1. Calendar year, Financial year, Business Year, Academic Year, Church Year, etc.

2. January from Januarius: Two faced...one frontward and one backward with eyes. We have to look both ways at the beginning of the year for reflections and decision makings.. look back on the accomplishments of the past and set goals for the future ... self-fulfilment, self-realization, self-satisfaction, self-actualization, self-sacrifice, self-discipline, for giving, caring and compassion.

3. Will New Year be happier, healthier, safer, better, peaceful, productive than the previous year? Need to change own personal life style? Need commitments? Need to follow God's way in a better way? All the rules and regulations are in the Holy Bible and Church Teachings. New Year for new hope, new courage, new purpose, new life with allegiance, direction, commitment and sacrifice.

4. "There is no God" (Psalms 14:1) for the fools. "Taste and see that God is good" (Psalms 34:8). Jesus is the leader of our faith and fulfiller (Hebrews 12:1). We have to commit us before Him. He opened a door before us (Revelations 3:8) . .. Is this door to darkness or light ... to garden or open street? We have to open with faith, love and hope. A child in its mother's hands or bosom doesn't feel the jerkings or joltings of the jeep ride on an uneven and rough road as those under His mighty and everlasting hands.

5. Go forward (Exodus 14:5) ... Moses told and they did. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Be of one mind (1 Peter 3:8).

6. Press toward the goal (Philippians 3:14). See the new light in the New year. Jesus Christ is the light: "I am the light of the world." Be a new creration in Him Love like Jesus (John 13:34-35).

7. Praise Him and thank Him Psalms 103:1-2. Put new wine into new wineskins: Matthew 9:17 Purge out the old leaven to be a new lump: 1 Cor. 5:7-8 All things to become new as a new creation: 2 Cori.5:17 Walk in the spirit: Galatians 5:16 Run forward: Philippians 3:14

New year Resolutions: Examine the past and plan the future. Breaking the resolutions is easier than making them. God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9)

1. Maintain a reasonable sense of values: love, kindness, compassion, etc.

2. Maintain good health: No junk food, drugs, immoral life

3. Will be cheerful and helpful

4. Will listen more and talk less (Action than words)

5. Be careful in giving advice: Wise don't need it and fools won't heed it.

6. Be tender with the young, compassionate with the ages, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong.

7. Try for good achievements, not to earn too much money as money doesn't equate with success. Energy and talents to be used for accomplishments.

8. Read Holy Bible every day

9. Pray every day

10. Think whether living in sin.

GENESIS 12:1-9: ABRAM'S OBEDIENCE

1. Abram was asked to get out of UR renouncing his country, family, and his father's house: a test of his faith.

2. Abram was promised that he will become a great nation.

3. Abram built an altar to the Lord .. his first deed in Bethel.

DEUTERONOMY 10:12-11:1

1. Obedience, an expression of grateful love

2. God, Lord of Lords, shows no partiality ... administers justice for the fatherless and the widow and loves the stranger.

3. Fear the Lord and serve Him by keeping His commandments. "Therefore" repeated five times to stress the idea.

EZEKIEL 18:21-24

1. If a wicked person repents, God forgives him

2. If a righteous man turns away and commits sins, he will be punished.

1 JOHN 9:4-7

1. The world may hate us, but do not worry (John 15:18; 17:14)

2. We have to love others

3. Hatred is closely connected to murder: Matthew 5:21-22

4. We must show our love in practical ways; as Jesus did, in deed and in truth.

ROMANS 2:28-3:8

1. Circumcision of the heart cleansed from sin by the spirit of God is important.

2. Even if we are unfaithful, God is always faithful.

LUKE 13:6-9: PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE

1. Repentance is necessary

2. There is a limit to God's patience towards those who do not repent.

JOHN 9:4-7

1. Christ did His work; we have to do our work while we have the opportunity

2. Christ is the light of the world: John 1:5, 9; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46

3. The blind man received his sight from Jesus, the One sent by God

4. He believed, obeyed, and was blessed: Nehemiah 3:15; Isaiah 8:6; Luke 13:4; John 9:11; 2 Kings 5:14

JOHN 15:5-19; LUKE 2:21

1. Failure to depend on Christ brings loss of spiritual life

2. We should not ask outside the will of God to abide in Him.

3. We have to bear spiritual fruits

4. We have to keep His commandments to abide in His love ...for our joy may be full (15:11); love one another (1 John 3:27; 4:7); love in deed and truth (1 John 3:18). Then will be loved (John 14:23).

