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…
1. TRAUMA A poor helpless, hopeless, desperate man 2. TRUTH Jesus Christ offers more than money can buy 3. TRANSFORMATION He went walking and leaping and praising God. The Transformation was: Unexpected, Sovereign, Supernatural, Instantaneous, Complete & Gave Glory to God NOT man.
“If Christ were not raised then ….. (1 Cor 15:19)” 1) THE RESURRECTION REALLY HAPPENED – IT’S HISTORICAL! Note the Tone, Details, Realities 2) THE RESURRECTION REALLY HAPPENED FOR YOU – IT’S PERSONAL! Mary’s journey of Devotion, Disorientation, Distraction, Delight 3) THE RESURRECTION IS FOR EVERYONE – IT’S UNIVERSAL! Go! And tell……
Martha – “busy, busy, busy all the time, time, time.” Mary – “busy, busy, busy, BUT NOT all the time, time, time.” Martha is DISTRACTED Mary is DEVOTED 1. How does busyness distract us?: We DOUBT or UNDERMINE God’s goodness, grace and glory We FOCUS on self or others and become PROUD Our JOY is…
1.The belt of contention 2. The belt of connection 3. The belt of conviction 4. The belt of consecration
1. SPEAK OUT! (v19-20) a) ALL need to hear so ALL need to speak b) Use natural connections c) Use appropriate concepts 2. STAND OUT! (v21-26) a) God’s blessing makes the disciples bold b) God’s kingdom is being built c) God’s grace is on display d) God’s church is characterised by goodness, faithfulness, steadfastness…