John 3:16
~17 min read
💭 Consider this: Looking back, what occupied your heart most during the Christmas season? In light of this sermon, what is a truth you now realise more fully, and how can you apply it today?
TRANSCRIPT
Every year during Christmas, people would question whether Christians should celebrate Christmas or not. Some would argue that Christmas is a pagan holiday that was adapted by the Romans and then Christianised. Others believe that Christmas has its roots in the Roman Catholic Church. Yet others say that no one knows when Jesus was born and there is no biblical mandate to celebrate such a holiday.
The word holiday comes from the Old English phrase holy day. So should we celebrate Christmas or not? Firstly, the Bible does teach us about the observation of holidays or holy days. It is not a sin if we celebrate, and it is not a sin if we do not celebrate.
Romans 14:5 says, “One man esteemeth one day above another, another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his mind. He that regardeth the day regardeth it unto the Lord. He that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.” In other words, if you do celebrate Christmas, you must regard this day as unto the Lord.
As 1 Corinthians 10:35 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” As Christians, when we celebrate Christmas, we must do it in a way that honours God, and we must keep Christ at the centre.
Sadly, today the world is desperately trying to remove Christ from Christmas and replacing Him with Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and worldly celebrations.
The best way to celebrate Christmas is to share the gospel about the birth of the Saviour of the world. And perhaps there’s no better way to remember the birth of Jesus than to focus on John 3:16, which undoubtedly is the most famous and well-known verse in all of Scripture.
Oftentimes, what is most familiar can cause profound truth in it to be overlooked. We think we know, and so we do not spend time to consider its importance. Who doesn’t know John 3:16? Some of us can memorise this verse by heart. But do we take time to dwell on this particular verse and consider all the profound truths?
Tonight, as we attend this Christmas Eve Worship Service, the title of our message is ‘For God So Loved The World’ and we want to learn three profound truths from this one verse.
I. The Greatest Love
Firstly, the greatest love. Look at the first part of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world”.
The word world, cosmos, can mean the world as in the earth. Remember, in the beginning God created the world, the physical earth. Or it can mean humanity, all the human beings. Or it can mean the evil world system, as Romans 12:2 says, “Be not conformed to this world,” which means do not pattern yourself after the evil values and influences of this world. So, depending on the context, we can understand what the word world means.
Here, the word world, is it the earth, humanity, or the evil world system? Note this: it has to do with salvation. So, it is a reference to humanity. Obviously, not everyone is saved. Only those who believe in God’s only begotten Son are saved, and they will have everlasting life.
Nonetheless, God loves the world of humanity, or mankind, and it is His desired Will that all human beings be saved. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
This view was held by John Calvin, who taught us the acronym TULIP, the name of a flower: T for total depravity, U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for the perseverance of the saints.
Now there is a group of people known as the hyper-Calvinists, which means higher than Calvin. They believe that the word world is a reference to the world of elect. In other words, God only loves the elect. And when Jesus came into this world, He only came for the elect, because only the elect believed and receive His salvation.
That is not true. Notice John 3:16 is a gospel invitation. Even though the whole world of humanity is undeserving of God’s salvation, He loves the people and He desires for them to be saved. That is why the word whosoever is an invitation for all to come and believe.
Whosoever also tells us that if potentially the whole world, everyone living on the face of this earth, believes in Christ, His death on the cross is still able to save everyone.
But to the hyper-Calvinists, as the late Reverend Timothy, the founder of the Bible Presbyterian movement in South-East Asia, said to them, ‘The gospel invitation is like a big departmental store with a sign that says, ‘Sales’, but only the buyers can enter’.
In other words, to them, Christ died for the elect. His death is sufficient only to those whom He elects. So, therefore, the gospel invitation is only to the elect.
One thing the hyper-Calvinists would not say to the unbelievers is that God loves you. Remember, they believe that God only loves the elect. Obviously, they do not understand the desired Will of God. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The truth is that God loves the world of sinners, and He desires for them to repent of their sins and believe in Him for salvation.
Who are these people? They are people who have fallen short of His standards. People who are sinners. People who do not deserve His love. As Romans 3:23 says, “For all,”—not some—”all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Some people would argue that most certainly everyone is not the same. Some are better than others. And they think to themselves, I am not as bad as those people languishing in the prisons, criminals, robbers, murderers, and so forth.
While that may be true in a sense, some are indeed better than others. But as far as God’s perfect standard of righteousness is concerned, everyone comes short.
