November 21, 2023
CCI Sermon Outlines – Nov – Dec 2023
November 19
Assuring future for the girl child
2 Kings 5:1-5
Psalm. 8
Acts 12:11-17
Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
Verse for meditation: “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha Koum!” (Which
means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”)”. (Mk.5:41).
The word of God explains that God through His son Jesus has empowered the weak
and the rejected persons. God has revealed His indiscriminate love through Jesus. There is no
discrimination as male or female (Gal 3:28). Through today’s meditation, an attitude to accept
and respect the girl child need to be usefully developed in the society. Their talents would be
useful to families and the society at large. But the girl children face many challenges and they
continue even today. They are challenged from womb to tomb from the stage of a foetus in the
womb of their mother till their death at the tomb. They are at the risks of foeticide, infanticide,
women trafficking, rape, dowry, domestic violence and the like. The social scientist named Ram
Ahuja has segregated them under three major headings.
1. Criminal violence
2. Domestic Violence
3. Social violence
Every year these crimes are increasing at an alarming rate. During the study on this subject in
the past five years 1,64,765 cases of 2006 have gone up to 2,13,585 in 2010. Out of this 6870
cases were on rape. We have reached a stage where the girl child has lost her safety and
security at their work places and at homes, where they work. The rapid growth of the mass
media, the mobile phones, internet and the social media has become a challenge to the ethical
and safe movement of girls and women. In this scenario, we have a spiritual and ethical
responsibility to reflect and act on the basis of the Scripture.
1. The concern of God (2 King 5:1-5)
The Holy Bible speaks of a God who is concerned about and strengthen the weak and
feeble ones. God does not show favoritism. He is the God of All, both man and woman (Gal.
3:28; Acts 10:34). God has named ‘Adam’ not for man alone, but include woman (Gen. 5:2).
The body is different, but the soul comes from God. In the Old Testament, we find that God has
empowered women like Deborah and Hannah and used them as prophetesses (Lk. 2:36;
Jud.4). The Old Testament includes biblical books in the names of Ruth and Esther. During the
earthly life of Jesus many women were with him to minister (Lk.8:1-3). St.Paul reminds the
church at Rome about the incredible contributions given by women to the body of Christ (Rom.
16). Here, we find a list of women, who gave leadership in the church. Women are created in
the image of God. And He cares for them. 2King.5.1-5 gives a reading on how God used a
maidservant, a small girl for the supernatural healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of
the king of Aaram.
2. The concern for the girl children should begin from families (Mk.5:21-24; 35-43)
Both the Gospels and the Acts record how the parents came to Jesus with the concern
of their weak or sick as dying girls (Mk. 5:21-24; 35-43; Acts 9:36-43). At first we should confirm
the safety of our girl children at our homes itself. Parents have a major role towards care of their
girl children. Parents should scrutinize and have an eye on their education, friendships and the
needs of girls. St. Paul tells us “… do not exasperate your children instead bring them up in the
training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). In our Indian culture, after marriage the girl is
sent to another family. But at their own homes they are always haunted even from childhood
with the thought that they are strangers in their own homes and at some stage they will be sent
to another house in which they are strangers there too. When they reach the new house of the
in-laws, they are considered as outsiders and as “one who has come from outside”. Here girls
need a ‘space’ for them. Such ‘space’ should start at their homes itself. She is also a legal heir
for the love of God that has been expressed through Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus has held the
hand of the hapless girl and asked others to give her food. He is holding the hands of girls with
his love who are weak due to many reasons and give them new life even today (Num.27:1-11).
Moreover, the Lord reminds us to make sure the safety of the girls giving us that responsibility.
3. Girls in the Ministry of the Kingdom of God (2 Kings 5:1-5, Acts 12:11-17)
As we have seen in the Old Testament and the New Testament, God uses girls in the
ministry. As mentioned above, when the young servant girl at the house of Naaman, the
commander of the Army of the king of Aram introduced the ‘Living’ God to them, not only
Naaman was healed, but also the difference between Aram and Israel have been healed. Peter
was released from the jail by the angel of the Lord and he went to the house of Mary, the aunt of
John Mark. They were all praying together. As Peter was knocking, a girl named Rhoda
identified his voice and informed those praying about the arrival of Peter. Here the first step of
faith had been set by a girl. But those who were praying did not believe her (Acts 12:12-15). But
Rhoda could believe it and see the mighty act of God. The girl children have a great message in
building up the church, society and the country through sharing the love of God. Let us
encourage them to utilize their talents to the optimum level for building the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Gracious God, who through Your Son made the weak and the rejected strong
and whole, we praise you. Look mercifully on all the girl children who are rejected and
marjinalized, and give them courage and new hope. Help us to receive the girl child as a full
member of the community and restore all the honour and respect they deserve. May the talents
and potentials you have endowed them with, flower fourth to become essential resources in the
community. Help us Lord that we may together be liberated and equipped to use our mutual
strengths and weaknesses, gifts and talents, opportunities and limitations, to contribute to the
welfare of the whole world; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.
