Shalom Church (Reformed Baptist)

GROWTH- THE OPPOSITE OF BACKSLIDING---GROWTH- WHAT DOES GOD SAY-----1- GOD EXPECTS YOU TO GROW ----2- GOD COMMANDS YOU TO GROW ----3- GOD PROMISED THAT YOU WILL GROW ----4- GOD FROWNS WHEN YOU FAIL TO GROW ----GROWTH- WHAT DO I NEED-----1- I NEED TO BE ALIVE---2- I NEED TO EAT---3- I NEED TO BREATHE---4- I NEED GOOD HYGIENE---5- I NEED REGULAR EXERCISE---6- I NEED PROTECTION---7- I NEED PEOPLE----GROWTH- HOW WILL I KNOW-----1- I AM GROWING IF I AM INCREASING IN HUMILITY----2- I AM GROWING IF I AM INCREASING IN FAITH----3- I AM GROWING IF I AM INCREASING IN LOVE

BACKSLIDING- WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW------1- IT IS NOT EVERY TIME I SINNED---When ROMANS 7-14-24 runs parallel to PHILIPPIANS 3-12-14-----2- IT COULD BE A FAILURE TO HOLD FAST THE GOSPEL---MISS GALATIANS--- Previously- GALATIANS 4-13-15--- Currently- GALATIANS 1-6--GALATIANS 5-15, 26 --- Certainly- GALATIANS 1-9 -----3- IT COULD BE A FAILURE TO LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL---MISTER LOT Cf. 2 PETER 2-7--Clip -1- He started well--GENESIS 12-4- Clip -3- He continued to stray-- GENESIS 19-1---Clip -2- He started to stray--GENESIS 13-10-13- -Clip -4- He ended in shame-- GENESIS 19-14, 26, 30-38-- ---4- IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO COME BACK---- Story of Robert Robinson--- Story of Samson -JUDGES 16-28----PSALM 130

BACKSLIDING- AM I----INTRODUCTION--- HOSEA 11-7 - My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him.---- HOSEA 14-4 - I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.---- JEREMIAH 3- 6, 8, 11, - 12-----WHAT IS BACKSLIDING----- turn away---- turn back---- apostasy---- slide back--Cf. HEBREWS 2-1.--JEREMIAH 8-5-----WHERE DOES BACKSLIDING BEGIN----PROVERBS 14-14 --REVELATION 2-4--REVELATION 3-17-WHO COULD BE BACKSLIDING----JAMES 1-14 - But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin- and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.--- Judas Iscariot - Simon Peter--------Standing at the end of MATTHEW 26, what would you say concerning them-----Cf. GALATIANS 4-19-20.---SO WHAT--------HOW CAN I BE RESTORED FROM BACKSLIDING---WHO CAN RESTORE ME FROM BACKSLIDING------ HOSEA 14-4 - I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.----- EPHESIANS 5-29 - For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.------Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Behold What Manner Of Love- -1 John 3-1-3----An Introduction----1- Children of God - What love------------2- Children of God - Glorious future awaits -----------3- Children of God - Hope that purifies -application-

You Must Be Born Again -John 3- 1-15----1. Introduction.----2. Who is Nicodemus------3. Why did he come to see Jesus by night------4. What was their conversation about------5. Why must a person be born again------6. How can we be born again------7. Who must be born again------8. When must we be born again------9. What does it mean to be born again--

Justification - The Law - the Gospel Are Not Enemies -Gal 3- 15-25---1. INTRODUCTION--a. What the law did not do.-i. Appeals to their conversion experience. 3-1-5-ii. Appeals to history - Abraham. 3-6-9--b. What the law cannot do.-i. Appeals to the insufficiency of the law to justify. 3-10-14-ii. Appeals to the impotence of the law to nullify. 3-15-18 --c. What is the law for-- 3-19-25---2. THE LAW CANNOT VOID GOD'S PROMISE -v15-18---a. Human covenant - irrevocable once ratified. v15--b. Divine covenant - same principle--i. Points back to Abraham again.-ii. Promise to justify by faith has been ratified by God. v16, Gen 15-9-10, 17-iii. Promise is irrevocable by the law--- Providence of God - Because the law came later. v17-- Will of God - Because the law is not designed to justify. v18--- Believers - in your failures, find comfort in Christ always. -- Unbelievers - in your seeking to be right with God, trust in God's wisdom.---3. THE LAW JUDGES THE UNRIGHTEOUS -v19-20, 22---a. Regulative - exposes sin. v19--b. Punitive - condemns sin. v22--c. Relative value compared to the gospel. v19-20---4. THE LAW GUIDES THE UNRIGHTEOUS TO GOD'S PROMISE -v19-25---a. Uncombative - friend of the gospel. v21--b. Protective - channels the unrighteous to the gospel. v22--c. Prison illustration. v23-25---- Believers - spread the gospel without neglecting the law. -- Unbelievers - embrace the truth that will set you free. ---5. CONCLUSION

Justification - Not by the Law -Gal 3- 10-14----1. INTRODUCTION--a. What the law did not do.-i. Appeals to their conversion experience. 3-1-5-ii. Appeals to history - Abraham. 3-6-9--b. What the law cannot do.-i. Appeals to the insufficiency of the law. 3-10-14---2. ALL WHO HOPE IN THE LAW TO BE JUSTIFIED IS CONDEMNED -v10-12---a. Demands of the law - -continue-, -in all things-. v10b-b. Punishment for the law-breaker - -curse-. v10a, Deut 27-26-c. Justified by the law - you can if you meet all its demands. v12, Lev 18-5-d. Justified by the law - can you-- You cannot- v11, Hab 2-4--- God is righteous. Necessity of punishing sin.-- Believers - Mourn, Abhor, Turn away from sin- ---3. ALL WHO HAVE FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE IS JUSTIFIED -v13-14---a. Deliverance for the law-breaker - Christ's redemption and substitution. v13, Deut 21-23-b. Blessings for the former law-breaker - justification, indwelling Spirit, fruitful life. v14--- None is righteous. Necessity of Christ's death.-- Believers - Christ is precious-- -- Unbelievers - Is sin foreign to you-- Is Christ precious to you-----4. CONCLUSION

Justification - Not A Novelty of the Gospel -Gal 3-6-14-------1. INTRODUCTION---2. ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED BY FAITH ALONE -v6---a. Abraham, -father of the Jews- - justified by faith. v6, Gen 15-6-b. Before circumcision in Gen 17.-c. Before the written law was given. Gal 3-17--- Believers - Be committed to live by God's Word.---3. ABRAHAM'S CHILDREN ARE THOSE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH -7-8---a. Abraham's descendants - spiritual children who are justified by faith. v7-b. Inheritance of blessing by means of faith. v8, Gen 12-3, 18-18, 22-18-c. Abraham's faith - forward-looking faith to the coming Christ. v8--i. He believed Christ. --Gen 12-3 -in you all nations shall be blessed- --Gen 28-14 -in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. - -Gen 28-14 -in Abraham and in Christ -Gal 3-16- all the families of the earth shall be justified. --John 8-56-Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, -and he saw it and was glad.--ii. He received the indwelling Spirit.--v6 -just as- --v14 -blessing of Abraham-that we might receive the promise of the Spirit---- Believers - Put faith above reason as live by God's Word.-4. ABRAHAM'S JUSTIFICATION A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL -v9---a. Abraham and his spiritual children - -blessed- i.e., justified by faith through Christ. v9-b. One common justification in God's redemptive plan.--- Unbelievers - Put your faith in Christ alone and experienced the great exchange.---5. CONCLUSION

