Introduction

1. Define, working class: “those employed in lower tier jobs (as measured by skill, education and lower incomes), often extending to those in unemployment or otherwise possessing below-average incomes.”

2. In the Bible there’s no such group as “working class”. However in it we find many people that fit into the above description.

3. Do you know these people though they are long gone have a three fold message about God and his love for those who toil and labor today? Let me take you 2000 years back in time.

1. God accepted them

A. Shepherds were a poor, uneducated and rejected people group.

B. Yet they were the only ones to whom Christ’s birth was made known, (Luke 2:8-18).

C. Secondly, consider the Angels’ words “…a Savior has been born to you…”

2. God called them

A. Twelve ordinary fishermen, depressed and violent, (Luke 5:2; Matthew 26:51)

B. God called them and gave them power, (John 20:22; Acts 1:8)

C. Three years later they turned the world upside down.

3. God became one of them

A. Jesus picked to be a lowly carpenter instead of a king’s official.

B. Not a lowly profession yet people disregarded carpenters, (Mark 6:1-3)

C. He wanted to identify with the working class of his day.

Conclusion

1. Salvation was first announced to the working class

A. Teens believe in communism because they are heartless. Men believe in communism because they are headless.

B. Communism can’t earn you any social acceptance, only Jesus does.

C. Communism can’t earn you any salvation, only Jesus does, (Matthew 11:28)

2. God’s first disciples were from the working class

A. The Bible says that God choose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, (1 Corinthians 1:27)

B. Illustrations in recent history: Azusa street revival and William Seymour the son of former slaves in Centerville, Louisiana.

C. God will use you for his glory beyond your wildest dreams if you make yourself available, (Luke 5:11)

3. God is fully aware of the struggles of the working class

A. God is aware of our struggles because while on earth he belonged to the working class.

B.  He knows our financial struggles, issues at the work place, injustice we face at work.

C. Then obey God in all situations. Sometimes it may not make sense to us. However God knows the best and he has a miracle for you, (Luke 5:4-9).

Image: gumdropgas

Introduction

I concluded my last sermon saying revival starts with you and me.  If you don’t believe my words read the book of Jonah and you will see that God indeed used an ordinary human being to bring the extremely sinful Ninevites to repent that in turn lead to a spiritual revival in the capital of Assyria. His name was Jonah and he was God’s instrument of revival in Nineveh. Today in the order of Jonah I want to share how you could become an instrument of revival in God’s hands.

1. Availability

A. The cruelty of Assyrians was one of the reasons (if not the main) why Jonah refused to go to Nineveh, (Jonah 1:3).

B. They were renowned for barbaric acts such as cutting the enemy in two and hanging at the city gates, slashing the bellies of pregnant women and ripping the fetuses off.

C. We can’t become instruments of revival unless we unconditionally make our selves available for God’s service.

2. Repentance

A. Jonah was unfaithful to his calling. He sailed towards Tarshish the opposite direction of Nineveh.

B. Yet God didn’t abandon Jonah. God gave him a second chance, to which Jonah obeyed and 120,000 souls were saved, (Jonah 2:1-10).

C. This is your second chance if you have been dodging God’s call for service. Repent and ask for forgiveness. God will definitely use you for his glory.

3. Proclaim

A. Jonah began proclaiming God’s judgment against Nineveh by going a days journey into the city and people responded, (Jonah 3:1-9).

B. Proclamation of Gospel is essential for revival because revival occurs only when people respond to Gospel in repentance, (Romans 10:14)

C. It’s a risky task, (Matthew 10:16). But we need to start somewhere. Remember, revival isn’t free neither cheap.

4. Compassion

A. Jonah lacked compassion. He was more concerned about the fulfillment of the prophesy than the salvation of Ninevites, (Jonah 4:5).

B. Compassion is the core of Gospel, because God is compassionate for the lost, (Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:11).

C. Compassion is the most important quality of a Christian, without it availability, repentance and proclamation are hard to come by.

Conclusion

“God’s method is a man and you can be that man!” (Dr. Colton Wickramaratne). I want to be that man. What about you?

Image: By the kind courtesy of grant_nieddu

Introduction

1. “Revival cannot be organized, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.” (Dr. G. Campbell Morgan)

2. “Organizing revivals” is exactly what we are doing today.

