Sermons

Introduction 1. The Call of God: The Three Expressions of Vocation (Gordon Smith) a. The general call: the invitation to follow Christ b. The immediate call: the task or duties to which God calls each person at present time c. The specific call: a vocation that is unique to each person, an individual’s mission in the world 2. Understanding Work and Vocation from a Theological Lens 3. How to discern God’s calling/vocation? a. Solitude and Journaling b. Know yourself c. Listening to the faith community d. The shortest way could be the longest distance e. Creating opportunities for vocational discipleship Reflection: - Why is it important to understand God’s call in the three expressions of vocation? - What learning points could we apply from the biblical understanding of work/vocation? - Which of the five areas of discerning God’s calling/vocation speak to you? What steps can ou take to apply them?

Main Idea: Loving of the self that is grounded in God’s love for us as we love others. A: Loving the self for self sake B: Loving others for self sake C: Loving God for self sake C’: Loving God for God sake B’: Loving others for God sake A’: Loving the self for God sake

Main point: Faith in Christ open doors to intimacy with God and experiencing the power of Christ resurrection as we also share in His suffering. Introduction 1. Put no confidence in the flesh 2. The “surpassing worth of knowing Christ”: - Intimacy with Christ - A righteousness from God. - The power of his resurrection 3. Sharing in Christ Suffering Response/Reflection Which aspect about Jesus do I need God to help me most today: knowing (intimacy with) Jesus, experiencing the power of His resurrection or share in His suffering? Ask the Lord to grow us in that area.

Main Idea: The ways of God are firm and unchanging, valuable as a strong foundation for life. 1. Building life upon fleeting and unsettling sand (Those who hear but do not do) 2. Building life upon Jesus’ words (Those who hear and do) 3. Remembering the Sermon on the Mount Reflection: - Name one lesson you’ve learnt from the Sermon on the Mount. - Pray and ask God to help you live it out. - Commit to live it out this week and share with someone your journey.

Main Idea: Praying to God is A.S.King our Heavenly Father for good things. 1. Ask: Pray like a child asking His Father 2. Seek: Praying that seeks to understand the will of God 3. Knock: Praying with importunity Reflection 1. Take some time to take stock of all the good things your Heavenly Father has given you. 2. Like a child who has access to his father, how would you fare your relationship with God? 3. Are praying the scripture something that is embedded in your own prayer? if not, would you consider starting with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

Introduction 1. Sexual sin includes sinful thinking (v28) - The danger of looking at a woman with lustful intent *Proverbs 6:25-34 *The fall of King David 2. Deal with lust quickly and drastically (vv29-30) Reflection/Application: What practical steps should I take to keep my heart and mind pure?

Main Point: Love your enemies because of whose you are. Introduction 1. The Difficulty of Jesus Teachings – Non-Resistance - Forego your honour (v 39) - Give up your rights (v 40) - It is okay to be taken advantage of (v 41) - Give for the interest of others (v 42) 2. Love your enemies - An oxymoron thing to do - We love because of who we are and our Father’s character. Reflection: Who is God challenging me to love together? What does it mean to love as a child of God?