Sermon Notes for 5 April 2026

John 11:25 (KJV)
Jesus said unto her (Martha), I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

“I can no more do justice to this awesome and wonder-filled topic than a child can grasp a star. Still, by reaching toward the star, the child may call attention to it and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. And so, I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God so that we may be encouraged to look up and have hope.”
A.W. Tozer

John 3:16 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…UNCONDITIONAL

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world ...

2) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…SACRIFICIAL

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave...

3) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…VALUABLE

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...

4) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…PERSONABLE

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...

5) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…ACCESSIBLE

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him...

6) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…NON-JUDGMENTAL

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish...

7) THE LOVE OF GOD IS…BENEFICIAL

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 29 March 2026

Day 1: Palm Sunday 

• Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Day 2: Monday

• Jesus clears the Temple

Day 3: Tuesday

• Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives where He taught His disciples about the signs of the end times and the importance of vigilance in prayer.
• This event is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse.

Day 4: Wednesday 

• The Bible doesn't say what the Lord did on Wednesday of Holy Week.
• Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover.

Day 5: Thursday 

• Maunday Thursday – Passover and Last Supper

Day 6: Friday

• Trial, crucifixion, death and burial

Day 7: Saturday 

• (Sabbath) - Jesus is in the tomb

 
Day 8: Sunday 

• Resurrection

I. THE KING WHO WAS PRAISED (Palm Sunday)
 
Matthew 21:1–11 (NKJV) 
1 “Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 
2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 
3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 
8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 
9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”
11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Prophetic Fulfillment: 
Zechariah 9:9 (NKJV) “Behold, your King is coming to you… lowly and riding on a donkey…”

II. THE KING WHO REDEFINES PASSOVER (Last Supper)
 
Luke 22:19–20 (NKJV) 
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it… ‘This is My body which is given for you…’ Likewise… ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood…’”

Jesus transforms Passover into a personal covenant.

III. THE KING WHO GIVES HIMSELF (The Cross Foreshadowed)

The Bread - Represents His body broken.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “He was wounded for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed.”

The Cup - Represents His blood poured out

Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

Communion is not just symbolic—it is remembrance with meaning.

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV) “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

IV. FROM PALM BRANCHES TO THE TABLE
 
Contrast:

Palm Sunday	Last Supper
Celebration	Sacrifice
Crowds	Intimacy
Expectations	Revelation
External praise	Internal transformation

You cannot truly celebrate the King without receiving His sacrifice.

V. PREPARING THE HEART FOR COMMUNION
 
1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV) “But let a man examine himself…”

1. Examine Your Relationship with Christ
2. Examine Your Heart
3. Examine Your Gratitude

APPLICATION  

1. Move from Spectator to Participant
2. Move from Praise to Surrender
3. Remember What It Cost
4. Receive Grace Again

COMMUNION SCRIPTURE READING
 
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NKJV)
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Time of Reflection:

• “If there’s sin—confess it”
• “If there’s bitterness—release it”
• “If there’s distance—come back”

The same Jesus who rode into Jerusalem is here right now—inviting you to the table.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 23 February 2026

A study of one of the greatest verses in the entire Word of God, Romans 8:28. Today we will unpack the words "work together." Let's dig in...

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that all things "work together" for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We need to be reminded that as we live our Christian lives, God is constantly working to cause all things to come together and work for our good and His purpose.

Romans 8:28 really deals with God’s providence, which is God’s continued activity, in the world that He created for the good of His people. Not only is God the creator of all things, He’s the controller of all things.

God is so in control, that as Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

We’re going to break this verse down into 7 sections: Continuation, Confidence, Context, Convergence, Consequence, Committed, and the Called.

1. The CONTINUATION

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In this verse, we need to see the continuation of thought. This promise in vs 28 is the fulfillment of what we studied in vs 26-27.

2. The CONFIDENCE

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

NOTE #1: This does not say, “And we feel…”

NOTE #2: This does not say, “And we see…”

We cannot run our Christian life by our feelings or by our understanding, because both of those are limited. We must walk by faith and know God will use this for our good.

3. The CONTEXT

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Nothing is outside God’s control. Nothing.

“All things” includes:

• Suffering (Romans 8:18)
• Weakness (Romans 8:23)
• Persecution (Romans 8:35)
• Even sin and evil (Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23)

There are no accidents in the believer’s life — only Divine appointments.

4. The CONVERGENCE

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I want you to see that God is the One who is driving all things and causing them to work for the good.

How do we know it’s God?

1. Context

It’s all about God the Father! It's in the context of the chapter. Remember our hermeneutical principle? A text, without a context, is a pretext! Therefore, as we study the entire chapter, we clearly see the verse is referencing God.

