“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast”
Ephesians 2:8-9
SOME EXCERPTS AND LESSONS FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE
MORNING SERMON
SERMON FOCUS: “THE PRINCIPLE OF LIVING PEACEABLY WITH ALL”
Text: Romans 12:17-18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
- NEGATIVE INJUNCTION
- POSITIVE INJUNCTION
- IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
– People with a revengeful, vindictive spirit do not just inflict more trouble on themselves but on their families and surroundings.
– God will avenge and only the sovereign God can meetup the right amount of justice at the right time.
– We are not qualified to perform justice and take revenge – we are sinful, vindictive and we are all bad judges.
– 1 Peter 2:21; While it’s not our motive to avenge or vindicate ourselves, it does not mean that we are not concerned with the truth, justice and glory of God.
– We are God’s people, God reigns despite everything. The Lord will punish evil
– Paul is not personally vindictive yet is concerned about the law.
– Paul’s prayer is not concerned with a personal vengeance. Instead, he interceded for the weak believers.
– Why should we not avenge ourselves? Because God is already doing it in ways unknown to us. It may not just be in a way that we are expecting it.
– Why should we not avenge ourselves? Because God alone has the right to do it. God’s justice is far better than ours
AFTERNOON MESSAGE
SERMON FOCUS: “THE DISPARITY OF THE ONLY TWO RELIGIONS”
Text: Genesis 4:1-5
“In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast..”
- THEY PRESENT TWO DIFFERENT WORSHIP
- THEY PRODUCE TWO DIFFERENT RESULTS
– Cain’s offering was the product of his own good works, a product of his own toil, it was not even mentioned that it was the best.
– Abel’s offering is a product of faith in Jesus Christ.
– How did Abel know that he needed to bring a blood offering to God?
– Abel was a prophet (Luke 11:49-51, Acts 10:43)
– All blood sacrifice in the Old Testament reminds the people of the Lord that they are sinful.
– The Lord regarded Abel and his offering. Abel came to God by faith and it was accounted to him as righteousness
– The Lord had no regard for Cain. He was rejected because his heart was evil (Jude 13)
– Those who cry for tolerance are willing to tolerate anything but the truth.
– We are not to tolerate false religion. God only accepts the truth.
– Cain’s blood pleaded for justice. Christ’s blood satisfied God’s justice.
– Just like Abel, our merit is found in the bloodshed sacrificial lamb of God.
– The only reason that the Father treats us as His own is that someone drank our hell from us.
– Let us reassure that our trust is not placed in our own piety and usefulness in the ministry.
– If you continue to refuse to believe in the true religion provided by God, you are headed to the same fate as Cain.
Blessed LORD’s day, dear brethren!
To God alone be the glory!
HERALD OF GRACE COVENANT BIBLE CHURCH OF CAVITE 