  God's good purpose is to humble us and lead us to Christ.  Turn to Christ with all urgency and receive him as your personal Lord and Saviour.  Make up your mind to focus on the good things in life, and not the bad.  In times of despair, reach out to your family or friends. Get help; seek wise counsel, pray for God's grace, and renew your hope in the Lord! 

Introduction  Where can I find lasting happiness in this world?  The Search for Answers (and why it must fail) (1:12-15).  Philosophy: The Delights of the Mind (1:16-28).  Pleasure: The Delights of the Body (2:1-10).  The Result: A World of Disappointment (2:11).  Conclusion  We've been trying to build ourselves ‘heaven on earth' ever since the days of the Tower of Babel. But Utopia is a lie!  ‘God cannot give us peace and happiness apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.' (C.S. Lewis)  Five suggestions:  Know the truth. Understand things from a Biblical perspective.  Confess your sin. Sin robs us of joy.  Don't be idle. There is much joy in doing God's work.  Draw near to God. He is your soul's comforter.  Fly the flag! Be ready to share your faith with others. 

Introduction  Ecclesiastes: Wisdom from Solomon for all of life.  Life is meaningless.  It is temporary.  It is always the same.  Frustration and Hope in Jesus  Conclusion 

Introduction  It's ‘Question Time' in our passage today, but not in a good way.  Questions of Authority (v1-12)  Action: Jesus heals a paralysed man.  Response: ‘Why does this fellow talk like that?'  Questions of Integrity (v13-17)  Action: Jesus calls Levi.  Response: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?'  Questions of Consistency (v18-20)  Action: Jesus doesn't require his disciples to fast.  Response: ‘How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?'  Kingdom Answers: The Shock of the Gospel (v21-22)  You can't ‘patch' the Gospel onto your old way of life.  Conclusion  The difference between faith and unbelief can be seen in the kind of questions you ask about Jesus.  A good question is one that helpfully enlightens.  A bad question is one that attacks and undermines.  An ill will believes the worst about Jesus – but faith believes the best and acts upon it. 

Introduction  Loneliness is a problem we are all trying to solve.  Ways we try to solve our loneliness – which do not work.  Jesus was separated from God, so we could be brought near to God.  The difference Jesus makes when we experience loneliness.  Conclusion 

Introduction  A Dangerous Gospel (v1-3).  A dangerous place: the wilderness.  A dangerous message: the Lord is coming!  A dangerous person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  God's Messenger: John the Baptist (v4-8)  God's Son: Jesus Christ (v9-15).  Baptised by John.  Tempted by Satan.  Mighty to Save.  Conclusion  The Gospel introduces us to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Foretold by the prophets and announced by John the Baptist.  He is the Spirit-led Man – whose love for God is beyond all question.  He is the King who takes the kind of risks that faith requires to defeat Satan and save us from our sins. 

Introduction  Joshua's Lasting Legacy (Ch 23 & 24v1).  God's Faithfulness Recalled (v2-14).  ‘Choose this day whom you will serve!' (v15-28).  The End of an Era (v29-33).  Conclusion  If you want to finish well as a Christian:  Choose well. Choose Christ and follow him always.  Stay well. See that your heart is not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  Serve well: Spur one another on to love and good deeds.  Live well: Use every day God gives you on this earth, to honour Christ as your Lord and Saviour.  Die well: Point others to the hope you have in the Gospel by encouraging others to keep loving and serving the LORD.  ‘But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. (v24:15)' 

Introduction  The Amorites are Alarmed (v1-6).  God Saves the Gibeonites (v7-15).  Joshua Seals the Victory (v16-28).  The Conquest of the South (v29-43).  Conclusion  Hell is real.  Don't dig your own grave—by opposing God.  Satan loves to make war on those who make peace with God. We should expect to face opposition for our faith.  God's plan for the wicked (if they do not repent) is to send them to hell. Cursed and condemned by God, they will be cast into a place where the darkness never ends.  See also: Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:42-48; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-12; Revelation 20:11-15. 

Introduction  An Unholy Alliance (v1-2).  The Gibeonites Trick Israel (v3-15).  The Israelites Honour their Oath (v16-21).  The Curse is Turned into a Blessing (v22-27).  Conclusion  Deceivers can become believers, by grace!  No-one is beyond God's power to save.  The LORD is a God to be feared above all other gods.  Keep your promises, even to your loss, to honour the Lord.  Always count it a privilege to serve the Lord in any role he puts you in, no matter how humble it is.  Let us imitate the Gibeonites by making our peace with God in the rags of humiliation, godly sorrow, and confession of sin – so that our iniquity will not be our ruin. 

