True Believers Worship God in Spirit and in Truth

TRANSCRIPT

(The first few minutes have been omitted.)

… In reality, they were serving their own selfish reasons: pride and promoting themselves instead of the glory of God. They were of the concision: physically they were circumcised, they were religious outwardly, they performed all the religious ceremonies, but inwardly their hearts were detached from God. Essentially, they were false believers. Then Paul said to the Philippians, "For we are the circumcision which worship God in spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh." In other words, we are different. We are true believers. We not only have the mark of circumcision but inwardly we are spiritually cleansed. We are transformed. Those whom God has spiritually transformed, they worship him in the spirit. They rejoice in Jesus Christ. They have no confidence in the flesh, only in God.

Dear friends, if you walk into a jewellery shop to buy a diamond and they offer you half the price for the diamond, the first thing you will want to know is whether it is genuine or not. If you go to the bank and deposit some large notes, it is reasonable for the bank teller to examine those notes to see whether they are true or not. Are they real or not? So, in everything in life, there's a reasonable sense in which we want to know the difference between what is true and what is false. But in Christianity, so many people take everything for granted just because they are brought up in a Christian country or in a Christian home or they have been coming to church all these years, they must surely be Christians. Is it really so? Do you not want to know whether or not your faith is real? Most certainly. So we want to focus on the first part of this truth that true believers worship God in the spirit. But before we talk about worshiping God in the spirit, we have to ask this question: What happened to us? What are the circumstances that led us to worship God in the spirit?

This morning, we want to do something different. Instead of focusing on the Apostle Paul's conversion, we want to consider another passage in John chapter 4, verse 4 to 30, which was our responsive reading. It was the passage about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, and how the Samaritan woman was led to believe and worship God. From that passage, we want to draw a parallel comparison or to draw parallel lessons about the circumstances that led you and I to the point whereby we worship God in the spirit.

The first amazing thing about this passage in John chapter 4 is that this Samaritan was a woman. You see, in those days, the women were not the focus in society. The priority was always given to the man. The Jews would always begin each morning with a word of prayer, and one of the things many Jewish men who pray every morning was a prayer that goes something like this: "Lord, I thank thee that I was not born a slave, a gentile, or a woman." The reason why they did that was because of the low status of such individuals in the land. The slave was despised, not only because he had no property to his name, but he had to perform the most menial tasks in the land. The Gentiles were despised because of their uncleanness. They did not perform the purification rights of the Jews. The woman was despised because she had no rights, no wealth, and no heritage. Yet, this Samaritan was not only a woman, but an adulterous woman because soon Jesus would reveal that she was married 5 times, so most likely divorced 5 times. And the man she was living with at that moment was not her husband. So of all the people in Israel, she could well be the worst, the outcast.

But the love of God is able to reach out to the king in the palace; it is also able to reach out to the murderer on death row. Is it not true, dear friends? Isn't that true about us too? We are all sinners. We have committed some of the most horrendous sins. We may not have committed the physical act of murder, but surely we have thought of some of the worst, unspeakable things to the person we hate. We have lied, gossiped, slandered, stolen, lusted—you name it, we have committed it. Whether it be in our speech, in our thoughts, or in our deeds, we are no better than the Samaritan woman. But the love of God has reached out to us and saved us.

The second amazing thing is that she was a Samaritan. In those days, there was this bitter rivalry between the Samaritans and the Jews. In the history of Israel, there was a time when the kingdom was divided into the northern kingdom and the southern kingdom. The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC; the southern kingdom fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. After the fall of the northern kingdom to the Assyrians, the Israelites were brought away from their land into exile in Assyria, and an Assyrian king brought some of his people to dwell in Samaria. The foreigners entered Samaria with the Israelites remaining in Samaria, and soon after, the word Samaritans became sort of a demeaning name. It speaks of a people who were not pure Israelites. It's a label for people who mixed the worship of the God of Israel, the one living and true God, with the idolatrous worship of the Assyrians. However, later on, the Samaritans abandoned the idols and worshiped the God of Israel alone. When the Jews returned from exile during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, their first priority was to build the temple.

The Samaritans immediately blessed their loyalty to the God of Israel and offered their help, but they were refused by the Jews. The Samaritans became very bitter from then onwards. The Jews built their own temple in Jerusalem. The Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim just before the New Testament time. During the 400 silent years, it was believed that the Jews destroyed the temple on Mount Gerizim, so you can imagine that would have led to great animosities between the Samaritans and the Jews, which they already had. During the time of Jesus, it would be easier to travel through Samaria, the city, to get to the other side because the distance would be shorter. But many Jews would rather travel a longer distance along the coast road all along the side of the Jordan in order to bypass Samaria. They did not want to have anything to do with the Samaritans.

