Philippians 3:3, John 4:4-30
³ For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
John 4:4-30
²² Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ 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. ²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ²⁵ The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. ²⁶ Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
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
PHILIPPIANS SERIESServing the Lord Thy GodServing the Lord Thy God1 Chronicles 28:9
Called to Be SaintsCalled to Be Saints1 Corinthians 1:1-3
The Blessings of Being a SaintThe Blessings of Being a Saint1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Divisiveness Calls for Strong ActionDivisiveness Calls for Strong Action1 Corinthians 1:10-17
The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than MenThe Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Let Us Glory in the LordLet Us Glory in the Lord1 Corinthians 1:26-31
The Wisdom of GodThe Wisdom of God1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The Natural Man and The Spiritual ManThe Natural Man and The Spiritual Man1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Are Ye Not Carnal?Are Ye Not Carnal?1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Glorify God, Not MenGlorify God, Not Men1 Corinthians 3:4-9
A Biblical View of the MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 3:10-17
A Biblical View of the MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Whose Evaluation Really Matters?Whose Evaluation Really Matters?1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Beware of PrideBeware of Pride1 Corinthians 4:6-8
Beware of Spiritual ImmaturityBeware of Spiritual Immaturity1 Corinthians 4:9-13
Marks of a Spiritual FatherMarks of a Spiritual Father1 Corinthians 4:14-15
Be Ye Followers of MeBe Ye Followers of Me1 Corinthians 4:16-21
Dealing with Sin in the ChurchDealing with Sin in the Church1 Corinthians 5:1-6
A Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole LumpA Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole Lump1 Corinthians 5:6-13
Can Believers Sue One Another?Can Believers Sue One Another?1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Such Were Some of YouSuch Were Some of You1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Not All Things Are ProfitableNot All Things Are Profitable1 Corinthians 6:12-14
The Temple of the Holy SpiritThe Temple of the Holy Spirit1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Singleness or MarriageSingleness or Marriage1 Corinthians 7:1-7
Divorce and RemarriageDivorce and Remarriage1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Be Faithful to Your CallingBe Faithful to Your Calling1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Should I Remain Single?Should I Remain Single?1 Corinthians 7:25-31
An Undivided Devotion to the LordAn Undivided Devotion to the Lord1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Knowledge is Not EnoughKnowledge is Not Enough1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Love and Christian LibertyLove and Christian Liberty1 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 MenAll Things to All Men1 Corinthians 9:15-23
How to Run the Race FaithfullyHow to Run the Race Faithfully1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The Danger Of OverconfidenceThe Danger Of Overconfidence1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Encouragement in Times of TemptationEncouragement in Times of Temptation1 Corinthians 10:13
Flee From IdolatryFlee From Idolatry1 Corinthians 10:14-22
All Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not ExpedientAll Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not Expedient1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
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
The Significance of the Lord's SupperThe Significance of the Lord's Supper1 Corinthians 11:17-34
A Right Understanding of Spiritual GiftsA Right Understanding of Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Diversities of Gifts, Same SpiritDiversities of Gifts, Same Spirit1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Cessation or ContinuationCessation or Continuation1 Corinthians 12:8-12
Unity In DiversityUnity In Diversity1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Desiring the Best GiftsDesiring the Best Gifts1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Message 2: The Pre-eminence Of CharityMessage 2: The Pre-eminence Of Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-3
The Supremacy of LoveThe Supremacy of Love1 Corinthians 13:1-3