Introduction  Israel's Shocking Stumble (Ch 7).  One man's sin brings trouble on all Israel (7:1-12).  The sinner is discovered (7:13-18).  Achan's folly is judged (7:19-26).  Israel's Remarkable Recovery (Ch 8).  The LORD encourages Joshua (8:1-2).  The city of Ai is defeated (8:3-29).  Joshua renews the covenant (8:30-35).  Conclusion  Our God is a holy God who takes all sin seriously.  Pride comes before a fall.  Many temptations enter through the eye.  The problem with sin will continue until Christ returns.  Confess your sins to God and seek his mercy before the Judgement Day. (Don't leave yourself without a Redeemer!)  Praise God for Jesus' remarkable victory at the cross.  God's Word is for everyone – of all ages and backgrounds.  Remember: Never take God's grace for granted. 

Introduction  We are homeward bound! (v13)  WAIT upon the Lord (v14-15).  WATCH out for one another (v16-17).  WALK in the truth (v18-21).  Conclusion  How to exercise persevering faith:  Strengthen your faith in Jesus.  Resist temptation.  Live a life of love and obedience.  Pray with confidence.  Resist idolatry. 

Introduction  One LOVE (v1-5)  Renew your love for Jesus.  Reconnect with church (join a Link Group!)  Love one another because we are all near-relatives of the Almighty.  One LORD (v6-9)  Trinity in unity, unity in trinity.  ‘Water and blood' – cleansing and atonement.  Jesus is the fulfilment of the OT sacrificial system.  One HOPE (v10-13)  Jesus Christ can raise the dead – do you believe this?  Conclusion  The fish and the anchor: two ancient symbols of hope and assurance in Christ.  Anchor your faith in Christ: one love, one Lord, one hope. 

Branches of the true vine [15:1-8] Jesus speaks of branches bearing no fruit. Jesus speaks about those who bears 'some fruit' Friends of the true God [15:13-16]

Introduction  God is willing and wanting to save sinners.  God does not delight in judgement over sinners.  God's desire to show mercy towards sinners is more than we can imagine.  Conclusion  Christ's death and resurrection shows the depth of God's heart to show mercy and to save sinners. 

Introduction  The severe mercy of God's grace.  God's welcome of repentance.  God's grace always outruns our sin.  In Christ, God displays the full measure of His undeserving goodness to sinful people.  Conclusion 

Introduction  A Certain Kind of Experience (v13-16a).  The inner testimony of the Holy Spirit (v13).  The eyewitness testimony of the Apostles (v14).  Your own personal testimony of Christ (v15).  A Certain Kind of Hope (v16b-19).  A Certain Kind of Love (v20-21).  Conclusion  Christian assurance is an outworking of the love that God has shown us in Jesus Christ.  It rests upon the testimony of God's Spirit within us, the testimony of the Apostolic witness, and the outworking of God's love in our lives.  ‘I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day!' (1 Tim 1:14).  ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!' Enter into your master's happiness.' (Matthew 25:23). 

Introduction  The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead really happened (v1-11).  The Resurrection gives meaning to our faith in Jesus (v12-19).  The Resurrection is the start of something greater to come (v20-33).  Conclusion  We can live today in light of our future resurrected glory with Jesus. 

Introduction:  1) The Prayer of an Afflicted Man (v1-11).  2) The LORD who Judges and Saves (v12-22).  3) The Hope of the Resurrection (v23-28).  Conclusion:  Repent and believe the good news, Jesus is Lord of Life.  Prepare to die. Don't be unprepared for eternity!  Prepare to live. Jesus died for you so you might live for him.  Expect the unexpected. Don't be surprised when life throws up some unlooked-for burdens and challenges.  Expect great things from God. God's grace is able to bring good out of evil – as Good Friday proves. 

Introduction  Love's call: ‘Let us love one another' (v7-8).  Love's content: ‘Christ's atoning death for us' (v9-10).  Love's commitment: ‘God's life in us' (v11-12).  Conclusion  Completing the circle of God's love:  Honesty about sin.  Hope for the future.  Help in times of need.  Hospitality to newcomers.  Holding out the hand of Christ.  ‘Beloved since God so love us, we also ought to love one another.' (1John 4:11) 

Introduction We must look out for spiritual scams by testing for the Truth. The Test of the true Spirit; Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Our Assurance: We are people from the God of Truth. Conclusion

Introduction  The Message of Love (v11).  Hate is a Murderer (v12-16).  Practical examples of God's Love in Action (v17-24)  Conclusion  ‘We should love one another.' (See 3:11,3:24)  Jesus is the great exemplar of God's love.  The challenge of loving others is to make it real!  If we are truly God's children, then we should love not merely with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.