To give you a picture of how bad the situation was, when the Jewish leaders wanted to insult Jesus, they called him a Samaritan. In John chapter 8, verse 48, the Jews said, "Did we not say well that you are a Samaritan and you have a devil?" So that was the background of the Samaritans and the Jews. Now back to our text in John 4, verse 4, the Bible says, "And he, Jesus, must need go through Samaria," which means it was necessary for Jesus to go through Samaria. Instead of avoiding Samaria, he ran into it.

I. The meeting

Why was it necessary for Jesus to go through Samaria? Because he had to meet someone. He had to meet the Samaritan woman at the well, someone whom the world would deem as insignificant, someone whom the world at that time would despise. But Jesus went out of his way into Samaria to meet this woman. He was there in the right place at the right time, and it was by God's appointment. What does that teach us?

This is how amazing God's love is. The love of God transcends all barriers of race, gender, language, traditions, and cultures. Jesus himself repeatedly said, "For the Son of Man is come to save that which is lost." Doesn't matter who that person is, he came to save the sinner who is lost. Take a look at our church today. We all come from different countries and backgrounds: Singapore, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, and so forth. Is it not the love of God in Christ Jesus that has brought us all together? As Galatians 3, verse 28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." We are all one in Christ.

The reason why you are a believer is not because you are fortunate to be born into a Christian family or you are wise enough to understand the gospel. It is simply because the love of God reaches out to you and saved you somewhere along the road of life. You met Jesus. You met him because he first sought after you, just as he went out of his way into Samaria to sit by the well, to meet the Samaritan woman.

Have you met Jesus Christ? Without this meeting, the Samaritan woman would never be saved. But it was not just a meeting. It was a meeting that led to some questions asked. In life, we ask questions because we want to know. We ask questions because we are confused. We ask questions because we have needs.

Look at the Samaritan woman. Her life was a sad and pathetic string of failed relationships. But think about this, why must she be married five times? As the saying goes, "Once bitten, twice shy." Isn't it enough for her to realise her folly the first time? And yet, she was married five times. The fact that she was married five times would indicate that she longed for fulfillment in her life, and she thought that it could be fulfilled in marriage. So one man came, then another, and another, and another, and perhaps she became so tired and sick about marriages, so much so that the man she was with now was not her husband. So she was cohabiting. It was a terrible sin.

Dear friends, what is the longing in your heart? What is the thing that you desire most in your heart? When we were infants, we thought life would be fulfilled when we became teenagers. Right? When we got bigger and stronger, when we became teenagers, we thought life would be fulfilled if you got a car. When we got a car, we thought life would be fulfilled when we graduated from colleges or universities. When we graduated, we thought life would be fulfilled when we got married. When we got married, we thought life would be fulfilled when we have children. Then the children grew up and left home, and we pinned all our hopes on our retirements. Life is full of longings and desires. But whatever our desires may be, nothing can ever satisfy. This only when we meet Jesus. Only Christ alone can satisfy our deepest desires.

II. The asking

Notice how this meeting led to the asking. But even in the asking, it was Jesus himself who first asked the woman, verse 5, “Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.” 12 P.M., and Jesus, in his humanity, was tired. And it was Jesus who asked the woman, "Give me to drink." It was a shock to her because here was a Jew who asked a woman, how much more a Samaritan woman? That was why she said in verse 9, "Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, 'How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.'"

But Jesus used this conversation to engage her and to turn the tables on her. What do we mean by that? When the conversation started, he was the one who was physically thirsty, and she was the one with the water. Now he spoke as if she was the one thirsty, and he was the one with the water. Look at verse 10, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." The woman was confused, and she said in verse 11, "Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From whence then hast thou that living water?" She was focusing on the physical water, while Jesus was focusing on the spiritual water.

The Living Water that Jesus was offering her was salvation in all its fullness, including the forgiveness of sin and a desire and ability to live an obedient life that glorifies God through the wonder-working of the indwelling spirit. So it was salvation in all its fullness.

It was not as if she did not understand anything about the Living Water. Throughout the Old Testament, there are many passages that talk about the Living Water, like in Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and even the psalmist. For example, Jeremiah the prophet warned the people in Jeremiah 17:13, "They have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water." She must have heard of this Living Water, but the physical needs had clouded her mind, and she was also skeptical of him being able to provide this Living Water. You know, the physical things of this Earth, the material things, can hinder us from our spiritual focus. That was why she said in verse 12, "Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?" Even Jacob could not provide water without first digging this well. In her mind, this Jewish man certainly was not greater than Jacob.

That was when Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again," referring to the physical water, just as whoever ate the manna in the wilderness will hunger again. Physical things cannot satisfy, you cannot fill it up. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (verses 13 and 14).