5. If we obey Christ's words, we receive His joy.

6. Christ showed His love toward us by laying down His life for us. We have to follow His footsteps in this regard.

7. Christ chose us by dying for our salvation. We have to choose Him by obedience.

8. We have only to rejoice if evil people reject us because of our love to Christ.

9. Jesus was presented to the Lord for a life of service (Luke 2:21).

1. Jesus, like John (1:80), grew up in full stature: in spirit, wisdom and grace (In many physical growth, not spiritual or intellectual).

2. Worshipping Family: Jesus' parents, Joseph and Mary, as usual, went with Jesus for the Passover, one of the three festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacle: Exodus 23:14-17; Leveticus 23:4ff; Deuteronomy 16:16) required to be attended. Parents' responsibility for the proper growth and development of the children -- spiritual and physical.

3. This is the only reference to an occurence in Jesus' late childhood.

4. Mother also went. Those days, not compulsory for women, but Mary went. Cf. Elkana's wife Hanna (1 Samuel 1:7; 2:19).

5. Teach our children: By 12 th year, Jesus learned the laws and teachings of the religion. Importance of early childhood training and education, especially Sunday School (12 the year is very important for dedication in the church and to parents).

6. Parents returned without Jesus. Jesus lingured behind, but His parents didn't know. How about we and our children?

7. Should not loose Jesus in the festivities. Jesus was lost in the crowd. When too busy, that happens to us also...in talks, walks, dealings, etc.

8. If Jesus is not with us, not with other relatives or friends, They thought Jesus was in the crowd, friends and relatives. Make sure to be with us, not with somebody else. If an Achen or Thirumeny in the family doesn't mean that every one else in the family is religious.

9. Had to spend three days to find Jesus. Search if we loose Him until find.

10. Parents realized the folly. Go back to the same Church. Repentance needed.

11. All who heard Him were astonished at His knowledge and understanding. Good model. cf. Luke 18-19; Isaiah 49:8; 61:1-2; Matthew 11:15; 12:18; John 3:34. a. Preach to the poor: God has to work through us. Holy Spirit to work within us like at Jerusalem Synod (Acts 15:28). Peter was asked whether he loves more and authorized to tend the sheep (John 21:15) ... should have concern for the last, lost and least. That is one of the responsibilities of a congregation. b. Freedom to the captives: Sin makes a person captive. We have to work free people from sin, for repentance and conversion. "Man's iniquity to man makes countless thousands to mourn." Search for the house of God (Matthew 6:33). Also prison ministry. c. Sight to the blind: Not only external, but internal eyes Jesus lightens. d. Comfort to the persecuted: So many burdens. Jesus solve problems. Fish in the deep (Luke 5:4).

12. Jesus was in the house of His Father and in His business

13. Jesus lived subjected to His parents - totally obedient and respectful.

14. Mother kept everything in her heart.

15. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature: Isaiah 11:2-3; Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Samuel 2:26; Proverbs 3:1-4

16. Many ascended from time into eternity and Jesus descended from the eternal into time through His love for mankind.

GENESIS 37:1-11

1. Jacob lived in the strange land of Canaan

2. Joseph's brothers hated him because their father loved him more than all of them.

3. They hated him even more when he interpreted his dream, having dominion over them.

4. His father kept the matter in mind: wondered about the significance of the dream.

1 SAMUEL 2:18-21

1. Young Samuel ministered before the Lord.

2. His parents offered yearly sacrifice and gave him a little robe each time.

3. Eli the priest blessed them.

4. God blessed Hannah with five more children.

5. Samuel grew before the Lord.

ISAIAH 26:1-12

1. Trust in God and peace and joy will come from Him if we depend upon Him.

2. People repent only when they experience God's judgments ... the nations turn to God when He punishes the oppressors and brings deliverence.

