Luke 1:26-38: The Annunciation
When I mention Mary the Mother of Jesus was immediately springs to mind? Those with Roman Catholic roots might think of the Ave Maria, the prayer to Mary. Many may think of various statues or art works. As Protestants we see Mary as surrounded with controversy because the honour that has been paid her, which is technically defined as being less than that given to Christ, seems to amount to idolatry. Today we are going to explore our Mariology. Mariolatry is the worship of Mary, that is not what we want to establish, but rather, Mariology, a biblical doctrine...
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Romans 15:14-16: Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles
Introduction: You might think now that we have finished the doctrinal part of the letter to the Romans the last chapter and a half are unimportant and will be a let-down. You could not be more wrong. This last section of Romans gives us a tremendous window into the nature of Paul’s ministry helping us to think about our own ministry as a church. As well as a window into the life of the early church. In this closing section of the letter Paul reverts to personal comments as he did in the introduction of this letter. And just...
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Ephesians 6:17: The Sword of the Spirit: Part Two
Outline The sword that dispels darkness The sword that answers temptation Introduction ‘The word,’ acts 6:4; ‘the implanted word,’ James 1:21; ‘the prophetic word,’ 2 Pet. 1:19; ‘the word of God;’ ‘the word of Christ,’ Col. 3:16; ‘the word of His grace,’ Acts 14:3; ‘the word of truth,’ Ps. 119:43; ‘the word of righteousness,’ Heb. 5:13; ‘fire,’ Jer. 23:29; ‘hammer,’ Jer. 23:29; ‘sweeter than honey,’ Ps. 19:10; ‘lamp,’ Ps. 119:103; ‘meat,’ Heb. 5:14; ‘milk,’ 1 Pet. 2:2; ‘water,’ Eph. 5:25; and ‘sword’ Eph. 6:17. These are just a few descriptions of the word of God, the Sword of the...
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Revelation 13:11-18: The Second Beast
Outline The beast’s prophet The beast’s number Introduction The devil employs three enemies against the church, the two beasts and Babylon; persecution, deception and seduction. We have looked at the governmental powers given authority by the devil to rule and wage war against the saints bodies. Now we want to look at the beast of false religion who wages war against the saints minds. The identity of the second beast has been as much debated as the identity of the first. Some interesting theories have been put forward. The Historicist perspective tends to see the Papacy as the second...
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Mary’s Faith: Luke 1:34-38
Outline Mary’s question Mary’s self-image Mary’s attitude Introduction Mariolatry is the heretical teaching of promoting Mary as a co-redemptrix and mediator, Mariology is the biblical teaching about Mary. This is our fourth message looking at the biblical teaching of Mary as a way to better view and appreciate the incarnation. Today we want to consider her faith. Mary is an exemplary example of submissive faith and we find great blessing seeing God’s grace poured out on this obedient believer. However, we want to keep her faith in perspective as many have made way too much of the section we...
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Mary the Mother of Christ: Luke 1:26-38
Outline Mary’s miracle Mary’s grace Mary’s Son Introduction We have begun our look at the Incarnation by looking at Mary’s worship in response to these wonderful events. Mary herself though can be a help or a hindrance to our contemplation of Christ. There are churches that are committed to the Lady, or the Mother. She is viewed as a Co-redemptrix; she is prayed to and worshipped, and seen as more approachable than God in prayer. For this reason many Protestants avoid her, except to mention that she is not to be prayed to. However, any true investigation of Mary...
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1 Corinthians 10:14-22: Communing with Christ
Outline Not a sin offering Not a physical eating Not a mere remembering Introduction People have died for the issue of how Christ is present in the Lord’s Supper. And this is a good thing. It is not good because people are dying but because people are willing to die to uphold biblical truth. Christ commanded His church to remember His death by means of the Lord’s Supper, this is a non-negotiable for His Church. I love to remind us that people died for these truths because we are so lackadaisical. In our politically correct climate we are scared...
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