Sheep Cast

Paul's teachings today are headed by the words "let no one" and they are as follows: let no one deceive themselves and let no one boast in men. We explore the text today to better understand how these teachings reveal a sinful tendency within all of us to bring glory to ourselves.

Paul teaches us in today's passage that the church is God's building. It is to be built wisely on the foundation of Christ. It is the holy temple of God and its identity is in the Spirit of God.

The Christian is the one who is in the Spirit. The Corinthians were under the impression that they were a spiritual elitist group and this was a source of boast for them. Paul states however, that they are like those who are not of the Spirit. This is an eye-opening and heart punching rebuke that is needed for the professing Christian, even today.

Paul shifts his attention to arguing for the pursuit of true wisdom; wisdom that reveals the mystery of the cross. This is a revelation that only comes from the work of the Spirit in us to bring forth a mind of Christ that leads our life to be more Christ-like.

Paul now draws our attention from the substance of what he preached, to how he preached it and the posture he maintained. All these things work in unison to present the truth of the gospel and they hinge on being Christ-centred.

The end of chapter 1 in 1 Corinthians reveals an honest and powerful reminder to the church of the nature of our calling, the humility of the believer, and the reality of our union with Christ.

Today we examine 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and read of the juxtaposition between the foolishness of man and the power of the gospel.

Today we will read of Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church. Paul addresses the issue within the church, identifies the visible problems, and then most importantly identifies the core issue at hand.

The opening to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians consists of a greeting and thanksgiving. But contained within this seemingly simple message is an important insight into the teachings of the rest of Paul's letter. Today we learn about the context of this letter and gain some insight into the important theological themes of this book.

This is our final sermon on the Book of Judges which completes a 7 month journey in the 21 chapters of this book. We will learn today that the grave depravity of men deserving of utter destruction is only and can only be preserved by the grace of God. His will upholds the unrighteous and gives faith to faithless.

Judges 20 teaches us about the ramifications of sin and the result of unresolved sin. The community of Israel seeks the Lord and seeks to address the evil of Gibeah, but they are met with opposition by the Benjamites. This leads to God's judgment upon them, demonstrating the need for God's righteous judgment upon sin.

Judges 19 serves as an emphatic and harsh reminder to us all that outside the grace of God, we live in a totally fallen world with totally fallen people. And we are no different. This chapter is uncomfortable but maybe what we need as we live in the comforts of sin is a shake up.

This week's question: What is the virtue of modesty? What does it look like to uphold it as a church?

Micah and the tribe of Dan have something in common. They are thieves. They both take as they wish and do as they wish in hopes of gaining something they so do not deserve. And what is gleaned from their nonsense is false religion and false worship of God. There is a lesson contained in this for us all in Judges 18.

Today we read from chapter 17 of Judges and will turn to a stark contrast in this book. The contrast in narrative begins the final section of the Book of Judges where we will read of Micah and his nominal spirituality. Micah is a great reflection of our own hearts today.

The story of Samson has been one that has shattered our understanding of what it means to be a servant of the Lord. Samson is at best an unconventional leader and certainly one that breaks the biblical mould. In the final chapter on Samson we are taught about weakness and strength.   Join us again next Sunday:  https://www.twitch.tv/sheepgatefellowship

Samson is confronted by both the Philistines and his own countrymen. They both oppose God, a non-believing and believing community. What is concerning is the attitude before God and our tendency to make God our enemy. But the beauty of God is revealed in that those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.   Join us again next Sunday at 1PM:  https://www.twitch.tv/sheepgatefellows...

This chapter is a very odd narrative with lots of mystery and indirect messages. We need to read carefully to understand that what we are learning is something important about our sinful nature and God's power and providence.

Judges 13 is the nativity narrative of Samson, perhaps the most famous of Israel's judges. What we read today does give us insight into this birth story, but more importantly it reveals deep lying sins within us, and the magnitude of God's grace and awesomeness. Let us come before Him in awe. Join us again next Sunday at 1PM:  https://www.twitch.tv/sheepgatefellowship

This week's question: When we are called to do all things for the glory of God, what does it mean to make choices that honour God in career steps? What are some ways we can keep ourselves from falling into selfish ambition in our intentions for good stewardship?

Judges 12:8-15 gives us a very brief notation on three of Israel's judges. The verses are easy to overlook and disregard but upon close examination, the record of these men reminds us of an important fundamental understanding that all believers must have.

This week's question: What are some questions we can ask ourselves to be better stewards of our time and resources? Finding a balance between being too lazy or too busy?

We are very eager to make senseless or foolish vows with God in hopes of attaining something for our gain. What we should be focusing on is trusting in God, and pursuing a heart that yields to the will of God no matter our circumstance. Jephthah's vow is a huge error, and it teaches us to be careful in following his steps.   Join us again next Sunday:  twitch.tv/sheepgatefellowship

This week's question: Should all Christians be making disciples?

In the 11th chapter of Judges we learn of Jephthah, the ninth judge, who engages in a discourse with the Ammonites regarding disputed land. But in this section we learn of how he was rejected by his own brothers only to be looked to for deliverance. We too reject Christ but we must turn to him for salvation. Join us again next Sunday at 1PM: https://www.twitch.tv/sheepgatefellowship