What Has Love Got to Do?What Has Love Got to Do?1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Message 1: The Preface - A Scriptural Perspective On CharityMessage 1: The Preface - A Scriptural Perspective On Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Qualities of Love (Part 1)The Qualities of Love (Part 1)1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Message 5: The Practice Of Charity - Part 3Message 5: The Practice Of Charity - Part 31 Corinthians 13:4-7
Message 4: The Practice Of Charity - Part 2Message 4: The Practice Of Charity - Part 21 Corinthians 13:4-7
Message 3: The Practice Of Charity - Part 1Message 3: The Practice Of Charity - Part 11 Corinthians 13:4-7
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
The Nature of Love (Part 1): Love In Its Relation To OthersThe Nature of Love (Part 1): Love In Its Relation To Others1 Corinthians 13:4a
The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Self [Part 2]The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Self [Part 2]1 Corinthians 13:4b-5a
The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Sin And Truth [Part 3]The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Sin And Truth [Part 3]1 Corinthians 13:5b-6
The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To The Circumstances Of Life (Part 4)The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To The Circumstances Of Life (Part 4)1 Corinthians 13:7
Message 6: The Permanence Of CharityMessage 6: The Permanence Of Charity1 Corinthians 13:8-13
The Permanence of LoveThe Permanence of Love1 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
Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)1 Corinthians 14:6-19
The Need for MaturityThe Need for Maturity1 Corinthians 14:20-28
Let All Things Be Done Decently and In OrderLet All Things Be Done Decently and In Order1 Corinthians 14:29-40
What if the Resurrection is Not True?What if the Resurrection is Not True?1 Corinthians 15:12-19
The Certainty of the ResurrectionThe Certainty of the Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Victory Over DeathVictory Over Death1 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 ResurrectionOur Response to the Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:58
The Principles of GivingThe Principles of Giving1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Doing the Lord’s WorkDoing the Lord’s Work1 Corinthians 16:5-12
Stand Fast in the FaithStand Fast in the Faith1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Stand Fast in the FaithStand Fast in the Faith1 Corinthians 16:13-14
A Loving Affection for the BelieversA Loving Affection for the Believers1 Corinthians 16:15-24
Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the WorldMessage 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World1 John 2:15-17
Message 8 – Asking and ReceivingMessage 8 – Asking and Receiving1 John 3:20-24
Message 9: Our Confidence in PrayerMessage 9: Our Confidence in Prayer1 John 5:14-15
Message 10: To Pray or Not to PrayMessage 10: To Pray or Not to Pray1 John 5:16-17
Trusting in the LordTrusting in the Lord1 Kings 17:1-24
Repair the Altar of the LordRepair the Altar of the Lord1 Kings 18:1-40
Morning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of ElijahMorning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of Elijah1 Kings 18:1-46
Morning Devotion 2: Understanding DepressionMorning Devotion 2: Understanding Depression1 Kings 19:1-21
The Blessed ResurrectionThe Blessed Resurrection1 Peter 1:1-5
Message 1: Make Sure Your SalvationMessage 1: Make Sure Your Salvation1 Peter 1:1-9
The Essential Truths of Our SalvationThe Essential Truths of Our Salvation1 Peter 1:3-5
The Blessings of SalvationThe Blessings of Salvation1 Peter 1:3-9
Message 3: Using The Right BibleMessage 3: Using The Right Bible1 Peter 1:13-2:3
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 GodThe Chosen People of God1 Peter 2:9-10
Message 4: Submission To AuthoritiesMessage 4: Submission To Authorities1 Peter 2:9-25
Message 5: Be Prepared To SufferMessage 5: Be Prepared To Suffer1 Peter 3:8-18
Suffer For Righteousness’ SakeSuffer For Righteousness’ Sake1 Peter 3:13-17
Living in the End TimesLiving in the End Times1 Peter 4:7-11
Message 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s WordMessage 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s Word1 Peter 5:1-4
Message 7: Know Your EnemyMessage 7: Know Your Enemy1 Peter 5:1-11
Be Sober and VigilantBe Sober and Vigilant1 Peter 5:8-9
Our Confidence in Times of SufferingOur Confidence in Times of Suffering1 Peter 5:10-11
The Christian’s Confidence in Time of SufferingThe Christian’s Confidence in Time of Suffering1 Peter 5:10-11
Is There Not A Cause?Is There Not A Cause?1 Samuel 17:1-29
A Man After God’s Own HeartA Man After God’s Own Heart1 Samuel 17:1-58
The Battle is the Lord’sThe Battle is the Lord’s1 Samuel 17:30-58
To Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your FaithTo Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your Faith1 Thessalonians 3:1-10
Wherefore Comfort One Another With These WordsWherefore Comfort One Another With These Words1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Significance of Christ’s Death and ResurrectionThe Significance of Christ’s Death and Resurrection1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Morning Devotion 1Morning Devotion 11 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Unceasing ThreeThe Unceasing Three1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments1 Thessalonians 5:17
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers1 Thessalonians 5:17
Morning Devotion 2Morning Devotion 21 Thessalonians 5:19
The Believer’s Relationship with God & His WordThe Believer’s Relationship with God & His Word1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Morning Devotion 3Morning Devotion 31 Thessalonians 5:20-22
A Prayer for the Fellow BelieversA Prayer for the Fellow Believers1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
The Things Every Church NeedsThe Things Every Church Needs1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
Trouble in the ChurchTrouble in the Church1 Timothy 1:1-4
Dealing with FalsehoodDealing with Falsehood1 Timothy 1:5-11
Counted Worthy To Serve GodCounted Worthy To Serve God1 Timothy 1:12-14
Thankful to GodThankful to God1 Timothy 1:12-17
War a Good WarfareWar a Good Warfare1 Timothy 1:18-20
Pray for All MenPray for All Men1 Timothy 2:1-2
A Praying ChurchA Praying Church1 Timothy 2:1-4
Pray and PrayPray and Pray1 Timothy 2:1-8
How Women Should Conduct ThemselvesHow Women Should Conduct Themselves1 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 EldersQualifications of Elders1 Timothy 3:1-7
The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)1 Timothy 3:3-13
Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and DeaconessesSpiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses1 Timothy 3:8-13
The Responsibilities of Church MembersThe Responsibilities of Church Members1 Timothy 3:14-15
Is Church Membership Important?Is Church Membership Important?1 Timothy 3:15
The Danger of ApostasyThe Danger of Apostasy1 Timothy 4:1-5
A Good MinisterA Good Minister1 Timothy 4:6-10
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 MinisterThe Qualities of a Good Minister1 Timothy 4:13-16
Dealing with Sin in the Church FamilyDealing with Sin in the Church Family1 Timothy 5:1-2
Caring for the NeedyCaring for the Needy1 Timothy 5:3-8
God’s Standards for His ServantsGod’s Standards for His Servants1 Timothy 5:9-16
Dealing with Church EldersDealing with Church Elders1 Timothy 5:17-25
Outline of the Exemplary Christian EmployeeOutline of the Exemplary Christian Employee1 Timothy 6:1-2
Submission to the Authority of God’s WordSubmission to the Authority of God’s Word1 Timothy 6:3-5
The Believer's Attitude Towards MoneyThe Believer's Attitude Towards Money1 Timothy 6:6-10
The Love of Money is the Root of All EvilThe Love of Money is the Root of All Evil1 Timothy 6:6-10
Marks of a Man of GodMarks of a Man of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
Message 9: Fight the Good Fight of FaithMessage 9: Fight the Good Fight of Faith1 Timothy 6:12
Understanding the Greatness of GodUnderstanding the Greatness of God1 Timothy 6:15-16
Instructions on Handling WealthInstructions on Handling Wealth1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instructions on Handling God’s TruthInstructions on Handling God’s Truth1 Timothy 6:20-21
A Call to Spiritual RevivalA Call to Spiritual Revival2 Chronicles 7:14
Message 11: The Heart Behind the PrayerMessage 11: The Heart Behind the Prayer2 Chronicles 7:14
God of All ComfortGod of All Comfort2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The Recipients of ComfortThe Recipients of Comfort2 Corinthians 1:8-11
The Soul’s Warning AlarmThe Soul’s Warning Alarm2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Defending Against False AccusationDefending Against False Accusation2 Corinthians 1:15-24
Why Do We Do What We Do?Why Do We Do What We Do?2 Corinthians 2:1-4
The Need to Confront SinThe Need to Confront Sin2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Our Victory in ChristOur Victory in Christ2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Our Sufficiency is of GodOur Sufficiency is of God2 Corinthians 3:1-6
The Exceeding GloryThe Exceeding Glory2 Corinthians 3:7-17
Transformed Into His ImageTransformed Into His Image2 Corinthians 3:18
How To Preach The WordHow To Preach The Word2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Treasure in Clay JarsTreasure in Clay Jars2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Be Strong and CourageousBe Strong and Courageous2 Corinthians 4:13-18
