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danmartin
Pastor, Grace Church Gateshead (Gateshead, UK)
User since 2016
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Zion will be redeemed through justice [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 2:1-4:6
God states his case against his people and his city [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 1:1-31
God will be silent no more [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 50:1-23
The city of God is a delight [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 48:1-21
Sing praise to God the King, all peoples! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 47:1-10
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
The King is getting married! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 45:1-18
You have made us like sheep for slaughter [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 44:1-27
Vindicate me, O God! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 42:1-12
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 42:1-12
The Lord will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul has finished well [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Preach the Word! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:1-8
God supplies the power for the Christian life [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Be prepared for very hard times [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Jesus' people must leave quarrelling behind [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Follow Jesus through suffering and into glory [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Do not be ashamed [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 1:8-18
God gave us a Spirit of power, love and self-control; not a spirit of fear [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 1:1-7
God delights to seek and to save the lost [draft sermon notes]
Luke 15:1-32
Jesus tells us to expect various different responses to the Word of God [draft sermon outline]
Luke 15:1-32
Making church safe, part 3: Confronting, recovering, preventing [draft sermon notes]
Mark 10:42-45
How does correct use of authority become misuse of authority, and what should we do about it?
Mark 10:42-45
Making church safe, part 1: why we need to talk about this
Mark 10:42-45
The risen Lord Jesus reveals himself again [draft sermon notes]
John 21:1-25
'Peace be with you' [draft sermon outline]
John 20:19-31
Jesus is alive! [draft sermon notes]
John 20:1-18
Jesus is buried [initial sermon notes]
John 19:31-42
'It is finished' [draft sermon notes]
John 19:16-30
Behold your King! [draft sermon notes]
John 18:28-19:16
Jesus is the true Hero [draft sermon notes]
John 18:1-27
Jesus prays for everyone who will believe in him [draft sermon notes]
John 17:20-26
Jesus prays for his disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Whoever abides in the gospel has both the Father and the Son [draft sermon outline]
2 John 1-13
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
The King has been born [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus by name, Jesus by nature [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus asks his Father to glorify him [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Your sorrow will turn into joy [draft sermon notes]
John 16:16-33
Jesus prepares his people for opposition and hatred [draft sermon outline]
John 15:18-16:15
I AM the true vine [draft sermon outline]
John 15:1-17
"Because I live, you also will live" [draft sermon notes]
John 14:15-31
Jesus' public ministry revealed the Father to the world, but was met with unbelief [draft sermon notes]
John 12:36-50
The hour has come [draft sermon outline]
John 12:20-36
Jesus is the King who has come to die [draft sermon notes]
John 12:1-19
Jesus gives his life for his friends [draft sermon notes]
John 11:28-57
I AM the resurrection and the life [draft sermon notes]
John 11:1-27
Jesus and the Father are one [draft sermon notes]
John 10:22-42
I AM the Good Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
John 10:1-21
Jesus heals a man who had been blind since birth [draft sermon notes]
John 9:1-41
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 8:31-59
I AM the light of the world [draft sermon notes]
John 8:12-30
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink [draft sermon notes]
John 7:32-52
The World Hates Jesus [draft sermon notes]
John 7:1-31
You have the words of eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 6:60-71
I AM the bread of life [draft sermon outline]
John 6:22-59
Jesus feeds the five thousand [draft sermon notes]
John 6:1-21
Jesus tells us to believe the evidence [draft sermon outline]
John 5:30-47
The Son does what the Father does [draft sermon outline]
John 5:1-29
Jesus heals an official's son [draft sermon notes]
John 4:43-54
Many Samaritans believe in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
John 4:1-42
He must increase, but I must decrease [draft sermon notes]
John 3:22-36
Come and have eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 3:1-21
Jesus is the true temple [draft sermon outline]
John 2:13-25
Jesus shows his glory in his first sign [draft sermon outline]
John 2:1-12
We have found the Messiah! [draft sermon notes]
John 1:19-51
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
John 1:1-18
An Introduction to John's Gospel - Grace Church Gateshead series intro
John 1:1-51
The LORD knows the way of the righteous [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 41:1-14
Your law is within my heart [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 40:1-18
Hurry to help me, O Lord my salvation! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 38:1-23
Don't get angry because of evil, but wait on God [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 37:1-40
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 36:1-13
How long, O LORD, will you look on? [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 35:1-28
