THE BACK GROUND OF THE LETTER The poor and persecuted Smyrnean Christians THE MESSAGE OF THE LETTER I know your suffering and poverty – Yet you are rich! I know about the slander you suffer – Do not be afraid You will suffer persecution for a time – Be faithful, even unto death, and…
THE CONTEXT a) Impressive Heritage b) Amazing History c) Imposing Society THE COMMENDATION a) Hard Work (v2) b) Patient Endurance (v2) c) High Standards of Holiness (v2) d) Spiritually Discerning (v2, 6) e) Faithful in the Fight (v3) THE CONCERN Abandoning Your First Love (v4) THE COMMAND Remember! – Repent! – Repeat! (v5) THE CONSEQUENCES…
Soak your minds in the truths of God’s Word Be constantly thankful Pray for wisdom, revelation and knowledge Pray for the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit Pray in the light of our glorious and certain future Pray regularly Recognise our unity and union Pray for strength and stability Pray in the light of…
PROMPT (v1-3) a) Situation 538BC – Regime change (v1) b) Scriptures “understood from the scriptures” (v2) c) Seriousness Intensity of a bereavement, fasting (v3) PATTERN (v4-14) a) Confession (v4) Agreeing with God about sin b) Contrast God’s character vs Judah’s conduct c) Consequences “You have fulfilled” (v12) PLEA (v15-19) a) Consistency With His great Name…
Jacob: 1) HIS BURDEN! (v24) Loneliness, Guilt, Regret, Fear & Dread “And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” 2) HIS BATTLE! (v24) Wrestling, Hurting, Pleading, Clinging 3) HIS BLESSING! (v27-28) Israel……Prince with God – Transformed
God’s love Shown Through Jesus is: 1. A PRACTICAL LOVE Jesus was compassionate and it always led to action. “To see good put into action is what everyone needs.” 2. A PERSONAL LOVE Jesus met people in their own situations. He did not sit in the Temple and expect people to come to Him….
ITS PREMISE! The character of the triune God There is forgiveness with God ITS PROMISE! The keys to assurance: 1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 32:5, Isaiah 38:17, 44:22, 55:7, Micah 7:18-19, Ephesians 1:7 ITS PRACTICE! The forgiven forgive It’s Biblical, Essential, Decisional, Gradual, Beautiful Matt 6:12 & 14, Matt 18:21-33…
IT’S FOR ALL PEOPLE Because God made all He offers hope to all IT’S ROOTED IN HISTORY Jesus was a real person who actually lived IT CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM US The hope of heaven gives us a perspective which changes our lives. If you place your…
RAGE! (4:1-5) Jonah burning with rage at God’s mercy RELIEF! (4:6) God sends a plant to comfort and teach Jonah REBUKE! (4:7-11) Do you do well to be angry for the plant? Should I not pity Nineveh that great city? LESSONS: God’s mercy and grace knows no racial, national, social, sexual,…
RENEWAL! (v1-3) The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time REVIVAL! (v4-9) A short sermon A strong reaction REFUSAL! (v10) God refuses to judge the penitent