Sermons - Darebin Presbyterian Church

1. The trees of Christmas2. God promised a Branch who would renew King David's dynasty and usher in righteousnessIsaiah prophesied a Branch and a Root from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-10)Jeremiah prophesied a righteous saviour Branch (Jeremiah 33:14-18)3. A thousand years of disappointmentZedekiah – Failed to bring righteousness (King – 597-586 BC)He did not rule with righteousness so Judah was conquered (2 Kings, 25:1-12; 2 Chronicles 36:11-14)Zerubbabel – failed to bring renewal (Governor – 538-515 BC)Governor of Judea after the exile (Ezra 3:8; Haggai 1:12)Helped rebuild the Temple but didn't bring the hoped for renewal (Zech. 4:9; 6:11-12; 3:8)4. Jesus is the Branch!A Branch who renewed the line of DavidA descendant of David who will receive the throne (Matthew 1; Luke 1:32-33)An inhabitant of Nazareth (Matthew 2:23)A Nazarene who lived in a town named for branch (Netzer in Hebrew), with descendants of David living thereIs Matthew's appeal to "the prophets" a broad reference to the many Old Testament promises of a messiah descended from David, but with a particular play on the word netzer, “branch,” from Isaiah 11:1? Though the royal line was hacked down to a stump, from that stump a shoot or branch would one day spring up. Matthew may be saying of Jesus, “He shall be called that ‘branch' of David,” that is, his long awaited son, the Messiah of Israel.Paul Barnett, Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity, 92-93A Root who secured righteousness (Rev. 5:5; 22:16; Romans 15:12; cf. Isaiah 11:1, 10; 4:2)5. Find renewal and righteousness in Jesus the Branch this ChristmasShelter under the loving rule of JesusSeek to live a righteous life under Jesus

1. Mercy to the undeserving2. Jonah knows God is gracious and compassionate- A summary of God's heart from Exodus 34:5-73. Jonah is angry that God showed grace and compassion to his enemies- A summary of Jonah's heart towards outsiders … and God4. Christians must not seek to limit God's mercy- Extend mercy to all people- Share the gospel with all people

Are you good at saying sorry?Why should I repent?Nineveh was going to be overthrown (Genesis 18:20; 19:24-29)You can avoid being overthrown and instead receive true lifeHow do I repent?Nineveh expressed humility and contrition while turning from sinYou must turn back to God with genuine sorrow and ask for his forgivenessHow do I know repentance will work?Jesus is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:38-41; 1 John 1:8-9)Come to God, through Jesus, in full assurance that you will receive mercy.Grow in your confidence in saying sorry to people you have wronged.Tell others of the blessings of saying sorry to God (Psalm 32:3-5)

1. What did Jonah do when the Lord sent him to Nineveh?2. Why did the Lord provide a huge fish to swallow Jonah?3. What did Jonah do when he was in the belly of the fish?4. In what ways does the story of salvation point you to the story of Jesus and the salvation he brings?5. What do you, therefore, need to do when you have been swallowed by something?

Does God need us to save people?The LORD sovereignly worked through his disobedient prophet to save the sailors (Jonah 1)God turns the spotlight on Jonah in the big storm (1-12; Proverbs 16:33)The sailors worship Yahweh (13-16)God's role: He alone saves people (Ephesians 2:1-10)Your role: Freely speak of your Christian identity (Romans 10:9-15)The LORD sovereignly worked through his grumpy prophet to save Nineveh (Jonah 3)God softens hearts despite Jonah's small efforts in the big cityThe Ninevites repent before GodGod's role: He changes hearts so people believe the message (Acts 13:48; 16:14)Your role: Know the gospel and the Bible (1 Peter 3:15-16)

1. What are you big on?2. Jonah: A small book about a big God• It's not about the whale!• A big God who sits over the land and sea• A big God who sits over history3. Jonah had a big problem with God (1:1-3)• A prophet with a mission (1:1-2)• A prophet maintaining his streak? (1:3; 2 Kings 14:23-29)• A prophet who wants God's love to be smaller (4:1-3)4. The challenge of a big God who loves to save (Jonah 2:9)• He loves to save people from all over the world (John 3:16-17)• He loves to save sinners, which includes us (Luke 19:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:15)• He loves to involve his people in saving others (1 Corinthians 9:22)5. Let's study Jonah and grow our hearts as we join God's mission

Fullness of joy is found in God

Psalm 15

Israel's animal laws told a story about the need to be redeemed from a fallen world, a story fulfilled in Jesus.

Leviticus reveals to us the great length God has gone to so we can draw near to him in Christ.

A joy shared is a joy doubled. Local churches are to delight in God together Fighting for delight together