Crich Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
After describing how to live amongst the world, Peter goes on to explain the need for submission in various forms. The first requirement is to submit to the King and governors, yes, those who are persecuting them ! What does this mean, how should they do it, and why...What implication does this have for us today in our pilgrim walk?
Having reinforced the wonderful work that God has done with purpose in these pilgrims' lives, Peter now goes on to give some practical application and instruction in living that out. Firstly, Peter begs these pilgrims that amongst all the trials and persecutions thrown at them from their gentile accusers, they should live nobly and credibly amongst them as a pilgrim witness.
We've reached the final message of the series on Ecclesiastes. Solomon concludes his sermon on the vanity of life by summarising what a prosperous and fulfilled life looks like – and we've been seeing it all along. In his final admonition to all his hearers, he urges them to "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." May we know and conclude the same. Anything else is vanity of vanities, friends – grasping and chasing for the wind.
As we come towards a close on our journey through Solomon's sermon in Ecclesiastes, we learn that there is a labour which is not vanity nor chasing after the wind. A labour for God, a labour in which God is the master builder, a labour which must be diligent, urgent, and faithful. What have we learned? What can we do?…Solomon says the same as Paul: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" : - "do everything as unto the Lord."
Peter continues his message to the persecuted pilgrims as he demonstrates that their calling is to fulfil a huge purpose in the plan of God. These very same persecuted people, who were once not a people, are living stones, being built into a living spiritual house, a royal priesthood and a holy nation whose purpose is to proclaim the praises of Him, who called them out of darkness into His marvellous life. This is the pilgrims' purpose across all ages.
Solomon moves on to look at the inevitability of death; it comes to all, and none can stay its hand. With that in mind, how should men live their lives? "A living dog is better than a dead lion." Whilst there is life, there is hope.
Peter rounds off his thoughts on the pilgrims' holiness by stating that they too should also grow. The enduring word should be desired just as a new baby craves its mother's milk...if this occurs, spiritual growth will occur and old ways will be laid aside.
Five years on since the church and the nation were in "lockdown". But has the church learnt any lessons? Chris Hand reflects on some personal testimony of the Lord's help during the pandemic. The sermon goes on to consider the underlying fear of death it unearthed; the sometimes uncritical conformity to government edicts that was given; and the evidence of state overreach that emerged.
Solomon moves onto an area which should challenge our Christian worship. There is a true and a false way of worshipping God; Solomon shows us that there is a way to approach Him, a way to speak to Him, and a way to walk with Him. Anything else is vanity.
Solomon continues his review of a fallen world by looking at Jealousy, envy, idleness, selfish toil, loneliness, and popularity. He comes to the same conclusion: without God, it is vanity of vanity and grasping after the wind. As Christians, what can we learn from these first four chapters of Ecclesiastes in terms of our witness to this vain world?
Peter moves on from his opening greetings, theology, and doxology to remind the early pilgrims that all of this sonship comes with a responsibility of action in terms of "Living before God our Father." To do this, they/we must gird up the loins of our mind, be sober, rest our hope in Christ, and live as obedient children in the call to "Be holy as He is holy."
Solomon looks at the world and sees that it works opposite to how it should. Injustice, oppression, corruption, and iniquity are ever before him…and it's always been like that since Adam. Rather than lose heart, Solomon advises us all that God will judge wickedness and righteousness according to His perfect standard and that all things past will have to be explained before His very presence. We must take heart and pray. We must fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all!
Peter declares to his pilgrim hearers the wonder and the magnificence of their salvation. Wrought by God for a purpose, the Prophets inquired into it as they foretold of this future grace; the angels around God's throne desire to look and peer into it as they marvel at his saving power. What about us, are we amazed at the abounding grace that saved a wretch like us
There is much irony in this account of Christ's resurrection as he walks with two men who tell him all about this man who had been crucified in Jerusalem. Christ keeps his identity hidden and preaches about Himself from the Old Testament as they walk the seven miles. He makes Himself known in the breaking of bread…what a wonderful moment, for them, and for us if we know His resurrection life.
There is much irony and in this account of Christ's resurrection as he walks with two men who tell him all about this man who had been crucified in Jerusalem. Christ keeps his identity hidden and preaches about Himself from the Old Testament as they walk the seven miles. He makes Himself known in the breaking of bread…what a wonderful moment, for them, and for us if we know His resurrection life.
Dr Nathan Paylor, Elder at Watchorn Church, Alfreton, shares the timeless and helpful repentance Psalm of King David, Psalm 51. David acknowledged his sin, confessed his guilt, requested mercy, experienced assurance, and showed repentance. After all this, he was able to teach transgressors God's ways and convert sinners back to Him. Repentance is the necessary precursor to the outreach of God's Church, as judgement starts in the household of God.
Peter moves from his doxology to some initial application with regard to the pilgrims' trials . What are they? Why do they come? What is God's purpose behind them? He tells these early pilgrims that the trials have and will come "if need be" in order to strengthen their faith…The same applies to all of God's pilgrims today.
Solomon carries on in his sermon to say that to everything there is a season, and a purpose with that season. God's purposes do not change; we cannot add nor take away. God completes that to which He turns His hand. Eternity is in man's heart, but how does he fathom that in a world he cannot control and where time itself is vanity...Solomon has the answer in Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes.
Peter closes his doxology in the opening chapter of his first epistle by confidently stating that those who have an inheritance reserved in heaven will also be kept by the power of God through faith unto final salvation. What a promise! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Solomon reviews his success in life and comes to the same disappointing conclusion, that it is vanity of vanities and grasping for the wind. What does this mean for us in 2025, what does the world see as success, how does the Christian measure their success in comparison?
Peters doxology continues on from the mercy that God has shown in birthing many sons through Christs resurrection, to praising The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the guaranteed inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, untainted, and more importantly reserved for YOU.
Crich Baptist Church - Sunday, 23 March - Morning sermon. Moving on from Peters greeting to the dispersed pilgrims, we hear him break out into a wonderful doxology in relation to the fatherhood of God. "He" has begotten again the sons of glory, the pilgrims of all ages to "A living hope", through Christ and His resurrection. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Crich Baptist Church - 23 March 2025 - evening sermon: After chasing wisdom and knowledge, Solomon moves on to an extremely strange and dangerous path. He decides in his heart to test mirth and partake in endless pleasure. Whilst God has given us gifts to enjoy, our hearts and lives must be given over to Him and not the pleasures of this life. They are temporal; He is eternal. As Christians, we must guard ourselves against this vanity of pleasure.
.Crich Baptist Church -16 March 2025 - Morning Sermon. Peter greets his pilgrim hearers with great confidence. These are elect, sanctified believers by the Grace of God for purpose. What a greeting this must have been for those going through and facing persecution, what an encouragement it should be to us as we continue on as pilgrims in our foreign land.
Crich Baptist Church - 16 March 2025 - Evening Sermon: Human philosophers believe that the world can be put to rights by knowledge, wisdom, and human care. Solomon displays here that it is impossible to make the crooked straight through human wisdom. The fall has broken mankind, and it requires a deeper solution; that being the Wisdom of God through Christ...Anything else is vanity of vanities.
Ryan Clarke, pastor of Watchorn Church, Alfreton, providentially revisits Acts Chapter 2 and those of the early church who "ate their food with gladness of heart." This is a huge statement in relation to their steadfast continuation in all things, with gladness and it encourages us to assess the Joy of our salvation.
As we start to go through the first epistle of Peter, we begin by examining Chapter 1, Verse 1, looking at both the writer/sender, and also the intended recipients, " The pilgrims of the dispersion", those dwelling in a foreign land. This much needed encouragement to those persecuted early Christians has so much to offer the true modern day church, as they battle similar things in 2025.
Alexander Pope is quoted as having said "A little knowledge (learning) is a dangerous thing." As we continue in our look at the book of Ecclesiastes we see how Solomons eagerness to pursue more Knowledge and wisdom than God had given him led to tragic consequences in his falling into sin. Whilst head knowledge is "Vanity of Vanities": True, Godly knowledge is needed and should be sought in Christ.
We conclude our time together in Acts 2:40-47 "The four pillars of the Church", by looking at how the early church continued steadfastly in Giving. Although not directly mentioned it is clear that these 3,000 converts gave to a degree that we possibly do not understand, this is not about just coin, but about time, talent and indeed our very lives.
'Faith, through the righteousness of Christ - Do we have such faith, and if we do, do we consider it to be precious?
What way are you travelling to get to heaven? It leads through a 'narrow gate'. By God's grace, the way is though Christ alone.
The fourth Pillar of the church, Prayer(s). Why is this so difficult for many of us? why is the prayer meeting generally the least well attended meeting of the Church? The early Church shows us how critical this final pillar is as they continue steadfastly in it with the same desire and devotion as the other three. May we learn to be like them.
Join us as we walk through the Wisdom of Solomon in his sermonic book of "Ecclesiates." Solomon in his repentant and restored state turns from King to preacher as he warns others about the folly which He has found to be "The Vanity of Vanities." This week we look at Chapter 1 "The Vanity of Life"
What Happened directly after the Crucifixion of Christ and how can this be applied to our lives? Tom Hulland from Stanton Lees Chapel Derbyshire opens up Luke 23:44-56
Nathan Clarke, Pastor of Ashbourne Baptist Church asks a simple question...Are we on the road with Jesus? In Luke 13:22-35 Jesus brings a warning in relation to the narrow way, but brings confidence and comfort to those who are on the road with Him.
This week, we look together at the third pillar of the Church, The Breaking of Bread. This is more than just a badge, more than just the remembrance of the existence and life of Christ. The early Christians teach us this is something to continue steadfastly in, something which has deep meaning and application to the individual and to those in the body of Christ...The Church.
The last in this series on the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is love; it was, is, and continues to be established on love. Paul tells us in Romans 14:14-23 that this kingdom is not eating and drinking but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, which is our acceptable service to Christ and one another....In love
We explore the spiritual attack of the two beasts in Revelation who use the state as their weapon against Christ and His people.......Regardless we must continue to pray for those who God has placed over us in the same manner that Paul instructs Timothy.
