Sermons – Lismore Bible Church: Recent Episodes
Lismore Bible Church
Psalm 112:7 – “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.“
Luke 1:35 — “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is one the most famous verses in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. It’s among the first verses that children often memorise in Sunday School. But do we know what it actually means? And do we experience what Paul is talking about in our Christian lives?
In this sermon, we think about what Paul meant when he said this, and we think about the broader truth that we was expressing. We finish by considering two problems we face in making this verse a reality in our day-to-day walk with the Lord.
Philippians 4:1-3 — “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” How do we stop disagreements becoming disputes? How do we protect and even strengthen our unity and our fellowship when we have differences of opinion over secondary matters? These are very important practical questions, which the…
Philippians 2:25-30 — “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life…” In this sermon, we think about one of the unsung heroes of the New Testament, a man named Epaphroditus. He was an ordinary…
Philippians 2:12-15 — “That ye may be blameless and harmless… in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” In this sermon, we think about what Paul meant when he told the Philippians to “work out their own salvation.” We then see the particular ways in which…
Philippians 1:19-30 — “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…” In this section of the letter, Paul taps into the idea of citizenship that was front-of-mind for those who called Philippi home. The city was unique among those where Paul planted churches in that it was a Roman colony. Those who…
Philippians 1:12-18 — “The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel…” One of the reasons why Paul wrote to the Christians at Philippi was to allay their concerns about his imprisonment. He was under house arrest in Rome waiting to appear before Caesar, and the Philippians were…
Philippians 1:1-11 — “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment…” This is the first sermon in a new series of messages from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. We cover the opening section of the letter, and concentrate especially on Paul’s prayer for the Christians…
Hebrews 6:7-9 — “That which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned…” In this message, Steve continues to take us through the text of Hebrews chapter 6. We see the warning and the encouragement that the author has for his original readers and for us today.
Matthew 26:36-36 — “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” In this sermon we reflect on Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. We think about His prayer to His Father and what it says about Him and about His…
I Samuel 3:1-10 — The call of Samuel while he was child in the Tabernacle is a familiar and much-loved story. In this sermon we reflect on his call and we find encouragement for these difficult days and an example for us to follow. There is also an exhortation to respond to the Word of the…
Judges 6:1-24 — In this sermon we consider the call of Gideon and as we do, we discover a person most of us can identify with. We also find some encouragement for our Christian life. This message was given on the occasion of Father’s Day so there are particular applications for fathers the things they struggle…
Luke 16:14-15 — “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts…”
Luke 23:27-31 — “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” In this sermon, we consider what Jesus said to the women who followed Him as He carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem. We think about who these women were, and…
Luke 16:1-9 — “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely…” In this sermon, we consider one of Jesus’ lesser known parables, The Parable of the Unjust Steward. It is a story that many Christians puzzle over because it is not so easy to understand. Why was the unjust steward commended for…
Deuteronomy 22:1-4 — “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them…” In this sermon, we consider some rather obscure commands that God gave His people in the Law. These commands were practical applications of the charge to love one’s neighbour. When we reflect on what God said,…
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 — “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.” In this sermon we consider some laws in the Old Testament that were intended to ensure that God’s people were honest and fair in the business dealings. We trace the principle through to the New Testament and we see…
Luke 15:11-32 — “And he said, A certain man had two sons…” Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps the famous parable He gave. Most Christians know it very well and even young children can understand its message. In this sermon, we reflect on the human dimensions of the story and how Jesus intended…
Luke 15:1-10 — “The Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” This sermon covers the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin. We are careful to think about these familiar stories in their context because we want to know what Jesus was getting at. When…
Luke 14:34-35 — “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out.” Jesus closed His sermon to the multitudes with this illustration about salt losing its taste. He used this illustration…
Luke 14:28-33 — “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” What did Jesus mean when He made this bold declaration to the multitudes who were following Him? Why did He speak so strongly? And what is the message for us today? The Bible is clear that…
II Corinthians 11:17-22 — “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you…” In this sermon, we consider what was going in the church at Corinth. The congregation was divided along several lines and they were quarrelling with each other. When they came together to…
James 1:2-4 — “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Our community is living through a difficult season. We’re continuing to deal with the impacts of major flooding and COVID is still causing sickness and disruption. It’s easy to become frustrated and discouraged. In this short message we’re given some positive news. Even…
Proverbs 31:10-31 — “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” How are we supposed to understand the famous description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? What are we supposed to take from it and apply to our lives? Is it a message solely for women? These are the questions…
Luke 14:15-24 — “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many…” The Parable of the Great Banquet is one the most well-known in the New Testament, but have you ever thought about what prompted Jesus to give it? Have you ever thought about the message Jesus was intending to communicate to His original…
Luke 14:12-14 — “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind…” Jesus was invited into the home of a leading Pharisee for a meal on the Sabbath day. When Jesus saw who had been invited to this meal, He was prompted to say some words to the host. It’s…
Luke 14:7-11 — “When thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room…” When Jesus was invited to lunch in a Pharisee’s home, He noticed how the other guests were behaving and that prompted Him to give us some very wise counsel. Jesus illustrated what happens when we are proud, and He reminded…
Luke 14:1-6 — “And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day…” In this message we think about Jesus’ attendance at a meal in the home of a Pharisee. During this meal He performed a miracle and gave one of His…
Acts 2:42 — “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”In this simple message, we think about the experience of the very first local church and what it has to teach us as we navigate some difficult circumstances. The life and growth of our church is in God’s hands, and it’s in our hands as well.
Acts 2:42 — “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” In this simple message, we think about the experience of the very first local church and what it has to teach us as we navigate some difficult circumstances. The life and growth of our church…
Amos 3:9-11 — “An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.” This message comes in the aftermath of the devastating flood that hit our town. In this somewhat obscure text from the Book of Amos, we find some precious truths to comfort our hearts and keep us encouraged in the difficult days that lie ahead.