The Believer’s ConfidenceThe Believer’s Confidence2 Corinthians 5:1-8
The Believer’s AmbitionThe Believer’s Ambition2 Corinthians 5:9-10
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 ChristAmbassadors for Christ2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Living As Examples of the BelieversLiving As Examples of the Believers2 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 GivingThe Principles of Giving2 Corinthians 8:9-15
Biblical GivingBiblical Giving2 Corinthians 9:1-5
God Loveth a Cheerful GiverGod Loveth a Cheerful Giver2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Blessedness of GivingThe Blessedness of Giving2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Lessons on Faithful StewardshipLessons on Faithful Stewardship2 Corinthians 9:16-24
Christian WarfareChristian Warfare2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Understanding Spiritual AuthorityUnderstanding Spiritual Authority2 Corinthians 10:7-11
How To Evaluate Our MinistryHow To Evaluate Our Ministry2 Corinthians 10:12-18
The Importance of Christian LoyaltyThe Importance of Christian Loyalty2 Corinthians 11:1-6
Is the Church Gullible?Is the Church Gullible?2 Corinthians 11:7-15
Do Not BoastDo Not Boast2 Corinthians 11:16-21
When Boasting is NecessaryWhen Boasting is Necessary2 Corinthians 11:22-33
The Purpose of TrialsThe Purpose of Trials2 Corinthians 12:1-10
The True ServantThe True Servant2 Corinthians 12:11-19
The Need for Repentance and DisciplineThe Need for Repentance and Discipline2 Corinthians 12:20-13:4
Message 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the FaithMessage 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the Faith2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine Whether You Be In the FaithExamine Whether You Be In the Faith2 Corinthians 13:5-6
For Your Sake, I am WillingFor Your Sake, I am Willing2 Corinthians 13:7-10
For the TruthFor the Truth2 Corinthians 13:8
A Spiritually Healthy ChurchA Spiritually Healthy Church2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Morning Devotion 2Morning Devotion 22 Corinthians 15:58
The Final ConfrontationThe Final Confrontation2 Kings 1:1-4
Message 7: An Example of TrustMessage 7: An Example of Trust2 Kings 18:19-19:7
Sola Scriptura – Scriptures AloneSola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone2 Peter 1:20-21
The Joy of Receiving ForgivenessThe Joy of Receiving Forgiveness2 Samuel 11:1-27
Thank God for AbishaiThank God for Abishai2 Samuel 21:15-22
True Saving FaithTrue Saving Faith2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Man’s Final DestinationMan’s Final Destination2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
The Things We Should PrayThe Things We Should Pray2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Understanding the End TimesUnderstanding the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:1-5
Be Ready for the End TimesBe Ready for the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:6-12
We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the TruthWe Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and StrengthFacing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Pray for UsPray for Us2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
The Lord is FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
God Leads Us AlongGod Leads Us Along2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
Allegiance to Truth or FriendshipAllegiance to Truth or Friendship2 Thessalonians 3:6
No Work, No EatNo Work, No Eat2 Thessalonians 3:7-10
Do Not Give UpDo Not Give Up2 Thessalonians 3:11-15
Peace Always By All MeansPeace Always By All Means2 Thessalonians 3:16
Having Peace Always in Every CircumstanceHaving Peace Always in Every Circumstance2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Encouraging the Spiritual SonEncouraging the Spiritual Son2 Timothy 1:1-5
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
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)2 Timothy 1:13-18
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
Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makersMessage 6: The Church & Disciple-makers2 Timothy 2:2
Remember The ResurrectionRemember The Resurrection2 Timothy 2:8
Our Motivation for Serving SacrificiallyOur Motivation for Serving Sacrificially2 Timothy 2:8-13
The Importance of Bible StudyThe Importance of Bible Study2 Timothy 2:15
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
The Danger of Self LoveThe Danger of Self Love2 Timothy 3:1-4
Be Strong and CourageousBe Strong and Courageous2 Timothy 3:7
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ExampleThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example2 Timothy 3:10