Taste and see that the LORD is good! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 34:1-23
Shout for joy in the LORD! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 33:1-22
Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 32:1-11
Into your hand I commit my spirit [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 31:1-25
You have turned my mourning into dancing [initial sermon outline draft]
Psalms 30:1-13
Give glory to the LORD and his mighty Word! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 29:1-11
The LORD is my strength and my shield [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 28:1-9
The LORD is my light and my salvation [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 27:1-14
Jesus' Kingdom will Never End [draft sermon outline]
Luke 1:1-2:52
'Put on' the Lord Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Use your freedom to live as servants of God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Part 1: Live as people who have been welcomed by God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:14-18
Jesus' return seems slow, because he is so patient [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 3:8-13
Do not forget! The Lord always works through his Word [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:1-7
Know the marks of false teachers, since being ensnared will utterly ruin you [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:10-22
The Lord Jesus is in full control, even when false teachers harm the church [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:1-10
The Old Testament has been confirmed in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:19-21
Don't ever forget: Jesus is coming back in power [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:12-18
If you practice these qualities you will never fall [sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:5-11
God has given us all things for life and godliness [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:3-4
Grow in the Grace and Knowledge in Jesus [sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:1-3:18
The ancient doors have been opened for Jesus, the King of glory [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 24:1-10
The LORD is my Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 23:1-6
Praise the God who has revealed himself! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 19:1-15
God's King praises God [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 18:1-51
God's promise continues beyond the lives of Jacob and Joseph [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Jacob goes to Egypt [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 46:1-48:22
Joseph and his brothers are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 42:1-45:28
God lifts Joseph up to the very top [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 40:1-41:57
The LORD was with Joseph [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 39:1-23
Judah is deceived [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 38:1-30
Joseph's brothers sell him as a slave [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 37:1-36
Esau becomes a mighty nation [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 36:1-43
One chapter is finished and another begins [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 35:1-29
Jacob's children don't act like God's children [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 34:1-31
Jacob and Esau are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 33:1-20
Jacob becomes Israel [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 32:1-33
Jesus is alive [draft sermon notes]
Mark 14:1-16:20
Jacob and Laban make peace [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 31:1-55
God makes Jacob incredibly wealthy [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 30:25-43
Jacob has 12 children [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Jacob gets married [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:1-30
God blesses Jacob [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 28:1-22
Jacob deceives his Father [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 27:1-46
Jacob manipulates Esau [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:19-34
Abraham dies but God's blessing continues on [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:1-18
God provides a wife for Isaac [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 24:1-67
Abraham owns a plot of land [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 23:1-20
God tests Abraham [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 22:1-24
Abraham makes a covenant of kindness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:22-34
God shows his faithfulness to both of Abraham's sons [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:1-21
We have come to worship him [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
You shall call him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
The 'Christ' has arrived [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
God protects and blesses Abraham and Sarah again
Genesis 20:1-18
Lot is rescued on the terrible day of the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 19:1-38
Who am I? [draft sermon outline]
Galatians 2:1-21
Is anything too hard for the Lord? [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 18:1-33
God promises, and Abraham obeys [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 17:1-27
Abram and Sarai have a big wobble, but God's grace is greater still [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 16:1-16
God guarantees his promises to Abram [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 15:1-21
Abram and Lot part ways [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 13:2-18
God blesses and protects Abram and Sarai [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 12:10-13:1
