Praise Be To God

SERMON OUTLINE

• 💭 Consider this: Looking back on your time as a Christian, how has God preserved you in the faith? In what ways does your life exhibit the lively hope He has given you?
• I. He Has Given Us Life
• II. He Has Given Us Lively Hope
• III. He Has Given Us An Eternal Inheritance
• IV. He Will Preserve Us

In a couple of days’ time, we will be ushering in the year 2026, God willing. 2025 would be past and gone. The world will be singing Auld Lang Syne, which is a Scottish poem made into a song. Basically, it means time gone by. It is singing goodbye to time gone by. For some, the new year is a time to let bygones be bygones and let the past be past. For others, it is a time to celebrate, to congratulate one another for what they have done, to reflect on things they have not done or could have done better. Dear friend, what does the new year mean to you?

Well, there is nothing essentially wrong with singing Auld Lang Syne, or letting bygones be bygones, or celebrating our achievements. But can that really reflect the right attitude and approach for the new year? I suggest to you the best way is to reflect on what God has done for us as we prepare ourselves for the new year. Therefore, I have prayerfully decided to preach on this theme: Praise Be to God.

Our text is taken from 1 Peter 1:3–5. Allow me to read for you, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” The Lord bless the reading of His holy and sacred word.

The apostle Peter wrote this letter, First Peter, to the dispersed Christians who were suffering intense persecutions. This letter was written during the time of the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero was infamous for his persecution of the Christians because the Christians refused to worship the Roman emperor but only Christ alone. It was known that this wicked emperor would often encase the Christians in wax and burn their bodies in his garden at night as a source of light and a form of entertainment. That was how wicked he was. So it was to those persecuted, dispersed, and suffering Christians that Peter said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We can understand when we say, God bless us. But what does it mean to bless God? The original Greek word for ‘bless’ is from where we get the English word ‘eulogy’. Oftentimes, we give the eulogy at a funeral service either by writing or by speech. We highlight the good points of the person who had passed away. We say some nice things about him. Here, the word ‘bless’ simply means to praise or to speak well of. God is to be praised.

Peter identified God in a very unique way as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus would address God as ‘Father’ or ‘my Father’. Perhaps the only exception was on the cross when he cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In calling God His Father, Jesus was claiming to share God’s nature, making Himself equal with God. Like when He said to Philip in John 14:9, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

So the Jews were greatly offended that Jesus had broken the Jewish tradition by calling God ‘my Father’. Not only did Jesus call God ‘my Father’, He also taught his disciples to pray, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven.” As children of God, we are saved by the precious blood of Christ. When we embrace Jesus as our Lord and Saviour by faith, God becomes our heavenly Father. As Galatians 4:6 says, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Only Christians have the desire to praise God. The unbelievers would not praise Him. In fact, the believers have been designed by God to give Him praise.

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye” - the believers - “are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people”. Why did God choose us to be a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people - “that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” So God has saved us to give Him praise.

God is to be praised not only in a worship service like this as the year comes to an end, on Sunday, with everyone watching and listening. He is to be praised personally, individually, privately, corporately, at all times, and in every circumstance, because only He alone is worthy to be blessed and praised. Dear friend, are you someone who praises God from the innermost of your heart? Or are you someone who only praises Him when things are well and good? What if things are not well and good? Will you still praise him?

There is a difference between praising God because we have been blessed and praising Him because He is worthy to be praised. One classic example would be Job in the Old Testament. He lost his children, his animals, his wealth, his health. From a human’s point of view, he had lost everything. Yet one thing he did not lose. He did not lose his desire to bless God. Job said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

Oftentimes people have no issue about praising God because they have been blessed with good health and strength, jobs and opportunities, academic achievements, successes, and victories. But when these same people are deprived of those things, all of a sudden they would respond as if God has mistreated them, ‘Oh God, why are you doing this to me? Why are you treating me like this? Where are you?’ Can you imagine a child who gives thanks to his parents only when they have presents for him? When there are no presents, murmuring and complaining would come out of his mouth. It would be most terrible, right? Yet most of the time that is the way we behave. May the Lord forgive us.

Our praises for God must never be subjected to the positive or negative circumstances of life. We do not come to church just because our jobs are secured, just because our bills are paid, just because our family is in good health. Even when those things are removed from our lives, we will still come to church because God is worthy to be worshipped and praised, not only in good times but also in hard times. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here the apostle Peter gave four reasons why we should praise God.

I. He Has Given Us Life

Firstly, God has given us life. Verse three says, “Which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again.” The phrase ‘hath begotten us again’ speaks of causing us to be born again. It is the new birth or the new regeneration that Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:3: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is the work of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are dead and makes them His children. There was a time when we were dead in sins. We were walking according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, that is Satan, by nature the children of God’s wrath.

But He has regenerated us. He has caused us to be born again by the spiritual washing of His word and through the wonder-working of His Spirit. That was why Jesus explained in John 3:5: “Except a man be born of water” - that is the spiritual washing of His word- “and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Most of us are familiar with this verse: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

But who is responsible for this new creation? Are we responsible for our own spiritual birth, or is it God and His work alone? It is interesting how some people have a hard time understanding this, and they always think that they are responsible for their own spiritual birth, and they are responsible for choosing God in the first place. Let us ask ourselves this question. How do we come into this world? Is there anyone in this room who has made any decision in his or her physical birth? In terms of initiating our birth into this world, what did we do to be born into this world? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

We may give credit to our parents, but even our parents are just instruments. They may talk about their desires to have children, but they have absolutely no control in bringing us into this world. How much more our spiritual birth? It is all God’s work. And that is why we have every reason to praise Him for that. Why did God save us? Why did He give us spiritual life? Why are we sitting here and worshipping the Almighty God while millions of people out there are still lingering in spiritual darkness? The Bible says, “according to His abundant mercy”, not because of who we are or what we have done or not done, but because of His abundant mercy.

