The Royal Exchange

Apparently the text on The Royal Exchange, chosen by Price Albert, is Psalm 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof".

"The earth is the LORD's ... and all who live in it"

If I ever use a footballing illustration, it is quite likely I have stolen it. The Revd Dr Aneirin Glyn suggests that Brazillian midfielder Kaka has understood Psalm 24v1:

Luke 2:21-40 - Some Homegroup Notes

What are people in this chapter waiting for in v25 and v38?

The consolation of Israel (v25); the redemption (buying back from slavery) of Jerusalem (v38). Jesus is the ultimate answer to these hopes, even if those waiting might not quite have realized how.

Look at verse 29. What does it mean to call God “Sovereign Lord”? What is meant by God’s sovereignty?

That God is the king of the world. He is all powerful, governs all things and does as he pleases.

How does this incident demonstrate God’s sovereignty?

God is able to fulfill his promise to Simeon. He governs circumstances so that Simeon does indeed see (and recognize) the Lord’s Christ, just as God said he would.

How does that encourage us?

It shows us God’s power and faithfulness to his word. He is trustworthy.

What does this passage tell us about who Jesus is?

Christ (v26) is the Greek form of “Messiah” and means the “anointed one”. Prophets, priests and especially kings in the Old Testament were anointed. In the light of God’s promises the title means God’s chosen rescuer-king.

Why can Simeon say that he has seen God’s salvation? (v30) Who has he seen (v26-28)? What does that imply about Jesus?

Simeon has seen Jesus who is the Saviour.

Whom does Jesus coming affect according to vv31-32?

All people, both Gentiles (non-Jews) and Israel. The inclusion of the Gentiles here is good news for most of us!

What does Simeon say Jesus will do?

Jesus will be a light for revelation to the Gentiles (non Jews) (v32). He will bring them knowledge of the truth and reveal God to them.

What do you think it means that Jesus will cause the falling and rising of many in Israel (v34)?

It could be that Simeon is speaking of two groups here: some will fall (those who reject Jesus) and others will rise (those who put their trust in him). Alternatively, Simeon may mean that some will fall (humble themselves) then be raised up by Jesus, just as, for example, Jesus says we must lose our lives if we are to save them.

Will everyone accept Jesus?

No. Jesus will be a sign that will be spoken against (v34). He will divide people.

What will people’s reactions to him show?

People’s reactions to Jesus will show the true state of their hearts before God (v35).

What do you think Simeon meant by telling Mary “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (v35)?

Simeon seems to be predicting severe grief for Mary.

How do you think this prediction was fulfilled? When might Mary’s soul have felt especially pierced? What event(s) could the prediction be referring to?

The cross would have been a particular time of grief for Mary. It is striking that this is prophesied here as part of God’s purpose from the beginning of Jesus’ life – his destiny. The cross is God’s will for Jesus, not plan B!

Main points / application / for prayer / praise:

Praise God for his sovereign power and faithfulness to his Word.

Give thanks for the salvation and revelation that Jesus brought.

Pray that more people might have their eyes opened to recognize Jesus.

Praise God for the cross and the wonderful way it was part of his purposes for Jesus.

John Stott on Simeon's Song

John Stott – The Song of Simeon: A Lesson In Spiritual Discernment – All Soul’s Langham Place - http://www.allsouls.org/ascm/allsouls/static/sermons/showsermon.flow?id=2449

V25 - Simeon’s name and address

Do we have the spiritual discernment that Simeon had, to see beneath the surface of things to Jesus’ real significance?

What do we see in Jesus?

Is 49:6, “a light to the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth”

Simeon saw in Jesus: (1) the fulfilment of promise

(2) the salvation of God

(3) the Light of the World

(4) the cause of division

A stone to stumble over, to be dashed on or a foundation stone

Preparing for the Presentation of Christ in The Temple

A repost:

No doubt there’s more to say here, but I’ve been helped by the way Revd Dr Paul Blackham of All Souls’, Langham Place, analyses the 3 ceremonies Luke mentions in chapter 2 that might shed light on the coming Messiah:

Circumcision (v21). In Genesis 17 the giving of circumcision as the bloody sign of the covenant and its implementation sandwiches the renewing of the promise of the seed through Isaac. It is perhaps in part a way of looking forward to the birth of the Messiah.