God promises to bless all peoples through Abram [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 11:27-12:9
People spread out across the earth in their language groups [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
The earth was re-populated after the flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
Humanity falls again [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God emphasises his commitment to the world he has made [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood drains away and God makes a new creation [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood came, just as God had said [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God tells Noah to build an ark, since he is going to destroy everything on earth with a flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
As humans multiplied, so did wickedness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
In the midst of the human story of death, God wrote a story of hope
Genesis 5:1-9:29
Sin and suffering multiply on earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve are banished from Eden [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world - part 2 [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:3
God made man out of the dust of the earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:25
He has risen, as he said[draft sermon notes]
Matthew 26:1-28:20
The long wait has a joyful end [draft sermon notes]
Luke 2:22-35
What is a simple church? [draft sermon notes]
Acts 2:42-47
What is a disciple-making church? [draft sermon notes]
Matthew 28:18-20
What is a gospel-centred church? [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 3:1-4
We will see God and be satisfied! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 17:1-51
In God's presence there is fullness of joy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 16:1-15
Jesus has taken us into God's presence forever [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 15:1-11
The LORD's words are utterly pure and trustworthy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 12:1-9
When it seems like evil is unstoppable, know that God sees from heaven and he will act [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 11:1-9
God sees the evil on planet earth, and he will deal with all of it [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 10:1-18
The LORD has established his throne for justice [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 9:1-39
God's name is overwhelmingly majestic [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 8:1-10
God is a righteous Judge [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 7:1-18
The LORD hears our weeping prayers [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 6
The LORD covers his people with favour [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 5:1-13
The LORD hears when we call to Him [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 4:1-9
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
By God's grace, be at peace [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Be ready for Jesus' return! [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourage each other with the certain hope of Jesus' return [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Keep on loving one another [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Living to please God means we must pursue holiness [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Be prepared for affliction [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Paul longed to see the Thessalonians again [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Thank God for the faith and perseverance of his people [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Confidence in God leads us to declare the gospel and share our lives [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Paul thanks God that the Thessalonian church are real Christians [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Celebrate the life of faith, hope and love in the gospel of Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:28
It is good to give thanks to the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 92:1-16
Since we are alive in Christ together, live the new life together [draft sermon outline]
Colossians 3:1-17
Daniel is assured that God will fulfil all his plans and put all things right [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 12:1-13
Daniel sees a final vision of proud kings, turmoil, and suffering in times to come [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 11:1-45
Daniel is exhausted and strengthened for one more vision [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 10:1-21
Daniel's faithful prayer receives a glorious answer [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 9:1-27
Daniel sees that God is bigger than the dark days that lie ahead [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 8:1-27
God has established his eternal Kingdom in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 7:1-28
God raises Daniel alive out of the place of death [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 6:1-29
God suddenly ends Belshazzar's life and rule, because he did not honour God [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 5:1-31
God reveals deep and hidden things [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 2:1-49
God preserves his faithful people in exile [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 1:1-21
Jesus is the resurrection and the life [draft sermon outline]
John 11:1-57
Jesus' family must show honour [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
Train yourself for godliness [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Jesus has revealed the secret of godliness  [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Show the gospel by serving [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Eldership is a good work [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Godly living celebrates the goodness of God our creator [early draft sermon notes]
