1. THE PROBLEM: What is worry? What it isn’t What does it reveal? What does it lead to? 2. THE PRESCRIPTION: Matt 6:25-34 Remember who God is and how He cares v25-6; 31-2 Recognise that worry doesn’t work v27 Resolve to trust Him more v28-30 Reset your heart’s priorities v33 Rely on today’s grace for…
Introduction The Language The Speaker The City 1.You are hopeless and helpless v17 Poor…spiritually bankrupt Blind…spiritually blind Naked…nothing good to cover themselves 2.I have everything you need v18 Gold for your poverty…riches in heaven Clothes for your nakedness…white garments of purity Salve for your eyesight…spiritual sight 3.When will you come back? v19-21 Jesus love…will we…
1. WHAT WAS THE CHURCH LIKE? a) Weak (v8) b) Faithful (v8 & v10) c) Undergoing opposition (v9) 2. HOW DOES CHRIST ADDRESS THE CHURCH? a) The holy one (v7) b) The true one (v7) c) The one who knows (v8) 3. HOW DOES CHRIST ENCOURAGE THE CHURCH? a) The open door (v7) b) The…
1. CHRIST (v 1a) 2. THE MAJORITY (vv1b-3) The DRESSING DOWN: Whitewashed tombs DEAD! – No growth/No vision/No opposition/Stained a) Remember b) Resolve c) Repent The PROMISE: “I will …” 3. THE MINORITY (vv4-5) ALIVE! – Growth/Vision/Opposition/ Unstained a) Keep clean b) Keep close c) Keep going The PROMISE: “I will …” The DRESSING…
A WORD OF RECOGNITION (v13) I know where you dwell A WORD OF COMPLAINT (v14-15) I have a few things against you A WORD OF WARNING (v16) Repent A WORD OF PROMISE (v17) Hidden manna A white stone A new name
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…
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….