Responding to God's encircling and crowning blessing 1. Our dependence upon God 2. Our drawing from God 3. Our delight in God

B.I.—Worship is the highest form of service. INTRODUCTION: 1A. HOSPITALITY EXTENDED BY SISTERS. 38 1B. The place. 38a 2B. The persons. 38b-39a 2A. CONTRASTS IN FOCUS. 39b-40 1B. The sisters' foci. 39b-40a 1C. Mary's focus: Worship. 39b 2C. Martha's focus: Busyness. 40 2B. Martha's frustration. 40b 1C. Experiencing overload. 2C. Exasperated with her sister. 3C. Exhorting the Lord. 3A. EVALUATION OF ONE'S FOCUS. 41-42 1B. Overburdened to distraction. 41 2B. Be Focused on necessities. 42a 3B. Blessing of proper choices. 42b CONCLUSION:

This sermon explores Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 on the radical nature of Christian love, specifically the command to love enemies and pray for persecutors. The preacher contrasts human tendencies toward retaliation and tribal loyalty with the divine standard of impartial kindness demonstrated by God toward both the just and the unjust. Emphasizing that true love is an active choice rather than a mere emotion, the message highlights prayer as the essential mechanism for transforming hostile hearts into ones capable of blessing others. By referencing biblical figures like David and Jesus' own sacrifice, the sermon illustrates that loving those who oppose us reflects the character of Heavenly Father and proves one's status as a disciple. Ultimately, the call is to pursue moral perfection through grace-enabled good works, acknowledging human inability to meet this standard without the redemption offered by Christ.

The sermon examines Luke 11 to refute the accusation that Jesus cast out demons by Satan's power, establishing that his miracles are definitive proof of God's kingdom. It contrasts the unified nature of Satan's realm with the divine authority demonstrated through the 'finger of God,' emphasizing that supernatural events must be judged by their spiritual fruit and outcome. The message warns against neutrality, asserting that one is either aligned with Christ or opposed to Him, and highlights the danger of experiencing God's power without genuine faith. It concludes by declaring that true blessing belongs to those who not only witness miracles but also hear and obey the Word of God, leading to eternal deliverance from sin.

Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" King James Version

The sermon explores the biblical benefits of giving, anchored in Acts 20:35 and the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. It outlines seven key advantages for believers who give cheerfully and sacrificially, including receiving divine blessings, experiencing supernatural joy, deepening their love for God and others, and accumulating spiritual fruit. The preacher emphasizes that all resources belong to God as stewards, urging the congregation to view giving not as a loss but as an investment in eternal treasure. By trusting in God's provision rather than uncertain worldly riches, believers find true security and stability. The message concludes with a call to give generously now to lay hold of eternal life before it is too late.

Pastor Dan Warne preaches on Psalm 28

"The Shalom of Blessing" Psalm 134 I Peter 2:4-12

Sermon Outline: 1. Do not repay evil for evil, but bless (v9a) 2. This will result in blessing for you (v9b) A. Natural blessings: - Good conduct appreciated (v13) - Revilers silenced (v16) - Gospel Opportunities (v15) B. Supernatural blessings: - God sees and God hears (v12) - God blesses (v14) i. Peace (vv14-15) ii. Hope (v15) iii. Joy (1:6) 3. Look to the example of Jesus: - He suffered for the well-being of people who did not deserve it (3:18a) - Good was accomplished through His suffering (3:18b) - Though He was put to death, the Father raised Him to glory (3:18c)