We continue looking at the four pillars of the church. This week, the subject is fellowship. What is fellowship? What is fellowship for? And what does fellowship achieve? Why did the 3,000 continue steadfastly in it? Fellowship is not just something we do, but something that exists: - A necessity!
We take a look at the first of the Four pillars of the Church as stated in Acts 2: 40-47, The Apostles doctrine. This is vitally important to the Church today. A doctrine that must be held dear, a doctrine that must not be altered, a doctrine that we must still continue steadfastly in.
Whilst our salvation is in Christ alone, through faith alone, Faith without works is dead. We must be found doing the works which were given to us when Christ returns, what does that mean in relation to this, the parable of the talents?
On the day of pentecost, 3,000 souls were saved. The early church was birthed and a vital church started to grow. With a life changed, they continued steadfastly not only in the 4 Pillars of the Church but in the life God had called them into.
Luther stated that "Justification was the doctrine on which the Church stands or falls." The work of salvation is completed, we can neither add nor take away from the finished work of Christ. Those who know this wonderful truth are "Free indeed."
The parable of the ten virgins, this speaks of what will happen when the Kingdom physically comes at Christs return. Some enter, some find the door closed, forever. The Kingdom is coming, keep watch and ensure you have oil for your lamp.
A New Year always brings renewed focus on many things for many people, but what should we focus on as a church. God Tells Isaiah that He is going to do "a New thing". What exactly does that mean for us in the context of verses 1-21 ?
All God's people need comfort. We can feel isolated with our concerns and anxieties. Isaiah 40:1 assures people of the Lord's absolute desire for His people to be comforted. He Himself is their portion and inheritance. All that He is in respect of His power and mercy He is to each of His people. Above all, His comfort is to be found in the cross.
Everybody values something in life. Men and women are unique because they have an immortal soul. Above everything, people should value their soul's capacity to know God but sin has robbed us of realising what eternal peril we are in. Christ values our soul more than we do and died on the cross to recover and restore us.
Josephs Dream - The names of the babe and a handful of responses declare that this child "WILL save his people from their sins".......What is your response this Christmas?
The coming of John the Baptist breaks 400 years of silence between God and His people. Isaiah predicted Johns coming, his task, to prepare the way of the Lord.Our role, The Churches role, is no different. We preach to prepare for His Second Advent....."Prepare ye the way of The Lord !"
The parable of the Mustard seed and of the Leaven helps us to understand that the Kingdom is Infectious and influential.... Regardless of the day of small things, the Kingdom continues to grow and expand.
The Baptismal service at Crich Baptist Church, for Aaron Ashworth. A short sermon on Acts 4:13-25, followed by Aaron's sermonic testimony, then the Baptism, by full immersion.
The Kingdom of God is forgiving, this is both an outworking of God towards His Children and by nature we should then forgive others.How do we deal with those who don't want forgiveness or accept they have wronged.....How do we deal with those who come and seek our forgiveness. Matthew 18:15-35 helps us out.
Church Unity: - Sermon 10, the final sermon in our series on The Unity of the Church.....How does the Church and it's members respond?
The Kingdom and the Gospel. The parable of the Dragnet...The Fishermen, the net and the catch. Welcome in good and faithful servant or Depart from me I never knew you...The reality of one of those will be ours when the net is brought to shore.
One God; Father of all; above all; through all and in you all. A statement that must, by reality, bring Unity to the Body.
Jesus tells the parable of The Wheat and the Tares and then explains it to His disciples....They must and will grow together until the day of the Harvest.....The Kingdom is Patient.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto… Considering the parables of the Hidden Treasure, and the Pearl of Great Price… What do they teach us?
Paul says, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope and one Lord and there is also one Faith. What is that Faith? Do we understand what it is?
The Kingdom of God: How does it come? - What it is, and What it is not. - Where do we find it?
The last sermon in this series on Psalm 19 and the 6 Synonyms for the Law and the Word of God. The Judgements of the Lord, what are they, are they too harsh, How do they edify the Christian today?
We continue our look into Church unity, as we hear Paul say to all of us there is "One Lord". How do we see this, is it a reality to us, do we experience all of the relational status that come with it, both as individuals and as a Church body?
The Bible tells us that "There is only one Hope…". In other words, a reason or purpose for which we are called. What then is that Hope? For sure it is unlike the hope of the world, or that the non Christian has. Rather it is a 'living' or 'lively' Hope, a Hope that we have been born into.What is the basis of our Hope? The answer, of course, is Christ Himself. In everything, in every way, in every part, in life and in death, our salvation, the promise to us of eternal life, our Hope is in Him alone.As Christians we are told that "…you were called in one hope of your calling". Have you yet heard the "call', if so how did you respond to it. Or, are you waiting to hear it? If you are a Christian, you are assured of 'a heavenly inheritance' that is reserved for you. Trust therefore in Christ, and look towards that certain Hope for your future.
What is the 'Fear of the Lord'? Is it a moral reverential awe of who God is, with a righteous respect and a holy honouring of Him and His word you might say? Or, is there a negative interpretation, which speaks of His judgements and justice?
Who is the Holy Spirit; what is His role; what does He produce in all those who are born again, and what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit, and is it an ongoing process?
We are considering commandments from the Lord Himself. Commandments from the law of God, which set the standard. Rules, you might say, which are to be strictly observed. They permit of no slackness, argument or questioning, as these rules have come from the divine Commander Himself.The Commandments of the Lord are pure, coming to us from the purest and most loving heart, from God Himself. They are intended for our spiritual good. They are, as Scripture tells us, 'enlightening to the eyes', thus helping us to see the way out of any temptation, and our sin.Did not Christ say in John 14:15 "If you love me, keep My Commandments".
…"Harvest" is not merely a tradition created by the church, but it is based on Scripture and really stems from the promise that God made to Noah after the flood. "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease." (Gen 8:22)But we must take a deeper look into how we can apply the principles of this Old Testament feast, and this historic church tradition in relation to our Spiritual state and lives. There is undoubtedly, as always, a huge connection and lesson as we consider the spiritual application in the practical things such as seedtime and harvest, sowing and reaping, which Christ clearly portrayed in the "Parable of the growing seed" which we read in Mark chapter 4.
What are the Statutes, or Precepts of the Lord? We discover that they are a mandate, an official order, a commissioning, they bring with them an authority which tells people to act in a certain way. In Psalm 19:8 we are told that they are right.We are not made happy by our own achievements, that can never be! Our hearts are made to rejoice and be glad by obedience to God's Statutes, Statutes that are just, true and righteous. They are trustworthy, and Scripture urges us to meditate upon them.
The Testimony of the Lord – God's law is perfect! So what does the word 'Testimony' mean in relation to the Law and the word of God; what makes it different to the Law that we looked at last week, and what makes it differ from the other evidences of God and His word that we will look at over the weeks to come?
True believers need to remember that we are part of that 'one body' of Christ, meeting together, worshipping together, seeking together, working together, loving one another together, making an impact upon our community together, making our impact upon the world together, as we proclaim Christ.
Our new, incoming pastor, Darren Clarke, begins a series on the true and effective biblical unity, so much needed within the church.
Redemption Completed - The final sermon in the short series entitled Redemption Accomplished and Applied.
David was in distress because of the rebellion by his son, Absalom, but his trust in God remained strong. So too, when we are in trouble, may we learn the valuable lessons that this Psalm can teach us. May our faith and trust in God be wonderfully reassuring.
With the fall of our first parents, we were rendered spiritually dead. For us to know God, even to desire Him, there has to be talk of a new nature and being born again. In ourselves there is no power to do anything about this. Redemption was accomplished by the death of Christ and the shedding of His blood on the cross. How then is such a redemption applied to us? God has to command the dead to live. He has to call the spiritually lame to walk. He has to give sight to the spiritually blind and hearing to the spiritually deaf. He has to breath new spiritual life into us in the power of the Holy Spirit to ensure that we are born again.Repentance and faith are both important in our change from death to life. They must needs be present and active in us. This can only be so with the Holy Spirit's help.We become justified in the eyes of God, through Christ, He achieved it all. We become clothed in His righteousness. What He achieved, in shedding His blood for the sins of His people is applied to us. Redemption is therefore thus applied.
The very heart of Redemption is seen in God's plan, set in eternity past, from before the very dawn of time. Whereby Christ, the Son of God, the God-Man, should die for the sins of His people. Redemption must involve the shedding of blood, therefore Christ's blood, shed at the cross involved the Lord Jesus Christ becoming our substitute, paying the price that we could not pay. Our Redemption is, and only can be In Him. We are therefore elected to salvation 'in Him'. Thus was our Redemption applied at the cross.
The final part of The Ten Commandments series - Commandment no. 19 - Thou Shalt Not Covet, and how breaking this commandment could lead to breaking the others.
The first part of a four-part sermon series that considers the important theme in the Bible, that of Redemption! We will look at what it means; the price to be paid; the nature of the liberty secured and the identity of the Redeemer who pays the Redemption price to free those who are in 'slavery' or 'bondage', and how we are affected by these things.
The Ninth Commandment - Exodus 20:16 - Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
This sermon explains to us that temptation and trials are part of normal Christian experience, and that God, who is faithful, will often use temptation and trials to achieve His spiritual purposes. However, we do not have to sin, but are assured that God will provide a way of escape from them.
In giving advice to his son, Solomon, David, the Psalmist, plainly writes of our eternal king, the Messiah, Christ, and gives valuable insight into what His everlasting reign will be like.
The importance of remembering what God has done for us, with thankfulness, and the need not to forget His faithfulness.
The first of two sermons on this Psalm. We are encouraged to remember what God has done for us, so that we can speak of His faithfulness for the benefit of future generations.
Called out of darkness to be the People of God, and other reasons why we should praise Him.