No doubt, Jacob should be rightly accorded a place of honour by both the Jews and the Samaritans, but Jesus Christ was far more superior. There was no comparison. What is man's greatest need? Man's greatest need is not to feed this physical body. Man's greatest need is to feed the soul with the Living Water of spiritual life. Man's greatest need is to have his sins forgiven and receive salvation. That is something that no one can ever provide, nothing you can ever do that will provide this Living Water, only Jesus Christ.

Dear friends, today you may be working, you are so consumed with making money and saving enough money to buy a house. Or you may be in high school or university and you're also engrossed in your academic studies. Or you may be taking piano lessons and you are so focused on passing the examination with distinctions. It is necessary for you to work hard, it is necessary for you to do all these things, but they are not your greatest needs, not even close. Your greatest need is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and to love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Let us move on to verse 15. The woman saith unto him, "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." At this point, the woman still did not understand this matter of spiritual transformation. When Jesus talked about the Living Water of eternal life, though she did not understand, she was most willing to accept. "If you are able to give me this Living Water and I do not need to thirst anymore, I do not need to come to this well and draw water, give this Living Water to me. Why not give it to me?"

But no sinner can ever be saved unless he understands two crucial things: the reality of sins and the need of a Saviour. If you do not acknowledge your sins, if you do not realise the consequences of your sins, that the wages of sin is death, eternal death, spiritual death, as well as physical death, you will not turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and in faith. That is why in sharing the gospel in evangelism, we must always preach about sin and the Saviour. If we only tell the people, "Believe in Jesus, you will be saved. Believe in Jesus, you will go to heaven. Believe in Jesus, you will have spiritual blessings," the people will say to you, like the Samaritan woman, “Give it to me then. Why not? I want it," without understanding the true meaning of salvation.

III. The conviction

Jesus, being omniscient (all-knowing), had to expose her sins. So he said in verse 16: “Go, call thy husband, and come hither.” He moved the conversation to her need for repentance and salvation from sin. He exposed her sins. Those who truly thirst for the salvation that God provides must confess and forsake their wicked ways. God cannot deliver someone who is not willing to be delivered. God cannot deliver someone who wants to continue in sin. There’s no salvation without repentance. We are not perfect as long as we live in this mortal body. We will still sin, but salvation must include or involve a radical change in our lives. Salvation must involve a turning away from our sins.

Verse 17: “The woman answered and said, I have no husband.” Jesus said unto her, “Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” The woman saith unto him, “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.” By saying that he was a prophet, she was affirming that what he said about her sinful life was true and accurate. In other words, she acknowledged her sins. But it is not good enough to say that Jesus was a prophet, or he was a teacher, or he was a shepherd. Salvation involves believing that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one whom God has promised, who has come to save his people from their sins. That is what the woman must believe in, and that is the person the woman must believe in. If you have been convicted of your sins, what would you do? You will want to turn to God, right?

The woman was convicted. This man had exposed her sins and she knew that she needed forgiveness. She wondered where she would have to turn to to seek God for his grace and salvation. Where should she go to? So she said in verse 20, “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain” (remember, the Samaritans worshipped in Mount Gerizim), “and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus saith unto her, “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews.” Jesus’ message was that the real issue was not where one should worship. It was not about a place. The one who worships God must believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the Messiah came from among the Jews. Salvation is of the Jews means that the Saviour came from the Jews, not from other groups, not the Samaritans. And He is the one you must believe in. He is the one whom you must put your trust in. The only one who can save you. Then Jesus said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Verse 23-24)

The phrase “the hour cometh, and now is” speaks of an urgency and personal call to the Samaritan woman. It was as if Jesus was saying to her, “You do not have to go up to the mountain to worship. It is not about Gerizim or Jerusalem. You do not have to go to that church up on the hill. Right here, right now, you can receive me by faith and worship right here.” Dear friend, the worship of God does not depend on the physical building. Earlier this week, some visitors from Singapore came and I brought them around the church. And they said nice things about this church. They said, “What a beautiful church sanctuary you have.” We thank God for that, but the worship of God does not depend on this physical building or the place. Those brethren who cannot come to church physically for whatever reasons - they may be sick, they may live in a remote place far away from church, they may be overseas - if one day you are lying on your sickbed, or you are paralysed, or you are in hospital, does it mean that you cannot worship God anymore? No! If you have received Jesus Christ into your life, you can worship God anywhere. You worship God in spirit and in truth, not dependent on the place or the time.

So the whole conversation was turned to the Messiah. It was all about the Messiah. And the woman said in verse 25, “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” She did not recognize him as the Messiah. She heard about the Messiah who would come. He will be the one who will provide salvation. He will be the one who will teach the truth. So she was still looking for the arrival of the Messiah. That was when Jesus revealed to her that he was the Messiah. And this was what Jesus said “I that speak unto thee and he.” (verse 26). In other words, “I am the Messiah. I am the anointed one. I am the Christ whom God has promised, who will come and save His people from their sins. Believe in Me and you will have salvation.”