1 Timothy 2:8-15
God's gospel is for everyone [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Those who truly love the law, love the gospel [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:8-20
Keep the gospel the centre! [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:1-7
How we live in God's household (draft sermon notes)
1 Timothy 1:1-2
God's king takes away God's punishment [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 24:1-25
God has established an everlasting Kingdom [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 23:1-39
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:15-22:51
God's King removes the judgement on God's people [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:1-14
God's king is rejected - again [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 20:1-26
The Return of the King: David returns to Jerusalem [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 19:8-43
The rebel dies a rebel's death [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 17:27-19:8
Absalom takes Jerusalem [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 16:15-17:26
Absalom rebels against David [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 15:1-16:14
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand [draft sermon notes]
1 Peter 5:1-14
David is manipulated [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David's sons abandon steadfast love [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 13:1-39
The LORD punishes and pardons [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 12:1-31
David abandons steadfast love (Bathsheba) - initial draft sermon notes
2 Samuel 11:1-27
David defeats the Ammonites (the backdrop to Bathsheba) [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 10:1-19
David shows the steadfast love of God [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 9:1-13
The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 8:1-18
God's King is victorious [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 5:1-26
God's Kingdom is established - but God is in no one's debt [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 4:1-12
God's king begins his rule [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 2:1-3:1
David learns that the King is dead, and laments [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 1:1-27
Let all the ends of the earth worship God in Jesus! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 67:1-7
Persisting in Evangelism, part 2 - 'Samaria' [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 4:1-6
Persisting in Evangelism, part 1 - 'Judea' [draft sermon notes]
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reformation - sola gratia [draft sermon notes]
Ephesians 2:1-10
Sola Scriptura! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:14-4:8
The gospel reaches the ends of the earth [draft sermon notes]
Acts 28:11-31
God is our refuge and strength [draft sermon notes]
Acts 27:2-28:10
Paul testifies to the resurrection again [draft sermon notes]
Acts 25:13-27:1
Paul keeps testifying [draft sermon notes]
Acts 24:1-25:12
The Lord Jesus protects Paul and guides his way onwards towards Rome [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:27-23:35
Paul goes to Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaits him [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:1-26
Care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood [draft sermon notes]
Acts 20:17-38
Idolatry causes a riot in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 19:21-20:1
The Kingdom of God comes in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:24-19:20
By the grace of Jesus, Paul plants the gospel in Corinth and completes his second missionary journey [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:1-23
News of Jesus' resurrection challenges, divides, and saves [draft sermon notes]
Acts 17:16-34
The gospel of the Lord Jesus takes root in Europe (draft sermon notes)
Acts 16:6-40
It's Official: God is saving people from all nations into his church through Jesus Christ alone [draft sermon notes].
Acts 15:1-16:5
Paul and Barnabus plant true worshiping communities in the nations [draft sermon notes]
Acts 14:1-28
The Lord Jesus sends Paul and Barnabus to preach and plant his gospel in the nations (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:25-13:52
The Word of God is unstoppable (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:1-25
Christmas Day 2016: Now we have what many longed to see (draft sermon notes)
Luke 2:22-40
The Lord Jesus plants a church in Antioch (draft sermon notes)
Acts 11:19-30
Jesus calls the nations into His church (draft sermon notes)
Acts 10:1-11:18
Jesus Christ heals (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:32-43
Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:1-31
Jesus saves a man through Scripture reading and Christian witness (draft sermon notes)
Acts 8:26-40
Jesus told the truth when He said, 'You will be my witnesses in Samaria' (sermon notes draft)
Acts 8:3-25
Jesus receives His first martyr, and the gospel is scattered outwards (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:8-8:2
The healthy church grows through internal problems (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:1-7
Jesus empowers His church to endure opposition with joy [draft sermon notes 1.0]
Acts 5:12-42
You cannot serve God and money (draft sermon notes)
Acts 4:32-5:11
Jesus shows His power to save by healing a lame man (draft sermon notes)
Acts 3:1-26
The Spirit-filled church is devoted to Jesus, who blesses and grows His church
Acts 2:42-47
The Enthroned Jesus Delivers on God's Promise (sermon notes)
Acts 2:1-41
Jesus prepares His church for the coming of the Spirit (Sunday sermon notes)
Acts 1:12-26
Jesus' ascension guarantees the completion of God's plan
Acts 1:1-11
view all (268 total)
God has kept his promises!