Redemption of the Firstborn (v23). In the Passover all the people deserve judgement but the first born male stands in for or represents the nation, bearing the wrathful punishment of God, unless a lamb dies in the place of the firstborn. Exodus 13 commands that firstborn males always have to be redeemed, just as if the people of God were still in captivity in Egypt. The firstborn Son is still to come to die as a substitute in the place of the people, bearing the wrath of God, releasing God’s people from slavery.

The ceremonial purification of Mary after childbirth (vv22, 24, cf. Leviticus 12). The pain of childbearing comes from God’s curse against sin in Genesis 3. It is through the birth of a child that the curse will be removed. Jesus will, of course, bring cleansing to his people and access to God. 

Blackham’s sermon, The Child Who Divides (sermon code D040/03, 29th Dec 2002) is available on the All Souls’ website.

Anna & Israel as Widows

In case you are preparing to preach on The Presentation of Christ in the Temple from Luke 2:21-40 on Sunday, here's a re-post:

The widow Anna who speaks to those who were "looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:25) about the child Jesus becomes a more significant figure when we realise that Israel, the people of God, is often pictured as the LORD's bride in the Bible. In Lamentations 1, Jerusalem is a widow in need of comfort. The final "consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25; cf. Isaiah 40), the ultimate end of exile, comes in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the wedding of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9).

Rights and Responsibilities assembly for a church primary school

What are rights?

Dictionary definition:

Right - what is fair or just; something that people ought to be allowed. e.g. they fought for their rights

(Oxford Pimary School Dictionary)

Can you give some examples?

The United Nations lists the following categories of Rights of the Child:

• he right to a childhood (including protection from harm)
• The right to be educated (including all girls and boys completing primary school)
• The right to be healthy (including having clean water, nutritious food and medical care)
• The right to be treated fairly (which includes changing laws and practices that discriminate against children)
• The right to be heard (which includes considering children's views)

(UNICEF Rights Respecting School site: http://www.unicef.org.uk/Education/Rights-Respecting-Schools-Award/Childrens-rights/)

 What are responsibilities?

Dictionary definition:

responsibility: something you should look after and for which you are to blame if something goes wrong

Can you give some examples?

 Our responsibilities sometimes flow from other people's rights

Some possible Bible texts to discuss:

Philippians 2:5-8 - Jesus did not stand on his rights. He gave up his rights. He took responsibility for our sins.

2 Cor 8:9 - Jesus was willing to give up all the riches of heaven for our sake

John 13 - The washing of the disciples feet a picture of Jesus The Lord and Master giving up his rights to become a servant

John 1:11 - The responsibility to believe in Jesus leads to the right to become children of God

Matthew 22:21 - "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God" - responsibilities to the state and to others but an overwhelming responsibility to God. Caesar and all things belong to God. The coin and Caesar himself bare God' image since human beings are made in the image of God.

Matthew 18:21ff - The parable of the unforgiving servant - When we realise we have been forgiven by Jesus that will help us not to demand our supposed rights but to forgive others.

Any commandments (e.g. The 10 Commandments, The Greatest Commandments or The Golden Rule) could be treated as responsibilities.

Oh, and we should never forget the wise words from Spiderman: Spiderman: "With great power comes great responsibility"

A sermon handout for Mrs Lloyd

Mrs Lloyd requested a handout to go with today's sermon. It would have gone something like this, maybe:

Sunday 26^th Jan 2014 – 4^th Sunday – 3^rd Sunday of Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-7 (p693)

Matthew 4:12-23 (p968)

Epiphany season: Jesus revealed (to the nations)

Jesus revealed in the Scriptures (vv14-16) and in his words (vv17, 19, 23) and miracles (vv23-25).

Jesus deliberately obeyed and fulfilled the Scriptures as the long-promised Messiah (vv13-14).

(How much more should we obey the Scriptures and allow them to shape our understanding)

Jesus is the light of the world for all in darkness and the shadow of death (vv15-16)

Will you come into and enjoy that light?

Jesus heralds the good news of the kingdom (vv17, 23)

Jesus is God the King who has come, with great personal authority, and commands us to repent (v17)

Will you repent?

Jesus calls us (1) to follow him and (2) to fish for people (v19)

Will you follow Jesus? Promptly (vv20, 22)? Putting him first (vv20, 21)

Will you fish for people? (A promise of what Jesus will do through and in us)

May God give us grace now and every day to walk in obedience to King Jesus and to bring others to him. Amen.