November 26
Preparing for the Coming of Lord
Old Testament : Hos. 10:12-15
Psalm : 37:1-24
Epistle : Col. 4:1-6
Gospel : Lk. 12:35-40
Verse for meditation: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an our when you do not expect him” (Lk.12:40).
The season of preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ is called Advent Season. The
days from today up to Christmas are included in the advent season. The word of God warns us to
prepare for the coming of the Lord. It gives hope and peace to the world. The prophets were
talking about the coming of the Lord (Acts 3:18, 10:43; Lk. 24:44, 46, 47; Jn. 5:33). The Old
Testament prophets have already prophesied regarding the birth of Jesus, the ministry of Jesus,
the death and resurrection of Jesus and the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, the people of
Israel were waiting with hope for the advent of Jesus. As we are preparing to celebrate advent, it is
good to know that the expectation of the coming of Christ was a joyful expectation to the people of
the Old Testament. The New Testament church had the knowledge of the second coming of Christ
also. The victorious performance of every successful Christian life is to live as prepared to meet
the Lord with happiness at his coming. Through the Apostle’s creed and the Nicene Creed as the
church we acknowledge that the Lord Jesus will come again. The references regarding the second
coming of Christ are found both in the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament for every
25 verse one verse refers to the second coming of Christ. There are at least 320 references
regarding the second coming of Christ in the New Testament. Though the church believes in the
second coming literally the Bible does not give any precise time of the coming (Matt. 24:36; 1
Thess. 5:2). Therefore, the church is asked to be ready at any time.
1. The prophetic message: Be ready for the coming of Jesus (Hos. 10:12-15)
It is more important to be prepared for the second coming of Jesus than the preparations for
the celebration of the birth of Christ. “… until he comes and showers righteousness on you” (Hos.
10:12). Some view the second coming of Jesus as the most important incident that is to happen on
this earth. This hope enables us to live in justice, holiness and truthfulness. Just as we meditate
upon the birth of Christ, let us also meditate and prepare for the second coming of Christ.
2. The Apostolic message: Be ready for the coming of Jesus (Col. 4:1-6)
Saint Paul reminds the church to use the time profitably and get ready for the coming of
Jesus. One should continue in prayer with thanks giving. Life should be lived in sanctity. This was
the main teaching of the Apostle.
3. The message of Jesus: Be ready for the coming (Lk. 12:35-40)
Jesus Christ also has indicated many times about his second coming. He taught that the
servant who is awake when the master comes is blessed (Lk. 12:37). Again he taught “Gird your
loins and let your lamp burning (Lk. 12:35). Be ready always hoping the coming of Christ (Matt.
24,25; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; Jn. 14:1-3, 16:1-5).
Advent Sundays
The days including the four Sundays before Christmas are called advent season. The first Advent
Sunday is calculated as the last Sunday in the month of November. The English word advent has
come from the Latin word adventus which means ‘coming’. In Greek language the word Parousia
is used to mean the coming of Christ. During this advent season the coming of Christ is being
meditated upon. In some of the western churches four different types of candles are being lit. The
candle lighted on the first Sunday is called the candle of hope. Christmas gives a message of
hope – the people walked in darkness and have seen a great light (Is. 9:2). The candle lighted on
the second Sunday is called the candle of Bethlehem. The prophet Micah prophesied that though
Bethlehem was the smallest province of Judah, the one who would become the ruler of Israel will
come out of this place (Mic. 5:2). Bethlehem is the symbol of humility. The entrance of the nativity
church at Bethlehem is very short. One has to bow down his head and enter into it. Only through
humility one can meet the meek Jesus. Christmas is the symbol of humility and simplicity. The
candle lighted on the third Sunday is called the candle of joy. Some churches call this the candle
of shepherds also. Christmas gives the message of joy to all the people (Lk. 2:10). The fourth
candle is called the candle of the angel lighted on the fourth Sunday. The announcement of the
angel to Mary is the message for that day. Angel replied to Mary, “Nothing is impossible to God”
(Lk. 1:26-38). Christmas gives such an auspicious and optimistic message.
