Luke 18:9-14 We come to one of Jesus’ most well-known parables. When it came to the kingdom of God, Jesus loved to teach in ‘twos’: two roads, two destinations, two responses… Here Jesus paints a picture of two common approaches to God. Two man come to pray, however, only one leaves saved. Themes include: Pride, humility, propitiation, justification, mercy, repentance, faith, salvation.

Luke 17:1-6 Jesus turns his focus from the religious leaders to his disciples. They need to know how they are to live as brothers and sisters, fellow citizens of the kingdom. Jesus shows them that He is calling them to be a community committed to the spiritual wellbeing of one another. Such commitment involves: leading each other in the way (not out of the way!), confronting one another over sins, being humble enough to repent and gracious enough to forgive. This will prove no easy feat, actually it might just be impossible. But God is willing to do great things though our faith in Him may seem small.

‘Divorce & Remarriage Pt.2’ Luke 16:18 Having been publicly ridiculed and even denounced by the Pharisees, Jesus counters with a telling revelation. His ‘welcoming’ of sinners has made them conclude that He disregards the Law of God. Jesus, however, unmasks them as the true Lawbreakers by turning the conversation to the subject of divorce and remarriage. This isn’t the first time Jesus addresses the subject of divorce and remarriage, but this time he uses it to turn the spotlight upon the religious leaders…

Luke 16:18 Having been publicly ridiculed and even denounced by the Pharisees, Jesus counters with a telling revelation. His ‘welcoming’ of sinners has made them conclude that He disregards the Law of God. Jesus, however, unmasks them as the true Lawbreakers by turning the conversation to the subject of divorce and remarriage. This isn’t the first time Jesus addresses the subject of divorce and remarriage, but this time he uses it to turn the spotlight upon the religious leaders…

James 2:14-26: Faith without action is a dead faith that saves no one. Let's not be "all faith and no action!"

Here we have yet another helpful example to the suffering, persecuted church of the audience of the Hebrews. Noah, a man rejected by the entirety of the world. A man who would not have even known what an ark was, perhaps not even known what a flood was, and yet is warned by God of the coming wrath of God, and by faith, takes God at His Word. Noah would persevere by faith, would preach the coming judgement, all this would take place over approximately 75 years, before even a sign of the end, and yet Noah clings to God. The same message that saves, condemns. Yet still we must proclaim the gospel, still, by the grace of God, we must cling to Christ, for Christ is our ark, he is our only means of salvation. And by trusting in Christ, we are made "an heir of righteousness that comes by faith". We are adopted in the family of God, and granted all the privileges and promises that come with being called heirs, sons and daughters of God.

1. A declining spiritual condition : The people were in great trouble and shame. The walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed, leaving the people vulnerable and insecure. They had abandoned God's commands and had returned to worshipping idiols. 2. The prayer for a broken life: Being in spiritual decline doesn't have to be the end. Nehemiah would show his servant heart and intercede for the people in a corporate prayer of confession. A prayer that recognises who God is, and encourages a heart felt desire to return to God in prayer. 3. Called to serve: Nehemiah is being called to serve God as others before him were. He is an example to us. If we are willing to be obedient to God, He will use those, that He has and will continue to equip. (Themes: Prayer, Serving, Repentance, Obedience)

'A Faith That Speaks In Life And Death' - Harrison Gallagher Hebrews 11:4-6 In light of the previous verses leading up to this, the author wishes to explain to us what it means, what it looks like that 'the just shall live by faith'. The first example is of two brothers (vs 4), both offering sacrifices, both coming to God in worship. Cain coming not by faith, but standing on his own merit, Abel came by faith, in faith, and it was faith that made all the difference, it was faith that made one an excellent sacrifice, and the other left sin crouching at the door. The second example is that Enoch (vs 5), a man of whom so little is said, and yet in this genealogy he stands out, not as one who died, but as one whom God took. It was by faith that God took Enoch walked with God, it was by faith that Enoch escaped death. Because what we see here (vs 6) is that it wasn't that God accepted Abel because of his sacrifice, it wasn't that Enoch escaped death because of his close walk with God, but that these thing flowed out of the gift of faith from God. Faith pleases God, because our object of faith is Jesus Christ, who is the with whom God is well pleased. So Christian, won't you believe that God is exists, that God is who He says He is in the Bible? Won't you believe that God is gracious in rewarding us with all the abundant blessings in Christ, and above all the, with the great reward of Himself. Let us to worship and walk by faith, for all our days, until we too are called home, escaping death once and for all. (Themes: Faith, worship, walking by faith, faith in Christ, our testimony by faith, Christian living, let Scripture light our path)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

