But Servants

As human beings we long for certainty. We find it very difficult when our view of the future is challenged. And yet this difficult experience is often the reality for Christians. We know that Jesus will one day return in glory to judge. But every day that view is challenged by those around us. And that can be very unsettling. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul wants to assure us where the world is headed, so that we are not deceived, but stand firm in the truth.

Introduction: Where is our world headed?

Context: Christ will come in glory to judge

1. Don’t be deceived about Christ’s coming (1-2)

cf. Matt. 24:25-27

2. The man of lawlessness must come first (3-8)

a. Rebellion (3-4)

Cf. Daniel 7:15-28

b. Restraint (5-7)

c. Ruin (8)

3. Whose side are you on? (9-12)

a. The destruction of the deceived (9-12)

b. The salvation of those who stand firm (13-16)

i. Look back to God’s saving work

ii. Stand firm now in the gospel

iii. Look forward in hope

This sermon was preached at St Michael's Cathedral, Wollongong, Australia on 9th December 2018.

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Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.

Family life is one of the true tests of how much we have been transformed by the gospel. How we act as children and parents reflects a lot on who we are and what we value in life. What is God's design for our families? How can our everyday life at home become a glorious testimony to the gospel? Come and join us as we consider Ephesians 6:1-4.

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We live in a dark world and the temptation for every Christian is to conform to this world, walking in the darkness rather than in the light. If we are to witness to Christ in this world, we know we must have courage to be different. But how? Ephesians 5:1-21 shows us 4 key ways we are to walk as children of light in a world full of darkness.

Introduction: Exposing Darkness

                        Context

1.     Walk in Love (1-2)

2.     Walk in purity (3-6)

3.     Walk in the light (7-14)

4.     Walk in wisdom (15-21)

5.     Conclusion

This sermon was preached at St Mary's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur on 17th November 2019.

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When we become Christian, everything must change. We’re a new person. There is an old self to put off. There is a new self to put on. There are behaviours that must cease. Commands that must be followed. But we will only walk rightly as we remember what God has done for us in Christ.

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Sometimes we wish we could read the mind of God and know his plans for our life. What if we could know what God is doing in all the chaos around us? What a difference that would make as we seek to live out his plan for our life! Ephesians 3 tells us God's plan is no longer hidden, but revealed for all to know.

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We all want the church to grow in number and maturity. But how should we go about growing the church? Marketing, social media, relevant sermons, or something else? Join us in this sermon as we turn to Ephesians 4:1-16 and consider God's blueprint for gospel growth.

Introduction: How do we grow the church?

Context

Ephesians 1-3: What God has done

Ephesians 4-6: How we should respond

1. Ministry is part of our response to the gospel (1-6)

2. Ministry begins with the teaching of God’s word (7-12)

3. Ministry’s goal is to build up the church to maturity (13-14)

a. Unity (13)

b. Maturity (13)

c. Stability (14)

4. Ministry’s heart is “speaking the truth in love” (15)

5. Ministry grows the church as each part does their work (16)

Conclusion

This sermon was preached at St Mary's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur on 3rd November, 2019.

Are you looking for resurrection power? Are you looking for something more in the Christian life? In this final talk on the Doctrine of Resurrection, we consider the implications of the resurrection for now: for salvation, for holiness, and for mission.

Introduction: Resurrection Power

a) Tongues & Prophecy?

b) Health & Wealth?

c) Victory over sin?

The resurrection of Jesus has radical implications for:

1. Salvation (Eph. 1:15-2:10; Ezek. 37:1-14)

a) God’s resurrection power (Eph. 1:15-23)

b) Dead in sin ( Eph. 2:1-3; Ezek. 37:1-14)

c) Alive in Christ (Eph. 2:4-10)

2. Holiness (Rom. 6:1-13; Col. 3:1-17)

a) The motivation for change: Union with Christ (Rom. 6:1-13)

b) New perspective (Col. 3:1-4)

c) New character (Col. 3:5-17)

3. Mission (Matt. 28:16-20)

a) Jesus Christ is Lord (Matt. 28:18)

b) Therefore… go! (Matt. 28:19-20)

Conclusion: True Resurrection Power

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Can you be sure of your eternal future? Many Christians worry about the future: our health, our family, our work, or about money. But in addition to all these things, many of us worry about what will happen when we die. If you were to die tonight, would you be sure that God has accepted you into heaven?

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One day Jesus will return clothed with all power, authority and majesty. Waiting for that day, we must not be passive, but active. Waiting for Jesus return should lead us to engage in our Master’s business in frantic activity. For active waiting is commended. Passive waiting is condemned.

Introduction: Active waiting

1. The certainty of Jesus’ rule (11-12, 14)

a. There will be a delay

b. There will be opposition

c. Jesus will return

2. The priority of Jesus’ servants (13)

a. The business

b. The mina

3. The judgement at Jesus’ return (15-27)

a. The faithful servant commended (15-19)

b. The wicked servant condemned (20-26)

c. The rebellious enemies consumed (27)

Application

Why does God allow suffering? As we witness so much pain and turmoil in the world around us almost inevitably the question comes - why? If God is so good and loving and powerful, why does he let suffering happen? Why doesn't he do something about all the pain and suffering? The Bible has much to say in answer to those questions. Part of that answer comes in Luke 13:1-9.

Introduction: Why?

Context

1.    God’s rousing warning (1-5)

a.    Suffering doesn’t automatically mean sin

b. Our world is not as it should be

  c.    A warning of ultimate suffering

2.    God’s gracious waiting (6-9)

  a. God doesn’t want people to perish

Ezekiel 18:30-32

2 Peter 3:8-9

b. But his judgement will fall

2 Peter 3:10

3.     God’s Suffering Saviour

  Luke 9:22

Isaiah 53:3-6

Luke 23:43

Conclusion

This sermon was preached at International Church Mont Kiara.

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Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.