IV. The belief

You know, the Bible tells us the woman was so happy and excited. Then she dropped everything she was doing and ran all the way into the city. And told the people, "Come and see this man who told me everything that I ever did. No man can ever do that except God. Is not this the Christ, the Messiah? Come and see. Isn't it amazing?"

When you look at the entire passage, she met Jesus at the well, certain questions were asked, her sins were exposed, she was convicted, the Messiah revealed to her who He was, she believed, and then she became evangelistic. She ran all the way and tried to bring the people to Jesus.

Dear friends, isn't that a picture of our lives? Somewhere along the way, we met our Lord Jesus, whether it be in a church worship service or in a gospel rally or reading an evangelistic tract. We met Him because He first sought after us. There were many questions in our minds, in our hearts. We were troubled by many questions about life and death, heaven and hell, salvation, and God answered those questions through His Word, the Bible. He speaks to us in a more special way. Our sins are exposed. We are convicted. We knew that He was the Saviour, the Messiah who has come, the only One who can save us. We turn to Him in repentance and in faith. And then we worship Him in spirit and in truth, like what we are doing this blessed morning. But we do not stop there. We want to tell others, just like the Samaritan woman. We are excited. We are happy. We want to tell our unbelieving loved ones and friends about this Saviour who knows everything about us, everything, and He is the only one who can save us. We want them to believe in Him, and we will say, like the Samaritan woman, "Come and see, come and believe." If we are true believers, that is the picture of my life. That is the picture of your life too. All glory to God. Let us pray.

Father in heaven, we thank Thee for enabling us to consider a portion of Thy Word in the Gospel of John, Chapter 4. About how our Lord Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus went out of His way into Samaria, not avoiding Samaria, He went into it because it was necessary. It was necessary because He had to meet someone. He had to meet the Samaritan woman at the well, someone who was insignificant in the eyes of the world, just like ourselves. We are nothing, but yet our Lord Jesus is so mindful to meet us somewhere along the road of life. He met us because He has always been seeking us.

We have many questions, and all our questions are answered by God Himself through His precious Word. Questions about life and death, questions about heaven and hell, questions about where we are going after we die – all these are answered by Thee, through Thy precious Word. Our hearts are convicted, for we cannot hide from Thee. Our sins are exposed before Thee. And Thou, who have convicted our hearts, also reveal to us that Thou art the Saviour, the One who can save us from our sins. And we believe in Thee, and we who believe in Thee worship Thee in spirit and in truth. And we do not stop here. We want to tell the story of our salvation, the story of how Jesus has saved us, with our unbelieving loved ones and friends, with whomever Thou would bring into our lives. This is the story of our salvation. Blessed be Thy name. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SERMON OUTLINE

• I. The meeting
• II. The asking
• III. The conviction
• IV. The belief

PHILIPPIANS SERIES

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

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

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

Serving the Lord Thy God

Serving the Lord Thy God

1 Chronicles 28:9

The Danger Of Overconfidence

The Danger Of Overconfidence

1 Corinthians 10:1-12

Encouragement in Times of Temptation

Encouragement in Times of Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13

Flee From Idolatry

Flee From Idolatry

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

All Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not Expedient

All Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not Expedient

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

The Significance of the Lord's Supper

The Significance of the Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 1)

Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 1)

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 2)

Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 2)

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

A Right Understanding of Spiritual Gifts

A Right Understanding of Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Unity In Diversity

Unity In Diversity

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Desiring the Best Gifts

Desiring the Best Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Diversities of Gifts, Same Spirit

Diversities of Gifts, Same Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Cessation or Continuation

Cessation or Continuation

1 Corinthians 12:8-12

The Supremacy of Love

The Supremacy of Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

What Has Love Got to Do?

What Has Love Got to Do?

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The Qualities of Love (Part 1)

The Qualities of Love (Part 1)

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

The Qualities of Love (Part 3)

The Qualities of Love (Part 3)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Qualities of Love (Part 2)

The Qualities of Love (Part 2)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love in Its Relations to Others

Love in Its Relations to Others

1 Corinthians 13:4a

The Permanence of Love

The Permanence of Love

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)

Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

The Need for Maturity

The Need for Maturity

1 Corinthians 14:20-28

Let All Things Be Done Decently and In Order

Let All Things Be Done Decently and In Order

1 Corinthians 14:29-40

Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)

Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)

1 Corinthians 14:6-19

What if the Resurrection is Not True?

What if the Resurrection is Not True?

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

The Certainty of the Resurrection

The Certainty of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Victory Over Death

Victory Over Death

1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Resurrection Sunday Service: O Death Where is Thy Sting?

Resurrection Sunday Service: O Death Where is Thy Sting?