The Days Of Noah --- Matt 24-36-39, 44- Gen 6---1. Jesus affirmed 'the days of Noah' to be true historically. Why is this important to us-----2. What were 'the days of Noah' like-- -Why did God destroy the world in Noah's days-----a- It was a period of ------------------------------------ -Gen 6-1----b- It was a thriving culture advanced in ------------------------- -eg. Gen 4-21-22----c- It was a period of great m------- d----------- with widespread c----------- and v---------- -Gen 6-11--- -Only evil continually- - see Prov 4-16-17, -- Example of Lamech - see Gen 4-19, 23-24--Consider - Do you think the world today is on moral decline-- Why or why not-----Examine - Which of the attitudes and behaviours in 2 Tim 3-1-4 have you been or are guilty of-- ---3. Jesus said that before He returns, many people in the world will be 'spiritually indifferent' like the people in the days of Noah. What does that mean-----4. Jesus warned us to -be ready-. Why and How----- -Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.- -John 5-24----Well done, good and faithful servant- you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.- -Matt 25-21-

Justification - The Justified Is Driven By The Spirit --- Gal 3-1-5--1. INTRODUCTION -v1----2. THE JUSTIFIED RECEIVES THE SPIRIT -v2---a. The law demands, but the gospel grants.-b. Gal 4-6. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, -Abba, Father---c. Gal 4-6 - Gal 2-20 - Christ lives in us through the Spirit.--- Remember who you are. --1 Cor 6-19-20. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own-- For you were bought at a price- therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.--- Unbelievers, have you confessed that the crucified Jesus is your Lord----1 Cor 12-3. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.--3. THE JUSTIFIED GROWS BY THE SPIRIT -v3-4---a. The law condemns, but the gospel inspires.-b. Gal 5-25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.-c. Gal 5-18 - Gal 5-22 - Christ's life of obedience reflected in our lives.--- Remember who you lived for. --4. THE JUSTIFIED SERVES BY THE SPIRIT -v5---a. The law hinders, the gospel equips.-b. 1 Cor 12-11. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.-c. 1 Cor 12-11 - 1 Cor 12-7 - Christ's gifts to us through the Spirit for His church.--- Remember who you use your gifts on. ---5. CONCLUSION

The Truth of the Gospel - Justification -Gal 2-15-21---1. INTRODUCTION---2. JUSTIFICATION IS AN ACT WHERE GOD ACCEPTS US AS RIGHTEOUS -v19-21---a. Our righteousness comes from Christ's death. v21--Rom 5-19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, -so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.--2 Cor 5-21. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, -that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.---b. Our requirement to live a righteous life is grounded in our justification.-i. Justification frees us from the rule of the law. v19-ii. Justification joins us to Christ's death and resurrection. v20--- Believers, turn away from sin's temptation and subdue it.---3. JUSTIFICATION IS AN ACT OF GOD'S GRACE -v20-21---a. Justified by Christ's death because of Christ's love. v20-b. Justified by Christ's death because of God's grace. v21--- Believers, thank God we are justified unconditionally.---4. JUSTIFICATION IS RECEIVED BY FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE -v15-18---a. Not by success in law compliance, but by faith in Christ only. v16-b. Not for the Jews only, but also for the Gentiles. v15-16-c. Not sinful to abandon law compliance as the basis of acceptance. v17-18--- Believers, trust in Christ for your eternal security.-- Unbelievers and seekers, pin your hope of salvation on Christ alone.---5. CONCLUSION

DEFEND THE GOSPEL --- Gal 2-11-14--1. INTRODUCTION---2. THE INERRANT GOSPEL COMPROMISED BY THE CHURCH -v11-13---a. Infallible gospel but not invincible believers. -b. Peter succumbed to the pressures of man. v11-12-c. Many, including Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, also caved in. v13--- Believers, set your mind on God's interests, not man's. Matt 16-23-- Christ's warning- He urges us to watch and pray. Matt 26-41---3. ERRANT GOSPEL CONDUCT CORRECTED BY THE CHURCH -v14---a. In the driver's seat but not irrevocable.-b. Peter's conduct inconsistent with his belief. v14b-c. Paul censured his fellow apostle and those who took the same position. v14a--- Believers, stand up for the truth, even though you stand alone. -- Christ's example- He stood alone against His accusers. Matt 26-56---4. THE INERRANT GOSPEL CHAMPIONED BY THE CHURCH--a. Imperfect church but not an incompetent protector.-b. Peter in Acts 15-6-11 is different compared to the Peter in v12.--- Believers, stand up again for the truth, even though you fail again.-- Christ's assurance- He is always with us. Matt 28-20--- Unbelievers, Christ did not come to save the perfect, but He perfects those He saves. -- Christ's mission- He came to call sinners to repentance. Matt 9-12---5. CONCLUSION

WHAT IF----- WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED----2 KINGS 17----- WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPEN----HOSEA 14 --o What is the picture in HOSEA 14-5-7-----o How to achieve this-----1- ACCEPT GOD'S VIEW -Verse 1----- YOU ARE THE PROBLEM----- YOU NEED TO RETURN-----2- ADOPT GOD'S WORDS -Verses 2-3----- FORGIVE US, LORD----- THANK YOU, LORD----- WE TRUST YOU, LORD----3- ACKNOWLEDGE GOD'S MERCY -Verse 4----- PROPITIATION---- TRANSFORMATION-- Verse 3---o ANSWER GOD'S QUESTION -Verse 9-

THE DIVINE CORONER'S REPORT- WHY ISRAEL DIED-- --- 2 KINGS 17-1-23--MAIN EVENT- Verse 6-Verse 23-----PERSPECTIVE -1- THE COMMON MEN'S UNDERSTANDING -Verses 1-6-------PERSPECTIVE -2- THE DIVINE CORONER'S REPORT--Executive Summary----Detailed Report---1- NO SINCERE GRATITUDE, NO GENUINE WORSHIP -Verse 7--- ----2- NO LOVING RELATIONSHIP, NO GENUINE WORSHIP -Verses 7-18-------3- NO HEARTFELT HONOUR, NO GENUINE WORSHIP -Verses 13-18------SO WHAT------NOW WHAT--

