What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?

One who is truly human and also truly God.

In this sermon, the pastor discusses the concept of mercy, emphasizing that it is a central attribute of God and a command from Jesus to His followers. He begins with a story about Napoleon showing mercy and references Luke 6:36, where Jesus commands believers to be merciful as God is merciful. The pastor explains that many people have a mistaken view of God as solely a judge rather than a being of immense mercy and compassion. He highlights various examples from the Bible, both from the Old and New Testaments, where God and Jesus exemplified mercy to others. This includes forgiving those who harm us, offering help rather than condemnation, and showing kindness even to those who are ungrateful or evil.

The sermon, based on Luke 18, explores the theme of humility through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prays with self-righteousness, boasting about his deeds, while the tax collector humbly pleads for God's mercy, acknowledging his sinfulness. The key takeaway is that true righteousness comes from a humble heart that recognizes its need for God's grace, rather than from self-justification or religious rituals. The pastor emphasizes that humility is a foundational aspect of Christian character and should be evident in our actions and attitudes towards others.

Who is the Redeemer?

The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom

God became man and bore the penalty for sin himself

In this sermon, the focus is on the transformative power of aligning our lives with God's truth and the profound impact this can have on our daily choices. The sermon encourages us to confront the allure of materialism, drawing from the teachings of Matthew, and urges us to live lives of integrity, unity with Jesus, and service to God over self. It emphasizes the importance of being a 'city on a hill' and acting as visible beacons of hope and unity within our communities, underlining the collective responsibility of Christians to shine brightly together.

Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s

favor?

Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to

himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.

This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus from John 12:35-36, encouraging both believers and non-believers to live by the divine light for clarity and direction. The transformation that comes from accepting Christ's light is celebrated, urging individuals to let the Holy Spirit guide their steps and to live a life that mirrors the goodness, righteousness, and truth of Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to live a lifestyle that not only professes Christian faith but also embodies the integrity and character that come from a genuine relationship with Christ.

Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?

No, every sin is against the sovereignty, holiness, and goodness of God, and

against his righteous law, and God is righteously angry with our sins and will

punish them in his just judgment both in this life, and in the life to come.

In this sermon, we delve into the heart of Jesus's teachings, specifically looking at the Sermon on the Mount to uncover the deeper spiritual truths behind Christ's words. The focus is on understanding the intention and the heart behind actions, rather than just following religious rules. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own faith, questioning whether it's merely about religious tradition or a true relationship with Jesus. The sermon challenges traditional interpretations of commandments, emphasizing that obedience to Christ involves purity of thought and attitude, not just outward compliance.

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and

happiness, significance and security.