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Our Response to the Resurrection

Our Response to the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:58

The Principles of Giving

The Principles of Giving

1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Stand Fast in the Faith

Stand Fast in the Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Stand Fast in the Faith

Stand Fast in the Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

A Loving Affection for the Believers

A Loving Affection for the Believers

1 Corinthians 16:15-24

Doing the Lord’s Work

Doing the Lord’s Work

1 Corinthians 16:5-12

Called to Be Saints

Called to Be Saints

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Divisiveness Calls for Strong Action

Divisiveness Calls for Strong Action

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men

The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Let Us Glory in the Lord

Let Us Glory in the Lord

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

The Blessings of Being a Saint

The Blessings of Being a Saint

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

The Natural Man and The Spiritual Man

The Natural Man and The Spiritual Man

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

The Wisdom of God

The Wisdom of God

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Are Ye Not Carnal?

Are Ye Not Carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

A Biblical View of the Ministry

A Biblical View of the Ministry

1 Corinthians 3:10-17

The Remedy to Church Division

The Remedy to Church Division

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Glorify God, Not Men

Glorify God, Not Men

1 Corinthians 3:4-9

A Biblical View of the Ministry

A Biblical View of the Ministry

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Marks of a Spiritual Father

Marks of a Spiritual Father

1 Corinthians 4:14-15

Be Ye Followers of Me

Be Ye Followers of Me

1 Corinthians 4:16-21

Whose Evaluation Really Matters?

Whose Evaluation Really Matters?

1 Corinthians 4:3-5

Beware of Pride

Beware of Pride

1 Corinthians 4:6-8

Beware of Spiritual Immaturity

Beware of Spiritual Immaturity

1 Corinthians 4:9-13

Dealing with Sin in the Church

Dealing with Sin in the Church

1 Corinthians 5:1-6

A Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole Lump

A Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole Lump

1 Corinthians 5:6-13

Can Believers Sue One Another?

Can Believers Sue One Another?

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Not All Things Are Profitable

Not All Things Are Profitable

1 Corinthians 6:12-14

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:15-20

Such Were Some of You

Such Were Some of You

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Singleness or Marriage

Singleness or Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:1-7

Divorce and Remarriage

Divorce and Remarriage

1 Corinthians 7:10-16

Be Faithful to Your Calling

Be Faithful to Your Calling

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Should I Remain Single?

Should I Remain Single?

1 Corinthians 7:25-31

An Undivided Devotion to the Lord

An Undivided Devotion to the Lord

1 Corinthians 7:32-40

Knowledge is Not Enough

Knowledge is Not Enough

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Love and Christian Liberty

Love and Christian Liberty

1 Corinthians 8:7-13

Are You Willing to Give Up Your Rights?

Are You Willing to Give Up Your Rights?

1 Corinthians 9:1-14

All Things to All Men

All Things to All Men

1 Corinthians 9:15-23

How to Run the Race Faithfully

How to Run the Race Faithfully

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World

Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World

1 John 2:15-17

Message 8 – Asking and Receiving

Message 8 – Asking and Receiving

1 John 3:20-24

Message 9: Our Confidence in Prayer

Message 9: Our Confidence in Prayer

1 John 5:14-15

Message 10: To Pray or Not to Pray

Message 10: To Pray or Not to Pray

1 John 5:16-17

Trusting in the Lord

Trusting in the Lord

1 Kings 17:1-24

Repair the Altar of the Lord

Repair the Altar of the Lord

1 Kings 18:1-40

Morning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of Elijah

Morning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of Elijah

1 Kings 18:1-46

Morning Devotion 2: Understanding Depression

Morning Devotion 2: Understanding Depression

1 Kings 19:1-21

The Blessed Resurrection

The Blessed Resurrection

1 Peter 1:1-5

Message 1: Make Sure Your Salvation

Message 1: Make Sure Your Salvation

1 Peter 1:1-9

Message 3: Using The Right Bible

Message 3: Using The Right Bible

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

The Essential Truths of Our Salvation

The Essential Truths of Our Salvation

1 Peter 1:3-5

The Blessings of Salvation

The Blessings of Salvation

1 Peter 1:3-9

Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?

Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?

1 Peter 2:1-12

The Chosen People of God

The Chosen People of God

1 Peter 2:9-10

Message 4: Submission To Authorities

Message 4: Submission To Authorities

1 Peter 2:9-25

Suffer For Righteousness’ Sake

Suffer For Righteousness’ Sake

1 Peter 3:13-17

Message 5: Be Prepared To Suffer

Message 5: Be Prepared To Suffer

1 Peter 3:8-18

Living in the End Times

Living in the End Times

1 Peter 4:7-11

Message 7: Know Your Enemy

Message 7: Know Your Enemy

1 Peter 5:1-11

Message 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s Word

Message 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s Word

1 Peter 5:1-4

Our Confidence in Times of Suffering

Our Confidence in Times of Suffering

1 Peter 5:10-11

The Christian’s Confidence in Time of Suffering

The Christian’s Confidence in Time of Suffering

1 Peter 5:10-11

Be Sober and Vigilant

Be Sober and Vigilant

1 Peter 5:8-9

Is There Not A Cause?