‘A Telegram from Hell’ Luke 16:19-31

Hebrews 11:1-3 The audience of Hebrews, who are hearing this sermon preached to them are going through trials and sufferings for the sake of their profession of faith in the gospel. The author sees how they are growing weary and exhorts them to perseverance, in that the same faith that saved them, is the same faith that will carry them on the narrow road. He does this by first highlighting a particular aspect of faith, that because of the object of our faith (Jesus Christ) we have a certainty of receiving that which God has promised. As evidence of this the author points back to the Old Covenant, and shows them that the same faith that saved the men of old, and brought them through many hardships, is the same faith in the New Covenant. Surely God has not changed and can do the same for them. Though they cannot see God, or the blessed hope of eternal life, we look and live not by sight but by faith, and he helps them, encourages them that they are already doing so. As they lift their eyes and see the wonderful works of Creation and declare that God is Creator, they weren't there when creation occurred, they weren't in the heavenly council when God spoke that which now exists out of nothing. They simply trust God and take him at His word. So to should they now take God at His word and trust that all the glories of heaven awaits them, for thus says the Lord. Themes: Faith alone. Perseverance. Scripture. Sovereignty of God. Faith in Christ. Assurance of our salvation. Suffering, hardships, trials.

Psalm 90:1-17 (ESV) Perhaps one of the more famous Psalms. A Psalm of deep prayer of intercession from Moses on behalf of the people of Israel. Moses reflect on how God has been their dwelling place, their comfort, their home from generation to generation, they have now been afflicted as a result of their disobedience, and their turning from God, and they are now in the hands of holy God, one who will not tolerate sin, and their days are filled with his wrath. Yet, as they turn to God, their only plea is God's covenantal love, His steadfast love, His mercy, and in their plea of repentance, they beg of the Lord to turn from His anger and fill their days with resounding joy and gladness. Now being their Lord, their God, they see that their only hope, and their only joy in life is to do the work of the Lord, and so it turns to a prayer of asking that the Lord would establish the work of their hands. That as they work, as they count their days, they see that the only thing worthy of their time, energy and love, is that which is directed Godward. How much more should this be the prayer of the Christian, as we live in light of the first advent of Christ, looking to the second advent of Christ? "Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" (Psalm 90:17) Themes: Sovereignty of God, mortality of man, wrath and mercy of God, we are sinful, living and working as a result of the God's saving grace

Luke 16:14-18 Having just given the parable of the dishonest manager as a lesson for his disciples on using money and wealth with an eternal perspective, the Pharisees now chime in. They had been eavesdropping the whole time. Their ridiculing of Jesus only reveals the god of their hearts - money! Jesus call them out for seeking to justify themselves instead of having God justify them. They use the Law to suit their agenda, but Jesus reminds them of both the purpose and permanence of the Law. It pointed to the promise. And the promise was standing in human form, right in front of them. Again, Jesus reminds His adversaries that the Kingdom of God has come, now is the time to enter. There is urgency in His voice. They have everything to gain and everything to lose… Themes include: the kingdom of God, salvation by grace and faith, the Law, love of money, the Scriptures, the promises of God.

Luke 16:1-13 Our Lord here desires to have His people thinking much about their glorious future and the opportunities before them. To do this, Jesus gives a perplexing parable about an unbeliever whom believes have much to learn from! Jesus states that unbelievers are often sharper with their money than Christians are. We should be seeking to use our wealth to benefit others, who may as a consequence, come to know the Lord Jesus. Thus in serving others and not ourselves, we prove to be faithful servants of God. We know all too well that money and wealth are often a snare. We must be resolved to never serve them. Rather, we should use them to serve the Lord. Themes include: Heavenly-mindedness, devotion, idolatry, faithfulness (ours), service, contentment.

1 Timothy 4:1-16 After all his training under Paul, the young Timothy has been commissioned to pastor the church at Ephesus. Paul warns his graduated apprentice that tough times are coming. For false teachers inspired by demons will be seeking to lure away sheep entrusted to his care. Timothy must combat this coming enemy on two fronts: 1) Keeping a close watch over his own spiritual walk and pursuit of godliness, and 2) teaching the Scriptures unwaveringly.