1 Peter 1:3-5
~19 min read
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
💭 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?
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 PETERMorning Devotion 1Morning Devotion 1Psalm 1:1
The Commitment Of A Faithful ServantThe Commitment Of A Faithful ServantTitus 1:1
Christ, The Living WordChrist, The Living WordHebrews 1:1-2a
The Church at PhilippiThe Church at PhilippiPhilippians 1:1-2
Wonderful Words of LifeWonderful Words of LifePsalm 1:1-3
Called to Be SaintsCalled to Be Saints1 Corinthians 1:1-3
A Faith And Love That ShinesA Faith And Love That ShinesColossians 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 FaithTrue Saving Faith2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
The Final ConfrontationThe Final Confrontation2 Kings 1:1-4
Trouble in the ChurchTrouble in the Church1 Timothy 1:1-4
A Letter To The GalatiansA Letter To The GalatiansGalatians 1:1-5
Encouraging the Spiritual SonEncouraging the Spiritual Son2 Timothy 1:1-5
The Blessed ResurrectionThe Blessed Resurrection1 Peter 1:1-5
All Spiritual BlessingsAll Spiritual BlessingsEphesians 1:1-7
God of All ComfortGod of All Comfort2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Message 1Message 1Haggai 1:1-7
God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassGod’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassExodus 1:1-7
Message 1: Make Sure Your SalvationMessage 1: Make Sure Your Salvation1 Peter 1:1-9
Message 1: Privilege and Promptness in ServiceMessage 1: Privilege and Promptness in ServiceEzra 1:1-11
Morning Devotion 2Morning Devotion 2Psalm 1:2
The Sevenfold Supremacy of ChristThe Sevenfold Supremacy of ChristHebrews 1:2b-3
The Hope Of Eternal LifeThe Hope Of Eternal LifeTitus 1:2-4
Praise Be To GodPraise Be To God1 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 SalvationThe Essential Truths of Our Salvation1 Peter 1:3-5
Morning Devotion 3Morning Devotion 3Psalm 1:3-6
Elements of True JoyElements of True JoyPhilippians 1:3-6
The Blessings of SalvationThe Blessings of Salvation1 Peter 1:3-9
What Is Your Greatest Joy?What Is Your Greatest Joy?3 John 1:4
The Exemplary ChurchThe Exemplary Church1 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 SaintThe Blessings of Being a Saint1 Corinthians 1:4-9
The Blessedness Of Our Christian HopeThe Blessedness Of Our Christian HopeColossians 1:5-6a
The Need For Wisdom In Times Of TrialThe Need For Wisdom In Times Of TrialJames 1:5-8
Why Do We Need Godly Leaders?Why Do We Need Godly Leaders?Titus 1:5-9
Man’s Final DestinationMan’s Final Destination2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Dealing with FalsehoodDealing with Falsehood1 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 GospelThe Transforming Power Of The GospelColossians 1:6b-8
The Danger of Preaching Another GospelThe Danger of Preaching Another GospelGalatians 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 ResolutionsNew Year With New ResolutionsDaniel 1:8
The Benefits Of PrayerThe Benefits Of PrayerSelected Scriptures
The Recipients of ComfortThe Recipients of Comfort2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)2 Timothy 1:8-12
From Prosperity to PersecutionFrom Prosperity to PersecutionExodus 1:8-14
Message 2Message 2Haggai 1:8-15
The Need For PrayersThe Need For PrayersColossians 1:9
Growing in GodlinessGrowing in GodlinessPhilippians 1:9-11
Message 5: Praying for the ChurchMessage 5: Praying for the ChurchPhilippians 1:9-11
Growing in GodlinessGrowing in GodlinessPhilippians 1:9-11
Trial Is No Respecter Of PersonsTrial Is No Respecter Of PersonsJames 1:9-12
Prayer for Spiritual ExcellencePrayer for Spiritual ExcellenceColossians 1:9-12
The Truth about ChristmasThe Truth about ChristmasJohn 1:9-14
Walk Worthy Of The LordWalk Worthy Of The LordColossians 1:10-11
Be a God-Pleaser, not a Men-PleaserBe a God-Pleaser, not a Men-PleaserGalatians 1:10-12
How To Deal With Church Troublemakers?How To Deal With Church Troublemakers?Titus 1:10-14
Divisiveness Calls for Strong ActionDivisiveness Calls for Strong Action1 Corinthians 1:10-17
The Things We Should PrayThe Things We Should Pray2 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 AlarmThe Soul’s Warning Alarm2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Counted Worthy To Serve GodCounted Worthy To Serve God1 Timothy 1:12-14
Message 3Message 3Haggai 1:12-15
Thankful to GodThankful to God1 Timothy 1:12-17
In Times of AdversityIn Times of AdversityPhilippians 1:12-18
Message 3: Using The Right BibleMessage 3: Using The Right Bible1 Peter 1:13-2:3
How To Deal With TemptationHow To Deal With TemptationJames 1:13-15
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)2 Timothy 1:13-18
But When It Pleased GodBut When It Pleased GodGalatians 1:13-24
I Am Redeemed And ForgivenI Am Redeemed And ForgivenColossians 1:14
Christ, The Invisible GodChrist, The Invisible GodColossians 1:15
The Product Of Who We AreThe Product Of Who We AreTitus 1:15-16