Is There Not A Cause?

1 Samuel 17:1-29

A Man After God’s Own Heart

A Man After God’s Own Heart

1 Samuel 17:1-58

The Battle is the Lord’s

The Battle is the Lord’s

1 Samuel 17:30-58

The Significance of Christ’s Death and Resurrection

The Significance of Christ’s Death and Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Unceasing Three

The Unceasing Three

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Essential Attitudes for the New Year

Essential Attitudes for the New Year

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

1 Thessalonians 5:17

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

1 Thessalonians 5:17

The Believer’s Relationship with God & His Word

The Believer’s Relationship with God & His Word

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

A Prayer for the Fellow Believers

A Prayer for the Fellow Believers

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

The Things Every Church Needs

The Things Every Church Needs

1 Thessalonians 5:25-28

Trouble in the Church

Trouble in the Church

1 Timothy 1:1-4

Counted Worthy To Serve God

Counted Worthy To Serve God

1 Timothy 1:12-14

Thankful to God

Thankful to God

1 Timothy 1:12-17

War a Good Warfare

War a Good Warfare

1 Timothy 1:18-20

Dealing with Falsehood

Dealing with Falsehood

1 Timothy 1:5-11

Pray for All Men

Pray for All Men

1 Timothy 2:1-2

A Praying Church

A Praying Church

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray and Pray

Pray and Pray

1 Timothy 2:1-8

How Women Should Conduct Themselves

How Women Should Conduct Themselves

1 Timothy 2:9-15

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)

1 Timothy 3:1-2

Qualifications of Elders

Qualifications of Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-7

The Responsibilities of Church Members

The Responsibilities of Church Members

1 Timothy 3:14-15

Is Church Membership Important?

Is Church Membership Important?

1 Timothy 3:15

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)

The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)

1 Timothy 3:3-13

Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses

Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses

1 Timothy 3:8-13

The Danger of Apostasy

The Danger of Apostasy

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 1)

Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 1)

1 Timothy 4:11-12

Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 2)

Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 2)

1 Timothy 4:11-12

The Qualities of a Good Minister

The Qualities of a Good Minister

1 Timothy 4:13-16

A Good Minister

A Good Minister

1 Timothy 4:6-10

Dealing with Sin in the Church Family

Dealing with Sin in the Church Family

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Dealing with Church Elders

Dealing with Church Elders

1 Timothy 5:17-25

Caring for the Needy

Caring for the Needy

1 Timothy 5:3-8

God’s Standards for His Servants

God’s Standards for His Servants

1 Timothy 5:9-16

Outline of the Exemplary Christian Employee

Outline of the Exemplary Christian Employee

1 Timothy 6:1-2

Marks of a Man of God

Marks of a Man of God

1 Timothy 6:11-14

Message 9: Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Message 9: Fight the Good Fight of Faith

1 Timothy 6:12

Understanding the Greatness of God

Understanding the Greatness of God

1 Timothy 6:15-16

Instructions on Handling Wealth

Instructions on Handling Wealth

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Instructions on Handling God’s Truth

Instructions on Handling God’s Truth

1 Timothy 6:20-21

Submission to the Authority of God’s Word

Submission to the Authority of God’s Word

1 Timothy 6:3-5

The Believer's Attitude Towards Money

The Believer's Attitude Towards Money

1 Timothy 6:6-10

The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil

The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil

1 Timothy 6:6-10

A Call to Spiritual Revival

A Call to Spiritual Revival

2 Chronicles 7:14

Message 11: The Heart Behind the Prayer

Message 11: The Heart Behind the Prayer

2 Chronicles 7:14

Christian Warfare

Christian Warfare

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

How To Evaluate Our Ministry

How To Evaluate Our Ministry

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Understanding Spiritual Authority

Understanding Spiritual Authority

2 Corinthians 10:7-11

The Importance of Christian Loyalty

The Importance of Christian Loyalty

2 Corinthians 11:1-6

Do Not Boast

Do Not Boast

2 Corinthians 11:16-21

When Boasting is Necessary

When Boasting is Necessary

2 Corinthians 11:22-33

Is the Church Gullible?

Is the Church Gullible?