II. He Has Given Us Lively Hope

Secondly, God has given us a lively hope, “unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” The world has many hopes, dreams, and aspirations. In life, there will always be unfinished paintings. There will always be unfinished songs, unfinished projects, unfinished adventures. And it is all because the people involved in them have died. Hopes will always remain as hopes. Dreams will always remain as dreams, because death brings an end to all our aspirations.

The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Death is not the end of everything. The unbelieving sinner will have to give an account for his sins. He will be judged and sent to eternal hell forever and ever. What this world can offer us is nothing but a dying hope. I am now in my late 50s, and I begin to see the reality that this human body is dying. Recently I met an old friend in Singapore. He is someone who is very direct. We call him a sharpshooter. Whatever comes into his mind, he speaks. He does not hold back. He took one look at me and he said, ‘You look so old.’ I said, ‘Yes, I know. My hair is starting to fall and my wrinkles are starting to appear.’ I was very kind to him and I said, ‘You still look young.’

Indeed, our physical bodies are falling into a state of decay. No matter how much protein and vitamins we invest into this body, no matter how much cosmetics we spend on this body, it cannot cover the fact that day by day this body is dying. If this physical body is the only life we have, then we are most hopeless. And this is precisely the way the unbeliever would live his life. He lives as if this physical body will last forever. He may not say he believes this body would last forever, but he lives as if this is the only thing there is to life. Therefore, he would invest all his time, energy, and money to nourish this physical body and forget the soul. The soul is that which would last for all eternity.

Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Once Napoleon, the French emperor, visited an art gallery. There were many paintings and statues. Napoleon saw a painting and said to the person in charge, ‘That is a beautiful painting.’ The man replied, ‘Yes, it is called Immortal.’ Napoleon asked, ‘How long will this painting last? And how long will a statue last?’ The man replied, ‘Sir, this painting will last about 500 years, and a statue will last about 5,000 years.’ Napoleon turned to him and said, ‘And this you call immortal.’

Truly, nothing in this physical world will last forever. This world can offer us nothing but a dying hope. But the believer has a lively hope, a living and undying hope. We have a living hope because for all eternity we will dwell in a place. Jesus said in John 14:2–3, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” It is a lively hope because it is secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Remember Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

If Jesus did not resurrect from the dead, all our hopes would be destroyed. Our coming here this morning would be meaningless, because today is known as the Lord’s Day, the day Jesus was resurrected. If Jesus did not resurrect, all our preaching would be in vain. All the apostles would be false witnesses because they claimed to have seen the risen Saviour. All our faith would be in vain because we would die in our sins. Death is our final enemy, and unless it is conquered, there would be no lively hope.

But our Lord Jesus rose again from the dead on the third day, and forever He secured the believer’s lively hope in Heaven. Our lively hope will come to a complete and final fulfilment when we die. It will become a reality when we enter into the glorious presence of God and be in complete fellowship with Him. This is the lively hope which enables the apostle Paul to say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

It is this lively hope that enables the apostle Peter to say in 2 Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” What about you, my friend? Do you have this lively hope? If tonight death knocks on your door, if this is the last message you will hear, if this is the last hymn you will sing, where would you be for all eternity? If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord and Saviour, then you will be in heaven forever and ever. You have this lively hope. But if you reject Jesus and what he has done for you on the cross of Calvary, then you will remain in your sins. You will die in your sins. And when you stand before God, you will stand in the horror of your sins and be sent to eternal hell. Come and believe in Jesus. Today is the day of salvation. Do not say maybe tomorrow, because tomorrow may not come.

III. He Has Given Us An Eternal Inheritance

Thirdly, God has given us an eternal inheritance. “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) An inheritance is wealth passed down or a legacy that someone receives as a member of the family. Most people are concerned about the inheritance they will receive from their parents or grandparents. They want to know how much they are getting.

Here the apostle Peter reminded the persecuted Christians that in the midst of your sufferings, intense persecutions, you ought to give thanks to God, praise and bless Him, and patiently wait for His promised eternal inheritance. He wanted them to increase in their knowledge of this eternal inheritance so they will press on no matter how difficult the situation might be. He described this inheritance as incorruptible. Incorruptible means it is not liable to death. It is not subjected to destruction, unlike our earthly inheritance that will come and go. They will fluctuate. They will perish when we perish. Our eternal inheritance would never be subjected to destruction.

It is undefiled. It cannot be stained and polluted. Everything in this fallen world is stained and polluted by sin. Only our eternal inheritance is undefiled. “It fadeth not away” was a term used to describe a flower that will not wither or die. It will not lose its magnificence. Everything we have in this world will grow old and wear out. But what God has in store for us, it will not be destroyed, it will not be defiled, and it will not grow old.