Paul's teaching on not grieving the Holy Spirit, and of encouraging kind and generous behaviour.
The concluding part of a short three-part series considering when it may be right to leave a church-- Also with some thoughts as to the reasons why.
Continuation of 'The Lord's Prayer' series - Matthew 6-12 - -And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors-.
The Apostle Paul's concludes that 'by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified'. We do learn that both Jews and Gentiles can be saved through the 'law of faith', that faith being in the willing sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary- thereby meeting God's requirement that blood should be shed for the sins of those who would believe. Christ's perfect righteousness would therefore be imputed unto them, making them justified before God.
The second part of a reflection as to whether we should stay or leave a local church, if circumstances exist that make us consider such an important matter. Some reasons are suggested.
Maybe it is a sermon preached over a year ago, but 'truth' as they say, is timeless. Have you visited the 'Potter's house'-- Do you know the divine Potter of whom this sermon speaks. Learn valuable lessons if you would, and perhaps your spiritually 'marred' life will be made new by that divine hand.
The Fourth Commandment - Remember The Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. How it should affect our behaviour on The Lord's Day.
An examination of Mary's song, otherwise known as 'The Magnificat'. What can we learn from it--
Colin Grimwood came to us a representative of Grace Baptist Mission. As well as preaching the word of God, Colin also works within the Radio ministry of GBM, and has visited the Philippines, where GBM has missionaries that it and we support.
The Wicked Sons of Eli, the failure of his House, and God's promise to raise a faithful Priest
A series on The Ten Commandments was preached at our Evening services in 2022. This sermon is the first part of a new series on The Ten Commandments, and, God willing, will be preached at our Morning services, beginning the 21st of April 2024.
Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, had conceived in her old age and was visiting Elizabeth, and when the baby, in Elizabeth's womb, destined to be John the Baptist, hears the voice of Mary, he leaps for joy. Elizabeth interprets this action and prophecies about it.--Main Headings---1- Life begins at conception-2- Are we leaping for joy---3- Some reasons for joy
People go to great efforts getting ready for Christmas. Some people start planning next year's Christmas on Boxing Day. People are anxious that everything should go to plan. God had a plan, formed in eternity past, to provide the greatest gift. Have you received that gift, the most wonderful gift you will ever know. A gift, which will change your life for time and eternity.--Main Headings---1- God planned Christmas a long time ago-2- God's zeal-3- It has a purpose
What Jude wrote in the penultimate book of the Bible, applies, not just to the church of his day, but to us as well. In verse 3 of his epistle he urged people to contend earnestly for the faith. A lack of godliness, no sense of morality, dealing with false teachers, and the error that they sought to bring in to the church was what appeared to have troubled Jude. The call then, as now, was not to contend in our own strength, but with the strength that God has given to us, and to do so with every fibre of our being, that ultimately, we will be before Him spotless, faultless and clean. We will actually stand before Him with exceeding joy. This is because of what God has done for us in Christ. Therefore, press on, and persevere.
One of the most basic parts of what Christ-likeness will look like is that we will show mercy. This will not just mean that we do acts of mercy but that our whole life and outlook is geared to showing mercy. --Main Headings---1- This is God's character-2- Our calling-3- Roadblocks to showing mercy-4- Mercy received
What the apostle Paul does here is to establish that his ministry is to the Gentiles, which has given rise to some controversy, is valid and legitimate, and is not denied by the fact that he has been imprisoned on account of it. Paul's life and ministry was in the centre of the will of God, can that be said of us-- All, we are reminded, should be focussed on Christ.--Main Headings---1- Suffering negates nothing-2- High calling-3- Nothing outside of Christ
This verse -Matthew 5-6- takes us to the real heart of who we are. It makes us look at what is our heart's desire. In this verse there is a condition and a promise. Key to understanding this is the word 'righteousness'. Do we solely confine it to solely meaning justification-- Or is there more to what God is showing us-- Ought we not to also include the thought of inner conformity to the character of God. In other words, it expresses a desire to live as Christ lived.--Main Headings---1- Righteousness as justification-2- Righteousness as Christ-likeness
In the past, the Lord made a distinction by giving a special place to the ethnic people of Israel. To them only great revelation was given, and from them only the Messiah was to arise. That distinction had now been superseded. The Lord now gives light and revelation to all people, a people and a community that have faith in Christ, and a community that is composed of people, including Gentiles, of all backgrounds and ethnicities. All this meaning that ethnic Jews are no longer the sole recipients of promises and spiritual hopes.--Main Headings---1- This was the big issue of the day-2- What we belong to-3- Some implications
Does God experience joy-- Luke 15 shows us the Lord's joy in the salvation of lost people. In all three parables in this chapter something was lost - a sheep, a coin and a son. Without the Lord Jesus people are lost and need Him. If we do not see ourselves as lost we will never see any need of Jesus finding and saving us.--Have we given joy to God by repenting of our sin-- Do we rejoice with God when we hear of people repenting of their sin-- Would we love to give God more joy by seeking to win lost people-- We should go after lost sinners who need to hear the good news. --Main Headings---1- A losing-2- A searching-3- A finding-4- A rejoicing
It is important and valuable to recollect the past, with all its problems and difficulties. We were children of wrath, both Gentiles and Jews. We cannot over-estimate just how bad our situation was. Conversion is not a small thing but results in a great contrast, enabling us to know God's mercy, grace and kindness.--Main Headings---1- Once upon a time-2- But now--3- Living by the new nature
Being meek is not something that the world values greatly. It can be described as 'the capacity to absorb injuries to oneself without retaliating or being angry and vengeful.' It is a good trait of character and indicates that we have an inner strength. It does not mean that one is always silent and never resists, or that we never take a stand against injustices. What kind of character do we have----1- Meekness considered-2- Meekness and strength-3- Christ our sure example-4- Meekness inherits the earth
What we 'hope' for has a present and future reality. The Christian's 'hope' is in Christ alone, and comes, as we learn in Hebrews 11-1 by faith, a faith that is built on the very substance of the 'hope' that we look for. Is that the solid 'hope' that you look to know--
The mourning that is spoken of here is mourning that is a sign of spiritual health, and is actually blessed by God. It tells us something about who we are in relation to Him. It is a mourning that is actually good for us, in which we share God's insights and perspectives and draw closer to Him. It is not the entirety of what we are to be as believers. Indeed, we have seen recently that there is much that we are to know about and feel that is immensely positive -See Ephesians 1-15-22-.--Main Heading---1- A grief observed-2- Some fundamental conclusions-3- A time to weep
What blessings and inheritance are indeed ours when we believe. Election and the Redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ, mean that we receive the promised Holy Spirit when we are converted. We then have Christ more in our view and can look to our future in heaven with Him. We find our location in the wider purposes of God. It opens our eyes, not to our glory, but to His glory. We have all this before us, but we know that in the present there is His affection and care towards us. There was power that raised the Lord from the dead but that was only the beginning of it. He has now ascended on high, has been crowned and is now reigning. He is over all the angelic host, both the obedient and disobedient. He rules over all earthly rulers and outranks them all.---Main Headings----1- The need for understanding-2- What we see-3- We find our place in Him
'Blessed are the poor in Spirit' - The blessedness of which our Lord speaks is not something that we will only experience one day far off, but something to know now. This first of The Beatitudes is the foundation to all the others.--Main Headings---1- Getting off to a good start-2- Poverty of spirit is not self-manufactured-3- Poor in spirit is defined by God-4- Poor yet rich
The second part of what was originally intended as one sermon. As Christians, we are part of God's great plan of redemption from eternity past. We are assured by the Holy Spirit of what is to come for converted Jewish believers and Gentiles. Gathered together in Christ we can look forward to a great future in eternity for all the redeemed of the Lord. --Main Headings---1- We are looking forward-2- You have the Holy Spirit
This is a new series which we are beginning on the Beatitudes, the statements our Lord made pronouncing particular states in which various people are described as 'happy' or 'blessed'. Do any of these describe you----Main Headings---1- Who is speaking---2- To whom was He speaking---3- The prospect of blessedness
As Christians, we are part of something very big and significant. We are ever having to have our eyes opened wider to what we now belong to. It is easy to think we are nothing as we serve in small churches and face a whole range of problems and challenges in society. But Ephesians 1-1-14 is cosmic in its scope. It takes in eternity past, the present and eternity future. It looks at it all as a seamless whole. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is at the centre of all these purposes of God.- The Spirit brings these things into our present experience, and we need to realise that all this was in the heart of God for us from before the very dawn of time. --Main Headings---1- Great plans-2- We are looking forward-3- You have the Holy Spirit
Pastor Rajkumar, visiting us from the great city of Chennai in India, spoke to us on a vital topic, so essential for every generation to hear. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved to do good works -Ephesians 2-10-. The good works are listed in Matthew 25. It is very simple. It could simply involve giving a cup of water, or maybe a cup of tea to people or visiting people in prison, or those that are sick. The list is not exhaustive but helps us see what the Lord is looking for in us.--The church is to be the model and image of Christ. We are to be action-oriented Christians.Let us keep busy and may the Lord help us so to do, and be ready for the Day of His Return.