3. This sermon is about setting the sails of our churches to catch the wind from heaven, so that we will be ready to sail, when God chooses to blow upon us.

1. Unity and obedience

A. The disciples obeyed Jesus’ command to stay in Jerusalem, (Acts 1:4-5)

B. All of them were together waiting to be clothed with power from high, (Acts 2:1)

C. Disobedience and disunity are the crown foes of revival.

2. Fullness of the Spirit

A. The disciples themselves were afraid. They needed to be revived.

B. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was God’s way of reviving them.

C. Revival is a product of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:17-21). Without Him revival is simply impossible.

3. Passionate proclamation

A. Peter’s was an authoritative sermon delivered passionately, (Acts 2:14; Acts 2:40)

B. The word proclaimed boldly and passionately is the fuel of revival.

C. I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn. (John Wesley)

4. Repentance

A. Most people that heard Peter’s message were cut into their hearts and asked, “Brothers what must we do?” (Acts 2:37)

B. The repented were Jews that worshipped God, and 3000 of them added to the church that day, (Acts 2:41)

C. Real revival takes place only when the church repents.

Conclusion

Revival begins with me. Therefore let each and every one of us be prepared in the four areas of Christian life I spoke about in this sermon. So that we will be able to catch the fullness of the upcoming revival.

Image by: Stuck in Customs

Introduction

It was just before dawn when the women arrived at the tomb of Jesus. The Scriptures say that they were bringing spices to anoint the dead body of Jesus. Exactly how they expected to do this is anybody’s guess. The stone would prevent their entrance. When they arrived they found the stone rolled away, the tomb empty and two supernatural beings guarding the tomb.

What had happened to the body of Jesus? 2000 years of debate have not yet settled that issue. Even today skeptics and scholars alike are trying to answer the question. I want us to look at the three most popular theories and you form your own opinion today.

I. Jesus was not really dead

A. He merely fainted on the cross and the cool tomb revived Him. After three days of recovery he returned to His disciples and continued His ministry.

B. This theory is not credible because:

1. The flogging, the spikes, and the spear did irreparable damage to His body.

2. The Romans verified His death before releasing his body.

3. How could He have unwrapped the mummy-like cloths by Himself?

4. How could a man in such a weakened condition roll away a stone weighing several tons?

5. If this theory were true, then when did Jesus really die?

6. Could He have pulled this off without anyone else’s assistance? Which brings us to the next theory:

II. The disciples stole Jesus’ body to perpetuate His teachings

A. Would have required the assistance of the Roman guards assigned to guard Jesus; would have meant their death.

B. All of the post-resurrection miracles would have been pure fiction, concocted by the apostles.

C. Why does this theory not hold water?

1. Possibility of convincing the guards very unlikely

2. Great number of people in this conspiracy would have made it impossible for it to remain a secret.

3. All but one of the apostles died as martyrs because they preached a risen Christ; do you think even one of them would have laid down his life for a known lie?

III. Jesus was who He said He was and did what He said He would do

A. Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that if they destroyed His body, He would rise again on the third day.

B. He told his disciples in Luke 9:22 and Luke 18:33 that He would rise again on the third day.

C. Psalms 49:15 “But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah.” (NIV)

D. Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” (KJV)

E. Even before the foundations of the Earth were laid, God’s plan of redemption for mankind called for Jesus to come, die, and rise again. And He did!

IV. So why is this significant?

A. The real proof if Christianity is not that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, though that was fulfilled prophecy.

B. It is not enough that He chose to identify Himself with fallen man, although that was necessary for redemption.

C. It would all have been for nothing if Jesus had not risen from the dead.

D. His resurrection was the final proof of His gospel.

E. If He had lied about that, everything else that He taught would have been suspect.

V. Why did He do it?

A. John 3:16

B. He had nothing to gain but you.

VI. WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?

Image by: dirkcush

Forgiveness can be called one of the most  misinterpreted, misunderstood and malpracticed virtues in Christianity. Usually forgiveness involves two main individuals or even parties. The offendee and the offender. What does forgiveness mean to the offendee? What does being forgiven mean to the offender? We hope you will find this blog post useful in your personal life as well as in ministry.

For the offendee

1. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness

People think forgiving turns them into a door mat. Especially men, find it difficult to forgive because they believe to forgive is a sign of weakness and to fight back is a sign of strength. The truth is forgiveness is the doorway to God’s power and healing.

