LORD’s Day #36

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance."

Psalms 33:12
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SOME EXCERPTS AND LESSONS FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE

MORNING SERMON

FOCUS: “EXERCISING HOSPITALITY”

Text: [Romans 12:9-13]
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

1. THE ESSENCE OF THE COMMAND [of Hospitality]
2. THE SCOPE OF THE COMMAND [of Hospitality]

– What is hospitality? Modern meaning states: Friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, and strangers
– Original meaning: from Greek φιλονεξία “philonexia” (fil-on-ex-ee’-ah) pertains to: – entertaining strangers, hospitality, loving strangers, fondness or affection for strangers
– original language denotes “pursue hospitality” (ref 1 Cor 14:1)
– This is NOT just a general vague injunction of hospitality but is even applicable in our time.
– We need to sympathize with our fellow saints’ needs for this is our call
– Solidarity is our identity as Christians, an instinct recognition with fellow Christians.
– Let brotherly love continue, be not forgetful of hospitality

“When the Lord prospers us, it is for us to increase our standard of giving, not to increase our standard of living”

AFTERNOON SERMON

FOCUS: “ FIVE OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARREST OF CHRIST”

TEXT: [John 18:1-11]
When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

1. Christ gave himself to be arrested despite of him being all-knowing
2. Christ gave himself to be arrested even though He is the great I AM
3. Christ gave himself to be arrested yet still protected His disciples
4. Christ gave himself to be arrested and He didn’t need anyone to defend Him
5. Christ gave himself to be arrested because He was about to drink the bitter cup of suffering

– Christ already knew at that moment, that Satan has taken over Judas (Jn 18)
– The omniscience of Christ is a solid proof of His divinity
– I AM being a personal name of Jehovah (ref. Exodus 13:14)
– Jesus is Lord and the great I AM (Act 4:12; John 8:24; John 8:58)
– In the “7 I Am Statements” Christ repeatedly claimed this title.
– Christ showed selflessness even in the last moment of His life.
– Christ has the same compassion towards us despite our weakness
– Christ did not need anyone to defend Him
– He was about to drink the full cup of God’s wrath because of our sin, an indescribable death.
– We must never forget the demand of discipleship; It is always not just on good times
– There is a demand. We must take up our cross and follow Him

The LORD has added six covenant members to our local church this LORD's day. 
What a joy this has been to all the brethren!

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