2 KINGS 15 --- THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING- ----1- THE --------------------------- WARNS YOU---Structure- Verses 1-7 -Judah- Cf. HOSEA 13-11- Verses 8-31 -Israel--Verses 32-38 -Judah------2- THE --------------------------- WARNS YOU---Cf. 2 KINGS 14-23-29-Cf. 2 KINGS 10-30, DEUTERONOMY 28-58, 64----3- THE --------------------------- WARNS YOU---Kings of Israel King of Judah-Zechariah-Shallum Cf. HOSEA 7-5-7-Menahem -Pekahiah -Pekah ----4- THE --------------------------- WARNS YOU---2 KINGS 14-25 versus 2 KINGS 15-29 Cf. AMOS 4-6-11----5- THE --------------------------- WARNS YOU---Verse 16 Cf. AMOS 1-13, HOSEA 13-16----IN CONCLUSION---A- THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU- -B- THERE IS A RESPONSE -NEEDED FROM YOU--MATTHEW 4-12-16

LET'S ENTER GOD'S SANCTUARY --- 2 KINGS 14---AN OVERALL LOOK--o What happened to Amaziah and Judah-----o What happened to Jeroboam II and Israel------A CLOSER LOOK- JEROBOAM II -2 KINGS 14-22-29---- GOD'S WORD AT WORK--o Concerning his enthronement-2 KINGS 10-30--o Concerning his prosperity-2 KINGS 14-25---- GOD'S PATIENCE AT WORK-2 KINGS 14-26-27----A CLOSER LOOK- AMAZIAH -2 KINGS 14-1-21---- GOD'S ASSESSMENT -Verse 3---- GOD'S CHASTISEMENT -Verses 8-14 Cf. 2 CHRONICLES 25-14-17, 2 SAMUEL 7-14---- GOD'S COMMITMENT -Verses 19-21 Cf. 2 SAMUEL 7-15-16 ---A CONCLUDING LOOK

JESUS SAVES---who gave Himself for our sins,-that He might deliver us from this present evil age,-according to the will of our God and Father.-Gal 1-4--1. INTRODUCTION--Rainbow------2. JESUS IS THE SACRIFICE FOR SIN--Who gave Himself for our sins------3. JESUS IS THE LIBERATOR FOR SIN--That He might deliver us from this present evil age------4. JESUS IS THE SAVIOUR SENT FROM GOD--According to the will of our God------5. CONCLUSION--God, your Father----Jesus, your Saviour--

HOW CAN I GIVE YOU UP-- 2 KINGS 13--What's The Message Of This Passage----- Possible Answer -1---- Possible Answer -2---- Possible Answer -3---- Don't Miss Out- -1- The Miracle Of Verses 20-21---2- The Structure Of 2 KINGS 13--- My Definite Answer---o Look at Jehoahaz -verses 1-9---o Look at Jehoash -verses 10-13, 14-19---o Look at Elisha -verses 14, 20, 21---o Re-look at the summary -verses 22-25---SO WHAT-- --1---SO WHAT-- --2-

WHILE YOUR START MATTERS, DON'T LET YOUR END BE IN TATTERS--2 KINGS 12---1- A MIXED EVALUATION -Verses 1-3---What's good in his reign-- What's not good in his reign--------2- A STIRRING EPISODE -Verses 4-16---- He was persistent------ He was realistic----1-----2------ He was sensible---Verse 16-----3- A DISAPPOINTING END -Verses 17-21---Cf. 2 CHRONICLES 24 --- His senseless apostasy -verses 17-18- ---- His shameful assassination -verses 19-21-----SO WHAT---MONEY, MONEY, MONEY--'And Jehoash said to the priests, -All the money of the dedicated gifts that are brought into the house of the Lord-each man's census money, each man's assessment money-and all the money that a man purposes in his heart to bring into the house of the Lord.' 2 KINGS 12-4--The Repair-Temple-Programme -RTP- is happening under Joash's reign- To do it, money is needed, but where would it come from-- 2 KINGS 12-4 mentioned three sources----1- EACH MAN'S CENSUS MONEY--It is called -money collected in the census- -NIV- and -census silver- -CSB-. This collection goes back to the day of Moses . Every Israelite -poor or rich- was required to offer half a shekel to the Lord as an ransom for his life. It is therefore called ransom money or atonement money. It was basically an offering that the Israelite gave to God in gratitude for the salvation he has received from God. --Imagine yourself as an Old Testament Israelite. You may be very poor and in financial difficulty. YET you should still give this -census silver- to God because you must never cease to be grateful to God for redeeming you from the house of bondage-

2 KINGS 11--- HE'S GOT THIS TINY LITTLE BABY IN HIS HANDS---- What if Joash was killed-- ----- Why would Athaliah do that-- ----- What's the relevance to us today-------- HE'S GOT THIS TINY LITTLE BABY IN HIS HANDS VIA FEEBLE HANDS---- What feeble hands are we talking about------- So what-- ----- Now what-- ----- HE'S GOT THIS TINY LITTLE BABY IN HIS HANDS DESPITE FILTHY HANDS---- Whose filthy hands-- ----- What's the relevance to us today------- What's our assurance always--

God's World, God's Way - Ecc. 3---Introduction- What is the meaning of life-------1. Everything Now Is Broken And Doesn't Last -v1-8--------2. Everything Then Will Be Beautiful And Will Last -v9-17--------3. Everything Now - Then Is God's At Last -v18-22-------Rejoice- Remember- Revere- Righteous-----Application Questions--a- What are some things in your life that you look to for satisfaction and end up hindering your eagerness for God's beautiful eternity----b- How can you grow in expectation - eagerness for God's beautiful eternity--

THE COVENANT OF GRACE- GOD'S GREATEST PROMISE-Gen 3-15--And I will put enmity between you and the woman,-And between your seed and her Seed--He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.---1. INTRODUCTION-------2. GOD SAVES BY HIS GRACE--------3. GOD CALLS BY HIS SPIRIT--------4. GOD WINS BY CHRIST--------5. CONCLUSION

Only One Gospel - Galatians 2- 1-10--1. INTRODUCTION--a. A single railcard----2. ONLY ONE GOSPEL THAT UNITES -v1-2---a. Composition of the travellers. v1--b. Reasons to travel to Jerusalem. v2-- To settle unresolved issues at the first meeting. Acts 9-26-30-- To send relief for the famine at Judea. Acts 11-27-30--- Believers, be of one heart because we believe in the same gospel.---3. ONLY ONE GOSPEL THAT SAVES -v3-5---a. Faith in Christ - circumcision-- v3-4--b. Faith in Christ alone. v5--- Seekers, believe Jesus died and rose for you.-- Believers, be of one mind to preserve the gospel.-- Believers, ask of Christ to preserve the gospel by His power. Acts 10---4. ONLY ONE GOSPEL TO SPREAD -v6-10---a. Comparing Paul with Peter, James, and John. v6--b. Clear division of labour. v7--c. Clear results from division of labour. v8--d. Clear decision to accept Paul's apostleship and his gospel. v9-10--- Believers, be of one soul to spread the gospel.-- Believers, ask of Christ to prepare the church to send out missionaries.---5. CONCLUSION