It is like every one of us here trying to jump to Phillip Island. The better ones would be able to jump about twelve feet. Others would be able to jump about six feet, while yet others could only manage about two or three feet. The truth of the matter is that everyone comes short of trying to jump from here to Phillip Island, just as everyone comes short of the glory of God.
Since the fall of man in Genesis, man is born in sin. And because he is born in sin, he’s born to death. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death.” We do not become spiritually dead because we sin. We are spiritually dead because by nature we are sinful.
Today, when we look at the immoral declension of society, our grandparents will tell us the problem is because the young people are not in line with our heritage and our traditions. They have drifted away so far. We don’t have such problems, in those good old days. The environmentalists will tell us that the problem is because we are not in line with the environment.
Man’s trouble is not because he is out of harmony with his heritage or tradition or the environment. It is because he’s out of harmony with his Creator, the Almighty God.
The wages of sin is death means death in every form. The moment Adam disobeyed God, he died spiritually, which means separation from God. However, it also included physical death. Man was never meant to die either spiritually or physically, but due to his disobedience and sin, he died spiritually and physically.
But that is not the end. The final result of the wages of sin is the second death, the eternal death. Revelation 20:14 says, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
All men must die once unless Jesus comes for us in the rapture. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
On the day of judgment, when a man stands before the Almighty God and there are traces of sins found in his life, he will be sent to eternal damnation. The second death is a final and irreversible separation from God. It is to be eternally outside the presence of God and be cast into the lake of fire, a place the Bible says the fire never stops burning which means a million upon a million years, it is still not the end. You will still be tormenting in a place, the fire never stops burning.
If nothing happens, we would still be dead. We would still be living in sin. We would still be facing the prospect of eternal damnation. So what is the thing that is able to so dramatically change our situation? Well, it begins with, “For God so loved the world.” And what did He do?
II. The Greatest Sacrifice
This brings us to our second point: the greatest sacrifice. Look at the second part of verse 16 of John 3, “that he gave his only begotten Son.”
Why do we say it is the greatest sacrifice? Take a moment and consider the three factors in regard to God giving His only begotten Son. This is not exhaustive, but it is just for our contemplation.
Firstly, there is the time factor. God the Father and God the Son are eternal. They have no beginning and no ending. You and I exist at some point in time, at this present moment. But God’s existence goes beyond time. It is timeless.
For all eternity, God the Father and God the Son shared this loving relationship. Some of us here are married. Perhaps you got to know your husband or wife about thirty years ago. Some of us are parents. Perhaps we got our children about twenty years ago. That was where our loving relationship started. Can you imagine if we were to spend another fifty or one hundred years together, that loving relationship will continue to grow and blossom, right?
But the love of God the Father for His Son, and likewise the love of the Son for His Father, is from eternity past, which means there is no beginning, forever and ever. They were in this loving relationship, and yet God was willing to give His only begotten Son.
Secondly, there is the nature factor. As a husband and father, I love my wife and children. However, oftentimes I know that I should have loved them more, and I always find myself lacking in my love. Why? Because I am not perfect. Therefore, my love is also not perfect.
But God the Father and God the Son are perfect. Therefore, their love is also perfect. There was never a time whereby they should have loved each other more or they were lacking in their love. Their love is always perfect, complete, and absolute all the time.
Thirdly, there is the knowledge factor. God the Father and God the Son are all-knowing, omniscient. So, for God to send His only begotten Son means both of them knew that Jesus would be born of a woman. There would be no room in the inn. He would be born in a manger. He would live a perfect life, teaching the way of salvation. And yet, be rejected and persecuted.
He would suffer all kinds of hostilities. And ultimately, He would die on the cross and shed His precious blood to save those whom God loves. God the Father was willing to give His Son knowing what would happen to Him. And God the Son, Jesus Christ, was willing to come into this world knowing what would happen to Himself. They were not caught off guard. They were omniscient. They knew what would happen.
When we understand the time factor, the nature factor, and the knowledge factor, we have a glimpse of this greatest sacrifice that the world has ever seen.
Whenever we think of a sacrifice, we think of someone willing to die for another person, right? Donald Grey Barnhouse, the American theologian, gave two examples of exceptionally great human love and sacrifice to illustrate this point.
In one story, two men were trapped in a mine cave-in, and poisonous gas was leaking out. One man had a wife and three children. He had a gas mask, but the mask had been torn in the underground explosion, and he would have perished, apart from the act of the other man who was trapped with him.