Not only is our eternal inheritance lasting, verse four says it is also “reserved in heaven for you”. Have you ever had something in your life? It was so wonderful to have it. You were so happy. But it was taken away from you at the next moment. One moment you were so glad and happy, the next moment you lost it. Perhaps your job, your promotion, or your relationship, etc. That is not going to happen to our eternal inheritance because it is fixed and permanent. The word ‘reserved’ means ‘guard’ or ‘watch over’. It carries the idea of being carefully guarded in heaven. God is keeping it. And if there is any way that our eternal inheritance is going to be taken away from us, it takes someone greater than God. Obviously, no one is greater than Him. No one is able to steal it.

Jesus taught us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal … for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

IV. He Will Preserve Us

Finally, God will preserve the believers, “who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5) Our eternal inheritance will not perish. But will we perish? Will we persevere to the very end, or will we lose our salvation along the way? Most certainly not. Not only is our eternal inheritance reserved in Heaven, but God is preserving the believers by His power. And He is omnipotent, all-powerful. Though Satan may attack us, but God is greater. Though adverse circumstances may visit us, but God is greater. God is greater than every challenge, trial, and tribulation we face on this earth.

That is why Paul said in Romans 8:37–39, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are saved by faith. It is a gift of God. And that faith is a continuing faith. It is not just saying a prayer and inviting Jesus into our lives and then walking away from Him and disobeying Him for the rest of our lives.

God keeps us believing in His only begotten Son. He keeps us following after His Son. He keeps us in His truth. He keeps us through the trials, temptations, afflictions, and the fiery darts that come from the evil one, despite our struggles and failures. Just like Peter who denied the Lord three times, but we will not walk away from him altogether. We may stumble, we may fall, but we will return and be strengthened in the faith. Why? Not because we are smart, intelligent, strong, or capable, but because we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. And this salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time.

When we believed in Jesus, we were already saved. But here the salvation speaks of something in the future. It is the revelation of everything God has promised in His word coming to pass. Our ultimate eternal inheritance, the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. The salvation that comes when Jesus returns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and He will rule on this earth for 1,000 years. The experience of being citizens of the new heavens and the new earth. The experience of being completely and perfectly with Christ. All these things are ready to be revealed. Dear friend, do you really believe that God has given to you life, a lively hope, an eternal inheritance, and that he will preserve you? If we do, then it will surely affect our present lives on this earth.

Allow me to end just by giving you several examples, not exhaustive, but just for our application. Firstly, it will affect our service for the Lord. Think about this. If we are willing to work so hard for our earthly bosses, even to the point of sacrificing our family time, why? To build our wealth in this world. How much more should we render our time, effort, and resources to serve the One who came for us, died on the cross, shed His precious blood to save us, and bless us with all these spiritual blessings. We will be most willing to serve the Lord.

Secondly, it will affect our giving. Once a pastor friend of mine invited me to his church to preach on the Lord’s Day, and he asked me to preach a message about tithes and offerings because he felt that his members had not been tithing. He said to me that it is not easy for the resident pastor to speak about money to his congregation, so I have invited you to speak about tithes and offerings. It is so sad that the pastor felt uncomfortable to tell the people of God’s commandment. If they fail to give their tithes, they are not stealing from men; they are stealing from the Almighty God. It is the preacher’s duty to share the whole counsel of God’s word. Uncomfortable or not, convenient or not, everything we have, including the next breath we draw, cometh from God. If you and I truly believe that God has reserved for us an eternal inheritance that is more permanent and more precious than not only our wealth but the entire wealth of this world, we will be encouraged to give. Dear friend, if the promise of God cannot encourage our hearts to give, then I am afraid nothing will.

Thirdly, it will affect our prayer life. We will not treat God like an ATM machine, ‘God, I need this. God, I need that.’ Our entire prayer life will not just be about material needs. There is nothing wrong with asking for material needs, but we understand and know in our hearts what is most important: our spiritual needs.

Fourthly, it will affect our relationship with others. In this world, it is inevitable that people tend to gravitate towards the rich, powerful, and influential people. They want to be their friends. Such people do not want to be friends with the poor and the uneducated. As Christians, if we behave like that, then shame on us. Whether the brother is rich or poor, it does not matter. He is still our brother. In fact, if he is poor, we should pay more attention to him because he needs our help. Ask yourself this question: does wealth and prosperity ever affect your choice of friends? It must never affect you if you set your affections on the things of Heaven.

Lastly, it will encourage us to endure and press on in this life. Perhaps you may not be as well off as the rest of the people, or you have been troubled by different kinds of afflictions, or death has taken away your loved ones, or soon you will be lying on your deathbed. You are sad, discouraged, and depressed. Well, look to the heavenly promise and press on, for we will indeed be raised from the graves. We will indeed be given a new body, a glorified body. We will indeed see the new heavens and a new earth. We will indeed dwell with God forever and ever. In the sweet by and by, we will indeed be united with our believing loved ones in the place that Jesus has gone to prepare for us. All these things will take place because God said so. Isn’t that wonderful?

Charles Spurgeon once said, ‘We measure distance by time.’ We would say that a certain place is so many hours away from us. If it is a hundred miles away and there is no real road, we think it is a long way. If there is a railroad, we think we can get there in a short time. Then he asked this question: but how near must we say heaven is? The answer is, it is just a breath away. And we will get there indeed when we draw our last breath as believers. We will get there. How wonderful it would be if every one of us were to live on this principle: Heaven is just a breath away, and surely we will get there.

