Sermons – Ambassador International Church

Gospel community is bound together by affection for one another as it faces affliction.

God transforms lives through the gospel. 1) The gospel makes a real difference in our lives. 2) Our lives make a real difference to the gospel going out.

How should we think about time? How do we navigate life as creatures of time? Where do we find the encouragement to give ourselves to the time and place that God has called us to?

I need to have a better understanding of my heart. I need to have a deeper grasp of God's character.

1. Jonah faces the mystery of God's character. 2. Jonah was judged by a pagan for not caring for others. 3. God's image can still be seen in all people, believers and unbelievers alike. 4. Our identity is to be rooted first and foremost in Christ. 5. Jonah reminds us of the seriousness of sin.

Outline: 1. They revered God's word. 2. They responded as God's family. 3. They remembered God's grace. 4. They rejoiced in God's goodness. 5. They reflected God's character.

Jesus is the king who calls us to true worship. 1) Jesus arrives as king (v1-11) 2) Jesus. judges empty religion (v12-21) 3) Jesus urges true faith (v22-25)

Jesus shows us the way of discipleship I. Suffering (v32-34) II. Serving (v35-45) III. Sight (v46-52)

Jesus calls us to encounter his glory and ask for his help. 1) Encounter his glory 2) Asking for his help

Jesus is the suffering Messiah. 1) Come and see the sacrifice of the suffering Messiah 2) Come and follow the path of the suffering Messiah

Jesus is the King who provides. ... but.some refuse to see it. ... and some a slow to see it.

All who come to Jesus with desperate need receive miraculous grace. I. How far does God's grace extend? (v24-30) II. How deep does God's grace descend? (v31-37)

1) Jesus is the bread of life 2) Jesus is the Master of Creation 3) Jesus is the Healer

Boaz - the redeemer is active. Naomi - the distressed is comforted. Ruth - the outsider is accepted. David - the king is coming. Yahweh - the LORD is ruling

Faith requires activity Faith involves vulnerability Faith anticipates intimacy Faith operates confidently Faith receives gratefully Faith awaits expectantly

Events in life point to God's rule Acts of love point to God's grace Examples of mercy point to God's rescuer

1. Trust in God's promises 2. Hear God's encouragements 3. See God's grace

Jesus calls His followers to be part of the mission. 1) Privilege 2) Challenge - What Jesus experienced - What John experienced 3) Encouragement

Jesus alone has the power to save. 1) The power that Jesus has over...       ...nature (4:35-41)     ...evil (5:1-20)       ...death (5:21-43) 2) The response of fear and faith

Outline: 1. It's the story that divides. 2. It's the story that challenges. a. Historical issues. b. Emotional issues. c. Internal issues. 3. It's the story that encourages. a. God's words generate a mixed response. b. God's words create amazing results. c. God's words reveal truth amidst darkness. d. God's words have their own power. e. God's words have a global impact.

I. Insiders vs. outsiders - true disciples (v7-19) the crowds the twelve II. Insiders vs. outsiders - true family (v20-35) the teachers of the law Jesus' family

Outline The opposition reject Jesus because they miss who He is. (a) Forgiveness (2:1-12) (b) Fellowship (2:13-17) (c) Fasting (2:18-22) (d) Sabbath (2:23-3:6) The opposition reject because they reject Him as a king.

Outline Authority to call (1:16-20) Authority over evil (1:21-28) Authority over sickness (1:29-34) Authority from Heaven (1:35-39) Authority to cleanse (1:40-45)

Outline The King has arrived, and he establishes God's kingdom. Good news about a king. Good news about a kingdom. Good news that demands a response.

Outline: The Author - and how we relate The Hero - and how he's presented The Book - and how it's shaped The Lessons - and how we respond Emotionally Doctrinally Personally Missionally

Outline: Failed projects in the book: Temple Law Walls Leaders Major lessons from the book: It exposes a flawed heart. It encourages a diligent response. It anticipates a glorious future.

Outline: They worked DIVERSELY They worked COURAGEOUSLY They worked SACRIFICIALLY They worked UNITEDLY They worked ANONYMOUSLY They worked RESPONSIBLY They worked HUMBLY They worked COLLECTIVELY They worked HONOURABLY

Outline: God's Word points to the true King. God's Word exposes our painful rebellion. God's Word reveals God's heart of love. God's Word encourages our confident response.

Outline: The Opponents People on the fringe. Community leaders. Regional authorities. The Tactics The Response God's word is declared. A 'man of peace' intervenes. Genuine repentance is evidenced. Wise plans were put in place. A. God's people will be opposed. B. God's word will be speaking. C. God's Spirit will be moving. D. God's wisdom will be active. E. God's community will be supportive. F. God's plans will be vindicated. G. God's Son will be our example.

Outline They returned like the exodus Gifts from neighbours Passover celebrations Temple supplies Building materials They worshipped according to the law They were led by a new Moses and Joshua ✓ We're part of something bigger ✓ We're joined to Christ's saving work ✓ We're built upon God's unchanging truth ✓ We're continuing to declare his glorious praise ✓ We're going back for the future

Outline: 1. History 2. This story 5 sections Ezra 1-6 Ezra 7-10 Neh 1-7 Neh 9-12a Neh 12b-13 3. His story a. God's faithfulness b. God's rule c. God's plans

We have the hope of life. 1) A living hope (1 Peter 1:3) 2) A certain hope (1 Peter 1:4-5) 3) A joyous hope (1 Peter 1:6-12)