Falls Presbyterian Church (OPC)

Christ gave His church clear instructions for how to deal with sinning brothers.1. Publicly confirm no toleration of forbidden relationships. (v.1-5)2. Focus on Christ's sacrifice with sincerity and truth, and purge evil from the church. (v.6-8)3. Reach decisions about sinning brothers, and leave others to God. (v.9-13)How must we interact with sinning Christians?Where in the law of God is this forbidden? Leviticus 18:8What did Israelites get out of their homes? Exodus 12:15How many kingdoms are there? Colossians 1:13-14

Christ calls us to follow Him, and He provides spiritual guides. 1. Many people claim to be our spiritual guides. (v.14-15a)2. God has raised up true spiritual guides for us. (v.15b-19)3. True spiritual guides show kingdom power and love. (v.20-21)When needing guidance, whom do you follow?To whom should we listen and whom should we follow? Eph. 5:1How does truth/falsehood relate to our daily living? 3 John 3What role does power and reigning have in guidance? Rev. 20:6

The works that Jesus does in the Father's name testify to who Jesus is.1. The Interest of the People (vs. 22-26)2. The Security of the Sheep (vs. 27-28)3. The Father's Unity with the Son (vs. 29-30)

In the train of the crucified Christ, here is how Christian leaders are viewed by the world: 1. Like a public show that is repulsive, yet somehow riveting. (v.9)2. Dishonorable. Not honored, and not left alone. Actively dishonored. (v.10)3. Those who must be openly vilified, reviled, and mistreated. (v.11-13)What is the public reputation of Christians?What public disturbance could Paul have in mind? Acts 19:21-41In being mistreated, how is Christ our example? 1 Peter 2:21-23When should we retaliate in kind? Luke 23:34

Malachi chapters 3 and 4

The damage from being puffed up with pride, is the sins that flow from it.1. Do not go beyond what is written, for no person is better. (v.6)2. Do not boast, for everything we have, was received from God. (v. 7)3. Do not settle in here, for the best is yet to come. (v.8)What is the danger of pride?What is the opposite of puffing up against others? 1 Thess. 5:11What is the only right object of our boasting? Jeremiah 9:23-24How do we view the present, in light of the future? Hebrews 2:5-9

Malachi intro, and chapters 1-2

PLEASE NOTE: THE VIDEO RECORDING HAD GLITCHES AND WAS UNUSABLE. WE ONLY HAVE THE AUDIO FOR THIS SERMON.Church leaders are servants of Christ, which means Christian leaders serve Christ by serving others.1. Leaders-servants-stewards must be faithful. (v.1-2)2. Leaders are evaluated by the Lord, not by the world or even self. (v.3-4)3. The final evaluation of leaders must await the Lord's coming. (v.5)How important is it to be clear about the one to whom we answer?To whom does the servant give account? Luke 16:2Who knows our motives? Hebrews 4:12What happens to good leaders in the final end? Romans 2:29

When Jesus makes claims about his own sovereignty, he puts people at a decisive crossroads in terms of what to think of him.1. The Claims (v.17-18)2. The Controversy (v.19-21)

Christ gave us the gift of His Holy Spirit!1. We are the holiest place – where the Holy Spirit dwells. (v.16)2. God fiercely protects us. (v.17a)3. We are holy! (v.17b)What blessing belongs to us?What ought we to know about ourselves? Eph. 1:13-14When someone destroys, what is the consequence? Leviticus 15:31How are the temple and the Spirit similar? Eph. 2:20-21

Christ shows us the beauty of the church.1. The wisdom in the church. (v.18-20)2. The humility in the church. (v.21)3. The wealth of gifts in the church. (v.22-23)What happens when I believe a lie I told myself?What is the difference between wise and crafty? Job 5:13Who can distinguish the wise from the foolish? Psalm 94:11When will God's people reign with Christ? Rom 4:13

Zechariah chapter 1:18 -- 8:23

Christ's Church is like a building that needs a lot of contractors to work on it.1. Paul was a skilled master builder. (v.10)2. Christ is our foundation. (v.11)3. Christ's workers build on the Christ-foundation. (v.12-15)Why do we get to participate?What is the reason that Paul could build? 2 Tim. 1:9Who asks contractors to come and build? Mt. 16:18, Gal. 1:15Who gives rewards to whom for what? Rev. 11:18

Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd of his sheep, whose protection and love extend to us this day who are united to him by faith.1. The Good Shepherd's Description (vs. 11) 2. The Hireling's Cowardice (vs. 12-13)3. The Good Shepherd's Flock (vs. 14-16)