Numbers 13:26-33

When we first came to the Lord, we didn’t understand everything, but what we did know was that we were being drawn by the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ, to place our utter dependence and trust in Him; no more to live for self and sin, but instead to live for Christ in righteousness  The though was paralyzing—all we’d ever lived and known, in one moment was to be forsaken!  Ah, but the time came when you crossed the bridge and found it to be a solid one!!  You met with the Lord and tasted of His goodness and faithfulness!  This was the beginning of a journey; one of faith and trust, and as you trace the years that you’ve now walked with the Saviour; there have been seasons since when God has brought you to the valley of seeming impossibility, and has said again, will you trust me?

Leviticus 25:1-7

There’s much emphasis in our day amongst certain circles regarding the observance of weekly sabbath.  In the first half of this sermon, we address this issue and ask the question; are Christians obliged to keep the Law?

In the second half of this sermon, we turn to place our focus on the title, “God’s Provision in Man’s Obedience”.  For six years God said for the Israelites to work the land – to sow, to reap, to gather and to prune.  But in the seventh year, God said that they were to cease from their labour and allow the land a sabbath’s year of rest.  Naturally, this flags up the question, if they were not allowed to sow or to reap, then what would they eat?  Besides eating the produce that grew naturally of itself, God told the Israelites that if they would obey Him, then on the sixth year, He would bring produce in such abundance, that it would last them for three years!!!  Brethren, this speaks to us today.  If we will obey God in that which He has spoken, then He will meet our needs in supplying to us in abundance, blessings from His hands.

Revelation 17

We have mention made for the first time in Revelation, of a great whore who sits upon many waters.  Arrayed in purple and scarlet, decked with gold, precious stones and pearls, she is being carried along by the beast of Revelation 13.  Written upon her forehead is a number of names and John saw the woman drunk with the blood of the Saints.  Who is this woman and why is she depicted in this way?  What is her relationship to the beast and why is she counted as a harlot?  All of these questions and others besides, we endeavour to answer in this teaching part as we look at the imagery of the woman and the beast she is sat upon.

Psalm 130:3-4

There are many ways to look upon a masterpiece of art.  Each angle seems to shed a new perspective, as differing tones and hews are brought into fresh view with every studious stare.  Far greater than any piece of art is the splendour of Almighty God—His many attributes leave a pause for wonder as man tries with his finite mind, to grasp after Him who is eternal!

Of all the attributes, there’s one attribute that holds a special place in my heart, for I know what manner of man I was, and even now after tasting of eternal life, how great a debtor daily I still am!  What is this attribute?  It is the mercy of God!  “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Having been shown such great mercy by God, what manner of people ought we the children of God now to be? A people full of mercy towards others!  How ready are you to forgive another who has wronged you? How willing are you to extend mercy?  In the passing of judgment upon others, how much of it is mixed with mercy?  May the Lord search all our hearts and bring us to place of greater mercy.