3. God's grace doesn't always bring the wicked to repentance.

1 JOHN 3:21-24

1. Our hearts shall be pure

2. Keep His commandments and be blessed.

3. We must believe in Jesus Christ

4. We must love each other

5. Holy Spirit shall abide in us for true spirituality.

HEBREWS 11:23-31

1. Faith overcomes fear. God gives strength to face the suffering caused by faith. Moses' story.

2. Parents' affection to their beautiful children.

3. Moses chose to identify the sufferings of his own people.

4. Moses "looked to the reward" which is through Christ.

5. Moses' achievements were through his faith -- passover and passing through the Red Sea.

6. Jericho's fall (Joshua 6:20) was through faith.

7. Rahab's faith (Joshua 2:9; 6:23; James 2:23) saved her.

JOHN 1:35-42 [See 2nd Sunday after Epiphany]

1. John the Baptist was also a teacher who had disciples.

2. Jesus is the lamb of God (vv.29,35) and the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:1-13) whose blood protected the people from death.

3. John's utterance persuaded his two disciples to follow Jesus.

4. Jesus responded by asking them, "What do you seek?"

5. They wanted to know where he stays so that they can be with Him.

6. "Come and see" ... Jesu's' invitation

7. Andrew's personal evangelism 9first evangelist) - his own brother, Simon Peter

8. Jesus changed Simon's name to Cephas = Peter = Rock

JOHN 1:43-51 (Also 2nd Sunday after Epiphany)

1. Philip obeyed Jesus' command and followed Him

2. Philip spread the good news to Nathaniel

3. "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" - the low regard (Matthew 2:19-23; John 7:41-4, 52)

4. Nathaniel has no deceit --Jesus saw his heart

5. Nathaniel would see heaven open and the angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:10-17).

NOTE: For the Orthodox Churches, Epiphany is the anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan where as in the western Church, it commemorates principally the revelation to the Gentiles of Jesus Christ as the Savior, as portrayed by the coming of the Three wise men (Matthew 2:1-12). The eve of Epiphany is called Twelfth Night (January 6th) and it is only appropriate to conduct this service in the night just after the evening prayer).

1. Jesus' sonship was revealed this day: "You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased" (3:22). We also receive Sonship through baptism. Father, Son and the Holy Spirit (Holy Trinity) appeared here.

2. John preached the need of repentance or the consequence will be:"..... every tree which does not bear god fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (3:9).

3. "What shall we do then?": The relinquishing question from the three groups: People, tax collectors, and the soldiers.

4. Have generosity, honesty, gentleness, and contentment

5. John baptized with water and told that the One coming after him will baptize with Holy Spirit.

6. His "sandal strip" he is "not worthy to loose" (3:16): John's humility

7. John was imprisoned because of his preachings ... for pointing out the atrocities and immoralities of Herod

8. Christ's baptism with the Holy Spirit cleanses us from sin as fire cleanses physical impurity

9. Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan through which Joshua guided the Israelites to the Promised Land

10. Baptism - spiritual Jordan - through which faithful enter into heavenly Jordan. Elijah passed through this river. Naiman took a bath here and healed from leprosy. People who take bath in the spiritual river (baptism) heal from sin.

11. Jordan's two tributaries pass through the land. Jews and gentiles have equal part in Christ.

12. In the Epiphany Service, water is River Jordan, covering with Sussaffa is Old Testament Times, bottle and Cross represent Christ, removing Susaffa is end of New Testament and beginning of New Testament, and water pouring in to the baptism font is Jesus' baptism.

13. By baptism, Jesus was anointed for His Public Ministry (4:17-19).

14. We should shine through the light of our Lord (1 John 1:5; Matthew 5:14-15; 13:43; John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

GENESIS 24:10-20

1. Abraham instructs his oldest servant to find a wife for his son Isaac from his own country and family.

2. The servant was very faithful to do his job.

3. Rebekah, the dutiful and beautiful, was chosen.

4. Rebekah's willingness to serve the servants as well as the camels.

NUMBERS 20:1-11

1. Death and burrial of Miriam in Kadesh

2. Complaints of people to Moses and Aaron for not having water or food.

3. Moses and Aaron knelt before God who blessed them by giving power thus brought water out of the rock striking with the rod.

EZEKIEL 47:1-12

1. God's plan of salvation is like a river flowing from the threshold of the temple, increasing in volume and bringing healing and prosperity to everything it touches : Genesis 2:10; Revelation 22:1

2. The water that flows heals: Baptism

3. The trees are fruitful and the fruits are for food and medicine - the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:2): Holy Eucharist.