The second man took off his own mask and forced it upon him and said, “You have Mary and the children. They need you. I’m single and alone. I can go.” When we hear of such an act like this, our hearts are moved with emotions.
The other story was about a little girl who had been crippled and needed an operation. The operation was provided for her. After the operation, she needed a blood transfusion, and her little brother volunteered to give his blood. He was taken to her bedside and watched silently and attentively as a needle was inserted into his veins and blood was fed into his sister’s body.
When the transfusion was over, the doctor placed his hand on the boy and told him that he had been very brave. The boy knew nothing about the nature of a blood transfusion. And the doctor knew nothing about the actual bravery of the little boy until he heard the little boy ask him, “Doctor, how long would it take for me to draw my last breath?”
He had gotten the idea that he would have to die to save his sister. And he was thinking that he was dying drop by drop, drip by drip, as his blood flowed into his sister’s body. But he did it anyway. These kinds of stories would sober us because in them we recognise something about the highest human love and sacrifice.
Take a moment and consider when God gave His only begotten Son, that was agape love. It was the highest and purest form of God’s love and sacrifice.
Both God the Father and God the Son knew that Jesus was born to die, and He would have to shed His blood on the cross of Calvary. It was not for those who were close to Him or for those who love Him that Jesus died, but for those who opposed God and were His enemies.
Remember Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Our salvation is written in His blood. Dear friend, consider the cross of Calvary, how Jesus, the Son of God, suffered for you and me. He knew then, before He came, and He willingly came.
He was scourged as He was stripped naked. As He was whipped, sharp tongs that were attached to the end of the whips would pierce through His skin. And as it was forced down, it would rip open His flesh. Nails were driven into His hands and His feet, with His body hanging, His full weight on those nails, through the nerves and into the bones. There was this excruciating pain.
Each time He breathed, He had to slowly push Himself upward so that air could be inhaled into His lungs and then be exhaled as well. His muscles would be paralysed with pain. And with the amount of blood loss came the inability to push Himself upward to gasp for air. Even one short breath would be most difficult, almost impossible. He had to fight with all His strength just to draw one breath.
And remember, Jesus knew all this would happen to Him, and yet He came. God the Father knew all this would happen to His Son, yet He gave Him.
The method which was commonly used to end a crucifixion was the breaking of the bones of the legs. This would prevent the person from pushing himself upward. Therefore, the air could not be exhaled. And then, suffocation would then take place.
For our Lord Jesus, this was totally unnecessary, because He died after six hours of crucifixion. Apparently, a Roman guard drove a spear in between the ribs upward, through, into the heart, where the blood and water gush out.
All this our Lord Jesus suffered for you and me. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” And the Bible records in just four simple words: “And they crucified Him” (Mark 15:25). That was the greatest sacrifice.
III. The Greatest Decision
Our final point is the greatest decision. Look at the last part of verse 16: “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Yes, God so loved the world. Yes, God gave His only begotten Son. Jesus came and He did what He came to do. He was born in a manger. He was subjected to what human beings were subjected to. He suffered and died for mankind. But there’s a condition for mankind to be saved, and that is they must believe.
In life, there are many things we can stay neutral. For example, it may be physical things, or secular opinions, or political views. We do not need to take a stand. We may choose to not take a stand. But as far as spiritual things are concerned, whether it be God and His Word, salvation and condemnation, believer and unbeliever, heaven and hell, there is no such thing as being spiritually neutral.
We are either for God or not. We are either with Him or against Him. We are either believers or unbelievers. We are either saved or eternally lost. Jesus Himself said, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30).
Dear friend, God loves us so much that He brought us to a Christmas Eve worship service like this to remind us of His greatest love. “For God so loved the world.” To remind us of His greatest sacrifice, that He gave His only begotten Son to come into this world to save us from our sins.
And He wants us to make the greatest decision in our lives: to believe in His Son so that we would not perish, which means we would not be judged for our sins.
The only way we can stand before God is to have our sins forgiven. The only way for our sins to be forgiven is to believe in Jesus, the only One who paid the penalty for our sins. Then when God looks at us, He will see the righteousness of Christ covering us. He will see Christ in us, and we shall have everlasting life.
Everlasting means eternal, perpetual, forever and ever, without end. Those whom Jesus saves, they would never lose their salvation. “No one,” Jesus said, “can pluck you out of My hand.” It will take someone greater than the Lord Jesus. And obviously, no one is greater than Him. Once we are saved, we are forever saved.