When we get there, we will say, ‘Praise be to God.’ And while we are still living on this earth every day of our lives, especially as the year comes to an end, we do not only see the prospect of the new year, but into eternity with God, and we will say, ‘Praise be to God.’ I pray that all of us, as we inch forward into the new year, think of this eternal life that God has given to us, this lively hope, this eternal inheritance, and that he is preserving us at every step of the way. And what shall we say? Praise be to God. A blessed New Year to all of you. Let us pray.

Our Father in Heaven, indeed as the year comes to an end, as we prepare ourselves to move forward into the year 2026, if Thou would allow this, we have considered what Thou hast done in our lives. Thou hast given us life, without which we will be eternally lost. Thou hast given to us this lively hope. It is a living and undying hope. This world can offer us nothing but a dying hope. The lively hope cometh from Thee. And thou hast reserved, protected, and watched over carefully our eternal inheritance in heaven. And Thou art watching over each and every one of us, preserving us at every step of the way. If God be with us, what can man do to us? So as we move forward, we are not afraid, because we know that Thou hast a purpose in all things, and Thou art greater than every challenge, trial, tribulation, and affliction we will face on this earth. And to that we say, praise be to God. May this always be on our mouths, not just paying lip service, but truly from the innermost of our hearts and applied into our lives. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THE BOOK OF 1 PETER

Morning Devotion 1

Morning Devotion 1

Psalm 1:1

The Commitment Of A Faithful Servant

The Commitment Of A Faithful Servant

Titus 1:1

Christ, The Living Word

Christ, The Living Word

Hebrews 1:1-2a

The Church at Philippi

The Church at Philippi

Philippians 1:1-2

Wonderful Words of Life

Wonderful Words of Life

Psalm 1:1-3

Called to Be Saints

Called to Be Saints

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

A Faith And Love That Shines

A Faith And Love That Shines

Colossians 1:1-4

Facing Trials With A Joyful Spirit (Part 1)

Facing Trials With A Joyful Spirit (Part 1)

James 1:1-4

Facing Trials With A Joyful Spirit (Part 2)

Facing Trials With A Joyful Spirit (Part 2)

James 1:1-4

True Saving Faith

True Saving Faith

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

The Final Confrontation

The Final Confrontation

2 Kings 1:1-4

Trouble in the Church

Trouble in the Church

1 Timothy 1:1-4

A Letter To The Galatians

A Letter To The Galatians

Galatians 1:1-5

Encouraging the Spiritual Son

Encouraging the Spiritual Son

2 Timothy 1:1-5

The Blessed Resurrection

The Blessed Resurrection

1 Peter 1:1-5

All Spiritual Blessings

All Spiritual Blessings

Ephesians 1:1-7

God of All Comfort

God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Message 1

Message 1

Haggai 1:1-7

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

Exodus 1:1-7

Message 1: Make Sure Your Salvation

Message 1: Make Sure Your Salvation

1 Peter 1:1-9

Message 1: Privilege and Promptness in Service

Message 1: Privilege and Promptness in Service

Ezra 1:1-11

Morning Devotion 2

Morning Devotion 2

Psalm 1:2

The Sevenfold Supremacy of Christ

The Sevenfold Supremacy of Christ

Hebrews 1:2b-3

The Hope Of Eternal Life

The Hope Of Eternal Life

Titus 1:2-4

Praise Be To God

Praise Be To God

1 Peter 1:3-5

The Joy of A Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1)

The Joy of A Spirit-Filled Life (Part 1)

Philippians 1:3-5

The Essential Truths of Our Salvation

The Essential Truths of Our Salvation

1 Peter 1:3-5

Morning Devotion 3

Morning Devotion 3

Psalm 1:3-6

Elements of True Joy

Elements of True Joy

Philippians 1:3-6

The Blessings of Salvation

The Blessings of Salvation

1 Peter 1:3-9

What Is Your Greatest Joy?

What Is Your Greatest Joy?

3 John 1:4

The Exemplary Church

The Exemplary Church

1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 1)

The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 1)

Hebrews 1:4-6

What Child is This?

What Child is This?

Hebrews 1:4-6

The Blessings of Being a Saint

The Blessings of Being a Saint

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

The Blessedness Of Our Christian Hope

The Blessedness Of Our Christian Hope

Colossians 1:5-6a

The Need For Wisdom In Times Of Trial

The Need For Wisdom In Times Of Trial

James 1:5-8

Why Do We Need Godly Leaders?

Why Do We Need Godly Leaders?

Titus 1:5-9

Man’s Final Destination

Man’s Final Destination

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Dealing with Falsehood

Dealing with Falsehood

1 Timothy 1:5-11

The Joy of a Spirit-filled Life (Part 2)

The Joy of a Spirit-filled Life (Part 2)

Philippians 1:6

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)

2 Timothy 1:6-7

The Transforming Power Of The Gospel

The Transforming Power Of The Gospel

Colossians 1:6b-8

The Danger of Preaching Another Gospel

The Danger of Preaching Another Gospel

Galatians 1:6-9

What are the Things Most Important to Us?

What are the Things Most Important to Us?