2. An Impersonal Nothing 

An Impersonal Nothing is not at work – causing all things to work together for good!

The Bible never gives one thought or acknowledgement to the idea of:

• Random events
• Good luck – bad luck
• Good Karma – Bad Karma
• Accidents
• There is no such thing on the planet!

God is the One who is the King of Providence!

3. Because God clearly states He is the one working!  

Romans 11:36 (ESV) "For from him and through him and to him are “all things.” To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Now understand, it’s clearly seen in Scripture that it’s God who is causing all things to work together for good.

Allow me to share with you four things about this God who is causing all things to work together for good:

1. He's All-Loving

2. He's All-Wise

3. He's All-Knowing

4. He's All-Powerful

Because God is all-loving, all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful – He is capable of making the greatest good come to a reality in your life!

"WORK TOGETHER" 

I would like to draw you attention to the words “work together.”

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things “work together” for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

• It’s one word in the Greek – it’s a compound word
• Root word is “to work”
• Prefix is “together”
• It simple reads "He works all things together"

I want to unpack this Greek verb for you.

1. It’s in the Present-Tense - Every moment of every day – God is working all things together for good.

2. It’s in the Active-Voice - God is not just passively observing. He’s not a spectator. He is actively working in your life.

3. It’s in the Indictive Mood - This is simply a statement of fact

MAIN POINT: 

God is actively orchestrating events in your life. Don’t judge God’s plan by one painful chapter! God is not reacting to your life — He is ruling over it.
 
Psalm 139:16 (NLT) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

(We will continue unpacking Romans 8:28 next time we're together.)

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 15 February 2026

A study of one of the greatest verses in the entire Word of God, Romans 8:28. Today we will unpack the words "all things." Let's dig in...

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that "all things" work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We need to be reminded that as we live our Christian lives, God is constantly working to cause all things to come together and work for our good and His purpose.

Romans 8:28 really deals with God’s providence, which is God’s continued activity, in the world that He created for the good of His people. Not only is God the creator of all things, He’s the controller of all things.

God is so in control, that as Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

We’re going to break this verse down into 7 sections: Continuation, Confidence, Context, Convergence, Consequence, Committed, and the Called.

1. The CONTINUATION

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In this verse, we need to see the continuation of thought. This promise in vs 28 is the fulfillment of what we studied in vs 26-27.

2. The CONFIDENCE

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

NOTE #1: This does not say, “And we feel…”

NOTE #2: This does not say, “And we see…”

We cannot run our Christian life by our feelings or by our understanding, because both of those are limited. We must walk by faith and know God will use this for our good.

3. The CONTEXT

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Nothing is outside God’s control. Nothing.

“All things” includes:

• Suffering (Romans 8:18)
• Weakness (Romans 8:23)
• Persecution (Romans 8:35)
• Even sin and evil (Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23)

There are no accidents in the believer’s life — only Divine appointments.

1. Joseph — Betrayal, Injustice, and Suffering (Genesis 37–50; Genesis 50:20)

2. Job — Suffering Without Explanation (Job 1–2; Job 42:1–6)

3. The Exodus - Delays, Hardship, and Resistance (Exodus 1–14)

4. David — Waiting, Failure, and Discipline (1 Samuel 16–31; Psalm 51)

5. Ruth — Ordinary Events and Hidden Hand (Ruth 1–4)

6. Jonah — Disobedience and Discipline (Jonah 1–4)

7. Esther — God’s Name Unmentioned, Yet God at Work (Esther 1–10)

8. Peter’s Denial — Failure Used for Future Strength (Luke 22:31–32; John 21)

9. Paul’s Imprisonment — Setbacks That Advance the Gospel (Philippians 1:12–14)

10. The Cross — The Greatest Example of “All Things” (Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27–28)

MAIN POINT 

If God governs betrayal, storms, sufferings, delays, prisons, failures, kings, and crosses — He governs your life too.

“All things” means: big things, small things, painful things, even confusing things.

Nothing in your life is random — it’s either caused or allowed by our Heavenly Father. 

“All things" rest in the hands of a wise, loving, sovereign Father who is working for His glory and your eternal good.

TAKE-AWAY ACTION STEPS:

1. Trust when you don’t understand
2. Stop labeling seasons too early
3. Surrender control daily
4. Look for God’s purpose, not just relief
5. Refuse despair
6. Rest in the Father’s wisdom

God is not reacting to your life — He is ruling over it.

(To be continued next week...)

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

This blog article is a response to a comment left on my Facebook Story titled: "God Uses Evil for Good."

