Sermons

Main point: When we endure trials, it produces spiritual maturity and leads to God’s eternal reward. The Trials and Difficulties Believers Face Definition of trial Trials of the early church The trials we face The Attitude to Hold – Joy Enduring Trials Brings Spiritual Maturity The Reward of Enduring Trials Reflection: Looking back at your trials, how has the Lord shaped and moulded you through those difficult times?

Main idea: Encountering Jesus will bring about a total change in our life’s mission. 1. Follow Jesus because He is the Master of every situation (vv 1-6) 2. Follow Jesus because He calls sinners (vv 7-9) 3. ⁠Follow Jesus because He is the Lord of everything (vv 10 – 11) May all our encounters with Jesus inspire us to actively engage in the mission for which Baby Jesus was born. Reflection: What is one thing you want to leave behind as you enter 2024? Application: What is one gift you could offer to Jesus that could be put to good use in His service?

Main idea: Worries rob our peace. Trust God who provides for our needs. 1. Do not be anxious about what we need (v25). 2. Trust God that He cares for all we need (v26 -30). 3. Focus on what is important to God first. He will take care of all we need (v31 – 34). Application: - Observe and be reminded from the nature around us that God takes care of us. - List down your concerns and worries daily. Bring them to God first.

Main point: God dwells among men to save us and make us His children. 1. Jesus is God from Pre-existence 2. Jesus is God Who Dwells with Us as One of Us * On the Incarnation 3. The Purpose of the Incarnation * A light for our darkness 4. Response: - The Incarnation tells us that God is a personal God - An Invitation to be children of God

Introduction 1. The Darkness of Christmas 2. The Light of Christmas 3. The Child of Christmas 4. How then should we feel about Christmas? In Light of today’s message, 1. How differently should/do you feel about Christmas today? 2. Would you like to accept the gift that Jesus came to give?

Main point: In times of loss and suffering, we can pour our deepest emotions before God. 1. The Dark Night of the Soul 2. The Accusations Against God 3. Reflection and Response: a. Our prayers should reflect an honest reality of life and faith. b. We can find comfort in expressing our deepest emotions to God. c. Prayer should continue even when God is silent. d. Complaints express faith in God. e. We pray because God, who experienced pain, empathise with our pain. Reflection: * What losses or suffering have you experienced or are currently going through? How does praying bring comfort in such times? * In what ways does understanding Jesus coming as fully human to suffer for us and with us encourage us?

1. Introduction 2. What : Praise the Lord 3. How : with Gusto 4. Why : and Understanding 5. Conclusion Reflection: - How can you better prepare yourself to meet God in worship, to experience, express joy and exuberance in praising him? - How have you experienced God’s steadfast love (ḥeseḏ) and faithfulness in the past week? Spend some time in thanksgiving to God.

Main idea: We can learn to pray like Jesus’ prayer, which is simple, sincere and meaningful. 1. WHY JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES TO PRAY? (v5, v7) 2. THE PRAYER OF JESUS – “Thank you” (vv9-10) – “Sorry” (v12) – “Please” (vv11-13) 3. HOW WE CAN PRAY? – Simple and sincere REFLECTIONS – How do you usually pray? – What do you usually pray for? – What are aspects from Jesus’ Prayer which you can include into yours?

Main Point: We need to tutor our hearts to listen to God’s voice to finish well. 1. A Tragic Death A. The Philistines defeated Israel and killed Saul’s sons (vv1-3) B. Saul takes his own life (vv4-6) C. Shame and Dishonour (vv9-10) 2. A Good Start does not Guarantee a Good Finish. 3. The Need for Self-Control and Self-Discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) - Keeping to the Disciplines (worship, reading the word, meeting for fellowship, accountability) 4. Listen to God’s Voice - The need for discernment over information and ideas on Cyberspace. - Reclaim the habit of reading good Christian books. Reflection: * Are you practising complete obedience before the Lord, or is there some area of life in which you are wilfully holding out? * Consider developing a regular habit of reading good Christian books.