“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
SOME EXCERPTS AND LESSONS FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE
MORNING SERMON
SERMON FOCUS: “LIVING PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN: A CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE”
Text: Romans 12:19-21
“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.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- THE POSITIVE CHARGE
- THE POSSIBLE CHOICES
– we are to respond with a positive disposition of blessings
– Proverbs 24:21-22 (regardless of our enemies’ needs, it is our obligation to extend kindness)
– “…for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” – does not refer to causing physical pain but causing an intense feeling of remorse and shame which might lead to [godly sorrow and] repentance.
– Doing good to your enemy is the best way to subdue him and win him over.
– It’s either we get OVERCOME BY EVIL or we OVERCOME EVIL with good
– The Christian reaction requires a transformation of the mind (ref. Romans 12:2)
– The non-Christian does not think of himself as a soul. Whereas, a Christian’s thinking revolves around each person, inclusive of himself, as a soul to be nurtured
– No Christian is overcome by an offensive person. We are called to peace. We are reconciled to God.
– We ought to be victors and overcome the devil. There is nothing that can overcome evil but good.
Therefore:
a. We should see ourselves as an object of God’s mercy
b. We should be reminded that we have been bought with a price (ref. 2 Cor 5:21)
c. We should think of ourselves as children of God.
d. We should see our enemies as victims of sin and we are soldiers of Christ. (ref. 2 Cor 10:3-5)
e. We should think of the privilege of being part of the army of God. We do not destroy our enemies by violence but we convert them by love.
“The best way to overcome an enemy is to make him your friend.”
Abraham Lincoln
AFTERNOON MESSAGE
SERMON FOCUS: “THE DISPARITY OF THE ONLY TWO RELIGIONS”
Text: Hebrews 9:27-28
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
- THE MEANING OF DEATH
- THE SOURCE AND ORIGIN OF DEATH
- THE DESTINATION [2 PLACES] AFTER DEATH
- THE ONLY HOPE AFTER DEATH
– Death comes to everyone; Strong or weak, young or old.
– We are all sinners and the wages of sin is death.
– Death’s origin goes back in the garden of Eden with Adam and Eve’s transgression.
– Because of sin, man was separated from God and they died spiritually
– Because of sin, God declared that man will also experience physical death
– Death shall bring forth “joy” for believers. Death is “gain” for His people because enter the place where we come into the fullness of Christ’s loving presence.
– Death shall bring forth “terror” to non-believers because it is the start of eternal suffering.
– There is no other way towards salvation but thru Christ. Christ is our only hope after death.
– Are you ready to face death?
– Preach the truth of the gospel. Preach the power of God unto salvation as we live
Blessed LORD’s day, dear brethren!
To God alone be the glory!
HERALD OF GRACE COVENANT BIBLE CHURCH OF CAVITE 