Luke 1:57-80
God has kept his promises! (sermon notes 1.0)
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Published December 15th, 2016
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Father, we praise you that you are a promise-keeping God. You never change or become unreliable. Help us to be strengthened in our faith in you this morning, and to be cheered and encouraged by the tenderness of your mercy to us in Jesus. God has kept his promises! Promises. Made any recently? Intend to make any? Anything you'll say you do is a form of promise. We get cynical about them because of our experience. Go to the park on Saturday, but then dad gets ill Politicians will sort out XYZ, but then they forget all about it Church leader says I'll think about it and email you back, but then never does Often the preparation is part and parcel of the follow-through. I'll build you a tree house. Dad's gone to wickes/b and q! You're going to have an operation. And now the anaesthetist is putting you to sleep! Orchestra about to play huge symphony; but first the team is in setting up, laying out, clearing up over night. The preparation for something helps us understand the nature of that thing (eg a wedding, or a movie launch). ...they are somehow all answered in this baby, and what he will prepare for; the coming of the Lord. 1. God prepared to keep his promises - in the birth of John Last of the OT prophets. Like Elijah. Wilderness v80. v57-67. Divine calling and ownership of John from before birth. v68 he 'has redeemed'; i.e. although Jesus is not yet born, the birth of John shows this is all irreversibly kicked into action. v76-77 go before to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation in the forgiveness of their sins. Mark's gospel - prepare the Way for him. Wedding? Ushers etc prepare the way. Surgeon cleans and cleans again the skin before cutting. 2. God kept his promises to save his people - in the birth of Jesus ...this is what we remember and celebrate at Christmas! Note that at this stage it's still not precisely clear how all this will happen; but the certainty is that it's all kicking off now. 2 Corinthians 1.19-20. What does this actually mean? 'Truly.' a horn of salvation, from David's house v69 (itself from Judah), just like the prophets said v70-71 the mercy promised v72 v73 the covenant/oath to Abraham deliverance, v74; deliverance to serve Him without fear v75 They who upon pretence of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust, as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction, so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righeousness before Him, all the days of our lives. [LBCF XX1.3] tender mercy shall visit us v78 'bowels of compassion'. Father and child. It's precisely this tender mercy that we're prone to forget as we go on as Christians; we can forget that all this plan is driven by the tender mercy of God. He could have been just to allow us to continue in darkness! But in mercy he became what he was not, remaining what he had always been. light to those in darkness and death, and the way of peace (ie wholeness - re-edenification) v79. NB - the Way; Psalm 1. Early church saw themselves as followers of 'the Way'. Psalm 81, O that my people would walk in my ways. Glory of God: He keeps His promises. He visits His people with tender mercy - both as individuals (Elizabeth) and in his grand plan. FCF: we're in darkness and the shadow of death...from Eden's fall, and our ongoing choice. By nature: we died in Adam. Darkened in our understanding and unable to put things right ourselves. The proof is that when God visits us the preparation is not a display of human ability, but a calling to repentance. By choice: walking in our own ways of darkness and self-authoring. Either as individuals or communities. Jesus' person: mercy visits us in the flesh. Think of his interactions! Especially when you are broken-hearted. Jesus' work: his tender mercy takes him to death and utter darkness, in order to deliver us from out of darkness and death. [fractal dynamic here] In Jesus' person and work he achieves what all the promises and covenants of God were looking forward to. So that if you are in Christ then you are in the New, glorious covenant - the recipient of the fullness of all his blessings in Jesus. Specific repentance and faith: Believe in the tender mercies of God. If you're going your own way, follow John's call and turn now. Find refuge in God's mercy in Jesus. If you're under a crushing burden of sadness, guilt, shame - hear these precious words. God has visited us in tender mercy. If you're smug and self-satisfied, bored by the gospel - turn away from the darkness of human self-righteousness and flee to the light of Jesus' rule of love. If you're in despair at the state of the world, your life, and everything else: be refreshed by this promise of life, light, and peace - wholeness - Eden - which Jesus has achieved. 1 Peter 1.13, 'set your hope fully on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.' The Lord's Supper. Here is the memorial of the tender mercies of our Lord. The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night wherein he was betrayed, to be observed in his churches , unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and shewing forth the sacrifice of himself in his death, confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof , their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe to him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other. [LBCF XXX.1] Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this ordinance, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually receive, and feed upon Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death; the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally, but spiritually present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses. [LBCF XXX.7] Advent readings: Genesis 49.10, Numbers 24.17, Psalm 89.1-4 Micah 5.2, Malachi 4.6, 2 Chronicles 36.22-23 Theme of the promised Deliverer coming from Judah/house of David. Thank you for your tender mercy. We are in awe of your mercy.
