The sermon for March 9th 2014 is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon, which is based on 1 Corinthians 5, I tackle the subject of church discipline and the struggle we have to be a holy community.
Click here to listen.
Month: March 2014
Reflection on Matthew 4:1-11
Scripture
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
Observation
The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert where he is tempted by satan. After 40 days of fasting, Jesus is hungry so satan tells Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus rebuffs him with Scripture.
Then the devil takes Jesus to the high point of the temple, urging Him to throw Himself off so that the angels will catch Him. Jesus again rebuffs him with Scripture.
Satan then shows Jesus all the glories of the kingdoms of the world and promises to give them to Him in return for His worship. For a third time Jesus rebukes satan with Scripture.
Finally satan leaves and angels minister to Jesus.
Application
Temptation is common to all people. Right from the beginning, satan has sought to turn people away from God by appealing to the flesh, to our senses and to our pride.
It should not surprise us when temptation comes at us either right in our faces or sneaking up from behind. Even Jesus, the Son of God was tempted by the devil.
Temptation is not sin, because as Hebrews tells us, Christ was tempted like us in every way but without sin. So we should not feel guilty when the thoughts and desires come.
Even when we fall short and give in to temptation, sin is not the end of the story. God still forgives- even when we sin in the same way over and over.
The key to overcoming sin and winning through temptation is to know God. Is my love for God greater than my love for sin? When I am more passionate about walking with the Lord, then anything the devil can dish up is very poor fare indeed.
Prayer
Father I confess that my love for you is often less than it should be. I confess that I have let my flesh and satan conspire to lead me away from you. Thank you for forgiving me. Amen.
Reflection on Romans 5:12-19
Scripture
For, if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
Observation
Sin entered the world through Adam’s sin, and with it came death. From Adam to Moses death reigned even though people did not sin by breaking a commandment as Adam did.
Many died because of Adam’s sin, but God’s grace is greater. One sin brought death and condemnation but Jesus’ death cancels many sins.
Application
Sin and death are powerful forces and they seem inescapable. But grace is stronger because God is greater than human sin.
Through Jesus Christ every sin I have committed has been cancelled and changed to righteousness.
I don’t have to earn this favour. God pours it out abundantly on everyone who turns to Him and receives His grace.
It’s all about the cross. The obedience of Jesus all the way to death on the cross has opened up the way of salvation to everyone who will receive it.
Prayer
Jesus, my sin is great but your grace is greater. Thank you. Amen.
Reflection on Psalm 32
Blessed are the forgiven
Happy in our freedom!
Keeping silent about sin
Suffocates
Nauseates
Debilitates
Confession to God
Liberates
Resuscitates
Invigorates
Friends, hear me
Stay close to God
Our Redeemer and Healer.
Reflection on Genesis 2:15-15, 3:1-7
Scripture
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.
Observation
The Lord gives the man the instruction to care for the garden. Everything was there for him, but he may not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Later, the serpent comes to Eve and says “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’ “ Eve explains the Lord’s command, but satan misrepresents what the command is about.
Eve is seduced by the promise of the tree and so she eats the fruit. She also gives some to Adam.
Application
Just one job- and they blew it!
One thing was forbidden- one tree out of millions. How hard could it be?
We face temptations every day. Like Eve we know the command, but we wonder if the pleasure of the sin is worth the likely consequence.
Eve was tempted by three things:
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appeal to the flesh (good for food)
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appeal to the senses (good in appearance)
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appeal to pride (good for wisdom)
These are the same hot spots that satan presses today.
We need to be conscious of our vulnerability and always prepared to resist the lies of satan.
Prayer
Holy Spirit make me holy. Strengthen me to stand firm before all temptation and to remain faithful to you. Amen.
North Korea to release Australian Christian missionary John Short: reports
From the ABC:
North Korea to release Australian Christian missionary John Short: reports
North Korea has decided to release Australian missionary John Short, according to reports from the North’s official news agency.
John Short, 75, was arrested last month while working as a Christian missionary.
KCNA said Mr Short has apologised and admitted to violating North Korean laws.
It said North Korea had decided to expel him partly in consideration of his age.
Today’s Sermon
The sermon for March 2nd 2014 is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon, which is based on 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, I talk about Fathers in the Spirit.
Click here to listen
New Life Narrabri 