Prayer
Almighty God, who restores all things in your beloved Son, Jesus our Lord, Sanctify our
hearts and minds so that we may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Help us to be like the
wise virgins, ever vigilant and ready to meet your Son, the head of the Church. Let the whole
creation be renewed and rejuvenated through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.
December 3
1st Sunday in Advent
Joyful Expectation of Christ’s Coming
Old Testament : Jer. 33:10-16
Psalm : 68:11-20
Epistle : 1 Thess. 3: 6-13
Gospel : Lk. 1:39-45
Verse for meditation: “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby
in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk. 1:44).
The advent of Jesus Christ has given hope and peace to the world. The coming of Jesus
Christ had been foretold by the prophets (Acts 3:18, 10:13; Lk: 24: 44, 46, 47; Jn. 5:33). The
birth of Christ, His ministry, His resurrection, his Second Coming – all these have been already
prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. Therefore, the people of Israel were awaiting for the
coming of the Messiah (Christ). As we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, it is good to
know that the coming of Christ is a joyful expectation of his people. Primarily, we meditate about
the decision we ought to take at the coming of Christ. Secondly, we think of the joy of the
fullness of the Holy Spirit that we receive the coming of people through the right relationships
with other fellow beings. Finally, we meditate on the second coming of Christ also.
1. The coming of Christ: A Joyful experience (Jer. 33:10-16; 1 Thess. 3:6-11)
The coming of Christ has given joy to the whole world. ‘A righteous branch sprout from
David’s line’ is a matter of great joy to the people of Israel. Jeremiah says that very soon an
optimistic day will break out to fulfill the prophecy (Jer. 33:10-16). This verse is seen on a
prophetic utterance regarding the coming of Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus Christ gives
peace. To those who are without hope, it gives hope. Timothy who arrived from the church at
Thessalonica shared good words about them to Paul and those words were comforting Paul.
The testimony that they are strong in their faith in Jesus has made Paul rejoice. It gave a new
life to Paul (1Thess. 3:6-13). As the coming of Timothy was a consolation both for Paul and the
Church, all our relations and visits should become a cause for the sharing of the love and
comfort that Jesus gives.
2. The coming of Christ: Joy in the Holy Spirit
Lk.1:39-45 reports the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. Mary journeyed from Nazareth
and reached the house of Zechariah in Judah and met Elizabeth. She was filled with the Holy
Spirit (Lk. 1:41). The baby in the womb of Elizabeth leaped with joy (Lk. 1:44). As we are
preparing to celebrate the advent of Jesus Christ, we should also meditate upon the joy of such
blessed friendly relationships and visits could bring to our lives. The joy we experience when
two families meet together, the joy of the fullness of Spirit when two friends meet together. May
God give us such experience!
3. The Second coming of Christ: The eternal Joy (1Thess. 3:13-18)
Another matter to be considered as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ
is the return of the Lord. The greatest hope of the Christian believers is that Christ will come
again to collect unto him the Church. St. Paul expounds the second coming of Christ in 1 Thess.
3:13; 4:16-18 and 5:1-3. The Church believes that the Lord Jesus will come to the middle sky
and reward his people on that day (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:10). The Church affirms this
faith through the words of both Apostles and Nicene Creeds. The meditation about the coming
of Christ should not be forgotten after the Christmas celebrations. Rather we should be
encouraged to wait upon daily for the coming of the Lord.
Prayer
God of all places and all times, In whose Son we find joy, hope, peace and salvation,
Help us to pray and long for the fullness of salvation and grant us the grace to live the gladness
of Your salvation all through our lives In order that You would find us blameless and holy in Your
presence when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones, Through Jesus Christ, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen
December 10
2nd Sunday in Advent
Bible Sunday
Word of God: Light to our path
Old Testament : Is. 55: 5-13
Psalm : 119:105-112
Epistle : Gal.1:11-17
Gospel : Lk.1:57, 66-80
Verse for meditation: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105).
Lord Jesus Christ has uttered seven “I am” sayings as recorded in the gospel of the John
of them the second one is “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). Christ is the incarnate word.
Therefore, the word of God is the light of the world – is light to our path. God calls us to come
back to him leaving our evil ways and walk in the light of his word. God’s word will not return
to God fruitlessly but it will accomplish its purpose and help men to obey God’s word.
