Advertise on podcast: Burwood Presbyterian Church

Introduction 1. 'Face' Denies God's Glory in His People (v1-4) 2. 'Face' Demeans the Child of God (v5-7) 3. 'Face' Discredits the Royal Law of Love (v8-11) 4. Mercy Triumphs over Judgement (v12-13) Conclusion Behind the mask of face-giving and favouritism is an evil attitude of the heart which is deeply offensive to God. • Face is about power ◦ Face is very controlling. ◦ Face doesn't know how to say 'sorry'. • Faith is about love ◦ Faith gives you the freedom to be honest. ◦ Faith is uplifting, generous and kind. • Mercy triumphs over judgement ◦ Beware of 'identity politics'. ◦ Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok are not your friend. ◦ We are saved by Faith alone … not Face alone. ◦ Live by the royal law: 'Love your neighbour as yourself!'

Introduction: What does Pentecost mean? 1. The promised last days have arrived 2. Jesus is both Lord and Messiah 3. The risen Lord offers forgiveness

Introduction 1. Lesson #1: Listen! (v19-21) a. Self-interest and anger are fruitless. b. Hearing = Heeding the call to holiness. 2. Lesson #2: Do! (v22-25) a. Hearing alone is useless. b. Hearing x Doing = Responding to God's Word. 3. Lesson #3: Love! (v26-27) a. Doing alone is worthless. b. Hearing x Doing x Loving = A God-pleasing life. Conclusion Sanctification is the Spirit-led work of cleaning up a sin-damaged life. 1. How is the 'clean-up' going? • Are you fighting the good fight of faith? • Are you drifting? • Are you rotting on the vine (fruitless)? 2. Listen, Do, Love! • Listen to God's Word. • Do what it says. • Do it in Love. 3. Pray for God's enabling power. 4. Examine yourself regularly in the mirror of God's Word.

Introduction 1. Perseverance Produces Maturity (v1-4). 2. Perseverance Requires Wisdom (v5-8). 3. Perseverance Requires Humility (v9-11). 4. Perseverance Receives the Crown (v12-18). Conclusion

Introduction 1. Day 1: Your King Has Come! (v1-11) 2. Day 2: Under New Management (v12-19) • The Fruitless Fig Tree (v12-14) • The Temple Makeover (v15-19) 3. Day 3: Moving Mountains (v20-26) Conclusion • Are you ready to receive Jesus as your King? • He will enter your heart, by his Spirit. • He will cleanse you like he cleansed the Temple. • He will search out the good figs that he loves – the fruit of the Spirit which is the evidence of faith. • He will move mountains to save you. • Remember the Messianic Donkey: there's nothing wrong with being a donkey if you are the Lord's donkey!

Introduction • How does the gospel shape my life ambitions? • How can I make sure that my ambitions are godly ambitions? 1. Final Countdown (v32-34). 2. Blind Ambition: James and John (v35-45) • Worldly Greatness (v35-40). • The Kingdom Corrective (v41-45). 3. Clear-Sighted Faith: Blind Bartimaeus (v46-52). Conclusion • The best ambition you can have, is to be a good and faithful servant of the Lord. • Godly ambition is humble, but hungry, for good outcomes. • Not everyone is called to be a leader; but everyone is called to be a follower of Christ. • Jesus' idea of success is a life of servant-hearted, loving, sacrifice – bringing us peace with God and eternal life. • 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' (10:43b-45)