'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.

Luke 15:25-32 These 3 glorious parables of chapter 15 are reaching their mighty crescendo in the actions of the ‘older son’. The point is not the prodigal, the point is the older brother. The party has begun, but he refuses to come in. Both the younger brother and the father’s actions have scandalised the older son. Grace infuriates him. It doesn’t seem fair. With the father heading outside, we see that he indeed has always had two lost sons, not one.

Luke 15:11-24 Having just given the parables of the Lost Sheep & Lost Coin, we can comfortably say that Jesus has well and truly made His point. The sight of tax collectors and sinners coming to Him on bended knee should evoke wonder, praise, and joyous celebration. Grumbling and anger over such good news makes no sense, it’s unnatural. And yet the Pharisees and Scribes won’t come to the party. So, Jesus rams home his point with a final parable in defence of His ministry toward the most notorious sinners. The Parable of the Prodigal Son has 3 main characters: The father, the younger son, and the older son. This morning we’ll consider the first act of this great parable, which focuses on the father and the younger son. It is a story highlighting the depths of depravity and rebellion, and the heights of grace and redemption.

‘What Brings Joy to God?’ Luke 15:1-10 In defence of his ministry to the outcasts and social ‘deplorables’, Jesus gives 3 beautiful parables concerning God’s heart to seek and save the lost. Each parable is filled with celebration over sinners coming home! Themes include: salvation, grace, rejoicing in heaven, lost being found, eternal life.

Luke 14:25-35 Having left a dinner meal with the Pharisees, Jesus is now again confronted by a great multitude wanting to follow him. His popularity is increasing but Jesus knows that many are jumping on the bandwagon and haven’t considered where this road heads. Willing to risk his numbers, Jesus confronts the crowds with a shocking ultimatum. When it comes to following him, it’s either ‘all or nothing’. Jesus’ terms for discipleship are startling and even outrageous. Who does he think he is to demand so much?

Luke 14:12-24 Our scene returns with Jesus still at the dining table of a prominent Pharisee’s home. He has just unmasked their pride and warned them that if they continued to refuse to humble themselves, God would humble them everlastingly. Jesus now goes on to explain what true hospitality looks like and who are the ones that will be welcomed into the eternal kingdom of God. Jesus does this with an unforgettable parable: A mega banquet is all prepared, but the invited guests make a myriad of last-minute excuses seeking to be excused. Will the banquet turn out to be a flop? Will the Great Hall be empty? Jesus reveals that when it comes to the guests of the kingdom of God, the exclusions will be shocking. But it will be the ‘inclusions’ that will truly be unbelievable...

Luke 14:1-11

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 We worship what we Behold and We become what we behold. One of the ongoing battles christians face everyday is to not rely on our good works for assurance but on the person and work of Jesus. We can have the tendency to think that Glorifying God is to simply obey him and his commands. While this may be true in part, truly Glorifying God should come as a result of Beholding his Glory and its resulting obedience. Trying to Glorify God without beholding him is like spinning our wheel in the dirt with our obedience and sheer human will and not going anywhere. This passage encourages us to abandon any hope and assurance that we may place in our own works, remembering that bearing fruits is the work of the Spirit. But rather we are to hold on to Jesus and behold his Glory. We need to behold Christ because: - He is our sufficiency and therefore our confidence - He is more Glorious - He has enabled us to see his Glory through his person and work in salvation - His Glory drives true and everlasting transformation... This passage reminds us that the new covenant through Christ is more Glorious. Since the person and work of Jesus is sufficient and greater in Glory, then as we behold his Glory that is what drives our transformation into the image of Jesus.