Calvary Chapel Sydney

Synopsis: Having established the reign of grace through Jesus, Paul explained the spiritual reality of those who are born again. Christ's death and resurrection demonstrates how Christians have died to sin and are now raised with Jesus to live in newness of life we experience today by the power of the Holy Spirit. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 5:20-21 Romans 6:1-4 Romans 6:5-7 Romans 6:8-11 Revelation 1:18 Hebrews 10:8-10 Romans 6:12-14 Galatians 6:15 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Romans 6:15-18 2 Samuel 12:10 Romans 6:19-23 2 Corinthians 10:3-7 Galatians 2:20

By virtue of what Jesus Christ accomplished, those justified and made righteous by faith in Him are entitled to incredible benefits believers may not have realised: we have peace with God, access by faith into this grace we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God--and much more! Praise the LORD, for where sin abounded grace abounded much more. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 5:1-2 Hebrews 4:16 Colossians 3:4 John 17:22-23 Romans 5:3-5 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Romans 5:6-8 Romans 5:9-11 Romans 5:12-14 Hebrews 7:9-10 Romans 5:15-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 Romans 5:18-19 Romans 5:20-21

Synopsis: Having established God made a way to obtain righteousness apart from the works of the Law, Paul showed from the Scripture Abraham and David were justified by faith in God. This has massive implications for people today, for this affirms God imputes righteousness to Jew and Gentile alike by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. What strength, assurance and joy faith in Jesus brings! Verses in order of appearance: Romans 4:1-3 Genesis 15:6 Romans 4:4-8 Hebrews 8:12-13 Romans 4:9-12 Romans 4:13-15 Galatians 3:10-11 Romans 4:16-18 Galatians 3:28-29 Romans 4:19-22 Hebrews 11:11 Romans 4:23-25 1 John 5:13 1 Peter 1:20-21

Synopsis: Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ coming to earth, the greatest gift ever given. This passage illustrates how God conducted His arrival to earth as a baby and how Joseph, Mary, Simeon, and Anna all harmonised beautifully with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit to honour Jesus the Saviour Who was born. Verses in order of appearance: Luke 2:21-24 Leviticus 12:8 Luke 2:25-26 Luke 2:27-33 Isaiah 11:10 Isaiah 52:10 Luke 2:36-38

Synopsis: In our lives there will be times when our expectations are unmet, yet God is able to exceed them by His grace, goodness and mercy. While we may never experience unexpected pregnancy like Elizabeth or Mary, blessed are those who trust in the LORD God and magnify Him for His wondrous works because He has done great things for us. Verses in order of appearance: Luke 1:26-29 Luke 1:30-33 Ephesians 1:3 Isaiah 7:14 Luke 1:34-38 John 5:18 Matthew 1:18 Luke 1:39-45 John 16:13-15 John 20:29 Luke 1:46-55 Psalm 35:27-28 Psalm 40:16-17 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Kings 8:25-26

Synopsis: Everyone knows what it is like to fail to achieve our own standards, and the Law of Moses proved impossible for all mere mortals to keep. By God's grace He has provided the means of righteousness for sinners by sending Jesus Christ as an offering for sin. It is by faith in Jesus Christ sinners are redeemed and made righteous children of God apart from the Law of Moses. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 3:1-4 Psalm 51:4 Romans 3:5-8 Romans 3:9-18 Romans 3:19-20 Psalm 143:1-2 Deuteronomy 6:24-25 Deuteronomy 9:6 Romans 3:21-26 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:27-31 Galatians 3:24-26 Psalm 95:6-7a - "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand."

Paul wrote to believers to show how an identity as God's people impacts our view of ourselves and others, and just because we claim to be Christians does not mean we are living like Christ. Our lives provide evidence whether we love the praise of God or prefer the praise of men. God reasonable requests is to give Him all we willingly give to others.\ Verses in order of appearance: Emperor pic when I quote from the story during the intro Romans 2:17-20 Romans 2:21-24 Mark 7:10-13 Isaiah 52:4-5 Romans 2:25-27 Deuteronomy 30:6 Romans 2:28-29 Colossians 2:8-12 John 12:42 Matthew 10:32 Jeremiah 35:5-10 Jeremiah 35:12-15 Jeremiah 35:18-19 Nehemiah 3:14

Paul explained how everyone is without excuse before God whether He judges us by the Law of Moses or by our conscience since the most moral among men are still sinners. Our sin, approval of others who sin and condemnation of sinners exposes us as guilty before God. Only by the Gospel can sinners repent and turn to Jesus in faith, be saved and cleansed of all sin--including a guilty conscience. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 2:1-2 Romans 1:32 John 7:23-24 Romans 2:3-4 Hosea 11:1-4 Isaiah 55:6-7 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Romans 2:5-11 Deuteronomy 10:125-18 Romans 2:12-16 1 John 3:18-20 Hebrews 10:22 Hebrews 9:13-14 Hebrews 9:27-28

Synopsis: The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel, and His wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of mankind. Though God has given man light and understanding to know God and proclaim His truth, man chooses to suppress it and prefers darkness over light. Through the Gospel there is hope for all given up to uncleanness, vile passions and debased minds--which well describe the natural condition of humanity. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 1:16-17 Romans 1:18-19 John 3:19 Romans 1:20-21 Psalm 19:1-3 Isaiah 1:2-3 Romans 1:22-25 Isaiah 40:25-26 Romans 1:26-27 1 Samuel 3:13 Job 40:4 Ezekiel 16:49-50 Romans 1:28-32 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Ezekiel 36:26-27

The introduction of the book of Romans emphasises God, the Gospel, grace and faith in God. Written by the apostle Paul, he reveals the Gospel of grace is the power of God to salvation for all who believe and in it the righteousness of is God revealed. Christians are saved by grace through faith in Jesus and live by faith too. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 1:1-4 Exodus 21:5-6 Matthew 28:19-20 John 20:28-29 Romans 1:5-7 2 Corinthians 9:8 Hebrews 4:16 Romans 1:8-12 Acts 18:1-4 Romans 1:13-15 2 Timothy 2:8-9 Romans 13:8 Romans 1:16-17 Habakkuk 2:4 John 1:16-17

Synopsis: The Preacher concludes his investigation and experiences into the vanity and meaninglessness of life under the sun by wisely turning to God and living in remembrance of Him. More than a mental exercise, remembering is a call to take action in light of what is true. Man's purpose is not achieved in what we acquire or accomplish, but to fear God Who will bring our fleeting lives into eternal judgment. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 2 Samuel 19:35 attached picture of almond tree in blossom 2 Corinthians 5:1 Ecclesiastes 12:6-8 Philippians 3:10-11 2 Corinthians 5:8 Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 Job 34:1-4 John 1:1-3 Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 John 10:11 Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 Acts 17:30-31 John 14:21 John 14:1 Luke 22:19-20 1 Corinthians 11:26

A heart for Christ

There is much we do not know or understand during this life, but this ought not deter us from faith and obedience to God who knows all and has spoken to us through His Word. God can do everything Himself, yet He choses to share His goodness and salvation through us to all--truth that will outlast our short season on earth. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 Luke 6:37-38 Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 Psalm 126:6 Isaiah 55:10-11 Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 Job 42:1-3 NLT Matthew 16:21-23 Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 1 Peter 2:9-10 Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Psalm 31:24

Synopsis: Neglect carries a high cost in many facets of life, and Solomon shares practical advice to urge us not to neglect walking in God's wisdom. In our family, work, relationships, physical and spiritual health, God has supplied a remedy for our negligence by the power of God through faith in Jesus. It is God's will to do a mighty work in and through those who trust and obey Him. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 Exodus 15:6 Psalm 63:8 Ecclesiastes 10:4-7 Proverbs 1:7 Ecclesiastes 10:8-10 Psalm 7:15-16 Ecclesiastes 10:11-15 Proverbs 18:21 Luke 4:22 (NLT) Luke 9:33-35 Ecclesiastes 10:16-18 Isaiah 28:7 Ecclesiastes 10:19-20 1 Peter 2:17 Hebrews 13:20-21

Synopsis: The consideration of life under the sun led Solomon to conclude all things happen to all people, and life has no guarantees except it will someday end. Those who are numbered among the living today have hope the dead do not possess, for we can live a redeemed life before God by faith in Jesus Christ Who gives us new hearts and speaks. Verses in order of appearance: John 18:11 Ecclesiastes 9:1-2 Luke 13:1-5 Ecclesiastes 9:3-6 Jeremiah 17:9-10 Psalm 51:10 Acts 20:24 Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 Colossians 3:23-24 Galatians 6:9-10 Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 James 4:13-15 Ecclesiastes 9:13-16 Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 John 7:37-38

Synopsis: Since God gave Solomon more wisdom than any before or since, we ought to take his observations and conclusions to heart. Despite his wisdom, Solomon was unable to discern God's thought and ways. By a relationship with God we know by faith in Jesus who is wisdom for us and the Way, we receive something infinitely better than answers to our questions asked in ignorance. Verses in order of appearance: Isaiah 55:8-9 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 Ecclesiastes 5:2 1 John 4:20-21 Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 Ecclesiastes 8:9-10 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 Psalm 37:37-38 Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 1 Peter 5:10-11 Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 Romans 11:33-36

God has a good plan and is working towards that plan. The plan is good and is centred on Jesus Christ and starts with redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Paul outlines this plan in Chapter 1 of his letter to the Ephesian church before going into detail in later chapters. While verses 3-6 focus on the work of God the Father, this message will look at verses 7-14 in relation to the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Knowing these things should bring us hope and provide reassurance as we walk with Jesus. Verses in order of appearance: Ephesians 1:1-14 Ephesians 1:7 Hebrews 4:14-15 Romans 3:23-26 Hebrews 8:4-5 1 Timothy 2:3-4 Ephesians 1:8 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 3:3-6 Ephesians 1:10 Colossians 1:16-17 Ephesians 1:11-12 Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 4:30 Ephesians 1:14

King Solomon's life demonstrates how we need more than knowledge and understanding to be wise and continue in wisdom. He observed the benefits of wisdom yet also lamented his own limitations. With the revelation of Jesus Christ who is Wisdom for us by faith in Him, through the Gospel Jesus makes us the upright people even Solomon in all his wisdom could not find. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 7:7-10 Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 Proverbs 9:10-11 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 Exodus 32:16 Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 Mark 3:20-22 Acts 26:24-25 Luke 6:26 Ecclesiastes 7:19-22 Proverbs 16:28 Ecclesiastes 7:23-26 1 Kings 4:32-34 Proverbs 7:21-23 1 Kings 11:3-4 Ecclesiastes 7:27-29 Hebrews 12:1-3

Ecclesiastes is a book of the Bible that powerfully contradicts the idea we can earn, acquire or experience anything under the sun that can provide lasting satisfaction and rest. The empty and hungry soul coupled with the vanity of life compels the hungry soul to Jesus Christ Who is wisdom for us, supplies abundant life, and gives rest for our souls. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 Luke 12:20-21 Ecclesiastes 6:3-6 Psalm 106:13-15 Psalm 27:13-14 Matthew 11:28-29 Ecclesiastes 6:7-9 Ecclesiastes 6:10-12 Isaiah 45:9 Micah 6:8 Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 Proverbs 22:1-2 2 Kings 3:14 Psalm 90:11-12 Psalm 91:14-16 Ecclesiastes 7:5-6 Proverbs 9:7-9 Luke 6:20-26 Colossians 3:1-4

Solomon observed the vanity of life under the sun and considered how to best benefit in the "here and now" in the fear of God. He emphasised our need to listen to God, value His word, and rejoice in God, our portion Who falls to us now and satisfies us completely. Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 Matthew 6:5-8 Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 Numbers 30:2 Jeremiah 23:25-28 Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 Acts 4:13 Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 Ecclesiastes 5:13-17 Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Job 20:27-29 Isaiah 54:17 Psalms 119:111 Lamentations 3:22-26 Psalms 16:5-6