2. Forgiveness is not dependent upon the other person’s repentance.

It’s a transformation of attitude and response towards the offender that takes place inside the offendee’s heart. The parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates this truth perfectly.

3. Forgiveness means wearing the offender’s shoes

We all make mistakes. All of us are sinners saved by grace. Thus Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free and realizing the prisoner can sometimes be me, (Matthew 18:34).

4. It’s a way of life

The film industry imposes the idea that forgiveness is just for catastrophic events. It is not so. Forgiveness is a way of life, (Ephesians 4:32).

5. Heart is the source of true forgiveness

Forgiveness is not merely a mind issue but forgiving from the heart, (Matthew 18:35)

6. To forgive means to forget.

This statement doesn’t make any sense when taken at the surface value because you can’t really pretend as nothing happened, (ex: an unfaithful spouse, sexual abuse but not limited to…) It actually means deciding not to dwell on the incident, (Romans 12:2) and constantly reaffirm your forgiveness for the offender until the pain fades away.

7. Forgiveness is humanly impossible

Forgiveness requires God’s grace as we often tend to run out of unconditional love.

8. Praying for enemy wont change them

Praying for enemy wont change them, but it always changes us. When we pray for the enemy we extend them grace  as God has extended grace to us, (Matthew 18:33).

For the offender

1. Forgiveness and trust

Forgiveness is not instant restoration of trust. Forgiveness is a gift; where as trust is earned. For example a wife might forgive her unfaithful husband. But no body can blame her for not trusting her husband like she was used to.

2. Forgiveness and confrontation

Forgiveness does not isolate the offendee of his rights. The offendee can seek to address the hurt and try to restore the relationship. (Even secular psychiatrists encourage their patients to confront the offender) Matthew 15:18-19 teaches us the process.

3. Forgiveness and consequences

Forgiveness doesn’t override natural consequences. A man reaps what he sows. Though King David was forgiven he had to face the long term consequences of his sin, (the death of Bathsheba’s child, Amnon and Tamar, Absalom).

4. Forgiveness and justice

Forgiveness is not the way we govern society. Justice must prevail or a society will fall apart, (Romans 13:1-5). Thus Forgiveness is not forfeiting justice but appealing to a higher court where justice will be done. Besides forgiveness is what happens to me internally at a heart level, (illustration: Rusty)

5. Forgiveness and discipline

Forgiveness is not minimizing or trivializing sin. Sin is sin and evil is evil. Therefore Discipline is necessary.

6. Forgiveness is not tolerating abuse

An abusive husband can’t expect his wife to tolerate his behavior in the name of forgiveness because forgiveness is not staying in a highly violent and abusive situation and letting it occur again and again.

Image courtesy: Ross Griff and hang_in_there

Introduction

These two events took place four days apart. It is logical to assume that essentially the same people were present on both occasions. How is it that the same people who worshipped Jesus and would have made Him King on Sunday would turn Him in and demand His death on Thursday? What emotional chemistry was working in their minds that would have turned them so completely around? As we study these two occasions the answers begin to take shape.

Text: Matthew 21:1-9 and Matthew 27:17-25

I. They had faith without facts

A. They knew very little about Jesus

B. Their preconceived expectations distorted their thinking

1. They were looking for an earthly king to lead revolution

2. They misunderstood what the Messiah was to be

3. The idea of a “Suffering Savior” was unpalatable to them

C. A thorough knowledge of the Word would have changed their thinking.

D. People today are often drawn to Jesus by their own preconceived notions of what and who He is.

E. They expect Jesus to be their sugar daddy, not their LORD.

F. Everybody takes a leap of faith to find Christ

G. The balance between blind faith and intellectual faith is informed faith.

H. Blind faith is faith without any facts

I. Intellectual faith is trying to find God through scientific inquiry

J. Informed faith gathers the data, then makes the decision to believe God

K. People who come to God with informed faith stick!

II. Excitement without experience

A. There were people there on Palm Sunday who were caught up in the emotion of the moment.

B. No knowledge of Jesus; caught up with the crowd

C. “Everybody else is doing it, so I will too!”

D. We don’t want to be different; to stand out from the crowd!

E. That same thinking caused them to cry, “Crucify Him!”

F. How many people have been caught up in an emotional altar call and responded emotionally without ever really experiencing God?

