God's Chosen Deliverer

God's Chosen Deliverer | Acts 7: 17-29

Do you daily live in awareness of God's work in your life? How are you living in response to God's work? As Stephen was accused of speaking against Moses (in ch. 6), he began to retell the story of Moses. From the very beginning, the Jews had rejected Moses and broken his laws. They were guilty of the same things they had accused Stephen of doing. So, Stephen retells the story of Moses to show how they had rejected the Messiah. With that in mind, we'll see in our passage: a) God's chosen deliverer is adopted. b) God's chosen deliverer is rejected. c) God's chosen deliverer is exiled.

The God of Glory Has Appeared

The God of Glory Has Appeared | Acts 7:1-16

What gives us confidence to speak the Gospel in the face of opposition? As Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple (ch. 6), he began to tell the back story. And this was the message that got Stephen killed. In a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution; but personal comfort and complacency. What did Stephen say that led to his death? He began to tell how God appeared to their forefathers long before the temple began! That the blessings of God are not limited to Israel and the temple. So in our passage, we'll see that: a) The God of glory calls us to a life of faith. b) The God of glory keeps His promise to us. c) The God of glory rescues us by His grace.

Grace And Power For Witnessing

Grace and Power For Witnessing | Acts 6:8-15

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? When new leaders were appointed to meet the growing needs, v. 7 says, "the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem." And Stephen who was serving tables is now put on trial. Stephen would later become the first to die for his faith. But in a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution but personal comfort. So in this passage, we'll see: a) The power of a witness. b) The lies of false witnesses. c) The face of a true witness.

Serving A Gospel Mission Together

Serving A Gospel Mission Together | Acts 6: 1-7

Where do you see a growing need in our church? How is God calling you to serve with your time, talents and treasures? By this time, the early church had seen massive growth despite opposition from outside. Even in ch. 5:14 we're told that "more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women." But as the disciples were increasing a complaint began to arise in the church. That is when the apostles began to appoint new leaders to meet the growing needs. So in this passage, we'll see that servant leaders were appointed: a) To care for the needs of the church. b) To free up the ministers of the Word. c) To prioritize the spread of the Gospel.

A Mother And Her Dishonoured Son

A Mother and Her Dishonoured Son | John 19: 23-30

How is your relationship with your Mother? Mothers, how is your relationship with your children? Here, we see a heart-breaking yet heart-warming scene of a mother and her Son. John takes us to the cross where Jesus, in His final moments, honours His mother. Mothers are worthy of honour as they play a significant role in God's plan of redemption! So, from Jesus' final moments on the cross, we're going to see: a) The Son who was stripped of honour. b) The Son who honoured His mother. c) The Son who restored our honour.

Worthy to Suffer For His Name

Worthy to Suffer For His Name | Acts 5: 27-42

What made the early church so bold in the face of persecution? When the religious leaders saw the apostles were gaining followers, they arrested and put them in prison. But the prison could not silence the apostles. During the night an angel had opened the door and led them out to teach in the temple (in v. 25). So they were arrested again and beaten and charged not to speak in Jesus' name! Yet, how did the apostles respond to the beating and threats? And how will we respond when our faith comes under pressure? Following in this passage, we'll see:- a) Obeying God when the pressure comes. b) Trusting God rather than fearing men. c) Rejoicing when dishonoured for His name.

The Resurrection and Our Mission

The Resurrection and Our Mission | Matthew 28:11-20

What do we do with news of Jesus' resurrection? From the earliest of times, the truth of Jesus' resurrection had been under attack. Earlier in v. 7, an angel had told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. But while the women were on their way, another group was trying very hard to cover up the truth. So, how will we respond to news of Jesus' resurrection? From this passage, we'll see 3 responses to the resurrection of Christ: a) Those who try to hide the risen Christ. b) Those doubt the risen Christ. c) Those who are sent by the risen Christ.

United with Jesus in His Death and Life

United with Jesus in His Death and Life | Romans 6:1-11

How are we to live in light of Jesus' death and resurrection? Earlier in ch. 5:20, Paul had said, "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Paul knew that when we hear about the lavish grace of God, it is tempting to think we can continue in sin. It is very easy to think that God's grace is a license to sin. But Paul is going to show how God's grace brings an end to our old selves and raises us to the newness of life. So, in our passage, we'll see that: a) We have been baptized into Christ' death. b) We have been set free from sin's slavery. c) We are now dead to sin and alive to God.

Following Jesus To The Cross

Following Jesus To The Cross | Luke 23:26-34

In the last few weeks, we have been asking: Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Him? Since that turning point in ch. 9: 51, Jesus had been on His journey to Jerusalem to suffer rejection. But His journey to the cross had already begun ever since He came to that humble manger (ch. 2:7). And by this time, Jesus had been tried and condemned before Pilate, while Barabbas (a dangerous criminal) was released. So as we come to His final hours, we're going to follow Jesus who was: a) Condemned to carry the cross. b) Warning on the way to the cross. c) Forgiving enemies from the cross.

The Cost Of Being A Disciple

The Cost of Being a Disciple | Luke 14:25-35

Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Jesus lately? Last week, we saw in ch. 9 how Jesus began to "set His face to go to Jerusalem." Since that turning point in Luke, Jesus has been calling disciples on His way to Jerusalem. And here in ch. 14: 25, Luke says great crowds were following Him. But Jesus is going to show that unless we are loyal to Him above all else, we cannot be His disciples. So, from our passage, we'll see that following Jesus involves: a) Loving Jesus more than family. b) Loving the cross more than self. c) Loving Jesus more than possessions.