Hopefully the sermon audio will appear here in the fullness of time.

Christ's more radical call.

Billy Graham once said:

"I have in my hand a letter written by a Communist student at an eastern university
after he had gone to Mexico and become a Communist. He wrote to his fiancee,
breaking off their engagement. Here is in part what he said. This was given
to me by the minister of the Presbyterian Church in Montreat, North Carolina,
where I live. Here is what it says:

We Communists have a high casualty rate. We're the ones who get shot and
hung and lynched and tarred and feathered and jailed and slandered, and ridiculed
and fired from our jobs, and in every other way made as uncomfortable as possible.
A certain percentage of us get killed or imprisoned. We live in virtual poverty.
We turn back to the party every penny we make above what is absolutely necessary
to keep us alive.
We Communists don't have the time or the money for many movies, or concerts,
or T-bone steaks, or decent homes and new cars. We've been described as fanatics.
We are fanatics. Our lives are dominated by one great overshadowing factor,
THE STRUGGLE FOR WORLD COMMUNISM.

We Communists have a philosophy of life which no amount of money could
buy. We have a cause to fight for, a definite purpose in life. We subordinate
our petty personal selves into a great movement of humanity, and if our personal
lives seem hard, or our egos appear to suffer through subordination to the
party, then we are adequately compensated by the thought that each of us in
his small way is contributing to something new and true and better for mankind.

There is one thing in which I am dead earnest and that is the Communist
cause. It is my life, my business, my religion, my hobby, my sweetheart, my
wife and mistress, my bread and meat. I work at it in the daytime and dream
of it at night. Its hold on me grows, not lessens as time goes on. Therefore
I cannot carry on a friendship, a love affair, or even a conversation without
relating to this force which both drives and guides my life. I evaluate people,
books, ideas and actions according to how they effect the Communist cause
and by their attitude toward it. I've already been in jail because of my ideas
and if necessary, I'm ready to go before a firing squad.

I want to ask you do you have that much dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ?
I tell you Christ demanded no less. Show me one verse in the Bible where our
Lord demanded any less of those that follow Him."

Source

So, Matthew 4:12-23 (and Isaiah 9:1-7). Any ideas?!

It's not too late the help me with my sermon for tomorrow on Matthew 4:12-23 (and Isaiah 9:1-7)!

Have you preached or heard any great sermons on those passages?

I have heard that some peple like their sermons to have a point, a coherent message, a thrust, even an aim.

So, got any good theme and aim sentences? What is your one big appication?

Oh, and some people like headings. So I bet you can do better than my attempts so far?

* * *

For what its worth, my own summary so far has turned out something like this:

So, we’ve seen Jesus revealed in the Scriptures and in his words and miracles.

Jesus deliberately obeyed and fulfilled the Scriptures as the long-promised Messiah.

Jesus is the light of the world for all in darkness and the shadow of death.

Will you enter and enjoy his light?

Jesus heralds the good news of the kingdom.

Jesus is God the King who has come, with great personal authority, and commands us to repent.

Jesus calls us to follow him and to fish for people.

Will you repent?

Will you follow Jesus?

Will you fish for people?

May God give us grace now and every day to walk in obedience to King Jesus and to bring others to him. Amen.

DV the audio should appear here in due course.

* * *

The Revd Mr Scrivener is worth checking out (as ever) on Isaiah 9.

* * *

The Emmanuel Wimbeldon website has sermons on Matthew 4:12-22 by Jonathan Fletcher and Robin Weekes. 

The Rev'd Mr Fletcher has 3 headings:

(1) Jesus’ ministry was multi-national – the fulfilment of the Jewish Scriptures but also for all nations, the whole world, hence to Galilee of the Gentiles

(2) Jesus’ ministry was personal – he called individuals, pairs and families to follow him

 (3) Jesus’ ministry was eschatological – it pictured the future New Heaven and New Earth – the Kingdom of God now in part and fully in the future - cf. 4:23 & 9:35

The Revd Robin Weekes’ headings are:

(1)   Rejoice because Jesus (the New Israel) is the promised light for all peoples – in fulfilment of Scripture Jesus goes to a surprising place, to Northerners and Nobodies, the Gentiles who live in the dark. Will we share this light with all peoples? (vv12-16)

