LORD’s day #33

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.“

James 1:2-3
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SOME EXCERPTS AND LESSONS FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE

MORNING SERMON

FOCUS: “PERSEVERING IN TRIBULATION”
Text: [Romans 12:12]
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

1. BE FOREARMED
2. BE FORWARD-LOOKING

– To be forewarned is to be forearmed
– This present world should not discourage or depress us because we are to expect trials.
– We are following in His steps if we are experiencing tribulation. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
– We live by faith and not by sight. We go beyond what see at present.
– These tribulations will let us discover ourselves. (Pride, selfishness, rebellious spirit)
– Tribulations will teach us to be sympathetic.
– “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” according to David
– It is a sin to complain and grumble in afflictions. Afflictions and pain are necessary experiences.
– Many best things in life are the fruit of [this] bitter experience.

AFTERNOON SERMON

FOCUS: “LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”

TEXT: [Isaiah 9:1-2]
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

1. IT IS A HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS
2. IT IS A HOPE REVEALED IN LIGHT

– Verse 1: it tells us that darkness is not forever. The prevailing darkness is not the end of the story
– The hopeless and helpless state will be removed by the coming Messianic king (Christ)
– God’s triumphant grace still reigned with the remnants preserved by God’s grace.
– In the inspired writing of Isaiah it was declared that a blessed hope will certainly come and the darkness will come to pass.
– They [the nation of Israel] are “walking” in darkness which connotes that they are in darkness not just because they were captives (externally) but also as a punishment for their rebellion (internally)
– There is no light in sin, it can only be found in Christ who is the true light of this world.
– For a sinful soul to see the light, it takes a creative act of God. We should have confidence in the gospel that we preach.
– This glorious and renewing light, the hope that we can rely on can only be found in Christ.
– The darkness of sin can only be dispelled by the light of salvation.

“Any professed hope short of the Messiah is no hope at all.”

Therefore:
a. Only the true light can bring hope in the midst of darkness.
b. Only the true light can dispel darkness.

Blessed LORD’s day, dear saints!
To God alone be the glory!