This blog article is a response to a comment left on my Facebook Story titled: "God Uses Evil for Good." The comment is, "Lamentations 3. Does not the evil and the good come from the most high?"

Great question, allow me to briefly dig into this very deep theological question. Please understand that what I'm sharing is just the tip of the iceberg on this topic. Let's dig in...

Lamentations 3:37–38 (KJV) Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?

This passage of Scripture is often the passage people point to when asking, “Doesn’t God Himself say that evil comes from Him?”

The Hebrew word translated “evil” here is רָע (raʿ) — a word with a broad range of meaning. What does “evil” mean in Lamentations 3? The Bible uses different words for moral evil (sin, wickedness) and calamity, disaster, judgment, distress. In Lamentations 3:38, (raʿ) does not mean moral evil or sin. It means calamity, affliction, judgment or disaster. This is clear from context.

Remember, in hermeneutics "a text, without a context, is a pretext." This just simply means the interpretation of a verse must be within the context of the Scripture. You cannot pull a verse out of context and make it say whatever you need or want it to say. Scripture only has one interpretation, but many applications.

The immediate context of Lamentations 3 is written after the destruction of Jerusalem. God is releasing His judicial judgment on Judah for persistent sin.

Lamentations 1:5 “Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy."

The “evil” mentioned in Lamentations 3:38, is covenant judgment, not sinful action. God often brings judgment — but not sin.

Scripture is consistent on this distinction:

Isaiah 45:7 (KJV) “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil.” Evil is the same Hebrew word: raʿ. Modern translations correctly render it “calamity” (ESV, NIV), “disaster” (CSB). 

God creates judicial consequences, not moral corruption.

Lamentations 3 does not teach that God is the author of sin. Rather, He is the Sovereign, Holy God who rightly sends judgment and calamity in response to sin, while remaining compassionate, just, and faithful.

TAKE AWAY:
Scripture consistently teaches that God is perfectly holy and never the author of moral evil (James 1:13; 1 John 1:5; Habakkuk 1:13), yet He is absolutely sovereign over all that occurs (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:35).

In passages like Lamentations 3:37–38, where it says that “woe and well-being” (or “evil and good”) come from the Most High, the Hebrew word for “evil” refers not to sin or moral corruption but to calamity, judgment, or affliction.

In context, Jeremiah is acknowledging that the destruction of Jerusalem was a just act of Divine discipline in response to sin (Lam. 3:39), not that God Himself commits wrongdoing. Throughout Scripture, God sovereignly governs events involving evil — such as Joseph’s betrayal (Gen. 50:20) and the crucifixion of Christ (Acts 2:23) — without being morally responsible for the sinful intentions of human agents.

Therefore, the Bible holds both truths together: God ordains and rules over all things, including judgment and suffering, yet He remains perfectly righteous, and sin originates in the will of rebellious creatures, not in the holy character of God.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 1 & 8 February 2026

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Without question, this is the most beloved verses in the entire Bible. It would certainly make the short list of the “5 Most Cherished Verses” in all of Scripture

We need to be reminded that as we live our Christian lives, God is constantly working to cause all things to come together and work for our good.

Romans 8:28 really deals with God’s providence, which is God’s continued activity, in the world that He created for the good of His people. Not only is God the creator of all things, He’s the controller of all things.

God is so in control, that as Genesis 50:20 says, “They meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

1. The CONTINUATION

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In this verse, we need to see the continuation of thought. This promise in vs 28 is the fulfillment of what we studied in vs 26-27.

2. The CONFIDENCE

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

NOTE #1: This does not say, “And we feel…”

NOTE #2: This does not say, “And we see…”

We cannot run our Christian life by our feelings or by our understanding, because both of those are limited. We must walk by faith and know God will use this for our good.

The Christian life rests on revealed certainty, not emotional optimism! This confidence flows from:

God’s CHARACTER

Psalm 145:17 (NKJV) The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.

God’s PROMISES

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) (from the Prophet Balaam) “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

God’s PAST FAITHFULNESS

Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV) Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

God’s SOVEREIGNTY

God’s sovereignty—His absolute authority and control over creation—permeates Scripture.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Ephesians 1:9-11 (NLT)
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Proverbs 19:21 (Msg)
We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV)
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Rather than presenting sovereignty as distant or theoretical, Scripture grounds it in the lived reality of believers who trust that their circumstances serve God’s redemptive design.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
 
Take-Away: 

Our peace in trials comes from what we know about God, not what we feel or see in the moment. God is sovereign!

(To be continued next week...)

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT) “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 18 January 2026

1. Make a Heart Decision to Pursue Community

Hebrews 10:24–25a (NKJV) "Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..."

