Speaker: Ms Taeko Funaoka
Sermon Title: Immanuel: Veiled by the darkness of despair
Scripture Text: Psalm 77, Isaiah 42: 2 – 3

Introduction
• God is with us every moment of our lives.
• Is it possible that we sense God is far away in time of difficulty?
• Out of 150 psalms in the Book of Psalms, one third is the psalms of lament.

1. Cry for help & painful reflection (vv1-6)
The psalmist cried out to God for help in distress. He recalled the ways how God has shown grace in the past and compared with current situation where he does not hear from God.

2. Questions (vv7-9)
Powerful questions emerged from this constant cry and painful reflection. It also helps to redirect the psalmist’s heart.

3. Remembering God’s mighty saving works (v10-20)
The Psalmist decided to remember God’s mighty works in the past, which encouraged him and led him to praise God.
Isaiah 42:1-4: God’s Servant, who will bring justice in gentle, compassionate, and humble way. It was fulfilled in the life and work of Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:18-21).

Conclusion
• Conscious acts of remembrance remind us of the unchanging character of God’s love and His salvation.
• God is with us in all seasons, and He gently strengthens our faith, and instils hope in us in our difficult time.

Reflection
1. Recall the time when you experienced God’s grace, love, mercy or encouragement.
2. Will you hold on to Jesus and trust Him to take care of you in time of difficulty?
3. Is there anyone around you who needs to receive this hope and assurance of Immanuel – God with us?

Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License
* Song@Select Advance
* Streaming License

Speaker: Rev Gaurri Maniam
Sermon Title: Immanuel: In the fiery Furnace
Scripture Text: Daniel 3: 13 – 30; Luke 2: 10

Introduction

Advent is:-
a. A season that focuses on the birth of Jesus – His 1st arrival.
b. A season whereby we look forward in anticipation for the 2nd coming of Jesus.

How would the message of Jesus who is our Immanuel – God with us continue to be relevant in our lives?

Explanation

1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuses to comply to the king’s demand – they were thrown into the furnace.

2. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego expressed their utmost confidence and trust in the sovereignty of God.

3. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego experiences God’s presence in the furnace.

Final Word

Let not your problems define who God is instead let the Word of God reveal who God is to you.

Reflection Question

1. What are some of the clutters in your life that needs to be removed?

2. What were some difficult choices that you had to make in order to live a faithful Christian life?

Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License
* Song@Select Advance
* Streaming License