There was and is something fundamental in God's character predisposing Him to be gracious and to do it with great warmth and desire. He has a willingness to show kindness to the supremely undeserving. He is disposed to be like this and to act like this. The benefits we receive from the Lord in our redemption are therefore measured out to us according to the riches of His grace, and are a cause for praise. Grace is the mainspring for the provision of the blood of Christ for sin.--Main Headings---1- What we have in Him-2- The riches of His grace
The apostles teach us something. Through their experiences given us in scripture, we reflect upon the people we spend our time with. We pick up the mannerisms of parents, teachers, lecturers, or preachers. Keeping company with Jesus had made these men, even by the admission of people who hated Him, bold and competent to handle Scripture. Peter shows he understand the word of God in v11. Who they had spent time with showed in the people they were and in the things that they said. Likewise, are we helped, or indeed hindered by the people we spend time with----Main Headings---1- Spending time with the wrong people-2- Spending time with the real Jesus
Paul knew a lot about a lot, even before he was converted. He was highly skilled in the Jewish law, but when he was converted he realised that knew nothing of eternal value. In fact, he discovered that knowing a particular someone, namely the Lord Jesus Christ was everything and led to total satisfaction and a sense of being complete. Do you have such a knowledge of Christ----Main Headings---1- A historical person you can know now.-2- All rubbish-3- The excellence of knowing Christ
There is no profounder truth than election. Yet there is no doctrine in Scripture that is not more disputed and reviled. Many of us might have wrestled with this truth or still be wrestling with it. We may have backed off it but been compelled by Scripture to come back to it, almost against our will. This truth is for the praise of the glory of God's grace, although you would not think this from the controversy that swirls around it. It should not be a doctrine to be preached as though there was no other truth in the Bible. Neither is it to be preached by riding roughshod over the issues that it presents or spoken of in an unsympathetic and unnecessarily combative manner towards those who have a strong alternative view. What might we say about it----Main Headings---1- This is reason for praise-2- Paul knew it-3- God is too small without this truth-4- It is all of mercy
God and His word are the instructors to help us in the spiritual race that we are called to run. We look unto the Lord Jesus -v2-. We can so easily be put off in our running. We get snared as if caught up in brambles, and this makes our 'running the race' hard work. Unfortunately we make ourselves soft targets for sin. We might say, as we look at ourselves, -we are too easily ensnared.' We are ensnared by, for example by besetting sins again and again. So we want to get beyond this sad and sorry state.--Main Headings---1- A hostile lodger-2- We can welcome it-3- Lay it aside
With this we begin a new series considering the statements and truths in the apostle Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. This epistle is full of doctrine. It is not directed to a particular set of problems or issues. It contains general statements of universal Christian truths along with general applications. It was originally intended for the church in Ephesus. We too may learn much from the teaching found here.--Main Headings---1- It is all about God-2- Weighty blessings
The Queen indeed is dead, but she planned her own service. We might think that she was intending still to speak to us through that service, though dead. What she did 'say' in her funeral service, both in Westminster Abbey and in St George's Chapel in Windsor, had the power to speak to us, if we were willing to listen. Were you listening----Main Headings---1- Funerals are poignant moments-2- Did people listen---3- Time of decision
We can expect too much of people. This includes Kings, Queens, parents, teachers, Pastors, Government and even people in the NHS. The Bible helps us to learn that we can make important people too big a part of our life, occupying the place that only God should occupy. Sometimes, we can make people into idols.--The real needs of the soul are not to be met by people, however elevated, respected, or admired, but by God.--Main Headings---1- Expecting too much-2- Put your trust in God
Harvest has not been suspended during this time of mourning- Seasons stop for no man, including monarchs. God is to be remembered and thanked, whatever else we have on our minds. And neither has the cost-of-living crisis been suspended due to the death of the Queen.--Main Headings---1- But we need to eat, don't we---2- But we don't need to worry-3- Seeking God first
'Are you assured you are a son or daughter of God-- Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit--' We might have been a Christian many years yet still lack assurance. ---How can we know we are true children of God----Main Headings---1- Led by the Spirit-2- The Spirit bears witness with our spirit-3- Provided we suffer with Him
Our sovereign Queen was 96 when she died. Moses was 120 years old. The people mourned for Moses. Ten days of mourning were called in this country for Queen Elizabeth.---Most of us have not lived under the reign of any other monarch in the UK, just as the people of God had known no other leader but Moses. Most of us had never lived under the reign of any other monarch here in the UK. The passing of Queen Elizabeth is indeed a time for solemn reflection. We might ask 'What is the monarchy-- What role is it to perform-- We might also ask how does it all fit in the wider purposes of God-- Some of these matter will be attended to in a second sermon on this subject.--Main Headings---1- It is right to mourn-2- We respect authority
Here we come to the end of this second section of the Book of Psalms. This might actually be the last Psalm that David wrote. Some think that Solomon was already reigning, and that David composed it on his death-bed. ---It ends with praises -vv18-19-, as do all the different books that the Book of Psalms is divided into -See Psalm 41-13- Psalm 89-52- Psalm 106-48- and Psalm 150-6-. Psalm 72 is full of Christ, His nature, and the nature of His reign, and the things that He does do for those who are indeed His People.--Main Headings---1- No other name-2- His help for needy sinners
Isaiah 30-15 contains a rich promise. It is the same as our Saviour offers in Matthew 11-28-30. It is something precious for the soul, an inner peace that expresses itself in real life and in the real world. Yet how many find it-- ---The context in Isaiah 30 is one of rebellion and refusal to ask for what is promised. In Matthew 11, the context is also one of opposition and refusal. In Isaiah 30-9 they do not hear and in v10 they say 'No' to the things of God. They despise the word of God -v12- and do the opposite of what it says to them -v16-. The promise of rest seems elusive but that is because of our hard hearts. We are not willing -Luke 13-34- just as the people in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is so great a promise, yet we are, in our hearts, drawn back to Egypt.--Main Headings---1- What is promised here-2- Being persuaded-3- Only God can give rest
Many of the Psalms very clearly foresee Christ. Psalm 72 is one of them. It is His glory that is to the fore. He is the one we shall called 'blessed' -v17-. It is His glory and His glorious name that is in view -v19-. Before us are aspects of His work and ministry that draw our admiration, wonder, submission and praise. He is the one that is there in all the Scriptures -Luke 24-25-26-. ---Solomon's reign, as we shall see, has something by way of lesser fulfilment of the great descriptions here in Psalm 72. He it is who referred to in Psalm 89-35-37. But the most complete fulfilment of these descriptions and expectations is the Lord Jesus Himself.--Main Headings---1- Solomon - a type of Christ-2- God's judgements and rule-3- Peace and prosperity
Levi -or Matthew as we perhaps better know him- lived in Capernaum which is where he was, in the tax office, when he was called away by the Lord Jesus and left all to follow Him. We see that later he has invited friends to come and meet the Lord, and has provided a great feast. Have we heard the call to follow the Lord Jesus Christ----Main Headings---1- Hearing the call-2- Different relationships-3- Follow Him
We all of us have a past, a present and a future. Our past does not have to define our future. The Lord can forgive what we have done and change what we have become. He can give us a bright and certain future. All of it is to do with the Lord Jesus Christ.--Main Headings---1- Wondering at the past-2- Walking in the present-3- Waiting for the future-4- Encouragement
We may be able to list lots of great people. But the greatest of all surely is the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatness is in His name. 'Jesus' means 'Saviour' or 'Strong Saviour'. He is the God-man. His title, 'Christ' is not a surname but means that He is the anointed one, equipped and set apart to do be our Saviour. His name is above every name. But do we obey Him-- Do we serve Him-- Do we love Him----Main Headings---1- His claims-2- Life-3- Warning to non-Christians
This sermon continues our study of the differences between the temporary nature of the Old Covenant and the superiority of the New Covenant in which we see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. --Main Headings- --1- Moses veil-- The veil remains-2- The impact of the New Covenant-- The veil is removed-- Freedom-- Transformation-- We do not lose heart
When preaching at Corinth, Paul had deliberately avoided making a show of his intellectual prowess, as he wanted them to see that the power of his message came from God alone. The Corinthians admired eloquence and oratory, but Paul's had said --I came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom-- He compares the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating the far greater glory of the New Covenant, as a 'ministry of the Spirit'. Let us share Paul's confidence in the power and glory of the New Covenant as we proclaim the Gospel.--Main Headings---1- Context-2- The Old Covenant-3- Comparison of the Old and New Covenants
David's trust in the Lord comes out of his already established relationship with Him, and the trust that has built up through time. God is known to him and the interaction he has had with Him gives him hope for the future. As we have already seen, David wrote this in his old age. --Main Headings---1- Fears and duties in old age-2- A resolve to praise-3- An expectation of justice
There can be tears of laughter, tears of sadness, grief, loss, hurt and pain. We learn that God wipes away these kinds of tears in the glory of heaven -See Isaiah 25-8- and Revelation 7-17-. This is a very loving and personal action that the Lord undertakes for His people. It is very warm. But it is not just in heaven that He performs this for His people. He does it while we are here on earth too.--Main Headings---1- Tears of sadness here below-2- The ministry of tears-3- God is with us in our tears
This Psalm, was written in David's old age, when he was ever in the midst of foes. He cries to God, in whom he trusts for His help. Such is ever the case for us as Christians. Often, our enemies seek our decline, hoping that we, and our gospel work will just cease and go away. Malignant spiritual powers are behind the opposition to the work of God, which we seek to undertake.- But God genuinely is a friend to us. He protects and defends those who are His. Like David, we are able to cry unto him, and He hears our prayers. We may feel small, but we are not forsaken----Main Headings----1- The enemies again-2- God is a friend to us
What, it may be asked, is the gospel-- In truth, it is what Paul preached in Corinth -v18-. It is the message of the cross -vv18-21-. It speaks of Christ and Him crucified -1-23-2-2-. Excellence of speech was valued in Corinth by most Corinthians -2-1-. Against this the gospel was accounted foolishness. What say you-- How do you define the gospel-- Is the message of the cross good news to you----Main Headings---1- What is the gospel---2- The gospel rubbished-3- True wisdom