Community begins with intentional obedience, not convenience.

“Let Us Consider One Another”

• "consider" means to carefully think about, observe, and give attention to.

“To Stir Up Love and Good Works” 

• "stir up" implies intentional encouragement and accountability

"Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together” 

• "forsaking" means to abandon or neglect
  

2. Commit to a Local Church Body

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NKJV) “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

Belonging precedes thriving.

3. Practice Biblical Hospitality

Romans 12:13 (NKJV) “Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

Community grows around tables, not just church pews or chairs.

4. Be Willing to Be Known

James 5:16 (NKJV) "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

Healing flows where honesty is present.

5. Serve Alongside Others

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another…”

Serving together builds bonds faster than socializing alone.

6. Practice Mutual Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another…”

Encouragement is fuel for community.

7. Remain Faithful Even When It’s Messy

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…”

Biblical community is built through grace, not perfection.

8. Pray for Community Before You Experience It

Psalm 68:6 (NKJV) “God sets the solitary in families…”

God is the architect of Godly relationships.

DAILY PRAYER:
“Lord, You did not design me to walk alone. Give me the courage to pursue Biblical community, the humility to be known, and the grace to walk faithfully with others. Plant me where I can grow and help others grow. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

TAKE-AWAY
Community does not happen accidentally—it happens intentionally. One step of obedience today can begin a lifetime of belonging.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 11 January 2026

Let's lean into the subject of Biblical Community...

1. Community Flows From the Nature of God

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV) “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’”

2. Community Is Where Identity Is Formed

Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

Let's breakdown this verse:

a. No More Outsiders - “You are no longer strangers…”
Meaning that a stranger has no relationship, no history, and no rights.

b. No Longer Temporary or Distant - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners…”

c. Shared Identity - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints…”

d. Family, Not Just Fellow Believers - “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”

3. Community Is the Environment for Spiritual Growth

Acts 2:42 (NKJV) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

4. Community Is Where Burdens Are Carried

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

5. Community Provides Spiritual Protection

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NKJV) “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls…”

TAKE-AWAY

• Community is not about convenience—it is about conformity to Christ.
• We are formed, protected, healed, and sent together.
• Christianity is personal—but never private.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 4 January 2026

In 2024, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring loneliness a public health epidemic. He wasn't exaggerating. The data shows social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and raises the risk of premature death by nearly 30%....

I've been a practicing psychiatrist for more than 50 years. This holiday season, my phone won't stop ringing. Patients are desperate for appointments — not because of clinical depression or anxiety disorders, but because they're profoundly alone.

By Arnold Gilberg - Fox News
Published December 28, 2025 8:00am EST

Loneliness has been shown to:

• Increase the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Weaken the immune system
• Raise anxiety, depression, and premature death

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) And the LORD God said, ‘"It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

Today I would like to speak on the subject of isolation...Isolation is not just emotional—it’s spiritual warfare.

I. Isolation Contradicts God’s Design

Genesis 2:18a (NKJV) And the LORD God said, ‘"It is not good that man should be alone...

II. Isolation Weakens Us Spiritually

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV) “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls.”

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

III. Isolation Distorts Our Thinking

Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”

“Isolates Himself”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself...
Hebrew word: פָּרַד (pārad) — to separate, divide, break away

"Seeks His Own Desire”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire...
Hebrew: תַּאֲוָה (ta’avah) — craving, appetite, lust, self-will

“He Rages”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
Hebrew: גָּלַע (gālaʿ) or similar root — to break out, show hostility

“Against All Wise Judgment”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
Hebrew: תּוּשִׁיָּה (tûshiyyāh) — sound wisdom, good sense, godly counsel

Isolation is not being neutral. According to Prov 18:1, it reveals a heart that prefers self-rule over godly wisdom.

IV. God Uses Community to Bring Healing

James 5:16 (NKJV) “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

V. Jesus Himself Valued Companionship
Mark 6:31 (NKJV) “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

Takeaway:
Loneliness is not just an emotional struggle—it’s a spiritual and physical warning sign.

You don’t have to be surrounded by crowds—but you were never meant to walk alone.

Take one intentional step this week—reach out, reconnect, or invite someone into your life.

Healing often begins with a simple decision: I will not isolate anymore.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 21 December 2025

Matthew 2:1-12 (NKJV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

What do you give someone who already owns everything—especially when that someone is a King?

When we come before Jesus, what kind of gift is He really looking for from us?

GIFT #1 – GOLD – We Give King Jesus Our Allegiance

Gold represents kingship and authority.