Philippians 1:7-8

The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 2)

The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 2)

Hebrews 1:7-14

New Year With New Resolutions

New Year With New Resolutions

Daniel 1:8

The Benefits Of Prayer

The Benefits Of Prayer

Selected Scriptures

Make Your Calling And Election Sure

Make Your Calling And Election Sure

2 Peter 1:8-11

The Recipients of Comfort

The Recipients of Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)

2 Timothy 1:8-12

From Prosperity to Persecution

From Prosperity to Persecution

Exodus 1:8-14

Message 2

Message 2

Haggai 1:8-15

The Need For Prayers

The Need For Prayers

Colossians 1:9

Growing in Godliness

Growing in Godliness

Philippians 1:9-11

Message 5: Praying for the Church

Message 5: Praying for the Church

Philippians 1:9-11

Growing in Godliness

Growing in Godliness

Philippians 1:9-11

Trial Is No Respecter Of Persons

Trial Is No Respecter Of Persons

James 1:9-12

Prayer for Spiritual Excellence

Prayer for Spiritual Excellence

Colossians 1:9-12

The Truth about Christmas

The Truth about Christmas

John 1:9-14

Walk Worthy Of The Lord

Walk Worthy Of The Lord

Colossians 1:10-11

Be a God-Pleaser, not a Men-Pleaser

Be a God-Pleaser, not a Men-Pleaser

Galatians 1:10-12

How To Deal With Church Troublemakers?

How To Deal With Church Troublemakers?

Titus 1:10-14

Divisiveness Calls for Strong Action

Divisiveness Calls for Strong Action

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Things We Should Pray

The Things We Should Pray

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

What Does It Mean To Call God Our Father?

What Does It Mean To Call God Our Father?

Colossians 1:12a

What Does It Mean To Be Citizens Of God’s Kingdom?

What Does It Mean To Be Citizens Of God’s Kingdom?

Colossians 1:12b-13

Are All Things Really Working For Good?

Are All Things Really Working For Good?

Philippians 1:12-14

The Soul’s Warning Alarm

The Soul’s Warning Alarm

2 Corinthians 1:12-14

Counted Worthy To Serve God

Counted Worthy To Serve God

1 Timothy 1:12-14

Message 3

Message 3

Haggai 1:12-15

Thankful to God

Thankful to God

1 Timothy 1:12-17

In Times of Adversity

In Times of Adversity

Philippians 1:12-18

Message 3: Using The Right Bible

Message 3: Using The Right Bible

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

How To Deal With Temptation

How To Deal With Temptation

James 1:13-15

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)

2 Timothy 1:13-18

But When It Pleased God

But When It Pleased God

Galatians 1:13-24

I Am Redeemed And Forgiven

I Am Redeemed And Forgiven

Colossians 1:14

Christ, The Invisible God

Christ, The Invisible God

Colossians 1:15

The Product Of Who We Are

The Product Of Who We Are

Titus 1:15-16

Trouble in the Church

Trouble in the Church

Philippians 1:15-18

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

Exodus 1:15-21

Defending Against False Accusation

Defending Against False Accusation

2 Corinthians 1:15-24

The Power Of The Gospel Of Christ

The Power Of The Gospel Of Christ

Romans 1:16-17

Jesus Our Creator Loves Me, This I Know

Jesus Our Creator Loves Me, This I Know

Colossians 1:16-17; Romans 8:37-39

Remember Who God Is And Who We Are

Remember Who God Is And Who We Are

James 1:16-18

What Is Christ’s Relationship With The Church?

What Is Christ’s Relationship With The Church?

Colossians 1:18

War a Good Warfare

War a Good Warfare

1 Timothy 1:18-20

The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men

The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The Wonderful Word Of God

The Wonderful Word Of God

2 Peter 1:19

Be Receptive To The Word Of God

Be Receptive To The Word Of God

James 1:19-21

What Does It Mean To Be Reconciled To God?

What Does It Mean To Be Reconciled To God?

Colossians 1:19-22

For to Me to Live is Christ, to Die is Gain

For to Me to Live is Christ, to Die is Gain

Philippians 1:19-26

To Live is Christ

To Live is Christ

Philippians 1:19-26

Sola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone

Sola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone

2 Peter 1:20-21

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

Ephesians 1:20-23

Doers of the Word

Doers of the Word

James 1:21-25

The Faith Of A Beloved Mother

The Faith Of A Beloved Mother

Exodus 1:22-2:10; Hebrews 11:23

Be Responsive To The Word Of God

Be Responsive To The Word Of God

James 1:22-25

The Faith of Jochebed

The Faith of Jochebed

Exodus 1:22-2:10

The Evidence Of Our Salvation

The Evidence Of Our Salvation

Colossians 1:23a

Acknowledging God's Presence

Acknowledging God's Presence

Matthew 1:23

Are We Willing To Suffer For Christ?

Are We Willing To Suffer For Christ?

Colossians 1:23b-24

How Faithful Are We?

How Faithful Are We?

Colossians 1:25-27

Are You Transformed By The Word?

Are You Transformed By The Word?

James 1:26-27

Let Us Glory in the Lord

Let Us Glory in the Lord

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Living Worthy of the Gospel

Living Worthy of the Gospel

Philippians 1:27-30

Live your life worthy of the Gospel

Live your life worthy of the Gospel

Philippians 1:27-30

What Does It Take To Be Faithful In The Ministry?

What Does It Take To Be Faithful In The Ministry?