The Gospel Is Of God - Galatians 1- 10-24--1. INTRODUCTION--a. Origin matters----2. PAUL SEEKS APPROVAL FROM CHRIST -v10---a. Motivation in his ministry - Christ's approval.--b. False teachers - do nothing-- --c. Believers turning away to a false gospel - do nothing----d. Remember John the Baptist-- Mark 6-17-18--- Elders and deacons - governance of the church.-- Parents - governance of your children. -- All - peer pressures vs obedience to God.---3. PAUL RECEIVES THE GOSPEL FROM CHRIST -v11-12---a. Origin of apostolic authority. Gal 1-1--b. Origin of the gospel. --c. Common theme between vs 11-12 and vs 1 - Not of Man.--- Relevance - bring the gospel to a lost world who is turning away from God.---4. PAUL PROVES THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH HIS LIFE -v13-24---a. Before conversion - Paul did not invent the gospel. v13-14--b. Conversion - Paul did not create the gospel out of his experience. v15-16--c. After conversion - Paul did not learn the gospel from other apostles. v16-24--d. The gospel he preaches is of God, not of Man.--- Believers - send out the gospel of God with great faith.--- Unbelievers - receive the gospel of God with great faith. Isa 1-18-20

Abide By The Gospel --- Galatians 1-1-9--1. INTRODUCTION--a. Epistle to the Galatians - Paul's earliest letter.-b. Epistle to the Galatians - Churches in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derby.---------------------2. FALLEN AWAY -v6-7---a. Localised persecutions. Gal 5-11, 6-12, Acts 14-22-b. Lured by false teachers. v7, Acts 13-45, 14-2, 14-9-c. Deserted the gospel- v6-7-d. Counter falsehood - right theology. Gal 1-10 - 4-31---3. THE HERALD OF THE GOSPEL IS APPOINTED BY JESUS -v1---a. Paul's credibility attacked. -b. Double negatives -not- and -nor-.-c. -who raised Him from the dead.--a. Conversion on the road to Damascus.-b. Commission in the city of Damascus. Acts 9-15-16---4. THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL IS ABOUT JESUS -v4-5---a. The gospel has been distorted. -i. The authentic gospel presented. v1, 4-5--- Unbelievers - Denounce your sins and believe the authentic gospel.---5. THE HONOUR OF DAMNATION IS RESERVED FOR FALSE TEACHERS -v8-9---a. False gospel preachers face damnation. -b. Prospective list- anyone, angels , Paul included.-c. Egoistic Paul-- v6---6. APPLICATIONS--a. Believers-i. Defend the authorship of the gospel.-ii. Delight in the star of the gospel.--b. Unbelievers - Denounce your sins and believe the authentic gospel-

Jesus Is God With Us --- John 1- 14-18 --1. INTRODUCTION--a. Your favourite footballer, singer, band is coming to SG--b. Jesus has come into human history----2. JESUS IS BETTER THAN ADAM -v14---a. Better nature- He is the God-Man. -- 'Word became flesh' vs 'Dust of the ground'. Gen 2-7--b. Better life- He radiates the glory of God.-- 'Full of grace and truth' vs 'shame'. Gen 2-25, 3-5.---- Believers- Are we full of grace and truth like Jesus----- Unbelievers- Place yourself under a better representative head. Rom 5-12-19---3. JESUS IS BETTER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST -v15---a. Better prophet- God speaks directly.-- 'He who comes after me is preferred' vs 'me who comes before Him'. ---- Believers- Do we listen to Jesus----b. Better ministry. He fulfils the prophecies and promises of God.---- Unbelievers- Place yourself under a better prophet. ---4. JESUS IS BETTER THAN MOSES -v16-18---a. Better lawgiver- He fulfils the righteous demands of the Law.-- 'Grace for grace'- grace better than the earlier grace.-- 'Law through Moses' vs 'grace and truth through Jesus Christ'. ---JESUS IS GOD WITH US- -v14----- Believers- Do we love Jesus------ Unbelievers- Place yourself under a better lawgiver.

EXERCISE CHURCH DISCIPLINE -- 2 Thes 3-1-18--1. A PRAYER REQUEST THAT LEADS TO PAUL'S BURDEN -v1-5---a. Pray for our ministry of the Word to succeed. v1-b. Pray for our deliverance from the enemies of the Word. v2-c. 'just as it is with you' - Paul's difficult ministry in Corinth compared to Thessalonica. -d. Expresses confidence in God's faithful keeping. v3-e. Expresses confidence in the believer's faithful obedience. v4-f. Expresses the believer's need for divine help. v5 -i. A motivation - God's love towards us.-ii. An example - Jesus' endurance amidst hostility. Heb 12-3-4---2. DISORDERLY CONDUCT - DETECTED AGAIN -v7-11---a. The problem revealed - idleness. v11-b. The problem repeated - See 1 Thes 4-11.-c. The problem reviewed. -i. Instruction through Paul's life. v7-9-ii. Instruction through Paul's lips. v10---3. DISORDERLY CONDUCT - DEAL WITH IT- -v6, 10, 12-15---a. A command from Christ. v6, 10, 12-b. Start with - 'command and exhort' - appeal with words. v12-c. Progress to - 'withdraw', 'do not keep company' - appeal by distancing. v6, 14-i. Purpose- 'ashamed' - turn in shame - reformation. v14-ii. Premise- 'brother' - tough love - restoration. v15-iii. Precaution- 'not weary to do good' - tempted to follow - resistance. v13-d. The end-- -i. Paul's silence after v15 - situation at Thessalonica not at tipping point.-ii. Paul's silence broken if the disorderly conduct persists - excommunication. See Titus 3-10 and Jesus' command in Matt 18-17.---4. DISORDERLY CONDUCT - DEAL WITH IT WITH GOD'S HELP -v16-18---a. A struggling church plagued on the outside and inside.-b. A struggling church looks to God for-