2 Corinthians 11:7-15

The Purpose of Trials

The Purpose of Trials

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

The True Servant

The True Servant

2 Corinthians 12:11-19

The Need for Repentance and Discipline

The Need for Repentance and Discipline

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:4

A Spiritually Healthy Church

A Spiritually Healthy Church

2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Message 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the Faith

Message 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the Faith

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine Whether You Be In the Faith

Examine Whether You Be In the Faith

2 Corinthians 13:5-6

For Your Sake, I am Willing

For Your Sake, I am Willing

2 Corinthians 13:7-10

For the Truth

For the Truth

2 Corinthians 13:8

Morning Devotion 2

Morning Devotion 2

2 Corinthians 15:58

God of All Comfort

God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

The Soul’s Warning Alarm

The Soul’s Warning Alarm

2 Corinthians 1:12-14

Defending Against False Accusation

Defending Against False Accusation

2 Corinthians 1:15-24

The Recipients of Comfort

The Recipients of Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Why Do We Do What We Do?

2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Our Victory in Christ

Our Victory in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

The Need to Confront Sin

The Need to Confront Sin

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Our Sufficiency is of God

Our Sufficiency is of God

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Transformed Into His Image

Transformed Into His Image

2 Corinthians 3:18

The Exceeding Glory

The Exceeding Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-17

How To Preach The Word

How To Preach The Word

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Be Strong and Courageous

Be Strong and Courageous

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Treasure in Clay Jars

Treasure in Clay Jars

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

The Believer’s Confidence

The Believer’s Confidence

2 Corinthians 5:1-8

What Kind of Church Do We Have?

What Kind of Church Do We Have?

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

What Kind of a Christian Are We?

What Kind of a Christian Are We?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Ambassadors for Christ

Ambassadors for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

The Believer’s Ambition

The Believer’s Ambition

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Living As Examples of the Believers

Living As Examples of the Believers

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Do We Have True Christian Love?

Do We Have True Christian Love?

2 Corinthians 6:11-13, 7:2-4

Why Do We Need To Separate?

Why Do We Need To Separate?

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

How Do We Mend A Broken Relationship?

How Do We Mend A Broken Relationship?

2 Corinthians 7:5-16

How Do We Abound In Our Giving?

How Do We Abound In Our Giving?

2 Corinthians 8:1-8

The Principles of Giving

The Principles of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Biblical Giving

Biblical Giving

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

The Blessedness of Giving

The Blessedness of Giving

2 Corinthians 9:12-15

Lessons on Faithful Stewardship

Lessons on Faithful Stewardship

2 Corinthians 9:16-24

God Loveth a Cheerful Giver

God Loveth a Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Message 7: An Example of Trust

Message 7: An Example of Trust

2 Kings 18:19-19:7

The Final Confrontation

The Final Confrontation

2 Kings 1:1-4

Sola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone

Sola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone

2 Peter 1:20-21

The Joy of Receiving Forgiveness

The Joy of Receiving Forgiveness

2 Samuel 11:1-27

Thank God for Abishai

Thank God for Abishai

2 Samuel 21:15-22

True Saving Faith

True Saving Faith

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

The Things We Should Pray

The Things We Should Pray

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Man’s Final Destination

Man’s Final Destination

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Understanding the End Times

Understanding the End Times

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth

We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength

Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Be Ready for the End Times

Be Ready for the End Times

2 Thessalonians 2:6-12

Pray for Us

Pray for Us

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Do Not Give Up

Do Not Give Up

2 Thessalonians 3:11-15

Having Peace Always in Every Circumstance

Having Peace Always in Every Circumstance

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

The Lord is Faithful

The Lord is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3

The Lord is Faithful

The Lord is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3

God Leads Us Along

God Leads Us Along

2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Allegiance to Truth or Friendship

Allegiance to Truth or Friendship

2 Thessalonians 3:6

No Work, No Eat

No Work, No Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10

Encouraging the Spiritual Son

Encouraging the Spiritual Son

2 Timothy 1:1-5

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)

2 Timothy 1:13-18

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)

2 Timothy 1:6-7

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)

Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)

2 Timothy 1:8-12

What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?

What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?

2 Timothy 2:1-7

The Importance of Bible Study

The Importance of Bible Study

2 Timothy 2:15

Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makers

Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makers

2 Timothy 2:2

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

Our Motivation for Serving Sacrificially

Our Motivation for Serving Sacrificially

2 Timothy 2:8-13

The Danger of Self Love

The Danger of Self Love

2 Timothy 3:1-4

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example

2 Timothy 3:10

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction

2 Timothy 3:11-15

Knowing Our Precious Bible

Knowing Our Precious Bible

2 Timothy 3:15-17

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word

The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Be Strong and Courageous

Be Strong and Courageous

2 Timothy 3:7

A Charge to Keep

A Charge to Keep

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)

Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)

2 Timothy 4:12-16

Notwithstanding the Lord Stood with Me

Notwithstanding the Lord Stood with Me

2 Timothy 4:17-22

Message 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s Word

Message 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s Word

2 Timothy 4:2

Live as I Have Lived

Live as I Have Lived

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?

Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?