1. A call: back to the word of God (Is. 55:6-13)
A call to enjoy the everlasting meal of God or the call to accept God and his ways is
found in Is. 55:1-13. Those who are thirsty let them come and drink wine and milk, those who
are hungry let them eat sumptuous meal and be happy. This is God’s call “The prophet continues
to say that this word that comes out of the mouth of God is food (Ts. 55:11). The Psalmist says,
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Ps. 119:103). In
other words this call is to trust in God’s word and surrender to the word of God.
2. Word of God: A light for the path (Ps. 119:105 – 112)
Psalm 119 talks about the various qualities of the word of God. This is also the longest
chapter in the Bible. This Psalm has been divided into sections of eight verses with 22 alphabets
of the Hebrew language with a total of 176 verses. They sing the different qualities of the word
of God. The most famous one is “the word of God, the light of our path” (Ps. 119:105). The
word of God stands as the light house for us when we are stumbled at problems. The basement
for Christian life should be laid upon the word of God. The sky and the earth may change but the
word of God will never change (Matt. 24:35). God’s word gives us faith in God (Rom.10:17). It
gives total healing (Ps. 107:20). It instructs us and leads to do good works (2Timo. 3:16, 17). It
cleanses (Prov. 30:5). God’s word invites us to read it, meditate upon it and believe it forever
(Deut.6:6-8). Therefore, it is said that the word of God is a lamp unto the feet and light unto the
path.
3. God’s word: Divine revelation (Gal. 1:11-17)
Paul says that he has been called for God’s ministry according to the revelation of God
(Gal. 1:11-17, 2:1). The written word of God is the divine revelation for today. God speaks from
time to time. We should understand them in revelation to the written word of God. The prophets
of the Old Testament and in the New Testament, Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah (Lk. 1:57-66;
67-80), John, Christ and the Apostles – all were filled by the Spirit to utter words. But any
revelation should be differentiated and understood in the light of the written word of God which
is the right canon for discretion. That is the light unto the way, the lamp unto the feet.
Prayer
O God, eternal word, you speak to us and your church. We pray that you may help us
to hear your word that we may turn to you, away from our evil doing through the word that is a
lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths. Your word will not come to you without
accomplishing the purpose for which it has been sent that we may walk in the path of peace. We
pray this prayer in and through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
world without end, Amen.
December 17
3rd Sunday in Advent
Hope of Salvation
Old Testament Zeph. 3:14-20
Psalm 43
Epistle 2 Pet. 3:8-13
Gospel Matt. 1:18-25
Verse for meditation:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).
Thank God for the hope of salvation which man has received through Jesus Christ. The
Greek word ‘soteria’ has been translated as salvation. In the New Testament salvation means
the deliverance from the strength and powers of sin. The word soteria (salvation) is used in two
places to point Jesus (Lk 2:31, 3:6) Simeon carrying Jesus in his hands declares, “Mine eyes
have seen your salvation”. Christ is called the author of salvation (Heb. 2:10). The word
salvation is used for the national liberation also (Lk 1:69-71, Acts 7:25). The Septuagint (LXX)
uses soteria and its related words 483 times. The greatest blessing to a Christian is the hope of
salvation. The idea of salvation is spread over at many places in the New Testament.
Jesus as salvation (Lk 2:31; Heb 2:10).
Spiritual Salvation. The deliverance a person receives from the punishment of sin
through the faith in Jesus (Rom 8:10; Eph 2:4-8).
The salvation of life or spirit (2 Pet 1:9).
The salvation of the body or glorification (Rom 13:11).
Total salvation (Heb 11:40; 1 Thess. 5:23).
As we meditate on the hope of salvation, first we meditate on God who saves. Secondly, the
salvation received through the grace of Christ is also meditated upon. Finally, the total salvation
of man and the cosmic salvation received at the end are also meditated upon.
1. God who saves (Zeph. 3:14-25)
Zephaniah speaks of a God who saves (Zeph. 3:14-20). Salvation comes from God. We
inherit it by the grace of God. So the Psalmist says “hope of salvation” (Ps. 43:5). At many
places in the Bible, we find the concept of a saving God. The Psalmist who is depressed in his
heart finds peace after uttering these words. ‘Put your trust in the Lord, he is my savior’ (Ps.
43:5).
2. The hope of salvation assured in Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18-23)
‘Jesus’ is called by this name because he saves men from their sins (Matt. 1:21). We
attain this salvation through faith (1 Peter 3:9). Paul interprets that salvation is the gift of the
grace of God (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is the free inheritance that Jesus gives men to reconcile with
God who is separated by sin. So we are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:8; 5:2). A person
receives it simply by faith. Thus, as Peter says salvation of the soul is received through faith
without seeing.