BE ROOTED IN THE TRUTH -- 2 Thes 2-1-17--1. HAS CHRIST ALREADY COME-- -v1-2---a. False teaching - Christ has already come. v2--b. Doubts - did we miss His coming-- v1-2--c. Comfort gone -1 Thes 1-10, 2-19, 3-13, 4-13-18, 5-1-11 and 2 Thes 1-5-10. --d. Paul's burden - prove that the Lord has not yet come. v3-12- --2. TWO PRECURSORS BEFORE CHRIST'S RETURN -v3-12---a. Two precursors - a phenomenon and a person. v3--b. Person - The Man of Sin. -v3-4, 6-8--i. A person. c.f. v9-ii. Evil to the core. v3,8-iii. Enemy of God. v3-iv. Exalts himself as God. v4---Deceitful- Mimics the one and only God-Man, Jesus Christ.--v. Emerges to the open after a temporary restrain. v6-8, Rom 13.-vi. Causes widespread rebellion against the truth. See next section.-vii. Christ returns- Destroys the Man of Sin. v8--c. Phenomenon - The Falling Away. -v9-12--i. A miracle worker. v9---Deceitful- Mimics the Son of God who performs signs and wonders.--ii. Causes a large-scale rebellion against the gospel. v10-iii. Causes many to be condemned by God. v11-12---3. TWO PRECURSORS NOT YET FULFILLED BUT WORK HAS BEGUN -v7---a. Satan has been preparing for this final war with Christ. v7--b. Satan has been sending forerunners to prepare for the coming of the Man of Sin.-1 John 2-18 - Little children, it is the last hour- and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.--1 John 2-22-23 - Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ-- He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either- he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Trust God's Justice --- 2 Thes 1-1-12--https---www.youtube.com-watch--v-wGZjfZpcm9Q-list-PLgETZJJFvtOCK7JEa5F55YC0Sv9PFhiN2-index-2-ab-channel-ShalomChurch-28ReformedBaptist-29-2CSingapore--1. IS GOD REALLY JUST----a. Doubts--- Why does God allow those whom He loves to suffer---- Is it just of God to reward our steadfastness with sufferings---- Is it just of God to let evil have their way with the righteous----b. Paul's burden - vindicate the justice of God. v5-10- --2. GOD IS JUST WHEN HE TESTS OUR PROFESSION -v5---a. Trials vs sin.--b. God uses trials to test the obedient--i. Counted worthy---ii. The faithful who perseveres - rewarded by God.-iii. The unfaithful who falters - punished by God.---3. GOD IS JUST WHEN HE DEFERS HIS EXECUTIVE JUSTICE -v6-10---a. The justice of God.-i. God will execute retributive justice on evil. v6-ii. God will deliver the righteous from evil. v7-iii. God will show Himself to be just when Christ comes again. v7--b. The justice of God repeated with details.-i. God will execute retributive justice on evil with divine wrath. v8-ii. God will avenge the righteous by an eternal punishment on evil. v9-iii. God will execute vengeance on evil when Christ comes again. v10--Tension - Act now, O God----4. LIVING THROUGH FIERY TRIALS -v10-12---a. Trust in Christ's promise. v10-i. Believe - the testimony of Christ's apostle.-ii. Example - -- the conduct of the patriarch, Joseph. Gen 50-19-21-- the conduct of Jesus. 1 Pet 2-21-23--21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps- -22 -Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth--

WE NEED MORE THAN AN AVENGER---2 KINGS 10--INTRODUCTION--Besides Repetition and Pattern . . . -- Note the Correspondence-- - And the Summary statements- verse 10, 17, 28-31----ONE- JEHU THE AVENGER WIPES OUT EVIL---2 KINGS 10-28 ---- SOMETHING TO EMULATE-------- SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE---Cf. REVELATION 19-1-2---Alleluia- Salvation and glory and honour and power -belong to the Lord our God- -For true and righteous are His judgments, -because He has judged the great harlot -who corrupted the earth with her fornication- -and He has avenged on her.----- SOMETHING TO ANTICIPATE---Cf. 2 PETER 3-3--Nevertheless we, according to His promise, -look for new heavens and a new earth -in which righteousness dwells.--TWO- JEHU THE AVENGER WIPES OUT NOT ENOUGH EVIL---- Excessive bloodshed-- -Cf. HOSEA 1-4-5---- Arrogant boasting-- -Verse 16---- Deceitful lies-- -Verses 18-19---- Actual Summary Statements--Verse 10---Verse 17---Verses 28-31---Verse 30 - Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart . . . --Verse 29 - However Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan.--Verse 31 - But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart- for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin.---- See ourselves----Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name ...

PAY DAY SOME DAY-2 KINGS 9--SERMON INTRODUCTION--- Narratives--Repetition- -i- Pattern-- - -ii-- - -iii----Cf. ROMANS 12-19 - Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath- for it is written, -Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,- says the Lord.----- Background--Cf. 1 KINGS 21 - God's response to their wickedness----Cf. 1 KINGS 22- Ahab's death ----SERMON BODY--- -Vengeance is Mine, I will repay-- says the LORD our God.---1- GOD WILL REPAY AS HE THREATENED------------2- GOD WILL REPAY IN HIS JUSTICE----------3- GOD WILL REPAY AND IT'S FINAL------- How should the readers of KINGS respond------- Another repetition- ----------------------------Verse 11 -Verse 17-Verse 18 -Verse 19 -Verse 22 -Verse 31--Another pattern- -----------------------------Cf. LUKE 24--- PAY DAY ---------------------SERMON CONCLUSION--If reject PAY DAY --------------- -then PAY DAY SOMEDAY remains valid ---and it shall become PAY DAY -----------------------

IN GOD'S WRATH, HE REMEMBERS MERCY--https---www.youtube.com-watch--v-2HoXbzZZSVs-list-PLgETZJJFvtOCK7JEa5F55YC0Sv9PFhiN2-index-2-ab-channel-ShalomChurch-28ReformedBaptist-29-2CSingapore--2 KINGS 8-7-29--INTRODUCTION--Place- Time- People- --Activity- Read KINGS--- Floating iron axe-head -I KNOW MOST DEFINITELY THAT HE CARES FOR ME-- --- Blinded Syrians -THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE----- Siege of Samaria -ALL GOD'S WORD ARE TRUE, SO BELIEVE THEM----- Shunamite lady and her land -GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU----- 2 KINGS 8-7-15 2 KINGS 8-16-29 -Fall of Ben-Hadad-Rise of Hazael Reign of Jehoram-Rule of Ahaziah-Weeping prophet -verse 11- The LORD would not . . . -verse 19- --What's the message of this passage----IN GOD'S WRATH, HE REMEMBERS MERCY --- demonstrated in 2 KINGS 8-7-15--Verse 12b Cf. 1 KINGS 19-15-17--2 KINGS 8-11 --- the man of God wept.--Implications---Cf. JEREMIAH 13-17 - My soul will weep in secret for your pride- My eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock has been taken captive.--Cf. PHILIPPIANS 3-18-19 - For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ- whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-who set their mind on earthly things. --Cf. LUKE 19-41-42 - . . . as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, -If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace- But now they are hidden from your eyes.---Cf. EZEKIEL 33-11

RESURRECTED LORD, RESURRECTED PEOPLE - NOW WHAT----Do people around us know we believe in the Resurrection----Can people around us hear about the Resurrection from our lips----Would people around us see how our hope of the Resurrection shapes our daily lives and determines our priorities and values-----RESURRECTED LORD- 1 CORINTHIANS 15-3-4, ROMANS 10-9---RESURRECTED PEOPLE- JOHN 5-25, JOHN 5-28-29---NOW WHAT----- JESUS IS RISEN SO JESUS IS THE CHRIST- -MATTHEW 12-38-40---- NOW push away the shame ---------------------------------------- NOW overcome the fear ---------------------------------------------- JESUS IS RISEN SO JESUS IS THE KING- -ROMANS 1-4---- NOW make ACTS 5-29 your motto and mine.--- NOW make 2 KINGS 6-26 your cry and mine.----- JESUS IS RISEN SO JESUS IS THE RECEIPT- -ROMANS 4-23-25---NOW take the receipt ----------------------------------------- JESUS IS RISEN SO JESUS IS RETURNING- -ACTS 17-30-31---NOW purify your body---2 CORINTHIANS 5-9-10

GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU--2 KINGS 8-1-6--INTRODUCTION--- How can we know what is the message of the passage----8-1 - . . . the woman whose son he had restored to life . . . -8-5a - . . . the woman whose son he had restored to life . . . -8-5b - . . . this is the woman, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life . . . --- Relevance for the 1st readers---- Relevance for the modern readers-----1- GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU -- IT IS A PREEMPTIVE CARE--2 KINGS 8-1-----2- GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU -- IT IS A DAILY CARE--2 KINGS 8-2-----3- GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU -- IT IS A TIMELY CARE--2 KINGS 8-4-5-----4- GOD WILL CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOU -- IT IS AN OVERFLOWING CARE--2 KINGS 8-6----CONCLUSION--- Is there anything I must do to ensure my continual enjoyment of God's care------ Is there a danger that I could be like Joram--

2 KINGS 6-24-7-20--WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THIS PASSAGE----Consider- -2 KINGS 7-17-2 KINGS 7-18-2 KINGS 7-20--Cf. 2 KINGS 7-1--ALL GOD'S WORDS ARE TRUE. SO, BELIEVE THEM---- BUT JORAM WOULD NOT---DEUTERONOMY 28-52-57--Was Joram repentant----2 KINGS 6-30 2 KINGS 6-27- 2 KINGS 6-31- 2 KINGS 6-33--Cf. PSALM 130-3-4, 5-6--2 KINGS 6-9-10---See Yourself------- BUT THAT OFFICER WOULD NOT- -7-2--What Elisha said- 7-1.--What that officer said- 7-2--What that officer experienced- 7-17.----See Yourself--

THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE-2 KINGS 6-8-23-PSALM 125--INTRODUCTION--- WHERE is our passage located in KINGS----- Outline of KINGS --Rise of Solomon -1-1-2-46--Reign of Solomon -3-1-11-43--Divided Kingdom -12-1-16-34--Ministry of Prophet Elijah -1 Kings 17-1-2 Kings 1-18--Ministry of Prophet Elisha -2-1-13-25--Israel Disintegrates -14-1-17-41--Judah Disintegrates -18-1-25-30------1- THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS UNBELIEVING PEOPLE- --VERSES 8-10--- Undeserved protection --- Who was being protected----- Israel ---- Joram -cf. 2 KINGS 3-1-3------ -. . . not just once or twice . . .----ROMANS 2-4 - Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance--- -2- THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS VULNERABLE PEOPLE- --VERSES 11-17--- Unseen protection --- Reason for Elisha's calmness--Verses 16-17--Cf. MATTHEW 26-53--PSALM 34-6-7--PSALM 91-9-11--HEBREWS 1-13-14-----3- THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS REBELLIOUS PEOPLE---Verses 18-23--- Unexpected protection ---Cf. ROMANS 12-19-21.-- -MATTHEW 5-45---- -CONCLUSION--- WHO are the first readers of KINGS------ PSALM 124

HE CARES FOR ME - MOST DEFINITELY--2 KINGS 6-1-7--WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT GOD FROM THESE 7 VERSES-----1- HE CARES FOR LOWLY ME---PSALM 138-6--Cf. GENESIS 22--See the text- --Consider the context------2- HE CARES FOR LOWLY ME WITH REAL NEEDS---2 KINGS 6-5---God, in His ordinary providence, makes use of means,- yet is free to work without, above, and against them, -at His pleasure.-----3- HE CARES FOR LOWLY ME WITH REAL NEEDS LONG BEFORE IT ALL HAPPENED---2 KINGS 6-6-7----HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO SUCH A GOD------HOW SHOULD I SEE CHRIST IN THESE 7 VERSES--

ORDER OUR CHURCH LIFE --- 1 Thes. 5- 12-24--1. UNITY--a. Common theme - relationships within the church.--b. Comparatively shorter compared to earlier discussions.--c. Paul's burden - unity of the church.-- -2. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR LEADERS -v12-13---a. Focus on leaders--i. 'over' - lead, manage or rule over. See 1 Tim 3-4.--b. Mark of these leaders--i. 'labour' - work hard, toil.-ii. 'admonish' - counsel to avoid or cease from any improper conduct.--c. Treatment of these leaders--i. 'to recognize' - to give merit, respect and honour. -ii. Sense of the Gk. verb - 'to have recognized'. -iii. 'to esteem' - to give regard.-iv. Sense of the Gk. verb - 'to continually esteem'.--d. Application - Submission. ---3. ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUES IN OUR CORPORATE LIFE -v14-15---a. 'unruly'-i. idle or disorderly. 2 Thes 3-6-11-ii. Treatment - warn -- same meaning as 'admonish'.--b. 'fainthearted'-i. discouraged. -ii. Treatment - comfort --come alongside and cheer.--c. 'weak'-i. Physically weak or weak in faith. 1 Cor 11-30, Cor 9-22-ii. Treatment - uphold -- help.--d. Encouragement - 'patient' -- bear all burdens without complains.-e. 'repay evil for evil' -i. retaliation.-ii. Treatment - pursue good. --f. Application - Love.---4. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR CURRENT SITUATION -v16-18---a. Treatment towards God's providential dealings.-i. 'rejoice' - state of of happiness or well-being.-ii. 'pray' and 'give thanks'.-iii. 'always', 'unceasing', 'everything' - at all times, in all situations.--b. Application - Contentment. ---5. ACKNOWLEDGE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT -v19-22---a. 'quench' - stifle, suppress.--b. Prophecies by non-apostles a gift of the Spirit in the apostolic era. Eph 2-20, 4-11

Prepare For Christ's Return --- 1 Thes. 5- 1-11--1. Will Christ Really Come Again----a. Waited for Christ. 1 Thes 4-10--b. Wait without knowing when. v1-2-- -2. Christ Will Come Again- -- While waiting, prepare for Christ's return---a. Be sober - stay alert. v6-i. 'sober'. 1 Pet 1-13, 5-8-9-ii. 'watch'.-iii. Sons of darkness - false assurance. v3, idle, astonished by His return. v4-iv. Sons of light - different from the world. v4-5, work in the day. v6 --b. Be sober - stay armed. v8-i. Sons of darkness - inactive, apathetic to His return. v7-ii. Sons of light - different from the world, work harder in the night. v8-- Put on armour to protect against spiritual temptations.-- Breastplate of faith and love - protect the heart.-- Helmet of hope of salvation - protect the head.-- God will preserve us until He returns. v9-10---3. Come Together to Prepare. v11--a. Comfort and edify one another. 1 Thes 4-18--b. Come back to church. Matt 12-20--c. Counsel to give both light and heat.

