Home Group Sermon Series - 2019
Zephaniah The Day Of The Lord
Like the writings of many of the prophets, the book of Zephaniah follows a pattern of judgment for sin followed by the restoration of God’s chosen people. Zephaniah’s primary target for God’s message of judgment, the nation of Judah, had rebelled against God (in their personal lives but also in their worship) under the reign of king Manasseh. Zephaniah’s prophecy shouted out for godliness and purity in a nation sinful to its core.
Zephaniah mentions ‘The Day of the Lord’ more than any other book in the Old Testament. The dominant themes are: Judgment, Repentance and Restoration. In this case, it refers primarily to God’s impending judgment on the nation of Judah. However, Zephaniah saw the destruction of his country, his neighbours, and eventually the whole earth and wrote that: the day of the Lord was near (1:14); it would be a time of wrath (1:15); it would come as judgment on sin (1:17); and that it would, ultimately, result in the blessing of God’s presence among His people (3:17).
This series will help us to think afresh about what it mean for us, practically, living as Christians in today’s world as we plan and prepare for ‘The Day of the Lord’ this coming Advent and Christmas season.
Paul’s Letter To Titus
After being released from his first Roman imprisonment, the Apostle Paul took the Gospel to the island of Crete, where Titus remained to oversee the develop-ing churches. His purpose was clear: “Straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (1:5). The health and stability of the churches on Crete depended on the wisdom and character of the leaders Titus appointed.
This is a short but powerful letter, offering a glimpse at how Paul communicated to his most trusted co-workers. We see that godly character is essential for church leadership. Not only that, but church leaders need to be able to defend the faith from those who oppose or distort the Gospel - the importance of ‘Doctrine and Duty’ are constant themes in this book. This series is as relevant to Contemporary culture as it was to the Early Church and we would do well to similarly grasp Paul’s concerns for our: Church, Home and World.
HG185 :
Pentecost Sunday
Luke 4:16 - 21 & Acts 2:1-21
Paul Carr - 9th June
Prayers of the Apostle Paul
It’s doubtful if any Christian has not, at some point in their life, found it difficult to pray. This is neither surprising nor depressing! It’s not surprising because we are still pilgrims with many lessons to learn; it’s not depressing because struggling with such issues are part of the way we grow in faith.
This series is not a comprehensive theology of prayer. Rather, we will work through several of Paul’s prayers to examine the continuing relevance of prayer to our life and faith and to remind ourselves that prayer should always be the starting point in everything we undertake as Christians. If ever there is a time when we need new confidence, and renewed commitment, in our personal and corporate prayer life, it is now. This series should enable us to hear God speak to us and help us to find strength and direction to improve our prayer life.