Despite the great knowledge that David has of God he still feels a great need. This is his assessment of himself. It is an assessment of what we also amount to when viewed from the perspective of what we have by way of native resources. Sometimes we are reluctant to look inside ourselves for fear of what we will find. There is often an inner struggle taking place in the depths of our soul to gain assurance. Is this struggle taking place in you----Main Headings---1- Self reflection-2- Urgent prayer-3- A prayer for spiritual joy
Our 'building back' as Christians and as churches always has to have Christ as the foundation of all that we are and do. It has to be the true Christ who is able to save us to the uttermost, and not a Christ where we have to add our good works in order to be saved. What we build on that foundation has to be good quality and not be wood, hay and straw. -We have also seen that, just as Nehemiah faced opposition when he led the re-building of the walls of Jerusalem, we too will face obstacles. --Main Headings---1- Our living head-2- We must be prayerful-3- The imperative of holiness-4- A living relationship
Nehemiah, a trusted official, in the Court of King Artaxerxes, was an outstanding servant-leader of God. He had a deep love and concern for the remnant Jews, whose city, Jerusalem, was broken down and its people in great distress. He combined a steady life of prayer and a deep trust in the Lord with unusually careful planning, good organisational skills, and energetic action.- He is an excellent example to us as we work with the Lord in building His church.--Main Headings---1- Nehemiah - Man of Prayer -2- Nehemiah - Man of Faith-3- Nehemiah - Man of Action-4- Refusing to Listen to the Opposition
This is the second in a short series considering the expression, used a lot in politics, 'Building Back Better'. This is something we perhaps need to think about as Christians. We have seen that the apostle Paul described his work as being a master builder. Ours is therefore a building work, an apostolic work. The Lord Himself promised that He would build His church. We are part of that greater enterprise, all the more important because of the challenges that we face as Christians in this present culture.--Main Headings---1- Building is work-2- Christ - the only foundation
Even as believers we can lose our grasp of how central the gospel is, and we need to be constantly reminded of it. Amongst the glorious themes it contains we learn of the truth of God's imputed righteousness. We must never be ashamed of the gospel. People around us, friends, relatives, neighbours, and work colleagues are dying in sin, and they need to hear that only through faith in Christ, because of His finished work on the cross, can they be saved.--Main Headings---1- We Must Not Be Ashamed-2- The Righteousness of God Revealed
We might ask ourselves why we do the things that we do. Or why do we do the things we do not want to do. Then, after that, there is the important question 'How can we change--' We need to rely on God's wisdom and revelation when trying to answer these kinds of questions. He made us and He knows us. Whatever advice we might receive, God gives us a deeper and more complete answer. We are told to 'keep your hearts with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.'--Main Headings---1- How our heart is a spring-2- How to keep our heart
The second part of our study in Psalm 69. There are some verses quoted exactly in the New Testament. But everywhere we can see where aspects of this Psalm carry over in the life and experience of our Lord Jesus. We can also say that the sufferings of David are also in this Psalm. He too knew from personal experience about the things he was writing. But it is also something we know about too.--Main Headings---1- The implications of belonging to Christ-2- Destruction awaits-3- Our duty of praise
The expression 'building back better' is heard a lot in this period after COVID as societies try to recover from the damage of lockdowns. All times require us to think about how and what we are building. Yet, wherever we might be attempting to build personally, or as a church, the thought that we should 'build back better' is a valuable one. We do not want to return to the 'old normal' but want something better than that. It is Christ's work to do such building -See Matthew 16-13-20- Hebrews 3-1-6- and 1 Corinthians 3-9-13-. There are always improvements to be made in our lives, or the church, which is a living organism -1 Peter 2-4-5-.--Main Headings---1- An apostolic task-2- Building is work-3- Christ - the only foundation
Written at a time of difficulty for David, when he faced his enemies, the Lord's servant pours out his heart unto God and pleads for God to hear him. Whilst he prays for deliverance from his many troubles there are also elements of confession and of praise. Verses from this Psalm are quoted in the New Testament, so beyond the writer, David, we can perceive the sufferings of Christ.--Main Headings---1- Christ in all the Scriptures-2- We are not to take offence at Him
No other religion has a deity so caring and personal as the Lord Jesus Christ. It is as though He speaks to us by name -Isaiah 43-1-5-. He is able to meet our deepest needs. He can forgive our sins and relate us to the infinite and glorious God that He is. No one else is able to say the work of reconciling us to God is finished as He did when He died on the cross. He is also so approachable. Though He is so great as God, yet we can come to Him anytime and at anyplace. He hears and understands our longings and our sighs. To whom else can we go who will do this----Main Headings---1- We are always out of our depth-2- God is bigger than us-3- We have to be used to people walking away-4- We have seen and heard too much
Wisdom is the most precious commodity that we can possess.- It is better than rubies, and nothing we desire can compare with it -Prov.8-11-.- Wisdom brings true riches that are more precious than gold and silver -Prov.8-19-.- To reject wisdom is to love death and ruin. We do not have to go on a 'mystery tour' to find wisdom- God has clearly revealed the way in His Word. He tells us that the path to wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.--Main Headings---1- Priceless wisdom-2- What is the fear of the Lord---3- Does our Christianity match up to this---4- Trusting God in the dark times-5- The end of the journey
The apostle Paul speaks about being compelled -or as it says in the KJV - 'constaineth' us- by the love of Christ. This was a love that took Him to the Cross. 2 Corinthians 5-21 gives a clear interpretation of the Cross, and what it means for your life.--Main Headings---1- The Cross is not, first of all, about men-2- It is shocking because it is the Cross of Christ-3- The Cross is a place of great darkness-4- The Cross is also a place of light-5- The Cross is a place which reveals the righteousness of God
A father, desperate for help, approached the Lord Jesus, pleading, with tears, that He might cast out the dumb and deaf spirit that had troubled his son since childhood. The disciples had been unable to do this, although they had cast demons out before, having been given power and authority to do so by Christ. Why then could they not cast the dumb and deaf spirit out on this occasion. Jesus gives a most interesting, and challenging answer. How might we understand what we too can learn from this account----Main Headings---1- Human limitations-2- The depth of the problem-3- The problem of unbelief-4- What about prayer and fasting
In 2 Chronicles 33-1-17 we learn about the king of Judah, Manasseh, who made a huge number of mistakes and behaved very badly, yet found mercy. His example shows us that none of us are without hope. We may think that nobody is as bad as I am, but Manasseh shows us that there is a way back to God to any of us if we repent.--Main Headings---1- Manasseh sinned against light-2- Have we sinned against light---3- The God who forgives
Heathen lands- enmity towards the people of God- a battle that involves wrestling between spiritual powers, revealing that it is the devil who is ultimately at war with God and His people.---In this Psalm we can see the contrast between the plans of man and the plans of God. There are the kings of earth -v2- and the one enthroned in the heavens. His King is already installed in office -v6-. There is the contrast between their rage -v1- and the Lord who laughs at them and holds them in derision -v4-. It is a lesson on man's folly as viewed from heaven. We see the folly of human ambition compared to the plans of the Lord as they centre in His Son. The world actually belongs to Him -v8- and so the Psalm ends with a warning to those rulers to make their peace with the true king -vv10-12-.--Main Headings---1- The Present situation-2- An important question
The words of our title were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ when in the Upper Room. He was revealing tings that some find hard to accept. We feel we have control over our lives. Is it unloving that God only chooses some for salvation- Yet these words come from Christ who was full of compassion and love and is the express image of God. Thus, our election to salvation came at the price of Christ taking sin's punishment on our behalf. His resurrection promises life to all who believe.--We are saved from a lost eternity. We should be concerned that the wrath of God abides on those who do not know Christ. If you are feeling the weight of your sin, you can cast your sins on Christ, and He will forgive you. If the Lord is calling you, you must and will come. -He calls you because He has set His love on you. Christ's call is a personal call.
The pandemic showed that many were terrified at this appointment with death. Death was the subject people wanted to avoid and hoped it would all go away. Death is a reality for Christians too. We are told to prepare for retirement, but people are not so well prepared for death. It is like the elephant in the room that people do not want to talk about.---In the world 163,000 people die each day, 6829 die each hour and 144 die each minute. These people either go forward into eternal life or eternal punishment. The Lord taught that it is a broad way that leads to death and that only a few find the way that leads to eternal life. Most of those 163,000 who die each day are on the broad road leading to eternal death. As Christians, we alone have the truth this dying world needs to hear.--Main Headings---1- What is death--2- A certain judgement-3- The Christ who was offered
It can be easy to drift and travel along without providing answers to important questions that are asked. Here the Lord puts the disciples on the spot. But the question about the Lord's identity actually puts all mankind on the spot. We all need to answer this question accurately because so much hinges upon us getting the answer right. Who do we say that He is-
This sermon is for people who are struggling, who fear they have gone too far in their sin and will never have assurance that they are saved.- Many true Christians lack peace, and this affects the way they worship, pray, witness and serve the Lord.- The good news is that all Christians can be assured that they are truly God's children, because we have been given the Holy Spirit.--Main Headings---1- Dead faith-2- A bruised reed He will not break
The Epistle to the Philippians is a very positive letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. There are not a lot of concerns that Paul has about the people. One theme that comes across, that he shares with the church, is the 'command' to rejoice -Philippians 3-1- 4-4-. Instructing people to rejoice is actually not a heartless piece of advice but it is the logical outcome to the position Christians find themselves in their relationship to God. ---So do we feel we have sufficient grounds to rejoice- Are we in fact rejoicing- Or is something else happening within the depth of our soul-
Isaiah's great prophecy concerning the coming Christ, and how, through His sufferings, and His chastisement, when He took our place, our own spiritual sin sick soul may be healed. Thus we may know peace with God.
Drawing on the account of Jonah being commanded by God to go and preach what God had told him to say to the 'great city' of Nineveh, and his reluctance to do so, we learn of the prophet's experience having sheltered under the plant -a gourd- that had grown up in a night, and of the plant -the gourd- having withered and died. This sermon illustrates six contrasts between Jonah's pity for the plant -the gourd-, and the Lord's pity for lost sinners.
-But God--- these two tiny words in v4 tells us so much about God and the Gospel.- Even as believers we need to keep hearing the Gospel, as by doing so we are reminded by the apostle Paul -v13- of who we once were.