GRIEVE WITH HOPE --- 1 Thes. 4-13-18--1. Death Brings Sorrow--a. Sorrow over the loss of fellow believers. v1--b. Sorrow that leads to fear and despair. v1, v18-- -2. Sorrow With Hope --a. The dead in Christ will resurrect. v14-i. 'sleep'. -ii. 'bring with Him'.-iii. From the grave to the sky. v14, 18--b. The dead in Christ will resurrect first. v15-16-i. Believers who once lived but died in Christ. v16-ii. Believers who are still alive. v15-iii. The dead in Christ will be resurrected first. --c. The dead in Christ will be reunited with us. v17-i. Absence of sin. 1 Cor 15-51-57-ii. Presence of Christ. -iii. A happy and perfect reunion.---3. Hope in Christ--a. Fight our doubts with faith. Heb 11-1, Heb 4-15-16--b. Faith in Christ's words. v15--c. Faith in Christ's works. v14, 1 Cor 15-20, v17--d. Faith in Christ as Saviour. Unbelievers to avoid the resurrection of condemnation. John 5-24, 28-29

1 Thes. 4-1-12, Abound In The Work Of Faith--1. Not Enough- - Abide in the Faith --a. 'Abound more and more'. v1--b. 'Increase more and more'. v10--c. Precursor in Paul's doxology and prayer in 3-12-13.-i. Abide in the faith - Abound in the works of faith.-ii. Christ works to preserve, believers work to persevere in their faith.-- -2. More to Come- - Abound in Our Works of Faith --a. Towards God- Grow in holiness. v3-8-i. Sexual immorality a measure of our moral purity. 1 Cor 6-13-20-ii. How we use our bodies reflect how holy we are.-iii. How we fight sexual immorality--- Rule our bodies. v3-4-- Rule our lusts. v5-- Rule out this sin in church. v6--b. Towards believers- Grow in love. v9-10-i. Love is the greatest of all Christian graces. 1 Cor 13-13-ii. Love is taught by God through the gospel. v9-iii. How we grow in love. 1 Cor 13-4-8--c. Towards the world- Grow as role models. v11-12-i. Live in peace without disrupting public order. v11a-ii. Leave the opposers alone. v11b-iii. Labour to be self-sufficient v11c-12---3. Too Much For Me- - Accept These Commands From Christ--a. Commands that lead us to Christ-likeness. v1-3, 9 ,11--b. Command to grow progressively, not instantly.--c. Command to backsliders to repair their relationships. Rev 3-21--d. Command to unbelievers to believe the gospel.

Excel In Our Afflictions --- 1 Thes 2-17 - 3-13--1. EXCEL IN OUR AFFLICTIONS--a. Shift in focus - Paul's concern for the church. 2-17--b. Situation the church is in - Persecutions. 2-14-15--c. Issue - The impact of persecutions on the faith of the young church.--d. Relevance - Excel in our afflictions.---2. BE STRONG IN OUR AFFLICTIONS--Four ways to be strong in faith and in our conduct---a. Alert.-i. Temptation to turn back on our beliefs. 3-3-ii. Temptation to disobey God. 3-5-iii. The real danger. 2-19-20-iv. Our concern- --I do not want to veer off-course in my journey of salvation.--b. Anchor.-i. Paul advances his vision to Christ's Second Coming. 2-19-20, 3-13-ii. Our vision - --I want to be found in the presence of Christ when He comes again---c. Approach.-i. Paul did not leave the persecuted believers alone. 2-18, 3-4-ii. Paul longs to be with them. 2-17-18, 3-1, 3-5-6, 3-10-11-iii. Paul sends Timothy to them. 3-1-2-iv. Our desire - --I want to be found in the company of believers. --Heb 10-24-25-24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, -25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.--d. Ask.-i. Paul prays for these believers. 1-2, 3-10-11-ii. Paul believes God will keep these believers. 3-12-13-iii. Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane. Matt 26-36-46-iv. Our cry - --I want to come into Your presence in prayer.---3. BE A BLESSING IN OUR AFFLICTIONS--a. Report from Timothy. 3-6--b. Reaction of Paul and his co-labourers. 3-7-9-i. Encouraged.v7-ii. Enlivened. v8-iii. Elated. v9--c. Resulting impact.

A Young Church Finds Assurance in Paul's Purpose --- 1 Thes 2- 1-16---1. DOES PAUL REALLY MEANT WELL----a. Focus - the conduct of Paul and his co-labourers.--b. Issue - the church struggles with their motives.--c. Doubts inferred from--i. Paul's use of negatives - 'not' and 'nor'. v1, 3, 4, 5, 6-ii. Paul's appeal for witnesses to justify their motives. v4, 5, 10---2. ASSURANCE IS FOUND IN PAUL'S MINISTRY--a. Paul's Justification - Through his ministry. v1--- our coming to you -v2-12- was not in vain -v13-16-.--b. Paul's Evaluation - Through three aspects of his ministry. --i. Principle - We serve God, not ourselves. v2-6--- v2,4. We speak to you the gospel, not about us.-- v2-3. We speak to you the gospel boldly despite afflictions because our motives are pure. -- v4-6. We speak to you the gospel despite human oppositions because we seek the approval of God.-- Not to please people but God. -- Not for self-gain. -- Not for self-love. --ii. Practice - We serve you with parental love. v7-12--- v7-9. We impart the gospel and our spiritual experiences to you.-- Like a mother to her children. -- We treat you with endearing affections. -- We teach you the gospel gently -v7-, warmly and willingly -v8-, diligently and thoughtfully -v9-. --- v10-12. We implore you to live as gospel-believers. -- Like a father to his children.-- We teach you the gospel with exemplary conduct.-- We direct you to live out your beliefs in your conduct.--Our Practice is consistent with our Principle.----iii. Performance - We thank God He has prospered our labours. v13-16--- v13. You believed the gospel. -- v14. You stood firm in your belief despite persecutions.