ISAIAH 12:1-6

1. God comforts: encourages, strengthens and defends :40:1; John 14:6

2. God is our salvation and strength: we have to trust Him.

3. We have to call upon Him and declare the true nature of God to the world.

ACTS 8:35-40;

1. Philip preached to the eunuch quoting Isaiah 52:13-53:12 thus presenting Jesus Christ who suffered humiliation being consequences of the sins of others. The eunuch declared his faith and Philip baptized him.

2. Here personal evangelism (vv.26-38); earlier mass evangelism (vv.5-6).

ACTS 19:1-7

1. John's baptism was of repentance

2. Paul baptized in the name of Jesus

3. The Holy Spirit brought purity and power to the baptized: at Pentecost (2:1-4); on Samaritans (8:14-17); on Gentiles at Cornelius' house (10:44-45; 11"15-17) and now in Ephesus (19:6).

HEBREWS 10:15-25

1. Holy Spirit witnesses to deliverence from sin.

2. Christ's sacrifice delivers us from the power and the guilt of sin: Jeremiah 31:33-34. No other sacrifice is needed.

3. Through Jesus Christ, our Living Lord, we have given the boldness to enter His presence.

4. Christ is the High Priest and we are members of the house of God.

5. We should approach God with full assurance.. with a heart that is sincere and with a faith that trusts Christ's provision to cleanse us from outward sinful action and an inward sinful tendancy.

6. God is faithful. We should be too to receive eternal life.

7. We should encourage and help each other.

TITUS 2:11-3:9

1. Salvation is offered to all people as a gift of God through Jesus Christ.

2. We have to renounce worldly desires and to live in holiness.

3. The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the Church and the believers: 1 Peter 1:3-5

4. Never be intimidated to speak the truth.

5. We must follow rules and get involved in community works.

6. Do not speak evil of others even if they speak against us: Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:21-23

7. Remember our past faults and mistakes.

8. Be humble. Show courteous consideration at all times under all circumstances.

9. Be gentle and help others.

10. We are all cleansed and renewed through baptism and Holy Spirit.

11. We are all heirs of that eternal life.

12. Do good works, the fruit of our salvation.

13. Avoid disputes and divisions as they are unprofitable and useless.

14. Jesus at the judgment time selects the righteous .

15. John baptized Jesus to fulfill all righteousness.

16. Twofold revelation: vision and voice

17. The descent of the Spirit was dovelike: Gentle

18. All three persons of the Holy Trinity are pictured here: Psalms 27: Messiah and Isaiah 42:1: Suffering Servant.

1. The first and only birth day celebration in the Bible ended in sorrow.

2. Herod's conscience pricked him (Fidel castro of Cuba stood all the time with the Pope's visit)

3. John the Baptist: Voice from the wilderness. He to increase, I to decrease. Prepared the way... straightened the crooked...the spirit of Elijah. Spoke against the monarchy and so executed. Even now, those who speak truth and right are persecuted.

4. King: Wife's persuasion; afraid of the people who listened to the prophet; enjoyed the dance .... unusual promise, request, decision, and promise.

5. Mother: Her recommendation ... immoral life...dishearte-ned persuasion.

6. daughter: Helpless child.

GENESIS 4:1-5

1. God blessed Adam and Eve with Cain and Abel.

2. God respected Abel's offering than his brother Cain because Abel offered a better sacrifice: Hebrews 11:4 cf. 1 John 3:12.

3. Cain got angry and murdered his own brother: Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Jude 11.

4. Cain lied to God. Adam and Eve admitted (3:12-13). One sin leads to another: John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 8:11-13.

5. We have to be accountable for our siblings... not just keepers.

6. Abel was punished; became a fugitive.

7. Sin's punishment is very great. So Christ came.

JEREMIAH 37:11-21

1. Jeremiah was falsely taken as a traitor and imprisoned.

2. The prophet questioned his unjust imprisonment.

3. Zedekiah, the king listened to the prophet.

ISAIAH 40:3-8; 41:8-13

1. Encouragement through the God's promise of the Messiah.

2. The enemies are worldly people.

1 PETER 3:12-17

1. The sinners feel guilty when they see our exemplary conduct.

2. We have to honor the social institutions like the home and the state.

3. We have to make our will His will: Luke 22:42.

4. We have to love every one and honor civil rules but give ultimate loyalty to God.

ROMANS 8:35-39

1. Nothing will separate us from the love Christ has for us: psalms 44:22.

2. God's love for us is fully revealed through Jesus Christ: John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 John 5:4.