(2)   Repent because Jesus is the promised king of all people (vv17-22) – the light dawns when the king comes (Isaiah 9) – 4 model responses to the authority of Jesus in vv18-22: (i) Jesus issues a command and not an invitation, requires an obedience – follow me! (v19, v21) (ii) Jesus requires a prompt response not procrastination (vv20, 22) (iii) Jesus gives them a new responsibility to call others (v19)

* * *

The St Helen's Bishopsgate website has 3 relevant sermons:

Paul Clark on vv12-22 - Jesus is the light of the world - follow him

Johnny Jukes on vv12-16 - Good News for Everyone

William Taylor on vv17-25

The Revd Paul Clarke’s headings are:

(1)   What will happen to you on the day of judgement?

Repent and savour the light, enjoy the light, of Jesus’ kingdom (because life without Jesus is darkness and death)

(2)   How should I live while I wait? What shape should my life take?

The repentant follow Jesus and go fishing for people

William Taylor's sermon:

(1)   Jesus makes a radical personal claim (to the be The Son of God himself) - Follow me, God's king

This is confirmed (a) by the Scriptures and (b) by Jesus’ ministry of teaching and miracles

(2)   Jesus commands a radical personal commitment - repent and follow Jesus

(3) Jesus brings a radical promise to bring radical change (v19) - to make us fishers of men

Jonny Jukes’ sermon:

A global vision - Does our vision of Jesus match Matthew’s vision of Jesus?

(1) A global ruler

Isaiah 8 – 9: A vision at the end of a nightmare – God’s people under judgement – the Assyrian invasion

(2) A Galilean preacher

This Galilean preacher is the global ruler

 

* * *

The St John's Newland website has 5 relevant sermons: RM & SM on 4:12-17 (The preaching of Jesus & The light dawns), MT on 4:17-25 (A different man with a different message - the masses, the message, the man. the mission), JB on 4:18-25 (The king is here) and NB on 4:18-23 (The calling of Jesus).

* * *

On The Tron Church website William Philip has a sermon on 4:12-25 "Listen! He speaks with authority" and 4:17-5:2 "Following & Fishing"

In the first sermon, the headings are something like:

Scripture itself authenticates Jesus’ authority


Jesus’ authoritative summons authenticates his authority

Jesus’ own ministry (of word and work, teaching and miracles) authenticates his authority

* * *

The Doctor has a sermon on Matthew 4:23 - The gospel of the kingdom - The purpose of the Gospel; this present evil world; how does Christ bring in the kingdom? the cosmic dimension of the kingdom.

* * *

Dale Ralph Davis has a sermon on Matthew 4:12-5:2 entitled "Preparing To Hear A Sermon"

4 questions about this preacher:

(1) What’s a brilliant Messiah like you doing in such a dark place as Galilee (of the Gentiles)?

Jesus isn’t the kind of Messiah we might have expected

Don’t be surprised if Jesus surprises you!

(2) What’s a new preacher like you proclaiming such a demanding message?

Jesus requires radical repentance

(3) What’s an unusual Rabbi like you doing controlling my life? Calling disciples and commanding obedience

(4) What’s a popular personality like you doing wasting his time teaching? (4:23-5:2) Prioritising preaching over healing

* * *

A friend suggested two headings:

1. Turn to the King of Light (vv. 12-17)

2. Follow and Fish for the King (vv. 18-22)

* * *

Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfils the Scriptures

Jesus is the light to the Gentile nations

Jesus is a herald who announces the good news of the coming of the Kingdom (of Heaven /God)

Jesus is God the King who commands all people to repent

Jesus is the Master calls people to follow him and bring others to him

Jesus is able to bring healing and wholeness

Will you look to Jesus, repent, follow him and seek to bring others to him?

* * *

Jesus is light who comes to a dark world

Jesus is the king who comes to a rebellious world

* * *

Jesus lived in conscious obedience to the Scriptures

Jesus calls others to whole-heartedly live for the Kingdom of God – he brings healing and wholeness

Jesus calls others to call others to follow him

* * *

Jesus’ coming is for all peoples – including for those in the dark, for rebels

Jesus’ coming is good news for the deseased and the sick

Jesus calls ordinary people and uses them in his service

* * *