Colossians 1:28-29

The Indispensable Component In Serving God

The Indispensable Component In Serving God

Colossians 2:1-2a

The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)

The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)

Philippians 2:1-2

Pray for All Men

Pray for All Men

1 Timothy 2:1-2

What Legacy Are You Leaving Behind?

What Legacy Are You Leaving Behind?

Titus 2:1-3

The Sin Of Showing Partiality (Part 1)

The Sin Of Showing Partiality (Part 1)

James 2:1-4

Let's Have Fellowship

Let's Have Fellowship

Philippians 2:1-4

A Praying Church

A Praying Church

1 Timothy 2:1-4

The Danger of Drifting Away

The Danger of Drifting Away

Hebrews 2:1-4

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Why Do We Do What We Do?

2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Standing for the Truth of the Gospel

Standing for the Truth of the Gospel

Galatians 2:1-5

Understanding the End Times

Understanding the End Times

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

Message 4

Message 4

Haggai 2:1-5

What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?

What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Message 1: Living with First Love

Message 1: Living with First Love

Revelation 2:1-7

Pray and Pray

Pray and Pray

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Message 5

Message 5

Haggai 2:1-9

God’s Workmanship

God’s Workmanship

Ephesians 2:1-10

Message 1: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 1)

Message 1: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 1)

Ephesians 2:1-10

What Does It Take To Bring Someone To Christ?

What Does It Take To Bring Someone To Christ?

Mark 2:1-12

Where is He that is Born King of the Jews?

Where is He that is Born King of the Jews?

Matthew 2:1-12

Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?

Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?

1 Peter 2:1-12

The Sin of Partiality

The Sin of Partiality

James 2:1-13

Message 2: Precept and Praise in Service

Message 2: Precept and Praise in Service

Ezra 2:1-3:13

This Is What I Wish For You To Have And To Be

This Is What I Wish For You To Have And To Be

Colossians 2:2b-5

Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makers

Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makers

2 Timothy 2:2

Essential Principles of Spiritual Unity (Part 2)

Essential Principles of Spiritual Unity (Part 2)

Philippians 2:3-4

How Should Young People Live?

How Should Young People Live?

Titus 2:4-8

Message 3: What is Christ to you? My Covenantal Head!

Message 3: What is Christ to you? My Covenantal Head!

Colossians 2:4-9, 19

The Ultimate Example

The Ultimate Example

Philippians 2:5-8

What is Man, that Thou Art Mindful of Him?

What is Man, that Thou Art Mindful of Him?

Hebrews 2:5-9

The Need to Confront Sin

The Need to Confront Sin

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

The Ultimate Example

The Ultimate Example

Philippians 2:5-11

The Sin Of Showing Partiality (Part 2)

The Sin Of Showing Partiality (Part 2)

James 2:5-13

The Evidence Of Our Salvation

The Evidence Of Our Salvation

Colossians 2:6-7

One Gospel, Different Ministries

One Gospel, Different Ministries

Galatians 2:6-10

What Is Christmas?

What Is Christmas?

Philippians 2:6-11

Be Ready for the End Times

Be Ready for the End Times

2 Thessalonians 2:6-12

The Wisdom of God

The Wisdom of God

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Message 4: What is a healthy and sound church? My Covenantal Haven!

Message 4: What is a healthy and sound church? My Covenantal Haven!

Colossians 2:7

Remember The Resurrection

Remember The Resurrection

2 Timothy 2:8

Be Thou Faithful Unto Death

Be Thou Faithful Unto Death

Revelation 2:8-11

Message 2: Living with Faithfulness

Message 2: Living with Faithfulness

Revelation 2:8-11

Our Motivation for Serving Sacrificially

Our Motivation for Serving Sacrificially

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Joy to the World

Joy to the World

Luke 2:8-14

Responding to Christ's Birth

Responding to Christ's Birth

Luke 2:8-17

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1

How Can You Witness For God More Effectively At Work?

How Can You Witness For God More Effectively At Work?

Titus 2:9-10

The Chosen People of God

The Chosen People of God

1 Peter 2:9-10

The Greatest Name

The Greatest Name

Philippians 2:9-11

Message 4: Submission To Authorities

Message 4: Submission To Authorities

1 Peter 2:9-25

The Captain of Our Salvation

The Captain of Our Salvation

Hebrews 2:10

The Natural Man and The Spiritual Man

The Natural Man and The Spiritual Man

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Message 6

Message 6

Haggai 2:10-19

Our Spiritual Union With Christ

Our Spiritual Union With Christ

Colossians 2:11-12

The Wonderful Grace Of God

The Wonderful Grace Of God

Titus 2:11-15

Moses in Egypt

Moses in Egypt

Exodus 2:11-15

Jesus, Our Sanctifier and Conqueror

Jesus, Our Sanctifier and Conqueror

Hebrews 2:11-15

Message 2: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 2)

Message 2: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 2)

Ephesians 2:11-18

Good Friday Service: Reconciliation with God

Good Friday Service: Reconciliation with God

Ephesians 2:11-18

One Body, One Spirit, One Building

One Body, One Spirit, One Building

Ephesians 2:11-22

Message 2: What is Church to you? My Covenantal Family!

Message 2: What is Church to you? My Covenantal Family!