A Young Church Finds Assurance of Faith --- 1 Thes 1- 2-10---1. ARE WE REALLY CHRISTIANS----a. Focus - the conduct of the church.--b. Issue - the church struggles with assurance of faith.--- Is this real-- -Are we really 'in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'-- 1 Thes 1-1 --c. Doubts-i. Circumstances of conversion. v6, Acts 17-5-9--ii. Religious background. Acts 17-5---2. ASSURANCE IS FOUND IN OBEDIENCE--a. Paul's Evaluation - Through his prayer- v2--b. Paul's Criteria - Through three marks of obedience. v3--i. Work of faith. v4-6--- v4. God chose you. --- v5. The Holy Spirit powerfully applied the gospel on you. --- v6. You believed Jesus with joy under difficult circumstances. --ii. Labour of love. v7-9a--- v7. Your belief has inspired other believers. --- v8. Your belief has advanced the gospel. --- v9a. Your belief has been attested by other believers. --iii. Patience of hope. v9b-10--- v9b. You live by faith and trust in an invisible but living God. --- v10. You live by faith and trust the unseen Christ will be seen one day. ---3. APPLICATION --a. Believers - Be an effective light for Christ. --i. Doubting-- Measure yourself with the three marks of obedience. v3--ii. Young in faith-- Inspire others by your simple obedience. v7--iii. Straying-- Encourage your shepherds by your repentance. v2-3, 6--b. Unbelievers - Be ready to pay the price to believe Christ. v6

A Church Planted In Adversity --- 1 Thes 1-1, Acts 17-1-10--1. Introduction--a. Plans for first half of 2023.--b. Paul's customary salutation.--c. Peek to the past. Acts 17-1-10---2. Christ's Grace - He Sends Out His Workers to Thessalonica--a. He overrules Paul's original plan. Acts 15-36-41--b. He calls Silas and Timothy to His service. Acts 15-40, 16-1-3--c. He directs Paul to Macedonia. Acts 16-11-12, 17-1--In our service to Christ,-Hold our criticisms, exercise more faith in Christ.---3. Christ's Peace - He Sends Out His Word to Thessalonica--a. He sends light through the gospel. Acts 17-1-3--b. He overcomes darkness through His Spirit. Acts 17-4-9--In our service to Christ,-Conquer our fears, exercise more faith in Christ.---And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. -Matt 28-20--'Simon, Simon--Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.-But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail'.-Luke 22-31-32--For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, -with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. -1 Thes 4-16----4. Christ's Grace and Peace - He Has Sent His Workers and Word to You--a. He has been gracious to you.--b. He has not wronged you.--Believe Jesus Christ,-He is a good God, He is a good Man.

Zechariah 3--Introduction-What is the context of Zechariah 3---How did God encourage His people in Zechariah 3----- By letting them know the ------ - letting the ----- set them free -John 8-32-.--- By letting the ------ of the gospel ------- their thoughts, --------- their circumstances and ------- the feelings - emotions that they are experiencing.--Seven Aspects of the Gospel in Zechariah 3-1. The doctrine of sin -v1, v3--Questions--- Who is the Angel of the LORD---- Who is this -Joshua- in Zech 3---- What was Satan doing to Joshua---- Why did Joshua remain silent---- Do I find what Jesus said in Matt 15-19 in my heart---- So what if I am a sinner----References--V1 'Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.'-V3 'Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.'--Matt 15-19 -'-out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.'-1 John 1-10 -If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us.--Zech 5- 5-11 - Vision of the woman in a basket--2. Election -v2--Questions--- Who responded to Satan---- Why did God choose Israel---- What is the gospel about---- What makes us so certain that Satan has no case against us---- Who plucked us out from the fire---- What gives us confidence in approaching God----References--V2 And the LORD said to Satan, -The LORD rebuke you, Satan- The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you- Is this not a brand plucked from the fire--

Zechariah 3--Introduction-What is the context of Zechariah 3--How did God encourage His people in Zechariah 3---- By letting them know the ------ - letting the ----- set them free -John 8-32-.--- By letting the ------ of the gospel ------- their thoughts, --------- their circumstances and ------- the feelings - emotions that they are experiencing.--Seven Aspects of the Gospel in Zechariah 3-1. The doctrine of sin -v1, v3--Questions--- Who is the Angel of the LORD--- Who is this -Joshua- in Zech 3--- What was Satan doing to Joshua--- Why did Joshua remain silent--- Do I find what Jesus said in Matt 15-19 in my heart--- So what if I am a sinner---References--V1 'Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.'-V3 'Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.'--Matt 15-19 -'-out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.'-1 John 1-10 -If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us.--Zech 5- 5-11 - Vision of the woman in a basket--2. Election -v2--Questions--- Who responded to Satan--- Why did God choose Israel--- What is the gospel about--- What makes us so certain that Satan has no case against us--- Who plucked us out from the fire--- What gives us confidence in approaching God---References--V2 And the LORD said to Satan, -The LORD rebuke you, Satan- The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you- Is this not a brand plucked from the fire-

Jesus Is The Light Of Life --- John 1-6-13---1. Introduction--a. Darkness - physical. --b. Darkness - metaphorical. ----2. Jesus is the Light of Lights -v6-8---a. The small light -v6-. Mal 3-1, Isa 40-3, Matt 3-1--i. Fulfilment.--ii. Authority.--b. The small light points to the Light -v7-.--c. The small light is not that Light -v8-.--Be Christ-centred in the public ministry of the Word.-Col 1-28----3. Jesus is the True Light -v9-11- --a. Preposition- Jesus is the true light -v9-.--b. Justifications- --i. Christ's incarnation -v10-. Isa 9-2, 1 Tim 2-5-6--ii. Christ's identity -v11-. Gen 49-10, Isa 11-1, Matt 1--iii. Christ's rejection -v10-11-. Isa 53-3--Believe Christ.-v9--4. Jesus Is The Light of Life -v12-13---a. A remnant people who followed the Light -v12-.--b. A remnant people rescued by God's power---i. Power of adoption -v12-.--ii. Power of regeneration -v13-. ---Be fervent in prayer for our ministries.-Ps 34-15, Prov 15-8

Jesus Is The Light Of Life --- John 1-6-13---1. Introduction--a. Darkness - physical. --b. Darkness - metaphorical. ----2. Jesus is the Light of Lights -v6-8---a. The small light -v6-. Mal 3-1, Isa 40-3, Matt 3-1--i. Fulfilment.--ii. Authority.--b. The small light points to the Light -v7-.--c. The small light is not that Light -v8-.--Be Christ-centred in the public ministry of the Word.-Col 1-28----3. Jesus is the True Light -v9-11- --a. Preposition- Jesus is the true light -v9-.--b. Justifications- --i. Christ's incarnation -v10-. Isa 9-2, 1 Tim 2-5-6--ii. Christ's identity -v11-. Gen 49-10, Isa 11-1, Matt 1--iii. Christ's rejection -v10-11-. Isa 53-3--Believe Christ.-v9--4. Jesus Is The Light of Life -v12-13---a. A remnant people who followed the Light -v12-.--b. A remnant people rescued by God's power---i. Power of adoption -v12-.--ii. Power of regeneration -v13-. ---Be fervent in prayer for our ministries.-Ps 34-15, Prov 15-8

Sermon Outline-- How Much Do You Know About Jesus--Acts 10-42-43--42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. --43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.--1. Believe it or not-------2. Jesus is the Judge------3. Jesus is the Christ------4. Jesus is the Peacemaker------5. Believe Jesus-

Sermon Outline-- How Much Do You Know About Jesus--Acts 10-42-43--42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. --43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.--1. Believe it or not-------2. Jesus is the Judge------3. Jesus is the Christ------4. Jesus is the Peacemaker------5. Believe Jesus-