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ConvictionThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction2 Timothy 3:11-15
Knowing Our Precious BibleKnowing Our Precious Bible2 Timothy 3:15-17
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s WordThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word2 Timothy 3:16-17
A Charge to KeepA Charge to Keep2 Timothy 4:1-5
Message 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s WordMessage 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s Word2 Timothy 4:2
Live as I Have LivedLive as I Have Lived2 Timothy 4:6-8
Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?2 Timothy 4:9-11
Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)2 Timothy 4:12-16
Notwithstanding the Lord Stood with MeNotwithstanding the Lord Stood with Me2 Timothy 4:17-22
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the SacramentsActs 2:41-47
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and FellowshipActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the PrayersActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The WorldActs 2:42
Always Ready to Defend the FaithAlways Ready to Defend the FaithActs 6:8-15
The First ChristianThe First ChristianActs 11:19-26
Low ExpectationsLow ExpectationsActs 12:1-19
Message 5: The Church & DiscipleshipMessage 5: The Church & DiscipleshipActs 14:20-28
God Encouraged His ServantGod Encouraged His ServantActs 18:9-17
The End of the Second Missionary JourneyThe End of the Second Missionary JourneyActs 18:18-28
The Beginning of the Third Missionary JourneyThe Beginning of the Third Missionary JourneyActs 19:1-7
The Riot at EphesusThe Riot at EphesusActs 19:21-41
The Characteristics of a Faithful ServantThe Characteristics of a Faithful ServantActs 20:1-6
The Lord's Day Worship ServiceThe Lord's Day Worship ServiceActs 20:7-16
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 Believer's Conviction (Part 1)The Believer's Conviction (Part 1)Acts 21:1-6
The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)Acts 21:7-16
Paul’s Arrival At JerusalemPaul’s Arrival At JerusalemActs 21:17-26
Paul's Arrest at JerusalemPaul's Arrest at JerusalemActs 21:27-39
Paul's Response to His ArrestPaul's Response to His ArrestActs 21:40-22:21
The People’s Response to PaulThe People’s Response to PaulActs 22:22-30
Paul Stood Before the SanhedrinPaul Stood Before the SanhedrinActs 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 FelixThe Accusers before the Roman Governor FelixActs 24:1-9
Paul’s Defence Before FelixPaul’s Defence Before FelixActs 24:10-21
Felix's Response to Paul's DefenceFelix's Response to Paul's DefenceActs 24:22-27
Paul’s Defence Before FestusPaul’s Defence Before FestusActs 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 IndeedA Friend In Need Is A Friend IndeedActs 27:1-12
What Can Trials Do To Us?What Can Trials Do To Us?Acts 27:13-26
The Prophecy Came to PassThe Prophecy Came to PassActs 27:27-44
Paul's Arrival at RomePaul's Arrival at RomeActs 28:1-16
The Story Did Not End HereThe Story Did Not End HereActs 28:17-31
Prayer for Spiritual ExcellencePrayer for Spiritual ExcellenceColossians 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
New Year With New ResolutionsNew Year With New ResolutionsDaniel 1:8
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
Honour and Obey Thy ParentsHonour and Obey Thy ParentsDeuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3
Honour and Obey Thy ParentsHonour and Obey Thy ParentsDeuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3
Family WorshipFamily WorshipDeuteronomy 6:1-25
Morning Devotion 3Morning Devotion 3Deuteronomy 8
Choose LifeChoose LifeDeuteronomy 30:19
The Exceeding Greatness of His PowerThe Exceeding Greatness of His PowerEphesians 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 1: The Nature of FaithMessage 1: The Nature of FaithEphesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1
Message 1: The Nature of FaithMessage 1: The Nature of FaithEphesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1
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 GodGood Friday Service: Reconciliation with GodEphesians 2:11-18
Walk Not as the GentilesWalk Not as the GentilesEphesians 4:17-24
A Walk to RememberA Walk to RememberEphesians 4:17-32
Be Careful How You LiveBe Careful How You LiveEphesians 5:15-17
God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassGod’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassExodus 1:1-7
From Prosperity to PersecutionFrom Prosperity to PersecutionExodus 1:8-14
God’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesGod’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesExodus 1:15-21