Exodus 12:48-49, Colossians 2:11-12

Living a Sanctified Life

Living a Sanctified Life

Philippians 2:12-13

Our Victory in Christ

Our Victory in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Message 3: Living in Doctrinal Purity

Message 3: Living in Doctrinal Purity

Revelation 2:12-17

Work Out Your Own Salvation

Work Out Your Own Salvation

Philippians 2:12-18

What It Means To Be Forgiven

What It Means To Be Forgiven

Colossians 2:13-14

Moving Forward Not Backward

Moving Forward Not Backward

Philippians 2:13-14

We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth

We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Stop Murmuring and Complaining

Stop Murmuring and Complaining

Philippians 2:14-16

The Need to Confront Sin (Part 2)

The Need to Confront Sin (Part 2)

Galatians 2:14-16

Show Me Your Faith, And I Will Show You Mine

Show Me Your Faith, And I Will Show You Mine

James 2:14-20

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)

Daniel 2:14-23

Message 5: What is a marriage? A Covenant!

Message 5: What is a marriage? A Covenant!

Malachi 2:14

Faith In Christ Is The Victory

Faith In Christ Is The Victory

Colossians 2:15

The Importance of Bible Study

The Importance of Bible Study

2 Timothy 2:15

Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World

Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World

1 John 2:15-17

Message 7: What are children for? Heritage of godly seed for Christ!

Message 7: What are children for? Heritage of godly seed for Christ!

Psalm 127:3, Malachi 2:15, Ephesians 6:4

The Danger Of Being Legalistic

The Danger Of Being Legalistic

Colossians 2:16-17

Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength

Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Jesus, Our High Priest

Jesus, Our High Priest

Hebrews 2:16-18

Moses in the Desert of Midian

Moses in the Desert of Midian

Exodus 2:16-25

The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: Paul

The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: Paul

Philippians 2:17-18

The Need to Confront Sin (Part 3)

The Need to Confront Sin (Part 3)

Galatians 2:17-19

The Danger Of Spiritual Deception

The Danger Of Spiritual Deception

Colossians 2:18-19

Message 4: Living in Moral Purity

Message 4: Living in Moral Purity

Revelation 2:18-29

The Amazing Prospect And Awesome Responsibility Of Being A Christian

The Amazing Prospect And Awesome Responsibility Of Being A Christian

Ephesians 2:19-22

The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: Timothy

The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: Timothy

Philippians 2:19-24

Dead, Yet Alive!

Dead, Yet Alive!

Galatians 2:20-21

An Honourable Vessel Fit For The Master's Use (Part 2)

An Honourable Vessel Fit For The Master's Use (Part 2)

2 Timothy 2:20-22

An Honourable Vessel Fit for the Master's Use (Part 1)

An Honourable Vessel Fit for the Master's Use (Part 1)

2 Timothy 2:20-22

The Vanity Of Self-Denial To Achieve Spirituality

The Vanity Of Self-Denial To Achieve Spirituality

Colossians 2:20-23

Message 7

Message 7

Haggai 2:20-23

Faith In Action

Faith In Action

James 2:21-26

Message 6: What is a healthy and strong marriage? One that obeys God’s model!

Message 6: What is a healthy and strong marriage? One that obeys God’s model!

Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:22-33

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

Acts 2:41-47

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship

Acts 2:42

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

Acts 2:42

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World

Acts 2:42

Lessons From The First Church

Lessons From The First Church

Acts 2:42-47

Having Confidence In Times Of Trouble

Having Confidence In Times Of Trouble

Psalm 3

Seek Those Things Which Are Above

Seek Those Things Which Are Above

Colossians 3:1-2

A Warning To Want-To-Be Teacher

A Warning To Want-To-Be Teacher

James 3:1-2

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)

1 Timothy 3:1-2

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment

Philippians 3:1-2

Pray for Us

Pray for Us

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

How Can You Witness For God More Effectively As Good Citizens?

How Can You Witness For God More Effectively As Good Citizens?

Titus 3:1-3

Are Ye Not Carnal?

Are Ye Not Carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

The Danger of Self Love

The Danger of Self Love

2 Timothy 3:1-4

Bought With A Price

Bought With A Price

Hosea 3:1-5

Remember How You Were Saved!

Remember How You Were Saved!

Galatians 3:1-5

Message 5: Living in Watchfulness

Message 5: Living in Watchfulness

Revelation 3:1-6

Jesus is Greater than Moses

Jesus is Greater than Moses

Hebrews 3:1-6

Our Sufficiency is of God

Our Sufficiency is of God

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Qualifications of Elders

Qualifications of Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Moses and the Burning Bush

Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:1-9

The Danger Of An Uncontrolled Tongue

The Danger Of An Uncontrolled Tongue

James 3:1-10

To Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your Faith

To Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your Faith

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

Seminar: The Role of the Sunday School Teacher (Part 2 of 2)

Seminar: The Role of the Sunday School Teacher (Part 2 of 2)

James 3:1-13

The Lord is Faithful

The Lord is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3

The Lord is Faithful

The Lord is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3

True Believers Worship God in Spirit and in Truth

True Believers Worship God in Spirit and in Truth

Philippians 3:3, John 4:4-30

What Does It Mean To Be In Christ?

What Does It Mean To Be In Christ?

