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Heaven’s Good News
Wisdom’s Call
Luke 2:8-14
Pastor Tom
December 20, 2009

Introduction: The world loves to deliver bad news – Good News comes from above. James 1:17

I. The setting – v. 8

• Not sent to chief priests or elders
• Shepherds like Moses and David
• Not sleeping but alert

II. The sudden spectacular – v. 9

• Dispatched with great speed – Luke 1:26
• Conscious of their guilt caused fear

III. The declaration – vv.10-12

• Fear not I bring good news for you.
• Great joy for all people – Isaiah 9:6
• Remarkable for His humility – A stable – Philippians 2:6-8
• Only suitable payment for our guilt

IV. The result of Good News – vv. 13-14

• Glory to God in the Highest – Revelation 5:11-12 (God’s wisdom designed redemption so that no divine attribute is glorified at the expense of the other)
• Good will ambassador – mediator – receptive
• Peace through Grace – Ephesians 2:1-10

Conclusion: Jesus Christ is heavens Good News to all who believe – Let us live for Him.

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Wisdom’s Call
The Third Option Fantasy
Pastor Tom
December 16th, 2009

Introduction – Relationships are either growing or diminishing in intimacy – is a plateau possible?

I. The danger of neutral spirituality – Matthew 12:43-45

• The blessing of cleansing – Genesis 4:4
• The failure to replace – Genesis 4:3, 5-7
• Neutral is an easy target – Exodus 16:1-3
• Neutral is death – Numbers 13:30-33; Matthew 15: 8-9

II. The blessing of choosing intimacy

• Proverbs 10:17 – Accept correction – get life
• Proverbs 11:23 – Do right – get happy
• Proverbs 11:25 – Bless others – get a full heart
• Proverbs 14:30 – Pease with God – get life

Conclusion – Luke 10:38-42 – Martha and Mary’s interaction with Jesus proves intimacy with Christ is the only lasting option.

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Wisdom’s Call
The Great Meeting at the Manger
Proverbs 22:2-4
Pastor Tom
12-13-09

Introduction – Riches, or lack thereof, separate mankind into groups or classes but all stand the same before God.

I. Why some rich, some poor? V. 2

• Rich – charitable, thankful, benevolent
• Poor – patience, contentment, dependence
• I Corinthians 12:21 – Need each other
• Meet together before God – Romans 3:10, 19b

II. Planning ahead – v. 3

• The coming storm – Judgment
• Hiding – James 5:20
• Rash inconsideration of living momentarily

III. The manger manifest – v. 4

• Submission to Christ-child
• Poor shepherds – Luke 2:12, 20
• Rich- Magi – Wise Men – Matthew 2: 10, 11

Conclusion – As rich and poor place themselves under the covenant of grace, eternal life becomes the future.

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Wisdom’s Call
The Difference Christmas Makes
Proverbs 3:27-35
Pastor Tom
12-06-09

Introduction – God giving His Son to and for the world’s sake changes the whole viewpoint of life – John 3:16

I. The Christian’s duty – vv. 27-28

• What is due – v. 27
  • Our debts
  • Wages
  • Care for family
  • Church and state
  • Friendship
  • Charity to poor
• What it takes – diligence – v. 28

II. Christian abstinence – vv.29-31

• Take advantage of innocent neighbor – v. 29
• Striving and suing – v. 30
• Envious of rich oppressors – v. 31; Psalm 37: 1-2

III. Proving envy wrong – vv. 32-35

• Sinners repulse God – Saints are intimate – v. 32
• Sinners are cursed – Saints are blessed – v. 33
• Sinners are resisted – Saints are respected – v. 34; I Peter 5:5b
• Sinners are shamed – Saints will shine – v. 35

Conclusion – Promoted into glory or shame? – II Corinthians 3:18

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Wisdom’s Call
The Excellency of Wisdom
Proverbs 3:19-26
Pastor Tom
12-2-09

Introduction – Tuning our ears for God’s wisdom keeps us safe when trouble abounds.

I. Founded by wisdom – vv.19-20

• Cannot be removed – earth, natural laws
• Directed the heavens – vast , motion
• Sure as precipitation cycle
• V. 13 – Wisdom supplies happiness

II. Renewal equals retention – v. 21

• To have in view – eyes, mind
• Wander into vanity
• To have at heart
• The principles and ways of it

III. Life advantage vv. 22-25

• Life to soul – awaken when lazy – v.22a
• Grace for words and actions – v. 22b
• Protection from God for:
• Natural life – v. 23a
• Temptation – v. 23b
• Resting – v. 24 – down time
• Immediate trouble – v. 25a
• Destructive designs of men – v.25b

Conclusion – v. 26 A sure (confident) foot keeps us upright.

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Wisdom’s Call
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Proverbs 3:1-18
Pastor Tom
11-29-09

Introduction: The keys to wealth, health and fame are revealed by a father to his son

I. Character qualifications

• Foundational truth –vv. 1, 3-4, – Mind
• Authority and action – vv. 5-7, – Emotion
• Humble obedience : Giving – v. 9; Receiving vv.11-12, Will

II. Investment benefits

• Wealth- vv. 10, 14-15, 16b
• Health – vv. 2, 8, 13, 16a, 17
• Fame – 16c

Conclusion – v. 18 – Stability for generations – deep roots and pleasant shade.