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Luke 1:57-80
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57 Τῇ δὲ Ἐλισάβετ ἐπλήσθη ὁ χρόνος τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτὴν καὶ ἐγέννησεν υἱόν. 58 καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ περίοικοι καὶ οἱ συγγενεῖς αὐτῆς ὅτι ἐμεγάλυνεν κύριος τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετʼ αὐτῆς καὶ συνέχαιρον αὐτῇ. 59 Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ ὀγδόῃ ἦλθον περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον καὶ ἐκάλουν αὐτὸ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ζαχαρίαν. 60 καὶ ἀποκριθεῖσα ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν• οὐχί, ἀλλὰ κληθήσεται Ἰωάννης. 61 καὶ εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτὴν ὅτι οὐδείς ἐστιν ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου ὃς καλεῖται τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ. 62 ἐνένευον δὲ τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ τί ἂν θέλοι καλεῖσθαι αὐτό. 63 καὶ αἰτήσας πινακίδιον ἔγραψεν λέγων• Ἰωάννης ἐστὶν ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἐθαύμασαν πάντες. 64 ἀνεῴχθη δὲ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ παραχρῆμα καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐλάλει εὐλογῶν τὸν θεόν. 65 Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος τοὺς περιοικοῦντας αὐτούς, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ὀρεινῇ τῆς Ἰουδαίας διελαλεῖτο πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα, 66 καὶ ἔθεντο πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν λέγοντες• τί ἄρα τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο ἔσται; καὶ γὰρ χεὶρ κυρίου ἦν μετʼ αὐτοῦ. 67 Καὶ Ζαχαρίας ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐπλήσθη πνεύματος ἁγίου καὶ ἐπροφήτευσεν λέγων• 68 Εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο καὶ ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ, 69 καὶ ἤγειρεν κέρας σωτηρίας ἡμῖν ἐν οἴκῳ Δαυὶδ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ, 70 καθὼς ἐλάλησεν διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων ἀπʼ αἰῶνος προφητῶν αὐτοῦ, 71 σωτηρίαν ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν μισούντων ἡμᾶς, 72 ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ, 73 ὅρκον ὃν ὤμοσεν πρὸς Ἀβραὰμ τὸν πατέρα ἡμῶν, τοῦ δοῦναι ἡμῖν 74 ἀφόβως ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ῥυσθέντας λατρεύειν αὐτῷ 75 ἐν ὁσιότητι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν. 76 Καὶ σὺ δέ, παιδίον, προφήτης ὑψίστου κληθήσῃ• προπορεύσῃ γὰρ ἐνώπιον κυρίου ἑτοιμάσαι ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ, 77 τοῦ δοῦναι γνῶσιν σωτηρίας τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ ἐν ἀφέσει ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, 78 διὰ σπλάγχνα ἐλέους θεοῦ ἡμῶν, ἐν οἷς ἐπισκέψεται ἡμᾶς ἀνατολὴ ἐξ ὕψους, 79 ἐπιφᾶναι τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις, τοῦ κατευθῦναι τοὺς πόδας ἡμῶν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης. 80 Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι, καὶ ἦν ἐν ταῖς ἐρήμοις ἕως ἡμέρας ἀναδείξεως αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν Ἰσραήλ.
Luke 1:57-80
esv
The Birth of John the Baptist 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord s had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And t on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; u he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And v they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for w a writing tablet and wrote, u “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 x And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue y loosed, and he spoke, z blessing God. 65 And a fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all b the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them c laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For d the hand of the Lord was with him. Zechariah’s Prophecy 67 And his father Zechariah e was filled with the Holy Spirit and f prophesied, saying, 68 g “Blessed be the Lord h God of Israel, for he has i visited and j redeemed his people 69 and k has raised up l a horn of salvation for us m in the house of his servant David, 70 n as o he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 p that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 q to show the mercy promised to our fathers and r to remember his holy s covenant, 73 t the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him u without fear, 75 v in holiness and righteousness before him w all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called x the prophet of y the Most High; for z you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people a in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the b tender mercy of our God, whereby c the sunrise shall d visit us 1 e from on high 79 to f give light to g those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into h the way of i peace.” 80 j And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was k in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
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