LUKE 3:1-14; 19-20

1. John the Baptist received revelation from God as did Isaiah (38:4) and Jeremiah (18:1) and other prophets.

2. Isaiah's prophecy (40:3-5) fulfilled in John's ministry: Levelled the hills and valleys to make a smooth road for the coming of Christ.

3. Neither ancestry nor church membership are sufficient for salvation.

4. Repent and change

5. Be generous, honest, gentle, and content (Answers to the three groups).

6. John publicly rebuked Herod.

MARK 6:14-29

1. Some thought of Jesus as Elijah (Malachi 4:5), others as the prophet (Deuteronomy 18:5).

2. Herodia wanted to destroy John, but Herod protected him

3. Unrealistic promise of Herod to his daughter.

4. Herod was extremely sorry for what he hid.

DEUTERONOMY 34:7-12

1. Moses died at the age of 120 and people mourned for 30 days.

2. Joshua became his successor.

3. Moses was the greatest.

ISAIAH 37:8-20

1. When threatened by the enemy, prayer to God is in order (vv. 15ff)

2. God answers the prayers (21ff).

ACTS 7:51-8:2

1. Stephen defends his stand by pointing out that that his persecutors murdered the prophets and so they are sinners.

2. Stephen was stoned to death because he told the truth.

3. Stephen prayed for them. Cf. Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34.

4. Devotees lamented over the death.

5. Saul (Paul) witnessed this martyrdom and contined the persecution.

MARK 12:1-12

1. The prophets God sent were martyred.

2. They killed His only Son who was sent..

3. There rejections result in judgement.

4. Jesus became the cornerstone: Psalms 118:22-23.

JOHN 8:34-59

1. Jesus could free sinners

2. Those who reject Jesus could not be the children of God.

3. To prove that one is the descendant of his ancestors, he has to follow his forefather's footsteps.

4. Lack of love (v.42), refusal to listen (v.43), and evil desires (v.44) are bad omens.

5. See the truth rather than rebuke: vv.48-51

6. If we follow Jesus, we will have eternal life.

7. Fault finders find excuses: vv.52-53.

8. Know our father, our God Almighty: vv.54-59

MATTHEW 23:34-39

1. Martyrdom may be the end result of many of His followers.

2. Abel was the first martyr (Genesis 4:8) and Zechariah, the last one in Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24:20-21.

3. God protects and keeps His children like a hen keeps her chicks under her wings.

4. The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by the Roman army under Titus was interpreted as the punishment of the Pharisees for their crimes.

5. Those who follow Him are blessed.

1. John's ministry ends and Jesus' starts after baptism and temptation . .. preached against immorality and sin ... pointed out the flaws and to change the attitudes: St. paul (Acts 17:30), St. Peter (2 Peter 3:9), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:6). The Church has to continue the same kind of ministry.

2. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy: 8:9; 9:1-2).

3. Jesus is the light of the world. People in the dark saw the light of eternity at the Public Ministry of Christ. Those who heard Him turned from darkness to light. God's salvation is provided to them.

4. Jesus 's first preaching ... preached to repent ... to change one's life, to turn away from sin to God and also not to repeat the mistakes (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) --- prodigal son, Mary Magdaline, Zaaccheus, Peter, thief ---, to lead pure life and good works ... to change habits .... should have God's works: 1 Corinthians 15:10; Romans 14:8 ... with Holy Spirit: John 10:8; Acts 2:36). A habit is a learned pattern of acting - a way of behaving that has become routine. We are creatures of habit. When we develop bad habits, we have to change. We have to reinforce good habits and discourage bad ones. a. Admit we have a bad habit b. Evaluate why we are doing it - childhood conditioning, subconscious desires, rational or irrational fears, peer pressure, bad influence ( Ephesians 2:2). c. Realize that there is a way to break the bad habit. There is a struggle to do it (Romans 7:19-20). We have to work hard. d. Need conviction: convince that it is worth it. If there is a will, there is a way. e. Change immediately, not graduaaly. Stop the negative habit immediately. Don't go after the temptation. f. Help others to break the habit. We need God's help for a happy, productive, outgoing change of human nature. We have to live God's ay which gives us strength: Philippians 4:13.

5. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand because Christ is here. It is the heavenly experience: Romans 14:17.