What area of your life still resists the rule of Christ?

GIFT #2 – FRANKINCENSE – We Give Jesus, our Holy Priest, Adoration

Frankincense was used in temple worship and burned as incense to God.

Exodus 30:8 (NKJV) “And the smoke of the incense… ascended before God.”

1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV) “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Is your worship rooted in awe of who Jesus truly is?

GIFT #3 – MYRRH – We Give Jesus Our Trust as Our Savior

Myrrh was used for burial and embalming.

John 19:39 (NKJV) “And Nicodemus… brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes.”

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “He was wounded for our transgressions.”
 
Are you trusting in Christ alone for your salvation, or in yourself?

GIFT #4 – WORSHIP – We Give Jesus Our Heart

Matthew 2:11 (NKJV) “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child… and fell down and worshiped Him.”

Before they gave gifts, they bowed.

Do you worship Jesus only with words—or with your life?

Jesus defines true worship…
 
John 4:23–24 (NKJV) “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1. Worship in Spirit

Worship became a matter of the heart, not external actions, and directed by truth rather than ceremony.

2. Worship in Truth

John 17:17 (NKJV) “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

John 14:6 (NKJV) “Jesus said… ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’”

Is your worship shaped by Scripture—or by personal taste?

3. Spirit + Truth = Balanced Worship

Jesus did not say spirit or truth—He said spirit and truth.

Spirit without Truth	Truth without Spirit
Emotional but shallow	Correct but cold
Passion without direction	Knowledge without devotion
Experience-driven	Ritual-driven

John 4:23 (NKJV) “For the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”

To worship in spirit is to engage the heart; to worship in truth is to honor the Word—and God desires both!

The wise men gave four gifts that still call for a response today:
 

• Gold — Will you submit to His rule?
• Frankincense — Will you adore His holiness?
• Myrrh — Will you trust His sacrifice?
• Worship — Will you surrender your heart?

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.”

The greatest gift you can give Jesus is not what you bring in your hands—but who you lay down at His feet.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 14 December 2025

Luke 2:11 (NKJV)
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

1. God Did Not Send a Political Fix — He Sent a Personal Savior

If your hope is in politics, circumstances, or human leaders to fix your life, Christmas redirects your hope to Christ—the only One who can transform you from the inside out.

2. God Did Not Send a Life Coach — He Sent a Redeemer

We don’t need better habits as much as we need a new heart.

3. God Did Not Send an Advisor — He Sent Emmanuel (“God With Us”)

You’re not walking through life with advice from heaven—you’re walking with the God of heaven Himself dwelling with you and in you.

4. God Did Not Send a Judge — He Sent a Lamb

When you feel unworthy, remember: God’s first move toward you was GRACE, not judgment.

5. God Did Not Send a Temporary Solution — He Sent an Eternal Savior

Your problems may feel permanent, but God’s solution in Christ is eternal. Anchor your soul in the Savior who never expires.

TAKE-AWAY:

God didn’t send what we thought we wanted—He sent what He knew we needed. Not a system-changer, but a soul-Savior. Not advice, but Emmanuel. Not condemnation, but a Redeemer. Not a temporary helper, but an eternal King.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” 

Sermon Notes for 7 December 2025

Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT)
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

1. GOD HAS PERFECT TIMING
 Christmas happened right when God intended.
 
Galatians 4:4 (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

What this means for us:
If God could orchestrate thousands of years for the exact moment of Jesus’ birth,
then your waiting is not wasted. God is not slow – He is precise.

2. GOD TOOK THE INITIATIVE 
He sent His Son because we could never go to Him.
 
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.  

What this means for us:
Stop trying to “be good enough.” Stop thinking God is far away. Christmas proves God comes close to those who cannot reach Him.

3. JESUS ENTERED OUR WORLD FULLY
 He became what we are to redeem what we were.

Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 

What this means for us:
Jesus didn’t just come for you—He came like you—so He could walk with you. Your Savior truly understands your humanity.

4. CHRIST CAME TO REDEEM
The cradle only matters because it leads to the cross.
 
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

 What this means for us:
Stop living like sin still owns you. Stop treating freedom like a future goal—Jesus already paid for it.

5. CHRIST CAME TO ADOPT
God didn’t just free you; He brought you into His family.
 
Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

What this means for us:
Walk like someone who belongs. Pray like someone who’s welcomed. Live like someone who’s loved. You don’t have to earn the Father’s affection—you already have it.

TAKE-AWAY:

This Christmas, don’t just celebrate that Jesus came—step into the freedom He purchased, the family He offers, and the perfect timing of a God who came not to decorate your season, but to transform your life!”