Colossians 3:3-4

The Power Of The Tongue

The Power Of The Tongue

James 3:3-6

Nothing to Boast Of

Nothing to Boast Of

Philippians 3:3-6

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)

1 Timothy 3:3-13

God Leads Us Along

God Leads Us Along

2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Remember How We Were Saved

Remember How We Were Saved

Titus 3:4-8

Glorify God, Not Men

Glorify God, Not Men

1 Corinthians 3:4-9

Message 1: The Way to Trust

Message 1: The Way to Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6

Mortification Of Sin

Mortification Of Sin

Colossians 3:5-7

Allegiance to Truth or Friendship

Allegiance to Truth or Friendship

2 Thessalonians 3:6

Saved by Faith

Saved by Faith

Galatians 3:6-9

The Age Old Promise of the Gospel

The Age Old Promise of the Gospel

Galatians 3:6-18

Be Strong and Courageous

Be Strong and Courageous

2 Timothy 3:7

What Is Gain To Me Is Loss

What Is Gain To Me Is Loss

Philippians 3:7-9

No Work, No Eat

No Work, No Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10

Start and Finish Well

Start and Finish Well

Hebrews 3:7-11

The Taming Of The Tongue

The Taming Of The Tongue

James 3:7-12

Message 6: Living for Global Missions

Message 6: Living for Global Missions

Revelation 3:7-13

The Glory That Fadeth Not Away

The Glory That Fadeth Not Away

Exodus 34:28-35; 2 Corinthians 3:7-17

The Exceeding Glory

The Exceeding Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-17

Put Off All These Things

Put Off All These Things

Colossians 3:8-9

Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses

Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Message 5: Be Prepared To Suffer

Message 5: Be Prepared To Suffer

1 Peter 3:8-18

Divisiveness Calls For Strong Action

Divisiveness Calls For Strong Action

Titus 3:9-11

How Women Should Conduct Themselves

How Women Should Conduct Themselves

1 Timothy 2:9-15

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example

2 Timothy 3:10

Put On The New Man

Put On The New Man

Colossians 3:10-11

The Power of Christ's Resurrection

The Power of Christ's Resurrection

Philippians 3:10-11

What are Your Spiritual Goals?

What are Your Spiritual Goals?

Philippians 3:10-11

Christ Bore Our Curse

Christ Bore Our Curse

Galatians 3:10-14

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

Exodus 3:10-15

Who Am I?

Who Am I?

Exodus 3:10-15

A Biblical View of the Ministry

A Biblical View of the Ministry

1 Corinthians 3:10-17

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction

2 Timothy 3:11-15

Do Not Give Up

Do Not Give Up

2 Thessalonians 3:11-15

Recipes For A God-Honouring Church

Recipes For A God-Honouring Church

Colossians 3:12

Pressing Toward The Mark

Pressing Toward The Mark

Philippians 3:12-14

We Need Faithful Men

We Need Faithful Men

Titus 3:12-15

Harden Not Your Heart

Harden Not Your Heart

Hebrews 3:12-19

Lessons About Forbearance And Forgiveness

Lessons About Forbearance And Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13

Pressing Toward the Mark

Pressing Toward the Mark

Philippians 3:13-14

Morning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for You

Morning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for You

Philippians 3:13-14

The Danger Of False Wisdom

The Danger Of False Wisdom

James 3:13-16

Suffer For Righteousness’ Sake

Suffer For Righteousness’ Sake

1 Peter 3:13-17

United In Love And Ruled By God’s Peace

United In Love And Ruled By God’s Peace

Colossians 3:14-15

The Responsibilities of Church Members

The Responsibilities of Church Members

1 Timothy 3:14-15

Message 7: Living with Commitment

Message 7: Living with Commitment

Revelation 3:14-22

What Will Jesus Say to Bethel?

What Will Jesus Say to Bethel?

Revelation 3:14-22

How to Know the Will of God

How to Know the Will of God

Philippians 3:15

Is Church Membership Important?

Is Church Membership Important?

1 Timothy 3:15

30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Services - Message: Thirty Significant Years

30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Services - Message: Thirty Significant Years

Matthew 3:15

Knowing Our Precious Bible

Knowing Our Precious Bible

2 Timothy 3:15-17

Will God Keep His Promise?

Will God Keep His Promise?

Galatians 3:15-18

For God So Loved The World

For God So Loved The World

John 3:16

Filled With The Spirit In Word And Songs

Filled With The Spirit In Word And Songs

Colossians 3:16

Peace Always By All Means

Peace Always By All Means

2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Having Peace Always in Every Circumstance

Having Peace Always in Every Circumstance

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

Who Are You Following?

Who Are You Following?

Philippians 3:16-19

God’s Message to Israel and Egypt

God’s Message to Israel and Egypt

Exodus 3:16-22

God’s Instructions For The Family

God’s Instructions For The Family

Colossians 3:17-18; Ephesians 5:22-24

The Blessing Of Heavenly Wisdom

The Blessing Of Heavenly Wisdom

James 3:17-18

Jubilation In Desolation

Jubilation In Desolation

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Transformed Into His Image

Transformed Into His Image

2 Corinthians 3:18

Why Then Have the Law?

Why Then Have the Law?

Galatians 3:19-22

God Is Able

God Is Able

Ephesians 3:20-21

Heavenly Or Earthly Minded

Heavenly Or Earthly Minded

Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Message 8 – Asking and Receiving

Message 8 – Asking and Receiving

1 John 3:20-24

What the Law Meant to Us?

What the Law Meant to Us?

Galatians 3:23-29

How Do You Stand Fast?

How Do You Stand Fast?

Philippians 4:1