6. Jesus called the first Apostles ... called Simon Peter and Andrew to leave the old sinful way of life. Also called James and John .... all fishermen were called by name..

7. God selected Jacob, Moses, David, etc., in the Old Testament to lead. Christ selected fishermen and ordinary people. Went from Nazareth to Galilee to select the disciples from the Gentiles: 1 Corinthians 1:28-29.

8. They left their belongings - boat and net - and followed Him without questioning, not expecting any reward. Not possible for every one.

9. The disciples called were masters of their trade ... fishermen, tax collector, tent builder, etc. Church grows through the works of such faithfuls. Rich or poor, illiterate or learned, employer or employee, all are parts of one body, Jesus Christ. Shouldn't be any kind of tug of war. Should have mutual respect: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

10. Patience, perseverence, and hard work needed to do the work: 1 Corinthians 2:2; John 1:38.

GENESIS 25:19-34

1. Isaac pleaded for children and God granted his plea.

2. We could inquire of the Lord when we do not understand: v.22.

3. God's people are always subject to His interventions: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21.

4. Esau and Jacob were born when Isaac was sixty years old.

5. Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

6. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for the stew he cooked.

2 KINGS 5:1-14
Naaman was an honorable man, but a leper:

1. Chronicle 21:8 (David); 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 (Solomon); Psalm 131:2; 84:5-7. Miriam became a lepor because of her sin (Numbers 12:10); Uzziah, a lepor, all his life (2 Chronicles 26:9-21). The days of the mourning shall be ended (Isaiah 60:20).

2. The mission of the waitress: her master to seek the help of the prophet, Elisha. Because of a little slave girl, Naaman was cured.

3. When he heard of the prophet, Naaman went (with silver and gold)

4. Elisha told Naaman to go and wash in Jordan seven times

5. Hesistently (had doubts) Naaman did and was cleaned

6. Jordan is foreshadow of Jesus Christ: When took bath, he was cured.

7. Naaman who came with gold returned cured with two male-loads of earth.

8. The importance of the earth that touched the footsteps of a holy man.

ISAIAH 49:8-13

1. The return from Babylon is an image of a much deeper and greater return:cf. 11:1-12; 35:3-10; 61:4-7; 63:10-12

2. The people return because of the Servant.

ACTS 2:37-47

1. Repent and be baptized (Mark 1:4) in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit: John 17:20; Acts 11:16-17

2. 3000 people received Jesus Christ

3. The fivefold results of conversion: steadfastness, doctrine, fellowship, eating together and prayers

4. Wonders and signs reinforced their teaching: Mark 16:17; Hebrews 2:4

5. Stewardship: Sharing of goods for the benefit of the less fortunate

6. In Christ, everybody together, not in isolation

7. This leads to have favor with all the people.

EPHESIANS 1:3-14

1. Holiness (v.4)

2. Adoption (5-6)

3. Redemption (7-8)

4. Knowledge of His will (9-10)

5. Eternal inheritance (11-14)

MARK 1:14-34

1. John the Baptist who prepared for Jesus' Ministry was imprisoned

2. Jesus continued the preaching about repentance and belief

3. Jesus called disciples Simon and Andrew while they were working

4. Jesus spoke with authority and they immediately followed Him

5. James and John also followed Him immediately leaving their occupation and family

6. Jesus demonstrated His divine power in word (v.21) and deed (vv.22-28) by healing a man with unclean spirit and also Simon's mother -in-law (1 Corinthians 9:5), and several others who were sick and demon possessed.

7. Jesus doesn't want them to spread the news then (1:34,44; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26), only after He had risen from the dead (8:30; 9:9). He did not want to believe in Him based upon demonic testimony. Only at trial, Jesus claimed He is Christ (14:62).

JOHN 1:18-28

1. Only Jesus Christ had seen God the Father

2. John the Baptist declared that he is not Christ, nor Elijah (Malachi 4:5) or the prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18)

3. John is a herald preparing the Way for the Lord's coming: Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1

4. John's humility: Not worthy to loose the sandal strip of Jesus.

1. John baptized with water (v.26) and Jesus with the Holy Spirit (v.33)

2. Humility of John: Not worthy to loose His sandral strap

3. Jesus, the Lamb of God, vv.29, 35) offered an atonement for sin (Leveticus 4:27-35) and the passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-13)

4. John's mission was to reveal Jesus Christ

5. The manifestation assured John that the one he had baptized was indeed the Son of God.

6. Jesus invites John's disciples to come and see (1:39). Following is very important: Following Him (1 Corinthians 11:1) is imitating Him - glorify God (John 17:4), obey Him (John 8:50), do His will (John 5:30), sacrifice (Mark 10:46), prayer and submission (Matthew 26:39). Later Philip (from Bethsaida) told Nathaniel to come and see (1:46)... catching human beings.... spread the news.

7. Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus: personal evangelism

8. Jesus saw in Simon a rocklike character which made him the spokeman and leader.

9. Philip perceived that Jesus indeed is the Christ as attested by Moses and the prophets and followed Him ... shows how to deal with doubtors.

10. Galileans were held in low regard (Matthew 2:19-23) so that they wonder whether any good come out of Nazareth (1:45): prejudgment.

11. Philip preached about Jesus to Nathaniel and invited him to come and see Jesus (to get acquainted). Like Philip, we must be guide and help to others in seeing Jesus and solving problems.

12. Nathaniel was a man without deceit (Jesus: No guile /deceit in Nathaniel; No other greater person than John; Peter is the rock to build His Church). Nathaniel used to sit under the fig tree (learning place for the Jews) in reading and meditating (Psalms 1:6). Philip told Him that he saw Jesus of Nazareth, a small town not famous. There was no mention that Jesus will be coming from there. That is why he asked whether any good will be coming from there. Philip told him to come and see. Without any doubt, Nathaniel followed Philip to see the savior (Hebrews 2:3-4). Therefore he was able to meet Him and accept Him. We have to sanctify Him in our heart to see Jesus (1 Peter 3:14). Jesus is the word of Life (1 John 1:1). Disciples saw Jesus through their own eyes and tested Him to be good. The wisemen also did the same. Herod could not see the infant Jesus. He murdered the infants. Those who see Jesus wholeheartedly can see the angels going up and down through the opened doors of heavens. Nathaniel was meditating the events that Jacob saw in his vision (Genesis 28:10-17 cf. Luke 2:9, 13; Acts 1:10; 7:55-56). Jesus is the ladder to go to heaven. We should have such blessings. Jacob was not straightforward before became Israel (Genesis 27:35-36). When God callled, Adam and Eve had covered themselves because of their lost situation (Genesis 3:8-19). Jesus called common people with external and internal beauty. Be like infants ((1 Peter 2:1), not of the tricks of the world (Romans 12:1-2). Complete change to Simon and Nathaniel by going to Jesus.

13. Nathaniel corrected himself and accepted Jesus as teacher, king of Israel, and Son of God, like Peter. When he met Jesus, goodness came to him. Christ must live in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17). God looks the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). We should see God and experience who He is. Should not have sin or transgression (Psalms 32:2). Here Nathaniel later became Bartholomew, a disciple.

14. He who believes and acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God will see greater things.

15. Jesus' look and the invitation to come made the difference. cf. Luke 22:61. "Jesus looked Peter." In the garden Peter struck the ear of the servant; after that he followed Jesus (courage); denied three times (selfishness); human action, not divine; liked praises; no self-knowledge (warning during Last Supper and at Gethsamanae). Jesus still loved him by His look; no anger or enemity.

16. They spread whatever they saw and heard.

17. "We saw Him", "come and see'....Is there anything to see?

18. Magnifying, personal and spiritual inputs in each person who saw Jesus.

LEVETICUS 22:26-33

1. God accepts free will offering

2. God is our Lord: We shall keep His commandments.

PROVERBS 9:1-9

1. Wisdom brings maturity

2. The appeal of the good woman: Her house is well bult and will not fall: Matthew 7:24-27

3. The wise man accepts correction and grows wiser; the scoffer doesn't.

ISAIAH 55:1-8

1. God fulfills our needs if we approach Him with gratitude: Matthew 11:28

2. We have to seek and call Him with our needs.

1 PETER 3:7-15

1. Husbands should understand their wives, respect them, and give priority to their well-being.

2. We should be of one mind, should have sympathy for others, love, tenderhearted, and kind

3. When we return good for evil, we receive blessings (3: 10-12; Psalms 34:12-16).

4. It is better to do the right thing even if we have to suffer.

5. We should give our testimony with humility toward others and with reverence toward God.

HEBREWS 1:1-2:4

1. The full revelation of God in the Son completes the partial Old Testament revelations.

2. Sin and death are now under Christ Jesus.

3. Jesus is Son (vv. 2, 5, 6), the divine heir and ruler (2, 8), through whom God created the world (2, 10-12). He is exalted to the right hand of God (3, 9, 13).