2 Timothy 4:9-11

The First Christian

The First Christian

Acts 11:19-26

Low Expectations

Low Expectations

Acts 12:1-19

Message 5: The Church & Discipleship

Message 5: The Church & Discipleship

Acts 14:20-28

The End of the Second Missionary Journey

The End of the Second Missionary Journey

Acts 18:18-28

God Encouraged His Servant

God Encouraged His Servant

Acts 18:9-17

The Beginning of the Third Missionary Journey

The Beginning of the Third Missionary Journey

Acts 19:1-7

The Riot at Ephesus

The Riot at Ephesus

Acts 19:21-41

The Characteristics of a Faithful Servant

The Characteristics of a Faithful Servant

Acts 20:1-6

The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 1)

The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 1)

Acts 20:17-19

The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 2)

The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 2)

Acts 20:20-24

A Charge to Keep (Part 1)

A Charge to Keep (Part 1)

Acts 20:25-28

The Lord's Day Worship Service

The Lord's Day Worship Service

Acts 20:7-16

The Believer's Conviction (Part 1)

The Believer's Conviction (Part 1)

Acts 21:1-6

Paul's Response to His Arrest

Paul's Response to His Arrest

Acts 21:40-22:21

The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)

The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)

Acts 21:7-16

The People’s Response to Paul

The People’s Response to Paul

Acts 22:22-30

Paul Stood Before the Sanhedrin

Paul Stood Before the Sanhedrin

Acts 23:1-11

God's Miraculous Deliverance (Part 1)

God's Miraculous Deliverance (Part 1)

Acts 23:12-17

God’s Miraculous Deliverance (Part 2)

God’s Miraculous Deliverance (Part 2)

Acts 23:18-35

The Accusers before the Roman Governor Felix

The Accusers before the Roman Governor Felix

Acts 24:1-9

Paul’s Defence Before Felix

Paul’s Defence Before Felix

Acts 24:10-21

Felix's Response to Paul's Defence

Felix's Response to Paul's Defence

Acts 24:22-27

Paul’s Defence Before Festus

Paul’s Defence Before Festus

Acts 25:1-12

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 1)

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 1)

Acts 25:13-27

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 2)

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 2)

Acts 26:1-18

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 3)

Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 3)

Acts 26:19-32

A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

Acts 27:1-12

What Can Trials Do To Us?

What Can Trials Do To Us?

Acts 27:13-26

The Prophecy Came to Pass

The Prophecy Came to Pass

Acts 27:27-44

Paul's Arrival at Rome

Paul's Arrival at Rome

Acts 28:1-16

The Story Did Not End Here

The Story Did Not End Here

Acts 28:17-31

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments

Acts 2:41-47

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship

Acts 2:42

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers

Acts 2:42

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World

30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World

Acts 2:42

Always Ready to Defend the Faith

Always Ready to Defend the Faith

Acts 6:8-15

Paul’s Arrival At Jerusalem

Paul’s Arrival At Jerusalem

Acts 21:17-26

Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem

Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem

Acts 21:27-39

Prayer for Spiritual Excellence

Prayer for Spiritual Excellence

Colossians 1:9-12

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

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

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)

Daniel 2:14-23

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 2)

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 2)

Daniel 6:10

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 3)

Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 3)

Daniel 9:1-27

Choose Life

Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19

Honour and Obey Thy Parents

Honour and Obey Thy Parents

Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3

Honour and Obey Thy Parents

Honour and Obey Thy Parents

Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3

Family Worship

Family Worship

Deuteronomy 6:1-25

Morning Devotion 3

Morning Devotion 3

Deuteronomy 8

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

Ephesians 1:20-23

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

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 God

Good Friday Service: Reconciliation with God

Ephesians 2:11-18

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Message 1: The Nature of Faith

Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1

Walk Not as the Gentiles

Walk Not as the Gentiles

Ephesians 4:17-24

A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember

Ephesians 4:17-32

Be Careful How You Live

Be Careful How You Live

Ephesians 5:15-17

The Eighth Plague

The Eighth Plague

Exodus 10:1-20

The Tenth Plague

The Tenth Plague

Exodus 11:1-10

The First Passover

The First Passover

Exodus 12:1-13

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread

Exodus 12:14-28

Departure From Egypt

Departure From Egypt

Exodus 12:29-42

This Do In Remembrance of Me

This Do In Remembrance of Me

Exodus 12:43-51, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

This Do In Remembrance of Me

This Do In Remembrance of Me

Exodus 12:43-51; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

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

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

Redemption and Consecration

Redemption and Consecration

Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Exodus 13:17-22

Between the Desert and the Red Sea

Between the Desert and the Red Sea

Exodus 14:1-14

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To Pass

Exodus 1:1-7

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

God’s Protection in the Midst of Adversities

Exodus 1:15-21

The Faith of Jochebed

The Faith of Jochebed

Exodus 1:22-2:10

From Prosperity to Persecution

From Prosperity to Persecution

Exodus 1:8-14