3. The perfection of Salvation ( 2 Pet. 3:8-13)
One of the basics of Christian faith is the belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that at his coming the faithful those who died in him will be collected from the one
end of the sky to the other from all the four directions (Mk. 13:37). The apostle says that he will
appear for a second time not to bear sin but for the salvation of those who are waiting for him
(Heb. 9:28). As said earlier, Saint Peter also explains the salvation that men will receive at the
second coming of Christ (1 Pet. 1:11, 12; 2 Pet. 3: 8- 13). On that day all the tears will be wiped
out permanently from our eyes. Death, sadness, mourning and pain will pass away. The old
order of things will pass away and everything will be made new (Rev. 21:4, 5).
Prayer:
Almighty God, our Saviour, And our Hope of Salvation, Grant us the wisdom to live in
anticipation of a new heaven and new earth, a holy and godly life, trusting in You as our Saviour
and walking with You as our Immanuel In order that our hearts may be enlightened to know the
hope to which You have called us, Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.
December 24
4th Sunday in Advent
Rejoice, the Lord is near
Old Testament : Zech. 2:6-13
Psalm : 50:1-15
Epistle : 1 Thess. 5:12-24
Gospel : Jn. 16:16-24
Verse for meditation:
“Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16).
The greatest demonstration of a victorious Christian living is to appear rejoicing,
prepared to welcome the coming of the Lord. We affirm our faith that the Lord will come again
through the Apostles and Nicene creeds. There are references to the second coming of the Lord
Jesus Christ not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament. For every 25 verses
there is one reference to the second coming of Christ in the New Testament. There are almost
320 references in the New Testament regarding the second coming of Christ. It can be
substantiated from the following verses.
The Testimony of Jesus (Mtt.24,25; Mk 13; Lk 21; Jn 14:1-3, 16: 1-5).
The witness of the angels (Acts 1:11)
The testimony of the apostles:
Peter (Pet 5:4; 2 Pet 3:10-13 etc.)
Paul (1 Thess. 4:16,17, 5:2 etc.
Jude (14,15)
James (James 5:7,8)
John (1Jn 2:28)
The testimony at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:26)
The prayer of the Church (Rev. 22:20).
The Church believes in the coming of the Lord in the literal sense, but the time of the coming is
not given clearly (Matt 24:36; 1 Thess. 5:2). Therefore, the church is alerted to be ready at all
times. There are different opinions on the purpose of the Lord’s coming. First and foremost, the
purpose of the Lord’s coming is to comfort his people. Secondly, it is to judge the people.
Thirdly, he comes to collect his own people into the glorious permanent tent.
1. For the comforting of his people (Jn. 16:16 – 24)
Jesus has promised that at his coming all tears will be wiped out and the sadness will
turn into joy (Jn. 16:20). The New Testament presupposes that the Lord is coming to collect
God’s people together and wipe away all tears from their eyes (1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 7:17,
21:4,5). The apostle says that he comes for the salvation of those who are waiting for him. A
total redemption will happen at the coming of the Lord (Heb. 9:28). This redemption is not only
for man but it is a cosmic redemption. Paul says the whole creation groans with the birth pangs
for the day of the appearing of the son of man (Rom. 8:18-25).
2. To judge (Zech. 2:10-13)
Some theologians are of the opinion that the judgment referred at Zech. 2:10-132 and
15.50:4-6 point to the judgment of the last days .On that day will happen a judgment that will
bring down rulers from their thrones and lift up the humble, fill the hungry with good things and
send the rich away empty (Lk. 1:51 – 53). Lord Jesus Christ will come back to render apt reward
for all the works that everyone had done (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Matt 12:36, 37; Rom 2:16;
1 Cor. 4:5).
3. Eternal place to be prepared (1 Thess. 5:12-24)
We find the teaching of Paul in Thess. 5:12-24 after talking about the second coming of
Christ. He says that the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to give a permanent joyful eternal home
for his people. It is believed that his people will live in eternity for endless ages (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev
21:1-3). One need to be called ‘faithful servant’ and enlisted here. Here is the essence of the
Christian hope of living with the Lord who is the bride groom. So Paul admonishes to prepare
and wait upon happily for the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:12-24). One should be watchful
and praying (Lk 21:26).
Prayer:
Almighty God, Who deems us as the apple of Your eye as we joyfully wait to receive
Your Son as our redeemer, sanctify our spirit, soul and body to be kept blameless at the coming
to Your Son, so that when He shall come after a little while to be our judge with righteousness
and faithfulness, we would behold Him with sure confidence, Through Jesus Christ, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.