The city of Jericho was strong and 'shut up' -v1-. It seemed an impregnable city and a definite challenge to Israel as they sought to enter the Promised Land. The Israelites seemed to be the outsiders, approaching Jericho with no obvious means of being able to take the city. Yet they had the Lord with them. They had a relationship with Him.--The world seems to have great advantages in terms of numbers, celebrities, power, and technology. Big business and the world of entertainment are signed up to it for the most part. Here is a sense of belonging and membership, where there are rewards for thinking the 'right things' and supporting the 'right things'. Spiritual power and reality can more than compete with the money, power and influence of the world. Their numbers and big people are no match for the Lord.--Main Headings--1- The insiders looked the strongest-2- The outsider looked the weakest
Selfishness is at the core of law-breaking. We say we are above God and His law, that our needs and our wants are more important than anyone else's. Breaking the Seventh Commandment is deeply selfish and again, like the Sixth, deeply personal. It means breaking all the other Commandments that follow such as the Eighth, the Ninth and the Tenth. It involves stealing someone from another, lying and coveting. Adultery is a particular problem that has been an issue throughout the history of mankind.--Main Headings---1- The power of sexual desire-2- Just for marriage-3- Recent developments-4- Our response
We are told in Matthew 12-42 that the Lord is a 'greater than Solomon' and the reference to the Queen of Sheba's visit to see him is in that passage. Her testimony of what she found when she had met Solomon is reported in 1 Kings 10-7. We meet someone greater still when we meet the Lord Jesus Christ, and understand something of all that he has for the believer. --Main Headings---1- A report worth investigating-2- Spending time with Him-3- The half was not told us
In this sermon we consider the sixth commandment, which tells us that we must not take human life. Humans are made in the image of God, and to take a life detracts from the dignity of our Maker.- Murder dismisses the value of another person, and in doing so dismisses God.
If an offer appears too good to be true, there is generally a catch, but Christ's offer is genuine.- We are well advised to make sure that we have received it. In this passage the Lord is speaking about the most weighty of matters- our standing before God, who we are and where we are going.--Main Headings---1- A solemn promise-2- What is this life--3- Only in Christ
A brief study of the fifth commandment - 'Honour thy father and thy mother- that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee'.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus poured out His whole being in impassioned prayer to His Father. His sweat was like drops of blood as he took to heart what lay ahead for Him on the Cross, where the wrath of God would be poured out on Him. He longed for the companionship of the disciples and asked them to watch and pray with Him, but it proved too hard for them - weighed down with sorrow, they fell asleep and missed their moment. Christ reproached the disciples, particularly Peter, who a short time ago had been protesting his loyalty but would soon deny the Lord. -We also feel that reproach. We sometimes set ourselves to pray and fall asleep- and even when we're awake, our prayers lack urgency and vitality. We fail to appreciate the privilege of being able to come to our Father as His adopted children. We want to do better - to be more vigilant and urgent. --Main Headings---1- A great need to pray-2- The battle to pray-3- Will you pray-
Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. He wanted to reassure them that his chains would not hinder the Gospel. On the contrary, God was using Paul's circumstances to further the Gospel, and were part of God's deliberate purpose.- There have been many other Christians through history whose suffering has been used to advance the Gospel, such as John Bunyan, who wrote 'Pilgrim's Progress' while in solitary confinement.--Main Headings---1- The Gospel is gaining control-2- The guards are getting converted-3- The congregation are growing in confidence
As Christians we are eager to know what God's will for us might be-- where should we go- what should we do-- This passage gives clear guidance about God's will for all of us.- It gives three commands which are to be obeyed even in difficult days.
In the first part of this message, we heard how the fourth commandment enables us to be 'first commandment people', putting the Lord first throughout the week. We now look in more detail at how the Lord Jesus Christ honoured the Sabbath Day, and how we can follow His example rather than that of the Pharisees.--Main Headings---1- One size fits all--2- Not your day, but His
The risen Lord Jesus said- -You will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you- -Acts 1-8-.- Previously He promised His disciples that He would send power from on high -Luke 24-49-.- Churches urgently need that power. What have we to learn here---Main Headings---1- The Holy Spirit is the life of the church-2- The church has the power to do mission-3- Where is the Power-4- The power is needed
The fourth commandment has generated a lot of controversy, both in our Lord's Day and in our own. There are those who would dispense with it altogether, saying that every day is now holy, while others go to the opposite extreme, generating a new Pharisaism.- If we get this day wrong, it shows that there is something wrong in our relationship with the Lord, and we will miss out on the benefits that the Lord intends us to have.---The Sabbath is a holy day, set apart at Creation. It gives us a structure and framework for our time.- Keeping the Sabbath day helps us to keep the first commandment of putting God first in our lives.- It should be a day to destroy idols.- The fact that the Lord's Day is now the first day of the week -in honour of the Lord's resurrection- makes it more forward looking than the old Sabbath - we take the blessings of the first day into the week ahead.--Main Headings--1- Organising our time, organising our souls-2- Do no work-3- The Sabbath day is an act of faith
The seven churches of Revelation faced the same problem as churches today- trials, persecution and false teaching. -Philadelphia is one of only two of these churches which the Lord does not criticise- instead, He promises to protect them from a coming trial.- 'Little strength' is sufficient - for them and also for us - because it is undergirded by His promises.--Main Headings---1- It's alright to have little strength-2- Conserving our strength-3- Pray for more strength
In our speech we should hallow God's name and hold Him in high regard.-To 'take in vain' means to treat a name as rubbish, making it empty and desolate. It is possible to speak about God in a way that drains His name of the glory and respect it deserves.- This sermon looks at ways in which people break the third commandment.--Main Headings---1- Casual blasphemy-2- False teaching and hypocrisy-3- The sad fact
New Year's Resolutions come out of a worthy aim to progress rather than to stagnate- we want to be different, better people. As Christians we are not taken in by the world's superficial idea of a -new you-, achieved by diets or mindfulness, but we still to change. There is one person who doesn't need to change - Jesus Christ. As we look back over the last year, we can see that He has been with us, and be thankful for the many ways He has helped us. What do these realisations teach us---Main Headings---1- We are not alone-2- Is this the same--3- Because He is the same, we shouldn't be
It is good to remember who God declares us to be as we find it in 1 Peter 2-9, which comes, at times, like news from a foreign land to us.--Main Headings---1- These people needed encouragement-2- These are amazing words-3- Special-4- His own
Isaiah 11-1-10 is clearly Messianic- it is all about the Lord Jesus. However, it speaks of Him in modest terms, anticipating the manger. He is described unappealingly in verse 1. Rather than referring to Christ's great ancestor King David, Isaiah speaks of the lesser-known Jesse, a man who lived an unremarkable life in the small village of Bethlehem.The -root' of Jesse signifies growth and development, and eventually fruitfulness for the entire world. Jesus is lifted up as a banner to which all peoples have been called -v10-. Christ is present wherever His people are gathered.----Main Headings-----1- We are not an accident--2- A signal was given--3- Making enquiry--4- His glorious resting place
The Wise Men knew exactly who they were looking for and what they should do. They knew that Christ should be worshipped. Today, the great invitation still goes out to come and worship Him. How do you respond---Main Headings---1- We-2- Have come-3- To worship-4- Him
Peace was not a description of the existing world when, at the Saviour's birth, the angels announced -on the earth peace, goodwill toward men.- Nor is peace descriptive of all the world today. --The world then was and still is full of violence, greed, corruption, wars and rumours of wars. Man's inhumanity to man still exists. In the light of all this, people might wonder what the angels were saying, and what implication their announcement can have for us today.--Main Headings---1- What peace--2- A statement of intent-3- See the results
But what does make for a Happy Christmas for us- What are the things that count the most- There are many good things that go towards what traditionally happens at Christmas. There will be time with family and friends. There will be time to stop and rest. Yet for many people, Christmas is a time when they especially miss loved ones. Neither is it always a happy time because of ill health or worries about money. ---Yet, actually, at heart, a Happy Christmas is within reach of us all.--Main Headings---1- It's going to be better than last Christmas. Or is it--2- Happy Christmas- Really--3- But it is a Happy Christmas-
Who was this 'Suffering Servant-' What were His sufferings- What was His purpose, and how does all this apply to you and me---Main Headings---1- The justice of God-2- Christ our substitute
Consideration is given to the narrative surrounding the supernatural birth of Christ, fulfilling as it does Old Testament prophecy. How could a virgin be 'with child', and this child be fully man, but at the same time be fully God- What might seem impossible to us is not impossible for God.--Main Headings---1- Real events-2- A virgin with child-3- Saving sinners is not impossible with God
Luke, referred to as 'the beloved physician', likely did not himself see the things that Jesus did, or personally hear what he said, nevertheless was very typically meticulous in writing down the knowledge which he had obtained from those who were eyewitnesses of Jesus life and ministry. Writing therefore at the beginning of his Gospel - 'of those things most surely believed amongst us' - he was able to confirm their accuracy and reliability, by stating to Theophilus the purpose of this remarkable work - 'That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.' So we too may believe the Bible, as being truthful and without error, therefore being 'A Gospel of Substance Not Myth.'
People were shocked at the attempt, on November 14th, to detonate a bomb in Liverpool. Then, on Tuesday November 16th, several newspapers carried the virtually identical headline saying that the suicide bomber was a Christian convert. We might ask how it could be thought possible that someone planning this murderous attack could be thought to be a Christian.