Amos 3:9-11 — “An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.” This message comes in the aftermath of the devastating flood that hit our town. In this somewhat obscure text from the Book of Amos, we find some…
Isaiah 50:5-6 — “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious…” The Servant Songs in the Book of Isaiah give us profound insights into the mind and heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. They help us understand His relationship with God and the way He thought about His suffering. In this…
Isaiah 50:5-6 — “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious…” The Servant Songs in the Book of Isaiah give us profound insights into the mind and heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. They help us understand His relationship with God and the way He thought about His suffering. In this sermon, we consider just two verses in third Servant Song. They remind us that Jesus was obedient to His Father and gave Himself for us.
II Corinthians 4:7 — “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” In this short sermon, we think about what the picture of an “earthen vessel” is meant to convey and what exactly this “treasure” is. We also consider why Paul made this very interesting statement and what it has to teach us. There is an important message for Christian ministry in this little verse, we hope it blesses you.
II Corinthians 4:7 — “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” In this short sermon, we think about what the picture of an “earthen vessel” is meant to convey and what exactly this “treasure” is. We also consider why Paul…
Psalm 1:2-3 — “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither…” We are living in a season where this is much that can unsettle us and make us anxious. We can feel like a boat being tossed…
Psalm 1:2-3 — “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither…” We are living in a season where this is much that can unsettle us and make us anxious. We can feel like a boat being tossed to and from on the water, or like a sheep lost in the wilderness without a shepherd. In Psalm 1, the LORD gives us a beautiful picture of the kind of person we desperately want to be. The tree planted by the river is stable, strong, healthy and fruitful. So how do we become like this tree? That’s what we think about in this sermon. We hope it is a blessing to you.
Amos 3:3-6 — “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?…Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?”** In our study through the Book of Amos we come to a series of seven questions that describe four scenes. It is poetry and therefore we need to interpret it as such. So what are these pictures the prophet paints? What do they mean? And what is the message for us?
Hebrews 5:1 — “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”In this sermon, we consider some of the first principles of the Christian life. It is vitally important that we take the right approach to interpreting the Bible, that we take the Bible seriously and that we apply ourselves to do doing what it says. We do not want to become followers of Jesus who are “dull of hearing,” for if we do, we will not see the kind of change in our lives that we all desire.
Amos 3:1-2 — “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”We tend to go easier on the people we’re closest to when they mess up. We might even overlook or excuse their bad behaviour. This was not the case when it came to the LORD and His covenant people Israel. Instead, their special relationship was the reason why He was going to punish them for their sins.
Even though the New Covenant is significantly different to the Old, there is still an important message in this text for Christians. The LORD is very much concerned with our sin and what we do about it.
II Corinthians 4:1 — “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;” This sermon was given on the occasion of our 12th Church Anniversary. Our time together as a local assembly of God’s people bears witness to the reality that Jesus has persevered with us! He has brought us together and kept us together. So how can we continue to persevere in our obedience to Him? That’s what we consider in this simple message. We hope it is an encouragement to you.
Luke 13:34 — “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”In this sermon we walk through Jesus’ lament over the city of Jerusalem. We see how the city earned its terrible reputation and we see how the LORD loved it still. To murder a prophet was perhaps the single greatest act of rebellion the Children of Israel could commit and yet the LORD still desired to protect and nourish them.
This familiar text reveals Jesus’ deep love for sinners and His desire to save them. It also reminds us of the sinner’s responsibility to receive His salvation by trusting in Him.
II Peter 2:5, Genesis 6:1-22 — In his Second Epistle, the Apostle Peter calls Noah “a preacher of righteousness,” and yet in the Old Testament there is no record of Noah ever preaching. Have you ever noticed that before?
When we look at the account of Noah’s life before the flood, and consider it in light of what the New Testament says about him, we discover some very important lessons when it comes to the subject of evangelism. Sharing the Gospel with others is what the Lord Jesus commissioned His disciples to do, and Noah teaches us the way. He shows us how to be “preachers of righteousness” in our community.
Galatians 6:2 — “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” In this new year we’re going to face difficult circumstances and we’re going to have to do some hard things. If we try to make it through by ourselves we will end up frustrated and discouraged. We’re going to need help! …and that’s what this sermon is all about. We consider what it means to “bear one another’s burdens” and why this sometimes doesn’t happen.
Romans 12:2 — “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”This is the first sermon in a New Year and it addresses something that we, as followers of Jesus, will undoubtedly face. It is something that will come against us as a kind of pressure, and it is also something that from time-to-time we will be drawn to.
It is certain that in 2022 we will be both pressured and tempted to “conform to this world.” In this message we think about what this actually means, and about some of the specific ways in which we will be tempted. We finish by considering how we overcome this challenge and why we should commit ourselves to doing so.
Mark 15:29 — “And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads…” This is the last sermon preached at our church in 2021. We began the year at the cross and that’s where we finish. We think particularly about those who passed by and mocked the Lord Jesus while He was dying. We think about what might have motivated them and how their cruelty added to Jesus’ agony. As we consider all of this, we are reminded of just how much Jesus loves us. His wonderful love has been one of the constants in a year marked by disruption and change.
Luke 2:1-20 — “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger…“ The manger is perhaps the most famous item of furniture in the Bible and it has great symbolic significance. It speaks profoundly of the Son of God’s humility. It shows that He came down to us and experienced the brokenness of this world from the very beginning. But if that’s all we think the manger was about, then we’ve missed the point! In this sermon, we see what the manger was really about and the message it communicates to us today.