Trouble in the ChurchTrouble in the ChurchPhilippians 1:15-18
God’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesGod’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesExodus 1:15-21
Defending Against False AccusationDefending Against False Accusation2 Corinthians 1:15-24
The Power Of The Gospel Of ChristThe Power Of The Gospel Of ChristRomans 1:16-17
Jesus Our Creator Loves Me, This I KnowJesus Our Creator Loves Me, This I KnowColossians 1:16-17; Romans 8:37-39
Remember Who God Is And Who We AreRemember Who God Is And Who We AreJames 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 WarfareWar a Good Warfare1 Timothy 1:18-20
The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than MenThe Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The Wonderful Word Of GodThe Wonderful Word Of God2 Peter 1:19
Be Receptive To The Word Of GodBe Receptive To The Word Of GodJames 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 GainFor to Me to Live is Christ, to Die is GainPhilippians 1:19-26
To Live is ChristTo Live is ChristPhilippians 1:19-26
Sola Scriptura – Scriptures AloneSola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone2 Peter 1:20-21
The Exceeding Greatness of His PowerThe Exceeding Greatness of His PowerEphesians 1:20-23
Doers of the WordDoers of the WordJames 1:21-25
The Faith Of A Beloved MotherThe Faith Of A Beloved MotherExodus 1:22-2:10; Hebrews 11:23
Be Responsive To The Word Of GodBe Responsive To The Word Of GodJames 1:22-25
The Faith of JochebedThe Faith of JochebedExodus 1:22-2:10
The Evidence Of Our SalvationThe Evidence Of Our SalvationColossians 1:23a
Acknowledging God's PresenceAcknowledging God's PresenceMatthew 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 LordLet Us Glory in the Lord1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Living Worthy of the GospelLiving Worthy of the GospelPhilippians 1:27-30
Live your life worthy of the GospelLive your life worthy of the GospelPhilippians 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 GodThe Indispensable Component In Serving GodColossians 2:1-2a
The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)The Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Part 1)Philippians 2:1-2
Pray for All MenPray for All Men1 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 FellowshipLet's Have FellowshipPhilippians 2:1-4
A Praying ChurchA Praying Church1 Timothy 2:1-4
The Danger of Drifting AwayThe Danger of Drifting AwayHebrews 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 GospelStanding for the Truth of the GospelGalatians 2:1-5
Understanding the End TimesUnderstanding the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:1-5
Message 4Message 4Haggai 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 LoveMessage 1: Living with First LoveRevelation 2:1-7
Pray and PrayPray and Pray1 Timothy 2:1-8
Message 5Message 5Haggai 2:1-9
God’s WorkmanshipGod’s WorkmanshipEphesians 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 PartialityThe Sin of PartialityJames 2:1-13
Message 2: Precept and Praise in ServiceMessage 2: Precept and Praise in ServiceEzra 2:1-3:13
This Is What I Wish For You To Have And To BeThis Is What I Wish For You To Have And To BeColossians 2:2b-5
Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makersMessage 6: The Church & Disciple-makers2 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 ExampleThe Ultimate ExamplePhilippians 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 SinThe Need to Confront Sin2 Corinthians 2:5-11
The Ultimate ExampleThe Ultimate ExamplePhilippians 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 SalvationThe Evidence Of Our SalvationColossians 2:6-7
One Gospel, Different MinistriesOne Gospel, Different MinistriesGalatians 2:6-10
What Is Christmas?What Is Christmas?Philippians 2:6-11
Be Ready for the End TimesBe Ready for the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:6-12
The Wisdom of GodThe Wisdom of God1 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 ResurrectionRemember The Resurrection2 Timothy 2:8
Be Thou Faithful Unto DeathBe Thou Faithful Unto DeathRevelation 2:8-11
Message 2: Living with FaithfulnessMessage 2: Living with FaithfulnessRevelation 2:8-11
Our Motivation for Serving SacrificiallyOur Motivation for Serving Sacrificially2 Timothy 2:8-13
Joy to the WorldJoy to the WorldLuke 2:8-14
Responding to Christ's BirthResponding to Christ's BirthLuke 2:8-17
Message 1: The Nature of FaithMessage 1: The Nature of FaithEphesians 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 GodThe Chosen People of God1 Peter 2:9-10
The Greatest NameThe Greatest NamePhilippians 2:9-11
Message 4: Submission To AuthoritiesMessage 4: Submission To Authorities1 Peter 2:9-25
The Captain of Our SalvationThe Captain of Our SalvationHebrews 2:10
The Natural Man and The Spiritual ManThe Natural Man and The Spiritual Man1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Message 6Message 6Haggai 2:10-19