The Cost of Following Jesus

The Cost of Following Christ | Luke 9:51-62

Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Him lately? Luke now tells us that from this point on Jesus' face is set towards Jerusalem. After His face was altered in His transfiguration (v. 29), Jesus now set His face to go to Jerusalem. And as they went on the road, He entered a Samaritan village and was rejected. But as they went on, Jesus met 3 others and spoke to them about the radical cost of following Him. So, from our passage, we'll see the cost of: a) Following Jesus in His rejection. b) Following Jesus in His death. c) Following Jesus in His mission.

Following The Crucified Christ

Following The Crucified Christ | Luke 9: 18-27

Who is Jesus to you? This is the most important question anyone can ask. And this is the question Luke had been raising until now. Back in v.9, when king Herod was confused about Jesus he asked, ""John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see Him." So the question today is not: Are you a Christian? The question is: Who is Jesus to you? Whose version of Jesus are you following? With that in mind, we'll see in our passage: a) Confessing the real Christ. b) Receiving the rejected Christ. c) Following the crucified Christ.

The Love That Conquers All

The Love That Conquers All (Romans 8: 31-39)

What is the one thing that never changes in the midst of changing circumstances? When difficulties come, it is easy to wonder if God has abandoned us. Yet, in v. 28, Paul had said that God works all things "together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." And there in vv. 29-30, Paul shows that God has always been working for our good, starting before creation, which will continue on to the day of Christ's return. So, from this grand passage, we're going to see:-- a) The God who is for us. b) The trials that deepen us. c) The love that secures us.

Rest In The Gracious Son

Rest in The Gracious Son (Matthew 11: 25-30)

What has been weighing heavy on you? Where do you turn when you're internally exhausted? We live in a fast paced, overworked and distracted society that does not know true rest. But, what is it that prevents us from resting spiritually? Here, in v. 25, we see how God hides His salvation from the proud and reveals it to the humble. And Jesus goes on to reveal the deep relationship He has with the Father (in v. 27) and offers it to those who are weary. So, following in our passage, we'll see:- a) The gracious will of the Father. b) The relationship with the Father. c) The gracious invitation of the Son.

Renewed Submission To Leaders

Renewed Submission To Leaders | Hebrews 13:7-18

Which leaders are you following? The question is not which leaders are we following on social media. But which leaders are we following in a local church? Here, the author was writing to Jewish believers in a hostile Roman culture. In verse 1, he said that they were to continue in love (v. 1), show hospitality (v. 2) and to remember those in prison for Jesus' sake (v. 3). But, beginning in v. 7, he is going to show how the Gospel shapes how we relate to our church leaders. So, following in our passage, we'll see: a) Imitating leaders who speak God's word to us. b) Following Jesus who suffered rejection for us. c) Obeying leaders who watch over our souls.

Renewed Hope In Our Trials

Renewed Hope in Our Trials | 1 Peter 1:3-12

Where do you place your hope trials come your way? Where do you turn when your hopes are dashed? Writing from Rome (AD 63-64), Peter was encouraging believers scattered throughout Asia Minor. In v. 1, he calls them exiles (aliens, gaijins) in a foreign land. As long as we are in this world, we are exiles because this world is not our home. As we journey through this world, hardships and trials come in many forms. But, what is our ultimate hope as Christians? Peter here shows that our hope lies in the future glory God has secured for us. So, follow with me as we look at:- a) The hope to which we are born again. b) The various trials that test our faith. c) The joy that flows from our salvation.

The Gospel for Broken Bodies

The Gospel For Broken Bodies (2 Cor. 4:7-18)

How do you live the Christian life in the midst of hardships? How can we suffer well? The question is not if we will suffer in life. But, how can we suffer well? In a very polite society, we often smile outwardly with no one to share our burdens with. But here in our passage, Paul shares honestly about the sufferings he endured. He shows us the source of his strength and encouragement, and the great future that awaits believers. And so, follow with me as we look at:- a) The treasure in our broken bodies. b) The grace that extends to more people. c) The weight of glory that awaits us.

The Gospel in The City

The Gospel in The City | Matthew 9: 25-38

What are the things that break God's heart in this city? Back in v.1, Jesus had come into his own city--called Capernaum. Capenaum was an important trade route between Damascus and Egypt. And because the location had many visitors, the fame of Jesus spread far and wide through the traders who passed by Capernaum. So, as Jesus continued His journey throughout the cities, He was deeply moved by the sins and sufferings of the people. With that in mind, we'll see from our passage:-- a) The brokenness in our cities. b) The compassion of our Shepherd. c) The need for more laborers.

Regeneration: The Glory of Christ in The Gospel

The Glory of Christ in The Gospel | 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

What has been discouraging you lately? It is easy to lose heart as we look at life's circumstances, isn't it? As Christians, we are a tiny minority in this nation. We are a small church in this city. The harvest is plentiful, the consumers are many, and the workers are few. And behind all this is an unseen enemy--whom Paul calls "the god of this age" (v.4). But, Paul here shows us how, despite all his sufferings as an apostle, he did not lose heart. So what kept Paul moving forward in the midst of hardships? What was it that Paul saw He wanted us to see? In our passage, we'll see:- a) The undeserved ministry we have received. b) The veil that blinds unbelieving minds. c) The glory that shines in the face of Christ.

Justification By Faith Alone

Justification By Faith Alone (Luke 18: 9-14)

When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror what do you see? While we might prefer to not look, it's more freeing to see what needs to be cleansed as we dress up. What do we see when we look in the mirror of God's Word? This famous parable is one of the most important parables in Luke's Gospel. Here, Jesus was already on His way to Jerusalem (ch. 17: 11). And in this great story, Jesus paints a vivid picture between religion and irreligion-and what it means to be justified before a holy God. So, from this parable we'll see that:- a) Justification is not based on religion. b) Justification is not based on irreligion. c) Justification is based on what Jesus has done.