G. Illustration: My first trip to the altar was stirred by emotion; but nobody gave me the facts and I did not experience God.

H. Have you drifted away? Did you really experience God?

III. Confidence without commitment

A. Easy to sing Christ’s praises when everybody else was also.

B. It costs nothing to go along with the crowd

C. There was no risk in being a believer on Palm Sunday

D. But, the men who walked proudly beside Jesus on Sunday were sneaking away in darkness on Thursday night

E. Those with even less commitment were crying for His blood

F. Anyone can serve God on the mountain top, He’s looking for those who will serve Him in the valley.

G. The measure of your faith is not how you rejoice in victory, but how you perform under fire…in the midst of the battle.

H. It’s one thing to have confidence in Christ when everything is going your way; real commitment is when you have confidence in Christ even when things are going against you.

IV. Invitation

Some here have had a Palm Sunday experience with God, but have washed out on Thursday night. Jesus stands ready to forgive and give you a brand new start.

Image by: Visual Bible Alive

Introduction

It’s been almost two months since I last updated this blog. I was very busy with ministry, work, studies, not to mention my computer which broke down and I couldn’t afford for a replacement until last Monday. Starting from today I will try my best to post updates regularly.

Since I have posted a lot of sermons I decided to publish something different today. The following is a small group study on “The Lord’s command to preach the Gospel” by Rev. Roy Isaac.

Preaching the gospel is also called sharing the good news or witnessing. “To witness” is a command the Lord Jesus Christ has given to all his followers and the church. There’s no other option. It is God given duty that must be done. Paul had this to say about preaching the good news “Woe to me if I do not preach this gospel”

01. Why were the saints commanded to preach the gospel?

A. God loves man more than all creation. To him a soul of a man is of more value than the whole world.)

I. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, (John 3:16)

II. So that no one should perish but all should have eternal life.

III. God does not wish that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9)

IV. He wishes for all to repent.

B. God created man and woman higher than the rest of his creation, in order to have fellowship with God.

I. Created in the image and likeness of God, (Genesis 1:26-28)

II. Blessed them and gave them authority over creation.

III. He came to them during the coolness of the day, (Genesis 3:8)

C. The enormity of this task: God who began the work of seeking the lost (evangelism), has entrusted to us the responsibility of fulfilling this work. Example: Harvesting and gathering before the harvest is spoilt.

I. God searched and called to Adam and Eve, (Genesis 3:9)

II. The good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

02. The commission of the Lord

I. Disciple all nations, baptize and teach them, (Matthew 28:19-20)

II. Preach the gospel to all people in all the world, (Mark 16:15-18)

III. Preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all people, beginning at Jerusalem.

IV. Just as the Father sent Jesus, Jesus sends us, (John 20:21)

V. From Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and to the ends of the earth, (Acts 1:8)

03. He has also empowered us with authority along with every commission

I. His power – You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, (Acts 1:8)

II. His presence – And I will be with you until the end of the age, (Mark 28:20)

III. Jesus, the anointed one in turn anoints us.

IV. His power to do signs and wonders, (Mark 16:17-18)

Conclusion

Let us commit to fulfill this powerful commission. Amen. May the Lord bless you!

Image credit: Christ Yarzab

The parable of the persistent widow - Luke 18:1-8

Because of my tight schedule it’s been a while since I last updated this blog. as I don’t like to post ‘crap’ for the sake of posting but couldn’t come up with any quality sermons or other content either, I was very glad when Paul Thompson, the creative director of Free Bible Images told me about The Word in Pictures  and I decided to write a short introductory review.

Unlike previously mentioned Visual Bible Alive “The Word in Pictures” use real people in all of their hi resolution images. The images are available in different formats such as JPG, Adobe PDF, PowerPoint and Apple Keynote. With each story you can also download a Story Planner PDF showing thumbnail images and brief details of what is happening in each scene. You can print this and add your own notes as you prepare.

In addition the site has a page dedicated to help the user with possible technical issues he/she might encounter while using the images (such as projecting from a computer through a digital projector). The user has more freedom in using the resources as the terms of usage are very light compared to other sites of its kind. At the moment only 8 stories are available for download but the site owners promise to make available more stories very soon.