Why was the Lord Jesus able to endure His suffering- He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. The joy set before us is what will keep us going. What did the joy set before Jesus consist of---1- The joy of knowing that He had fulfilled His Father's will, by dying for the sins of His people on the cross -2- The joy of victory over Satan and sin-3- The joy of Resurrection-4- The joy of returning to heaven-5- The joy of seeing sinners repenting-6- The joy of His Church
Have we confidence in God- We may believe that God is attentive, but are we confident that God hears and answers prayer- Do we pray 'Thy will' be done-
How important it is to be faithful in prayer. There are many needs which we ought to bring before God- church- national- personal, and such as are common to our daily Christian life. Are we committed enough to be sufficiently urgent in 'praying always'-
Sinful man is an idolater by nature, but here, the second Commandment teaches us that God is too immense and glorious to be meaningfully or properly represented by an object, however skilfully or beautifully made. God is Spirit, it is wrong to picture Him, or to seek to make representations of Him. However, the Bible teaches us that God is immense, but knowable. Let us look to Him and truly believe upon Him, that He alone may be the focus of our worship.--Main Headings---1- Sinful man - an idolater by nature-2- An invisible but knowable God-3- We are not to make idols of ourselves
The Lord is not teaching us here about literal eyesight or our powers of observation. He is inviting us to think about the world that we are seeing, or think we are seeing. What is the set of values that are instructing what our eye is taking in- In this regard it is much the same as thinking about what values and attitudes are working our tongues.--We have to ask ourselves 'Who is in charge of our eyes- Which ideas are governing what we notice and what we do not notice- And how much are those ideas our own construction of points of view that other people hold and have imposed on us-'--Are we importing light or darkness, or do we see by the eye of faith---Main Headings---1- What are our eyes taking in--2- Importing darkness-3- The eye of faith
This Psalm shows reveals to us the greatness of God and helps us to understand how we are to behold Him. It teaches us why we are called to give glory to God and why we are to praise Him. If angels who are mighty in power and un-fallen, give glory, honour and praise to God then so should we. Well might we join them in singing 'Worthy is the Lamb.'--The frequent references to the 'voice of the LORD' in this Psalm help us to see why some have called this The Thunderstorm Psalm.--Main Headings---1- A call to worship-2- Reasons to praise God-3- A surprising conclusion
We may believe that we know the meaning of a curse, and being cursed, also having a view about those who would do such a thing, but here we learn that the Lord Jesus Christ acutally became a curse for us. Paul's spirit had been agitated because of his concern for the churches in Galatia. Learn about his letter to them, and how its theme may also apply to us today.
We are starting a new series on the Ten Commandments. However, we apologise that due to a technical fault we missed recording the first couple of minutes of this initial sermon. The Ten Commandments set out the moral law which is binding on all mankind through all ages. Other laws which God gave to Moses were more temporary or needing careful interpretation. The civil law looked at matters to do with the government of the nation at the time but it still has vital principles about crime and punishment, restitution, and degrees of culpability. The ceremonial law sets the rules for worship under the old order. Its system of sacrifices has been replaced by Christ's once and for all sacrifice for His people. In the new covenant, all believers are priests to their God.--Main Headings---1- Everything is about God-2- We are to behold God aright-3- Our own welfare is at stake
One of the most dramatic events in the whole Bible is the test of who is the true God - Baal or the God of Israel- The question is resolved emphatically when the Lord answers from heaven with fire. Through this, God vindicates His own name and His prophet Elijah. There is much to take in, but we are dwelling on v21 and the question that is put to the people. Why can't they make up their mind- If God is God, then serve Him. If Baal is God, then serve him. Do not try to serve both. For the people of Elijah's day, it was time for them to make up their minds. Likewise, for us, it is time to make up our minds. Who do we believe---Main Headings---1- Are you stuck--2- Time for decision
Our day-to-day behaviour is amongst those things that are addressed in this concluding chapter of Paul's second letter to the church at Thessalonica. We are not to walk in a disorderly manner, nor are we to be idle Christians who refuse to work, thereby placing a burden upon others. People with time on their hands might well become 'busybodies', involved in gossip and idle speculation.--In Paul's typically strong way he gives his apostolic counsel on how to deal with those who walk in a disorderly manner in the church. Some, we learn, may well refuse to hear the admonition given, seeking to justify their actions, but for those who show no contrition, or lack desire to put matters right, then a firmer resolve has to be shown in response to such behaviour, otherwise the person is not being encouraged to repent.--Main Headings---1- Being a burden to others-2- Dealing with people in the church
If He so chooses, God is able to suspend even the laws of nature which He himself created. Such an occasion was the feeding of the 5000. When this great multitude gathered to hear the Lord Jesus, all they had amongst the crowd was five loaves and two small fish. Out of this small provision, 5000 men, plus women and children were fed. Scripture tells us that twelve baskets of fragments were gathered up of the food that remained. This great miracle is able to teach us so much more than the feeding of such a multitude who were eager to hear the words of Jesus, but also the lessons we too can learn, as to how the Saviour can feed our own needy souls.--Main Headings---1- Crowds wherever He went-2- Looking for solutions in wrong places-3- Do what He says-4- None go hungry
In response to the great events explained in the early verses of 2 Thessalonians 2, we can often find ourselves out of our depth, in a life which does not normally experience such huge supernatural events. But here, the Lord promises everlasting consolation and good hope. There is great comfort and encouragement in learning that God's people, 'from the beginning', have been 'chosen to salvation'. We may feel small and insignificant, but are called to 'stand fast', holding to the great truths that the apostle teaches in this significant passage.--Main Headings---1- Out of our depth-2- The response of small people in a big world-3- Divine help
This wonderful Psalm helps us to especially recognise that it was in God's heart to bless the peoples and nations of the earth. As God's believing people we are called to recognise this fact and give unto Him the praise due unto Him, of which He is worthy. --Main Headings---1- God's heart to bless the world in the Old Testament-2- Large-hearted prayer-3- Do people see God's blessing in us-
It is worrying how easily believers are thrown off course -v2-. For instance, many believers and churches in the US have been stirred up over the last couple of years because of the appearance of a number of so-called 'Blood Moons' that are thought to have prophetic significance. People in churches get easily carried away. The recipients of Paul's letter were in the same category. They had forgotten things that Paul had taught them -v5-. Yet in these verses we see that there are two big events that we are to keep before us. Let us make sure that we do not get carried away with wrong thoughts or ideas concerning end time events.--Main Headings---1- The biggest event-2- But someone else has to come first
The events related here took place in the early days of the Israelites journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It was a period in their history where they enjoyed remarkable provision. But it was also a time where we read that the people complained often. These complaints are recorded, for example, at Exodus 15-24- 16-2-3- and 17-2. Looking on further, the same pattern is seen in Numbers 11-1 and 14-1-4. --Harvest is a time to remind us not to complain but to be very grateful. This is how we should be, not only at Harvest, but all the year. We need to learn from Paul -see Philippians 4-11-13-. --In the passage in Exodus, Moses and Aaron were frequently targets for the people's complaints. That was their usual complaints procedure. But actually their complaints were made ultimately against God Himself. It is God who hears their complaints against Him -Exodus 16- 6-7, 9-11-.--Main Headings---1- God provides in time of need-2- We are given to complaining-3- Look what we have
The idea that we should live in such a way that shows we are counted worthy of entering into heaven is present in v5 and v11 of 1 Thessalonians 1. We are accounted worthy by the Lord because we have trusted in His Son, but we are to live in such a way that proves this. We are to be fit for heaven now. When we read in these two verses what Paul prays for the people, it is also a hint to us that this is how we are meant to live. In other words, this prayer shows us what we should be working towards.--Main Headings---1- Pray spiritual things for people-2- Life goals-3- Ultimate ends
The Christian faith is not about words and ideas. It is not an academic subject to master. It is a life. The Bible conveys the truth in words that we might then live the life that it speaks to us about. The word of God is designed to enlighten us in the very depths of our being and to give true food to the soul. In the end it reveals to us a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to know Him and to be known by Him. In that way it is all very personal. --This is what we find in the events related in Luke 19- 1-10. It is very personal. What happens between the Lord Jesus and Zacchaeus is something very special between two people. Zacchaeus finished the time they spent together calling Him 'Lord'. His own self-interest had given way to bigger things and there was now someone different, the Lord Himself, who was governor of his soul. What is your relationship with Jesus- Is He personal to you---Main Headings---1- First person singular-2- Second person singular-3- A personal touch
We have seen from earlier in this chapter that Paul was able to commend the people he was writing to because he had seen certain things in them. It was an encouragement to them to know that their love, faith and patience was recognised by an apostle as being hallmarks of genuine belonging to Christ. Paul develops that further here and notes that the censure that these believers received, including the persecution that experienced, revealed that they belonged to Christ and would be vindicated, while their enemies would perish.--This is an encouragement to these believers, and to us, that we should not give up. We are on the right side of His righteous judgment which will, one day, be manifest on the Day of Judgment. Their being persecuted, and bearing up under it, are encouraging signs that they belong to Christ, and will be owned by Him on that Day.--Main Headings---1- Injustices are not forgotten-2- We have eternity in view
The apostle Paul was not the kind of man to use cunning and to manipulate people. He was not a superficial person who just wanted to please everyone and tell them what they wanted to hear. He was sincere, imitating the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to tell the truth, and be honest. Events, including how people will respond to things we do and say, mean that there are always things that are unforeseen and unforeseeable, even for an apostle. This had led people in the church in Corinth to criticise Paul unjustly for not being sincere. --Our situation as we go into autumn is not identical to Paul's but there are some similarities. We are facing ongoing uncertainty as we seek to make plans, with the future full of unforeseeable events. We rightly make plans but there are lots of events that we cannot foresee that might mean we have to change those plans.--Main Headings- -1- COVID has not gone away-2- We are not the same-3- We need to make plans
Bread is found throughout the world in every culture and is eaten by everyone. Like bread, the grace of God is abundant and can satisfy every need of the human soul. We receive bread for our souls when we think about God, and how the Christian faith brings together the justice and mercy of God. In a world starving for truth, reason, purpose, salvation and the strength to go on, Jesus Christ, the living bread is there- -Taste and see that the Lord is good-.--Main Headings---1- Bread is abundant-2- Bread is a staple food-3- Bread is nourishing and sweet to the taste-4- How can we eat the living Bread-
Jesus said to Nicodemus -Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God- -John 3-9-. What did Jesus mean, and how can we be born of the Spirit---In verse 3, Jesus answered a question that Nicodemus had not asked- As the omniscient God, Jesus knew what was in Nicodemus's heart and mind. Nicodemus knew all the correct doctrines, but doctrine has no power to save unless we know the God of the doctrines. Nicodemus had no assurance that the things he did would give him eternal life.--All religions tell us to do good works to make us acceptable to God but Jesus dashed all Nicodemus's hopes. It doesn't matter how hard you try to be righteous, you are still dead in your sins, and nothing you do can please God. If even the religious Pharisees were dead, what hope was there for the common man, and what hope is there for us---Main Headings---1- The need to be born from above-2- Made alive by the Spirit of God-3- Have we been born again-
Jacob has now returned to Canaan. Ahead of him is a meeting with his brother, Esau. How will Esau react- Jacob sent messengers ahead of him bearing gifts for Esau. It was a sign of the guilty conscience that Jacob had for how he had treated his brother. --Jacob is anxious when he hears that Esau is coming with 400 men towards him. He does two things. Firstly he divides up his people into two groups and sends one group ahead of the other, so that if there is violence, then at least some of his family will survive. This is Jacob acting like his old self, with cunning. The second thing he does is to pray -vv 9 - 12-. This is the first recorded prayer in the Bible and, we are to pay particular attention to it as it will teach much about the subject of, in this instance, prayer.--There is also much to learn when Jacob meets with the Lord at the brook named Jabbok. It is here that we read of the wrestling which makes this passage so significant and personal to Jacob's experience.
