Renewed Hope In Our Trials

Renewed Hope in Our Trials | 1 Peter 1:3-12

Where do you place your hope trials come your way? Where do you turn when your hopes are dashed? Writing from Rome (AD 63-64), Peter was encouraging believers scattered throughout Asia Minor. In v. 1, he calls them exiles (aliens, gaijins) in a foreign land. As long as we are in this world, we are exiles because this world is not our home. As we journey through this world, hardships and trials come in many forms. But, what is our ultimate hope as Christians? Peter here shows that our hope lies in the future glory God has secured for us. So, follow with me as we look at:- a) The hope to which we are born again. b) The various trials that test our faith. c) The joy that flows from our salvation.

The Gospel for Broken Bodies

The Gospel For Broken Bodies (2 Cor. 4:7-18)

How do you live the Christian life in the midst of hardships? How can we suffer well? The question is not if we will suffer in life. But, how can we suffer well? In a very polite society, we often smile outwardly with no one to share our burdens with. But here in our passage, Paul shares honestly about the sufferings he endured. He shows us the source of his strength and encouragement, and the great future that awaits believers. And so, follow with me as we look at:- a) The treasure in our broken bodies. b) The grace that extends to more people. c) The weight of glory that awaits us.

The Gospel in The City

The Gospel in The City | Matthew 9: 25-38

What are the things that break God's heart in this city? Back in v.1, Jesus had come into his own city--called Capernaum. Capenaum was an important trade route between Damascus and Egypt. And because the location had many visitors, the fame of Jesus spread far and wide through the traders who passed by Capernaum. So, as Jesus continued His journey throughout the cities, He was deeply moved by the sins and sufferings of the people. With that in mind, we'll see from our passage:-- a) The brokenness in our cities. b) The compassion of our Shepherd. c) The need for more laborers.

Regeneration: The Glory of Christ in The Gospel

The Glory of Christ in The Gospel | 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

What has been discouraging you lately? It is easy to lose heart as we look at life's circumstances, isn't it? As Christians, we are a tiny minority in this nation. We are a small church in this city. The harvest is plentiful, the consumers are many, and the workers are few. And behind all this is an unseen enemy--whom Paul calls "the god of this age" (v.4). But, Paul here shows us how, despite all his sufferings as an apostle, he did not lose heart. So what kept Paul moving forward in the midst of hardships? What was it that Paul saw He wanted us to see? In our passage, we'll see:- a) The undeserved ministry we have received. b) The veil that blinds unbelieving minds. c) The glory that shines in the face of Christ.

Justification By Faith Alone

Justification By Faith Alone (Luke 18: 9-14)

When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror what do you see? While we might prefer to not look, it's more freeing to see what needs to be cleansed as we dress up. What do we see when we look in the mirror of God's Word? This famous parable is one of the most important parables in Luke's Gospel. Here, Jesus was already on His way to Jerusalem (ch. 17: 11). And in this great story, Jesus paints a vivid picture between religion and irreligion-and what it means to be justified before a holy God. So, from this parable we'll see that:- a) Justification is not based on religion. b) Justification is not based on irreligion. c) Justification is based on what Jesus has done.

Sanctification By Grace Alone

Sanctification By Grace Alone (Titus 2: 11-14)

How does Christian growth happen? Paul had written this letter to a young pastor, Titus, around mid-60s A.D. Paul had left Titus in Crete to make sure everything was in order while Paul returned to Achaia. Here, Paul writes that Christian growth happens by growing in our understanding of God's grace. He shows that God's grace not only saves us at the point of conversion, but grows us as Christians as we wait for Jesus' return. So, in our passage, we'll see: a) The grace of God that saves us. b). The grace of God that trains us. c) The grace of God that awaits us.

Regeneration | Made Alive

Regeneration | Made Alive (Ephesians 2: 1-10)

How many of you admire the beauty of Mt. Fuji?? Mt. Fuji has inspired many artists, painters, musicians and writers since ancient times. Many people climb to the top to see the beautiful Sunrise. But, at the bottom of Mt. Fuji is a famous suicide forest---a place of the dead. Here, Paul takes us down to the place of the dead and to the heights of heaven. Writing from prison in Rome (AD 62), he began this letter by celebrating the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ (in ch. 1). And now, he reminds us of the depths from which God has raised us up. So, in our passage, we'll see: a) The depths of our sins. b) The heights of God's grace. c) The result of saving grace.