Visit: The Word in Pictures

Introduction

As the disciples were competing for higher positions in the Messianic Kingdom it was only a matter of time before the enemy will take control, disrupt their fellowship cause disunity and cripple Jesus’ plan. Our Lord was aware of this situation when He told them to love one another. Even as Valentine’s is around the corner join me to find out what it really means to love one another. (Many thanks to Julie McLeod for the excellent picture!)

1. It’s a command to obey

A. “…A new command I give you. Love one another…” “commandment” (Greek: “entole”) means “an  authoritative prescription”

B. For most people love is optional and conditional. For Christians love is a commandment to obey unconditionally

C. Application: Love the other person if your love for the Lord is real, (John 14:15)

2. It’s a new commandment

A. “…A new command I give you…” The old commandment was, “Love your neighbour as yourself”.

B. This is the meaning of Jesus’ new commandment: “Love your neighbour more than yourself”

C. Application: Seek the welfare of the other person at the cost of your best interests.

3. A pattern to follow

A. “…As I have loved you, so must love one another”

B. Served to the extent of death, (John 13:1-17; John 15:13) – Extended forgiveness, accepted even the traitor.

C. Application: Live for Christ and you will not serve selfish ambitions, extend forgiveness and enjoy fellowship with everyone.

4. An identity to guard

A. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” Love was Jesus’ identity and continues to be the identity of his real disciples.

B. The world with hawk-like eyes tries to locate weaknesses and failure in God’s children to justify their own guilt and condemnation.

C. Within the church there’s a deep cry for disciples to show that they really do love one another in obedience to Christ.

Conclusion

Love is a sincere expression of unselfishness. It is miraculously capable of defeating competition, bring healing into hurting relationships and nullifying the plans of our enemy. Sacrificial love for one another alone is capable of preserving the unity of the saints. United we stand, divided we fall.

Introduction

On the night of 31st December 2011, even as we gathered at the church to say good bye to year 2011 I pondered, “what does it mean to step into a brand new year?” I remembered 3 things.

A. Humans loose the value of things very fast: Couple of days ago we kicked 2011 out and welcomed 2012 into life. It will be only a matter of time before we get rid of 2012 and say hello to 2013.

B. My time is running out: I am only 10 months away from turning 31. The Bible says the maximum life span of man is between 70-80. There’s a lot to accomplish for the glory of God.

C. Very few things are eternal: The new year also reminds us that most things (if not all) are temporary and not eternal.

In the mean time the Holy Spirit reminded me of three truths that are eternal. Truths that never expire. Truths that never loose their original value. They are of great importance because a new year means new challenges and these truths the Holy Spirit of God illuminated to me from the word, will definitely help you to slay your giants in year 2012.

1. God is alive, (1 Samuel 17:26)

A. Consider David’s question: “…who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God…?” (“Living God” used twice by David)

B. The Bible says the length of our days is 70-80 years. To man the dawn of a new year means another step towards the grave. But for God it’s not so. He is alive and lives forever.

C. Truth to live by: God is alive and He will fight for His children in year 2012 like a Lion fighting for its cubs.

2. God is faithful, (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

A. Consider David’s reply to Saul, “…The LORD who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine…!”

B. Someone said the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself. Well, he is wrong. The Bible says that Jesus never change.

C. Truth to live by: Do not be afraid when faced with problems. God was faithful to deliver you in 2011. He remains unchanged and faithful to deliver you in 2012 also.

3. God is our heavenly Father, (1 Samuel 17:36)

A. Consider David’s view of Goliath, “…this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them…” (“uncircumcised” used twice by David) Circumcision was the physical identity of God’s chosen people. Only they could enjoy the truths mentioned before.

B. We too are entitled to enjoy these truths because as we have become the children of God through faith in Christ, (Romans 8:15)

C. Truth to live by: This is very important. Remember, our relationship with the heavenly Father through Christ is eternal. Nothing can take it away unless I explicitly decide to walk away from my relationship with God.

Conclusion

May be there are some of you not able to experience these truths because all these years you didn’t make a decision about surrendering your life to God. If you are one of them let 2012 be the year that you do. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and God will accept you to His family. For the Bible says, “But to all who have received him, those who believe in his name, he has given the right to become God’s children” John 1:12 – If you are already a child of God, hold fast to these eternal truths and year 2012 will be the year you slain giants.

Image by: stock.xchng