David's decree to seek out a descendant of Saul was not a random utterance. David had made a covenant with Jonathan to deal kindly with his descendants, and now David is keeping his promise. His kindness is part of his greatness. Like the Lord, David is a covenant-keeping king.---So much in this account reminds us of the grace of God, who with kindness and mercy helps us, by providing for us in ways that are far greater than we deserve. This is a beautiful picture for believers, and points us forward to the Lord Jesus Christ, who, despite our imperfections, as the bread of life, feeds us spiritually all our days at the king's table.--Main Headings---1- Mephibosheth's journey-2- Applying the picture to ourselves
What makes the Lord Jesus Christ so special- He made tremendous claims and proved that they were true. The blessings He brings can be as real to us as they were for His first disciples.--Main Headings---1- Who is He--2- The disciples saw His greatness-3- His claims-4- The blessings He gives us-5- A gracious invitation
An international student tried to ask, -What on earth are we doing- and instead asked -What are we doing on earth-- We all need to find an answer to this question. Scripture tells us that our purpose is found in God.-Mankind was created in the image of God. Before the Fall, people were God-centred, taking delight in God, serving Him and enjoying fellowship with Him. This was Heaven on earth. The four main aspects of our life, work, family, recreation and education, were all centred around God.-Sin changed everything and at the Fall, God was replaced by self on the throne. People put themselves first, becoming self-important and pleasing themselves rather than God. After the Fall, bliss became chaos as everyone pursued their own selfish ends and harmony was lost. The whole of human life, with its four aspects, was affected. This sermon looks specifically at work.--Main Headings---1- Work after the Fall-2- The Christian and work-3- Two specific areas of work
The evidence that the Lord is at work among the church at Thessalonica is overwhelming and Paul writes words like 'abounding' and 'exceedingly' to show just how great a work that the Lord had begun in them, and was now so evident. --Paul is strong in issuing rebuke where it is justified. But where he -and our Lord- see things that are to be commended, they also point this out.--Do we thank God when we see good things in people that clearly show us that the Lord is at work- He can see that the Lord is at work in them and that they have fully followed the Lord's will. --We ask ourselves if people can see in us anything that would make them give thanks to God for what they could see in us- Would they be able to discern the evidence that the Lord was truly at work in our lives---Main Headings---1- Evidence of good things-2- Faith - an evidence to give us heart-3- Love - another evidence to give us heart
This Psalm speaks much about the greatness of God and invites people to come and worship Him -v5, v16-. He is a Being worthy of such worship, known by His awesome works -v3- and awesome doings -v5-. He has great power -v3, v7- and this is particularly seen in His deliverance of His people through the Red Sea. --Though He is so great, yet He also cares for His people in a most personal and real way. The writer is able to say what the Lord has done for his own soul -v9, v16- and expresses how the Lord in His mercy brought him out of difficulties into a place of rich fulfilment -v12-. The Lord does great things, and some of those things He does for us very personally. Has He done great things for you-
The events of this chapter take place in 537 BC. Sixty-eight years previously, the teenage Daniel had been taken as a captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had subsequently destroyed Jerusalem and taken the rest of the people into exile. Daniel pleads with God for his homeland and his people. Three times a day he prays, facing Jerusalem, the city he has never forgotten.--What can we learn from the seven elements of Daniel's prayer---1- Daniel is single-minded and determined to meet with God-2- He comes armed with the promises of God-3- He comes reverently, because he knows the character of God-4- Daniel spends time in confession-5- He makes a specific request-6- He uses convincing arguments-7- He prays with urgency, making an impassioned plea
Social distancing and self-isolation are nothing new- these were the reality for lepers in Bible times. The event concerning the ten lepers took place while Jesus was making his final journey to Jerusalem, a journey which would end at the cross. Such lepers were defiled, disfigured and separated from God's people, but Jesus brought hope and healing for them. He can do the same for us if we face up to the reality of sin, a disease even more serious than leprosy.-Main Headings---1- Jesus meets the ten lepers--2- What can we learn from this event----a- Leprosy is a picture of sin-b- There is disappointment in the work of the gospel- 'where are the nine-'
There is no more comforting truth for the believer than that God is with us. In many ways it is so obvious that He is with us. Why should we doubt it- One of the names of our Lord Jesus Christ is Immanuel, which means 'God with us.' It is the culmination of the plan of redemption that this should be so manifestly true by the coming of the Lord Jesus into the world. It was a promise first made to apostate King Ahaz in Isaiah 7- 14. He had no ears to hear it. Yet the implications of that promise are immense and continue with us to this day. So it is a thought to carry forward on into the summer. Indeed, when we reflect on the last nearly three years, how we have seen that promise fulfilled again and again in remarkable ways. It has been a time for much heart-searching, self-discovery, yearning and prayer as well as rejoicing and thanksgiving. Has this been your experience---Main Headings---1- This was not spoken for an easy time-2- We can feel we are on our own-3- But God is with us
In this encouraging Psalm, David makes a declaration that in itself is an expectation of what lies ahead, founded upon the reality of his ongoing walk with the Lord. He proclaims in v4, as it is rendered in the KJV that -we will be satisfied with the goodness of thy house-. We are assured therefore that there is plenty to be found in the Lord's house that will bring lasting satisfaction to the soul. --So we must ask ourselves whether we are able to speak about the things of God in the same way. Are we satisfied with the goodness of the Lord's house- Have we come to appreciate all that there is there for the believer---Main Headings---1- Spiritual goodness-2- The goodness of the Lord's house-3- So are you satisfied-
The words at the beginning of 2 Samuel 23 are among the last words of David, the sweet psalmist of Israel. In them he does not conceal the fact that all has not gone well with his own family -v5-. We can think of Absalom and Adonijah in this respect. But David has very clear vision as he ends his days on earth. He shows us, in many ways, how we should want to finish our days. These words are again something of his legacy to us all. In fact, his thoughts go beyond his life and look to the Lord Jesus Christ, His coming and His rule.--Main Headings---1- The covenant is everything-2- The reign of Christ
It is not immediately clear from which part of David's life that this Psalm came. He is not having difficulties with his own sins for he does not mention these. He does, however, speak of enemies -v1-, and the wicked and workers of iniquity -v2-. He is therefore facing opponents of godliness and truth.--David is here recognising something that is a fact, namely, we live in a fallen world. He is not exaggerating in saying this, but this is the reality for everyone who is true child of God. How vital it is that we do not lose heart---Main Headings---1- Living in a fallen world-2- God's View-3- God as our refuge
A brief young people's talk- During this time of pandemic, what is the sound that people do not want to hear-
David was also much taken up with the legacy he would leave behind him after he had died. As he nears his own death, it is not the time now to be absorbed in battles or conquests against enemies. He wants to lay foundations for the future. He is looking to make preparations for the time after he has gone. It is there in his words to his son, Solomon, who is to succeed him as king.--So we see that David was looking beyond himself to the future, making preparations for future government and worship, as well as investing time in key people like his son, Solomon.--What legacy are we keen to leave---Main Headings---1- Remembering future generations-2- Good order-3- Instruct people
When Peter addressed the people in Act 3, there was particular power in his words 'you delivered', 'you denied' -v13- and 'you killed' -v15- the author of life -the Prince of Life-. In contrast to their wicked acts against the Lord, God had raised up His Son, showing that He did not share their verdict on Him. The people thus had to think about the shared responsibility that they had incurred because of their treatment of the Lord Jesus. We have to ask ourselves whether we share in that responsibility too.--Main Headings---1- A habit of doing good to murderers-2- The author of life-3- By dying, He becomes the author of life to us
We are coming towards the end of David's life. There are still some good themes to explore from this period of David's life. But there are also some lessons that David and the nation with him still needed to learn.--Pride seems to be the problem that surfaces in David's and the nation's heart by the incident of the census-taking in 1 Samuel 24. It was David taking pride in the number of men he had the rule over. Even Joab bridled at the thought of doing this and remonstrated with David. But David would not be deterred.--Pride is endemic in the sinful human heart. We think we are the most important people on earth and that we are too important to fail. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are so special that we are above the law and can do things that other people cannot.--Main Headings---1- Ambushed by pride-2- Pride brings ruin-3- But the Lord brings good out of our folly
A proper answer to the question in our sermon title is 'On pilgrimage.' This is what we learn from our passage. We are strangers and pilgrims here on earth and we are seeking a better, that is a heavenly country. So, in many ways, the best answer we can give to the question in the title is that we are still on pilgrimage to heaven.--This sermon, in part, addresses our current state as a church- our hopes- our disappointment at the seeming lack of gospel success, and our belief that the Lord most certainly has a future for us, whether it's in this generation or another.--Main Headings---1- