Proper 24
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
Moses seeks the favor and sight of Yahweh. Yahweh is still angry over the golden calf. True to Yahweh's promise, Moses is to lead the people to the Promised Land, but Yahweh says he will not go with them lest his wrathful presence destroy them. To overcome the wrath, the people take off their ornaments to express their repentance and to appease Yahweh. In the meeting Moses pleads with Yahweh to go with them. Since his presence is what makes Israel distinct from all other peoples. Yahweh assures Moses that he has found favor and promises to go with him and the people to the Promised Land. Then Moses asks another favor: to see Yahweh face--to--face and his glory. Yahweh explains that no one can see his face and live, but as he passes by, Moses may get a rear view of him.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
God chooses a pagan king, Cyrus, to be his servant.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
Paul gives thanks for the church in Thessalonica because they, having received the gospel, turned from idols to God and now wait for Christ's return. We begin today a series of six lessons from 1 Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians is Paul's earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus' return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble. Pharisees and Herodians come to him with the question whether taxes should be paid to the Roman government. The Pharisees would say, "No"; the Herodians would answer, "Yes." If Jesus said one should not pay taxes, he could be arrested as a subversive and revolutionary. If Jesus said one should, he would be in trouble with the patriotic Jews who hated Roman dominance. Jesus recognized that the inquirers were hypocrites and that they came to find occasion to have him arrested. His answer caused his enemies to marvel at his answer: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 99 (C) - "Extol the Lord our God" (v. 9).
Psalm 96 (RC, E) - "Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength" (v. 7b).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Persevere the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name."
Hymn Of The Day
"Father Eternal, Ruler Of Creation"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
1. Malice (v. 18). Someone like Jesus may be able to say, "I never met a person I did not like," but not everyone likes a Christian. Even Jesus had enemies who in this passage swarm around him with the hope of undoing him. His enemies were the Pharisees and the Herodians who tried to put him on the spot. Their malice is shown by their intention to "entangle him." Then they used flattery (v. 16). Their question was a trap. To say, "pay taxes," would bring the people's opposition; to say, "do not pay," would make him subject to arrest as a revolutionary. As long as evil is in the world, Christians are threatened by godless forces. A friend of God is an enemy of the world.
2. Teacher (v. 16). Jesus' enemies could go only as far as "Teacher" in addressing Jesus. They did not believe in him to call him "Lord." They did not love him to call him "friend" or "brother." "Teacher" is a cold, formal, and distant name. It symbolizes their relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees and Herodians came to the Teacher only for knowledge. They were not interested in committing themselves or doing something about the truth he taught. Knowledge in itself may be good, but it is not enough to enter the kingdom of God.
3. Likeness (v. 20). The answer to the question whether or not to pay taxes was in the image on a Roman coin. Since Caesar's profile and inscription were on the coin, it was his and should be returned to him. Since we are to render also that which belongs to God, where shall we find God's likeness? Since a person is made in the image of God, a person should give his life to God. God's image can be seen also in nature in terms of order and beauty. We thus owe God at least a portion of this world's goods. A Christian then has a dual responsibility to God and country. In most cases, country comes out better than God does, for God seldom gets a tenth of our income.
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
1. Rest (v. 14). Yahweh promises to give Moses rest. It is a great promise for anyone. For Moses the "rest" could mean that eventually Israel would cease the wilderness wandering and settle down in the Promised Land. It could also mean "rest" from the labor and concern of leading a stiff--necked, grumbling, cantankerous people. For us "rest" can mean comfort in the knowledge that God is with us and will lead us to the Promised Land of heavenly rest.
2. Distinct (v. 16). What makes a person or a people distinctive? How is a Christian different from all other people? Do we have anything distinctive? Can you pick a Christian out of a crowd? Moses says that Israel is distinctive by Yahweh's going with them to the Promised Land. Here is the secret of being different - our relationship with God through Christ.
3. Back (v. 23). Like most of us, Moses longs for the favor and sight of God. We want his approval and we want to know him better. Moses wants God to fully reveal himself by a face--to--face confrontation. This is impossible, for no human can look directly into the glorious face of God, just as one cannot look directly at the sun with the naked eye. His glory would not only blind but kill us. The closest we can come to knowing God is by a rear view. It is the evidence of his presence. Therefore, we see God only in disguise; he appears in masks. The fullest knowledge we can have of God is Jesus whose face reflects the glory of God.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
1. Anointed (v. 1). A pagan king is anointed by God to be his servant to deliver his people and bring the world to a knowledge of the one true God. God does this even when Cyrus does not know God. Here we see God as One above the nations, and we see that God uses a nation to fulfill his will. Unknown to us, God may be using us (America) for some good. It could be that God will use a Communist (atheist) country like Russia or China to bring good to the world. God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.
2. No other (v. 5). In this passage God keeps repeating to Cyrus that it is he who calls him, who goes before him to crush evil, and who girds him for his work. The power and authority of the state have their source in God. Jesus told Pilate that he would have no power except God gave it to him. State officials, according to Paul, are ministers of God to wield the sword of justice. It is not a matter of God and government, but rather a nation under God.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
1. Grace ... peace (v. 1). Paul begins his letter with a benediction: "Grace to you and peace." It is more than a wish or a prayer. He does not write, "May grace and peace be yours." It is a declaration of grace, Paul speaks as an ambassador of God and is God's spokesman. It is not Paul who gives peace and grace. Only God can give those gifts. Grace is the most precious gift because by grace we are saved. Peace follows grace, for if we are reconciled to God, we have peace.
2. Thanks (v. 2). In his prayers, Paul thanks God for the church in Thessalonica. The people are fruitful in their relation to God. Their lives are characterized by faith, love, and hope. As a result, they abound in good works. The basic fruits of a Christian are the triad: faith, love, and hope. Can we thank God for today's church for the same reason?
3. Chosen (v. 4). The fruit mentioned above indicated that the Thessalonians were chosen by God to be his people. How did these people become people of faith, hope, and love? Paul says it was the power of the word which he brought. The gospel was proclaimed in a dynamic way, not only in word but in power and with conviction. It takes both God and us to transform people. The Word is from God, and we have the responsibility to proclaim it in such a fashion that people will hear and accept.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
1. Coins Of Commitment. 22:15--21
Need: Jesus used a coin to answer the question of paying taxes to Rome. On the coin was the image of Caesar and his inscription as the supreme and divine being. What belongs to Caesar should be given to Caesar, says Jesus. Jesus might have asked for a temple coin with a symbol of God. Many times we discuss our obligations to the nation and ignore equal obligations to God. Each coin represents a commitment.
Outline: As Christians we render -
a. The coin of commitment to Caesar, the king.
1. Taxes.
2. Service to country.
3. Obedience to the laws of justice.
b. The coin of commitment to God, the King of kings.
1. Tithes.
2. Service to the church.
3. Obedience to the law of love.
2. Was Jesus A Revolutionary? 22:15--21
Need: In the years of the civil rights struggle, the claim was often made that Jesus was a revolutionary, too. In his own day, many wanted Jesus to be a revolutionary. When Jesus refused, Judas Iscariot became disillusioned with him and turned traitor. Jesus would have no part with terrorists or violence as a means of social change. In the case of paying taxes, Jesus could have urged people not to pay them to the Romans and thereby started a rebellion.
Outline: Jesus was not a revolutionary because -
a. He obeyed the law of the land.
b. He paid taxes to the Romans.
c. He used the method of a suffering servant to effect change.
3. No Separation Of God And State. 22:15--21
Need: There may be a separation of church and state, but not separation of God and state. This is implied in Jesus' statement that we are to render to Caesar and to God, not to one or the other. Trouble begins for a nation when it separates itself from God. The sermon can show how God and state are interdependent interrelated.
Outline: How God and state are related.
a. God is the Lord of the nation - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
b. The laws of the state reflect the laws of God. The state is the left hand of God's justice.
c. The ministers of state are also ministers of God.
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
1. Would You Recognize A Christian If You Saw One? 33:12--17
Need: Suppose you see a crowd in a stadium. Would you be able to pick out a Christian? Is there anything distinctive about one who believes in God? In the text, Moses says that Israel is distinct because Yahweh is with them. As a people, the Jews are not different because of wealth or power, but their genius is in their relationship with God. Since we have Christ, Christians should be even more distinctive from secular people because of our special relationship with God in Christ.
Outline: A Christian is distinctive because -
a. A believer receives God's approval - v. 17.
b. A believer experiences God's presence - v. 14.
c. A believer receives God's rest - v. 14.
2. A Rear View Of God. 33:17--23; John 1:18
Need: With Moses we long to know God fully and to see him face--to--face. Is that possible? It is not possible because of God's reluctance to be fully known and seen but because of our human limitations to understand, grasp, and endure the brightness of his glory. Therefore, we must be content with a rear view, a partial view of God. The closest we can come to seeing God is Christ who said, "He that has seen me hath seen the Father."
Outline: A rear view of God -
a. The impossibility of a front view - v. 20.
b. The possibility of a rear view - v. 23.
1. What God has been.
2. What God has done.
c. The possibility of the impossible - seeing God in Jesus - John 1:18.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
God Above The Nation. 45:1--7
Need: "This nation under God" means that God is above the nation. This is not always the case. Nationalism makes a god of the nation, the total and final authority over people. The passage teaches that God is one and he makes and unmakes rulers. He uses nations for his purpose. An illustration is God's choice and use of Cyrus, a pagan king, to bring salvation to Judah and through Judah to the world. If God is above the nation, then rightly "in God we trust." But do we?
Outline: God is above the nation.
a. He gives power to the ruler - vv. 1, 2.
b. He chooses a ruler as his servant - vv. 4, 5.
c. He uses a ruler to save - v. 6.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
1. Thank God For The Church. 1:1--5a
Need: Paul thanks God for the church in Thessalonica. Do we ever think of thanking God constantly in our prayers for the church? We criticize the church, we tolerate the church, we reluctantly support the church. Is there a good reason to thank God for the church?
Outline: Thank God for the church because of -
a. Her work of faith.
b. Her labor of love.
c. Her endurance in hope.
2. The Marvelous Power Of The Word. 1:2--5a
Need: What causes people to embrace the church faith? What can convince people to leave their former religion for a new faith? What can build up a church and transform the lives of the members? Paul gives the answers in this passage. He was delighted to get the report of the faith, love, and hope in the people to whom he preached while on a missionary journey. The question is relevant for today: what causes church growth, what fills the pews with people Sunday after Sunday?
Outline: What makes a church grow -
a. The power of the Word - the gospel - v. 5.
b. The powerful presentation of the Word - v. 5.
1. Word.
2. Power.
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
Moses seeks the favor and sight of Yahweh. Yahweh is still angry over the golden calf. True to Yahweh's promise, Moses is to lead the people to the Promised Land, but Yahweh says he will not go with them lest his wrathful presence destroy them. To overcome the wrath, the people take off their ornaments to express their repentance and to appease Yahweh. In the meeting Moses pleads with Yahweh to go with them. Since his presence is what makes Israel distinct from all other peoples. Yahweh assures Moses that he has found favor and promises to go with him and the people to the Promised Land. Then Moses asks another favor: to see Yahweh face--to--face and his glory. Yahweh explains that no one can see his face and live, but as he passes by, Moses may get a rear view of him.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
God chooses a pagan king, Cyrus, to be his servant.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
Paul gives thanks for the church in Thessalonica because they, having received the gospel, turned from idols to God and now wait for Christ's return. We begin today a series of six lessons from 1 Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians is Paul's earliest letter from Corinth ca. 50 A.D. He was writing to a Gentile congregation. Accordingly, he refers to their turn from idols to God, to their deliverance from sin through the cross and resurrection, and to their hope for Jesus' return. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. They prove that God has chosen them through the gospel which he preached. Moreover, they imitated the example of Paul and thus they became examples to the other churches.
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus by asking him whether taxes should be paid to Rome. The religious leaders came to Jesus with a trick question that no matter how he answers, he is in trouble. Pharisees and Herodians come to him with the question whether taxes should be paid to the Roman government. The Pharisees would say, "No"; the Herodians would answer, "Yes." If Jesus said one should not pay taxes, he could be arrested as a subversive and revolutionary. If Jesus said one should, he would be in trouble with the patriotic Jews who hated Roman dominance. Jesus recognized that the inquirers were hypocrites and that they came to find occasion to have him arrested. His answer caused his enemies to marvel at his answer: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 99 (C) - "Extol the Lord our God" (v. 9).
Psalm 96 (RC, E) - "Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength" (v. 7b).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Persevere the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name."
Hymn Of The Day
"Father Eternal, Ruler Of Creation"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
1. Malice (v. 18). Someone like Jesus may be able to say, "I never met a person I did not like," but not everyone likes a Christian. Even Jesus had enemies who in this passage swarm around him with the hope of undoing him. His enemies were the Pharisees and the Herodians who tried to put him on the spot. Their malice is shown by their intention to "entangle him." Then they used flattery (v. 16). Their question was a trap. To say, "pay taxes," would bring the people's opposition; to say, "do not pay," would make him subject to arrest as a revolutionary. As long as evil is in the world, Christians are threatened by godless forces. A friend of God is an enemy of the world.
2. Teacher (v. 16). Jesus' enemies could go only as far as "Teacher" in addressing Jesus. They did not believe in him to call him "Lord." They did not love him to call him "friend" or "brother." "Teacher" is a cold, formal, and distant name. It symbolizes their relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees and Herodians came to the Teacher only for knowledge. They were not interested in committing themselves or doing something about the truth he taught. Knowledge in itself may be good, but it is not enough to enter the kingdom of God.
3. Likeness (v. 20). The answer to the question whether or not to pay taxes was in the image on a Roman coin. Since Caesar's profile and inscription were on the coin, it was his and should be returned to him. Since we are to render also that which belongs to God, where shall we find God's likeness? Since a person is made in the image of God, a person should give his life to God. God's image can be seen also in nature in terms of order and beauty. We thus owe God at least a portion of this world's goods. A Christian then has a dual responsibility to God and country. In most cases, country comes out better than God does, for God seldom gets a tenth of our income.
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
1. Rest (v. 14). Yahweh promises to give Moses rest. It is a great promise for anyone. For Moses the "rest" could mean that eventually Israel would cease the wilderness wandering and settle down in the Promised Land. It could also mean "rest" from the labor and concern of leading a stiff--necked, grumbling, cantankerous people. For us "rest" can mean comfort in the knowledge that God is with us and will lead us to the Promised Land of heavenly rest.
2. Distinct (v. 16). What makes a person or a people distinctive? How is a Christian different from all other people? Do we have anything distinctive? Can you pick a Christian out of a crowd? Moses says that Israel is distinctive by Yahweh's going with them to the Promised Land. Here is the secret of being different - our relationship with God through Christ.
3. Back (v. 23). Like most of us, Moses longs for the favor and sight of God. We want his approval and we want to know him better. Moses wants God to fully reveal himself by a face--to--face confrontation. This is impossible, for no human can look directly into the glorious face of God, just as one cannot look directly at the sun with the naked eye. His glory would not only blind but kill us. The closest we can come to knowing God is by a rear view. It is the evidence of his presence. Therefore, we see God only in disguise; he appears in masks. The fullest knowledge we can have of God is Jesus whose face reflects the glory of God.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
1. Anointed (v. 1). A pagan king is anointed by God to be his servant to deliver his people and bring the world to a knowledge of the one true God. God does this even when Cyrus does not know God. Here we see God as One above the nations, and we see that God uses a nation to fulfill his will. Unknown to us, God may be using us (America) for some good. It could be that God will use a Communist (atheist) country like Russia or China to bring good to the world. God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.
2. No other (v. 5). In this passage God keeps repeating to Cyrus that it is he who calls him, who goes before him to crush evil, and who girds him for his work. The power and authority of the state have their source in God. Jesus told Pilate that he would have no power except God gave it to him. State officials, according to Paul, are ministers of God to wield the sword of justice. It is not a matter of God and government, but rather a nation under God.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
1. Grace ... peace (v. 1). Paul begins his letter with a benediction: "Grace to you and peace." It is more than a wish or a prayer. He does not write, "May grace and peace be yours." It is a declaration of grace, Paul speaks as an ambassador of God and is God's spokesman. It is not Paul who gives peace and grace. Only God can give those gifts. Grace is the most precious gift because by grace we are saved. Peace follows grace, for if we are reconciled to God, we have peace.
2. Thanks (v. 2). In his prayers, Paul thanks God for the church in Thessalonica. The people are fruitful in their relation to God. Their lives are characterized by faith, love, and hope. As a result, they abound in good works. The basic fruits of a Christian are the triad: faith, love, and hope. Can we thank God for today's church for the same reason?
3. Chosen (v. 4). The fruit mentioned above indicated that the Thessalonians were chosen by God to be his people. How did these people become people of faith, hope, and love? Paul says it was the power of the word which he brought. The gospel was proclaimed in a dynamic way, not only in word but in power and with conviction. It takes both God and us to transform people. The Word is from God, and we have the responsibility to proclaim it in such a fashion that people will hear and accept.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 22:15--22 (C, E); Matthew 22:15--21 (RC)
1. Coins Of Commitment. 22:15--21
Need: Jesus used a coin to answer the question of paying taxes to Rome. On the coin was the image of Caesar and his inscription as the supreme and divine being. What belongs to Caesar should be given to Caesar, says Jesus. Jesus might have asked for a temple coin with a symbol of God. Many times we discuss our obligations to the nation and ignore equal obligations to God. Each coin represents a commitment.
Outline: As Christians we render -
a. The coin of commitment to Caesar, the king.
1. Taxes.
2. Service to country.
3. Obedience to the laws of justice.
b. The coin of commitment to God, the King of kings.
1. Tithes.
2. Service to the church.
3. Obedience to the law of love.
2. Was Jesus A Revolutionary? 22:15--21
Need: In the years of the civil rights struggle, the claim was often made that Jesus was a revolutionary, too. In his own day, many wanted Jesus to be a revolutionary. When Jesus refused, Judas Iscariot became disillusioned with him and turned traitor. Jesus would have no part with terrorists or violence as a means of social change. In the case of paying taxes, Jesus could have urged people not to pay them to the Romans and thereby started a rebellion.
Outline: Jesus was not a revolutionary because -
a. He obeyed the law of the land.
b. He paid taxes to the Romans.
c. He used the method of a suffering servant to effect change.
3. No Separation Of God And State. 22:15--21
Need: There may be a separation of church and state, but not separation of God and state. This is implied in Jesus' statement that we are to render to Caesar and to God, not to one or the other. Trouble begins for a nation when it separates itself from God. The sermon can show how God and state are interdependent interrelated.
Outline: How God and state are related.
a. God is the Lord of the nation - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
b. The laws of the state reflect the laws of God. The state is the left hand of God's justice.
c. The ministers of state are also ministers of God.
Lesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
1. Would You Recognize A Christian If You Saw One? 33:12--17
Need: Suppose you see a crowd in a stadium. Would you be able to pick out a Christian? Is there anything distinctive about one who believes in God? In the text, Moses says that Israel is distinct because Yahweh is with them. As a people, the Jews are not different because of wealth or power, but their genius is in their relationship with God. Since we have Christ, Christians should be even more distinctive from secular people because of our special relationship with God in Christ.
Outline: A Christian is distinctive because -
a. A believer receives God's approval - v. 17.
b. A believer experiences God's presence - v. 14.
c. A believer receives God's rest - v. 14.
2. A Rear View Of God. 33:17--23; John 1:18
Need: With Moses we long to know God fully and to see him face--to--face. Is that possible? It is not possible because of God's reluctance to be fully known and seen but because of our human limitations to understand, grasp, and endure the brightness of his glory. Therefore, we must be content with a rear view, a partial view of God. The closest we can come to seeing God is Christ who said, "He that has seen me hath seen the Father."
Outline: A rear view of God -
a. The impossibility of a front view - v. 20.
b. The possibility of a rear view - v. 23.
1. What God has been.
2. What God has done.
c. The possibility of the impossible - seeing God in Jesus - John 1:18.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 45:1, 4--6 (RC); Isaiah 45:1--7 (E)
God Above The Nation. 45:1--7
Need: "This nation under God" means that God is above the nation. This is not always the case. Nationalism makes a god of the nation, the total and final authority over people. The passage teaches that God is one and he makes and unmakes rulers. He uses nations for his purpose. An illustration is God's choice and use of Cyrus, a pagan king, to bring salvation to Judah and through Judah to the world. If God is above the nation, then rightly "in God we trust." But do we?
Outline: God is above the nation.
a. He gives power to the ruler - vv. 1, 2.
b. He chooses a ruler as his servant - vv. 4, 5.
c. He uses a ruler to save - v. 6.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 1:1--10 (C, E); 1 Thessalonians 1:1--5 (RC)
1. Thank God For The Church. 1:1--5a
Need: Paul thanks God for the church in Thessalonica. Do we ever think of thanking God constantly in our prayers for the church? We criticize the church, we tolerate the church, we reluctantly support the church. Is there a good reason to thank God for the church?
Outline: Thank God for the church because of -
a. Her work of faith.
b. Her labor of love.
c. Her endurance in hope.
2. The Marvelous Power Of The Word. 1:2--5a
Need: What causes people to embrace the church faith? What can convince people to leave their former religion for a new faith? What can build up a church and transform the lives of the members? Paul gives the answers in this passage. He was delighted to get the report of the faith, love, and hope in the people to whom he preached while on a missionary journey. The question is relevant for today: what causes church growth, what fills the pews with people Sunday after Sunday?
Outline: What makes a church grow -
a. The power of the Word - the gospel - v. 5.
b. The powerful presentation of the Word - v. 5.
1. Word.
2. Power.