4. Angels are only ministerial spirits (vv. 4-14), but Jesus is the eternal Son who became man, suffered and was exalted.

5. We must obey Jesus Christ with whom salvation came and miraculously confirmed by God through gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1. Nichodemos only in St. John's Gospel.

2. Here to seek the kingdom of God, later as a defendant (John 7:51), and then at the burial: John 19:38.

3. Nicodemus was a leader. But he was a coward. That is why he came in the night to see Jesus.

4. .He has great concern to know how to inherit the kingdom of God.

5. Those who desire and seek truth shall be properly rewarded (cf. James 1:5). Go to Jesus to be rewarded. Do not stay away.

6. Sinceriety of Nicodemus... came in the night. But Jesus turned light into him (Zaacheus climbed on a tree to see Jesus: concealed identity). Iscariot, became a disciple, but did not believe.

7. Jesus respected his desire and concern.

8. Transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit. Regener-ation (Romans 8:15-17) through water and spirit - baptism - (Galatians 6:15; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9) is needed. Christ to form in us (Galatians 4:19); then a new person (Ephesians 4:19). Jesus showed this through His own baptism Water cleanses. Holy Spirit purifies. Holy Spirit signifies purification and life. To renew and strengthen through prayer and holy communion (John 15:5). Crucify self (Luke 9:23; Romans 6:12-14) to inherit Christ's character.

9. By baptism all become new: Romans 6:33; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27; Titus 3:6. Complete change from the old state of affairs. Repentance and spiritual birth.

10. Watch and see the day to day life of born again Christians. Any change?

11. As a person and a teacher, Nicodemus couldn't understand the truth of birth from above. Those who couldn't understand the earthly affairs do have difficulties to acknowledge heavenly experiences. We have to understand God's love and plan of salvation.

12. "Amen, Amen" (truly, truly/most asuredly) 25 times in St. John and 50 times in the other three Gospels.

13. Preach what we know and witness what has been seen:. Study faith and Bible to do so. Share and witness. Do the will of God.

2 KINGS 2:19-22

1. Elisha had done great things (8:4) -Healed the bad water

2. Youth who mocked the prophet were mauled by bears.

JOEL 2:21-32

1. God blessed the land in coming back to life after the locust plague.

2. God is in our midst (v.27) to deliver us.

3. God's promise of the universe outporing of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled in the New Testament (Acts 2:16, 39).

4. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

JEREMIAH 31:1-12

1. Just as the Lord led Israel into the wilderness, protecting them from the sword of the Egyptian enemies, so His loving kindness will support His people.

2. Join a song of praise with a prayer to save.

3. God restores because He loves with the love of a parent: Hosea 11:1-2.

ACTS 17:16-34

1. Paul witnessed Jesus where ever he went.

2. The encounters brought Paul to explain his new doctrine.

3. By taking a text from an Athenian altar (v. 23: "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD"), Paul presented his own God who created the world.

4. God, the creator made verything and every body alike in the urge to seek the Lord through repentence and service.

5. Several listened to Paul and believed in Jesus.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16-4:5

1. The whole body of believers together made up the temple of God.

2. The Church is holy. God punishes those who defiles His Church with divisions and contention.

3. Christians should not boast in the foolishness of human wisdom, but glory in what God has done for them.

4. We are all in Christ and so we are secure.

5. God judges each one of us, not we each other.

JOHN 3: 22- 4:3

1. John the Baptist and Jesus ministered in the same area of Judea: 22-24.

2. John clarified to John's disciples that Jesus is superior to him: vv. 27-30

3. "He must increase, but I must decrease" (v. 30): Isaiah 9:7

4. Like the best man brings the bride to the bridegroom, John brought the people of Isreal to Jesus.

5. Jesus came from heaven with fulness of spirit from God and has been giving to His followers as God's gift (Acts 1:4,5).

6. Faith in Christ brings everlasting life, but disbelief brings the wrath of God.

7. Jesus' activity increased and added more members to the fold.

JOHN 5: 31- 47