ENC Sermons

The Grace of Christmas 1. Jesus is the Hope of Israel - As their kingly ruler - With a robust hope 2. Jesus is the Saviour of the World - For those with baggage - For religious outsiders

Introduction This is God’s purpose Knowledge of God’s purpose gives confidence Confidence of what we know enables us to please the Lord

Those who belong to the Lord, become like the Lord (v1-8) Holiness is … Generous (v9-10) Holiness is … Honest (v11-12) Holiness is … Fair (v13-14) Holiness is … Just (v15-16) Holiness is … Loving (v17-18) Jesus Preaches Leviticus 19

Living as Faithful Exiles (v11-12) Submitting to God in the Civil Realm (v13-17) Submitting to God in the Workplace (v18-25)

1 - The Place of Worship (v4-8) 2 - The Messengers of Worship (v9-10)

1 - Families that Last, Love (1v22-25) Love One Another As those Born of God’s Lasting Seed 2 - Families that Listen, Grow Up (2v1-3) Know What You Need Know How Grown-ups Live

1 - Looking Forward (v13) ⁠As People of Hope By preparing for action And setting our hope fully on Christ 2 - Looking Up (v14-16) ⁠ ⁠As Obedient Children Don't go back to your old ways But take on the likeness of your Father 3 - Looking Back (v17-21) ⁠As Precious Children Remember what you have been saved from Remember what you have been saved by

1. A Certain Hope (v3-5) Which Rests in God’s Work 2. A Suffering Hope (v6-9) Which Prepares us for Christ’s Return 3. A Privileged Hope (v10-12) Which Embraces Christ’s Pattern

1. We are an elect people Chosen by God to belong to him, and show his glory to the world. 2. We are exiled people Who will always be strangers in this world. 3. We are Christ’s people Who receive glory from God, through standing firm in our suffering.

Place Prophet Power Presence

1. You have been raised up, so look up (v1-4) 2. You have been raised up, so stop living down (v5-9) 3. You have been raised up, to unity in Christ’s image (v10-11)

1. Real faith grows; spiritual sluggishness risks it all (5:11-6:12) 2. Real faith endures; it can be steadfast and sure (6:13-20)

1. Trying to find Jesus (11-13) 2. Hearing his voice (14-16) 3. Joining his family (17-18)

The golden rule v1-13 The stark reality v13-23 The conclusion of the matter v24-29

Jesus trains his disciples to live according to kingdom reality v1 Jesus explains why pretence is so dangerous vv2-18 Jesus explains why worrying is so destructive vv19-34

Getting to know God depends on his revelation of himself Understanding God’s word is a vital source of light Loving God’s law is a life-giving liberation

The principles of Jesus’ Kingdom The intriguing and unexpected truth about what Jesus is doing Can this really be true? A call to all the world to praise our Father in heaven.

1. How do we get it? (11:25-20) 2. Can he really give it? (12:1-8) 3. What will it look like? (12:9-14)

1) Jesus descended becoming the perfect human before exaltation... (2v5-9) 2) ...bringing His family from death to glory... (2v10-18) By a) Destroying death (v14&15) b) Helping us when we are tempted to give up! (v17&18) 3) ...as God’s faithful Son (3v1-6)

IIntroduction – Beware of impressive strength! The Christian life can be full of great torment …. so we need a principled self-denial in our attitudes … … but may plead to the Lord and trust his wisdom!

Introduction – The letter which aches Increasing, overflowing, more & more language Prayer transcends earthly distance – but longs for presence Strong hearts until Christ’s coming