If you want salvation, you can have it. If you want the forgiveness of sin and not be judged for your sins, you can have it. If you want everlasting life and heaven be your eternal home, you can have it. But you must have it while you are still alive. Once you draw your last breath, it will be too late. There is no second chance after death.
Many years ago, when I was a teenager on a particular Christmas Eve, one of my friends had fallen down the steps and he was injured. A group of us rushed him to the hospital. At the A&E department, many ambulances were rushing in, many were totally intoxicated. Others were involved in fights while partying. Yet others were driving under the influence of alcohol and got into accidents.
The scene was so chaotic. It was packed with people. Some were screaming in pain. Others were crying. And those kind of cries was such that the person might have lost his life. It was in that kind of situation. But I will never forget, as one of the nurses pushed the patient into the operation theatre. She saw her friend, another nurse, and as they crossed paths in front of me, they smiled at each other and said, ‘Merry Christmas’.
At that time, I was still an unbeliever, and I thought to myself, what is so merry about Christmas? What a way to celebrate Christmas in the A&E department. What is so merry about it? That is the way the world celebrates Christmas. It is so meaningless. Either it is about Santa Claus, Christmas trees, presents, worldly celebrations, drinking, partying, merrymaking. That is not the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is to remember the birth of the Saviour of the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
And we remember the greatest love the world has ever seen, the greatest sacrifice, purer and higher than all the human sacrifices. And there must also be this greatest decision that the unbelievers must make, and that is to believe in the One who has come. The One who was born in a manger lived to die on the cross and shed His precious blood.
Jesus did what He came to do. He died the death which we all deserved. He was our substitute. There’s no way we can have salvation except to believe in the One who came for us and died on the cross for us. He was buried because of us. But on the third day, He rose again from the dead, and that is also because of us.
And we who believe in Him, one day, though our bodies be laid in the graves, but when Jesus comes in the clouds, our bodies will be raised, and then we will be in a glorified state to be with Him forever and ever. I pray that if you are still lingering outside the kingdom of God, there is no other way. Only Jesus saves. Come and believe in Him. You want salvation, you can have it. But you must have it now, before it is too late.
A blessed Christmas to all of you.
Let us pray. Our Father in Heaven, we give Thee thanks for such a reminder from Thy precious Word, one of the most famous and well-known verses in all of Scripture, John 3:16. And we have come to consider the profound truths in this one verse. In this one verse, Thou has taught us and reminded us of the greatest love, the greatest sacrifice, and the greatest decision a man or a woman can make in his life.
And we pray that as believers who have embraced Jesus Christ by faith, we will continue to make decisions to live for Him. As Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” And for those who are outside Thy kingdom, may the Spirit of God convict their hearts that they may come to know there’s only one Saviour, one way to salvation, and that is through Thy only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who came about two thousand years ago.
He lived on the face of this earth, walked on this earth, and ultimately died and was crucified on the cross, shedding His precious blood. He was brought down, buried, but He rose again, and He was ascended unto heaven, sitting at the right hand of Majesty. And He is watching us at every moment of our lives. O Lord, we pray that as we remember Christmas, we remember Him, the birth of the Saviour of the world. This is the true meaning of Christmas. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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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
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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
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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
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The Essential Truths of Our SalvationThe Essential Truths of Our Salvation1 Peter 1:3-5
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Elements of True JoyElements of True JoyPhilippians 1:3-6
The Blessings of SalvationThe Blessings of Salvation1 Peter 1:3-9
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The Blessedness Of Our Christian HopeThe Blessedness Of Our Christian HopeColossians 1:5-6a
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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
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The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 2)The Greatness of Jesus Christ (Part 2)Hebrews 1:7-14
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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
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Message 2Message 2Haggai 1:8-15
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Growing in GodlinessGrowing in GodlinessPhilippians 1:9-11
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Counted Worthy To Serve GodCounted Worthy To Serve God1 Timothy 1:12-14
Message 3Message 3Haggai 1:12-15
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In Times of AdversityIn Times of AdversityPhilippians 1:12-18
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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
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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
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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
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Pray and PrayPray and Pray1 Timothy 2:1-8
Message 5Message 5Haggai 2:1-9
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
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-Honoring ChurchRecipes For A God-Honoring 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
God’s Provision In The Midst Of PovertyGod’s Provision In The Midst Of Poverty2 Kings 4:1-7
The Son of God Became the Son of ManThe Son of God Became the Son of ManGalatians 4:1-7