Our Spiritual Union With ChristOur Spiritual Union With ChristColossians 2:11-12
The Wonderful Grace Of GodThe Wonderful Grace Of GodTitus 2:11-15
Moses in EgyptMoses in EgyptExodus 2:11-15
Jesus, Our Sanctifier and ConquerorJesus, Our Sanctifier and ConquerorHebrews 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 GodGood Friday Service: Reconciliation with GodEphesians 2:11-18
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 LifeLiving a Sanctified LifePhilippians 2:12-13
Our Victory in ChristOur Victory in Christ2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Message 3: Living in Doctrinal PurityMessage 3: Living in Doctrinal PurityRevelation 2:12-17
Work Out Your Own SalvationWork Out Your Own SalvationPhilippians 2:12-18
What It Means To Be ForgivenWhat It Means To Be ForgivenColossians 2:13-14
Moving Forward Not BackwardMoving Forward Not BackwardPhilippians 2:13-14
We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the TruthWe Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Stop Murmuring and ComplainingStop Murmuring and ComplainingPhilippians 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 MineShow Me Your Faith, And I Will Show You MineJames 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 VictoryFaith In Christ Is The VictoryColossians 2:15
The Importance of Bible StudyThe Importance of Bible Study2 Timothy 2:15
Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the WorldMessage 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World1 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 LegalisticThe Danger Of Being LegalisticColossians 2:16-17
Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and StrengthFacing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Jesus, Our High PriestJesus, Our High PriestHebrews 2:16-18
Moses in the Desert of MidianMoses in the Desert of MidianExodus 2:16-25
The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: PaulThe Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: PaulPhilippians 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 DeceptionThe Danger Of Spiritual DeceptionColossians 2:18-19
Message 4: Living in Moral PurityMessage 4: Living in Moral PurityRevelation 2:18-29
The Amazing Prospect And Awesome Responsibility Of Being A ChristianThe Amazing Prospect And Awesome Responsibility Of Being A ChristianEphesians 2:19-22
The Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: TimothyThe Exemplary Example of a Spiritual Servant: TimothyPhilippians 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 SpiritualityThe Vanity Of Self-Denial To Achieve SpiritualityColossians 2:20-23
Message 7Message 7Haggai 2:20-23
Faith In ActionFaith In ActionJames 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 Sacraments30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the SacramentsActs 2:41-47
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and FellowshipActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the PrayersActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The WorldActs 2:42
Lessons From The First ChurchLessons From The First ChurchActs 2:42-47
Having Confidence In Times Of TroubleHaving Confidence In Times Of TroublePsalm 3
Seek Those Things Which Are AboveSeek Those Things Which Are AboveColossians 3:1-2
A Warning To Want-To-Be TeacherA Warning To Want-To-Be TeacherJames 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 DiscernmentThe Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentPhilippians 3:1-2
Pray for UsPray for Us2 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 LoveThe Danger of Self Love2 Timothy 3:1-4
Bought With A PriceBought With A PriceHosea 3:1-5
Remember How You Were Saved!Remember How You Were Saved!Galatians 3:1-5
Message 5: Living in WatchfulnessMessage 5: Living in WatchfulnessRevelation 3:1-6
Jesus is Greater than MosesJesus is Greater than MosesHebrews 3:1-6
Our Sufficiency is of GodOur Sufficiency is of God2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Qualifications of EldersQualifications of Elders1 Timothy 3:1-7
Moses and the Burning BushMoses and the Burning BushExodus 3:1-9
The Danger Of An Uncontrolled TongueThe Danger Of An Uncontrolled TongueJames 3:1-10
To Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your FaithTo Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your Faith1 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 FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
True Believers Worship God in Spirit and in TruthTrue Believers Worship God in Spirit and in TruthPhilippians 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 TongueThe Power Of The TongueJames 3:3-6
Nothing to Boast OfNothing to Boast OfPhilippians 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 AlongGod Leads Us Along2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
Remember How We Were SavedRemember How We Were SavedTitus 3:4-8
Glorify God, Not MenGlorify God, Not Men1 Corinthians 3:4-9
Message 1: The Way to TrustMessage 1: The Way to TrustProverbs 3:5-6
Mortification Of SinMortification Of SinColossians 3:5-7
Allegiance to Truth or FriendshipAllegiance to Truth or Friendship2 Thessalonians 3:6
Saved by FaithSaved by FaithGalatians 3:6-9
The Age Old Promise of the GospelThe Age Old Promise of the GospelGalatians 3:6-18
Be Strong and CourageousBe Strong and Courageous2 Timothy 3:7
What Is Gain To Me Is LossWhat Is Gain To Me Is LossPhilippians 3:7-9
No Work, No EatNo Work, No Eat2 Thessalonians 3:7-10
Start and Finish WellStart and Finish WellHebrews 3:7-11
The Taming Of The TongueThe Taming Of The TongueJames 3:7-12
Message 6: Living for Global MissionsMessage 6: Living for Global MissionsRevelation 3:7-13
The Glory That Fadeth Not AwayThe Glory That Fadeth Not AwayExodus 34:28-35; 2 Corinthians 3:7-17
The Exceeding GloryThe Exceeding Glory2 Corinthians 3:7-17
Put Off All These ThingsPut Off All These ThingsColossians 3:8-9
Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and DeaconessesSpiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses1 Timothy 3:8-13
Message 5: Be Prepared To SufferMessage 5: Be Prepared To Suffer1 Peter 3:8-18
Divisiveness Calls For Strong ActionDivisiveness Calls For Strong ActionTitus 3:9-11
How Women Should Conduct ThemselvesHow Women Should Conduct Themselves1 Timothy 2:9-15
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ExampleThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example2 Timothy 3:10
Put On The New ManPut On The New ManColossians 3:10-11
The Power of Christ's ResurrectionThe Power of Christ's ResurrectionPhilippians 3:10-11
What are Your Spiritual Goals?What are Your Spiritual Goals?Philippians 3:10-11
Christ Bore Our CurseChrist Bore Our CurseGalatians 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 MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 3:10-17
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ConvictionThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction2 Timothy 3:11-15
Do Not Give UpDo Not Give Up2 Thessalonians 3:11-15
Recipes For A God-Honouring ChurchRecipes For A God-Honouring ChurchColossians 3:12
Pressing Toward The MarkPressing Toward The MarkPhilippians 3:12-14
We Need Faithful MenWe Need Faithful MenTitus 3:12-15
Harden Not Your HeartHarden Not Your HeartHebrews 3:12-19
Pressing Toward the MarkPressing Toward the MarkPhilippians 3:13-14
Morning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for YouMorning Devotion 2: God’s High Calling for YouPhilippians 3:13-14
The Danger Of False WisdomThe Danger Of False WisdomJames 3:13-16
Suffer For Righteousness’ SakeSuffer For Righteousness’ Sake1 Peter 3:13-17
The Responsibilities of Church MembersThe Responsibilities of Church Members1 Timothy 3:14-15
Message 7: Living with CommitmentMessage 7: Living with CommitmentRevelation 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 GodHow to Know the Will of GodPhilippians 3:15
Is Church Membership Important?Is Church Membership Important?1 Timothy 3:15
30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Services - Message: Thirty Significant Years30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Services - Message: Thirty Significant YearsMatthew 3:15
Knowing Our Precious BibleKnowing Our Precious Bible2 Timothy 3:15-17
Will God Keep His Promise?Will God Keep His Promise?Galatians 3:15-18
For God So Loved The WorldFor God So Loved The WorldJohn 3:16
Peace Always By All MeansPeace Always By All Means2 Thessalonians 3:16
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s WordThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word2 Timothy 3:16-17
Having Peace Always in Every CircumstanceHaving Peace Always in Every Circumstance2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Who Are You Following?Who Are You Following?Philippians 3:16-19
God’s Message to Israel and EgyptGod’s Message to Israel and EgyptExodus 3:16-22
The Blessing Of Heavenly WisdomThe Blessing Of Heavenly WisdomJames 3:17-18
Jubilation In DesolationJubilation In DesolationHabakkuk 3:17-19
Transformed Into His ImageTransformed Into His Image2 Corinthians 3:18
Why Then Have the Law?Why Then Have the Law?Galatians 3:19-22
God Is AbleGod Is AbleEphesians 3:20-21
Heavenly Or Earthly MindedHeavenly Or Earthly MindedPhilippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Message 8 – Asking and ReceivingMessage 8 – Asking and Receiving1 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
Living In Holiness To Please GodLiving In Holiness To Please God1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
A Biblical View of the MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 4:1-2
A Charge to KeepA Charge to Keep2 Timothy 4:1-5
The Danger of ApostasyThe Danger of Apostasy1 Timothy 4:1-5
Dealing With Conflict In The ChurchDealing With Conflict In The ChurchJames 4:1-6
How To Preach The WordHow To Preach The Word2 Corinthians 4:1-6
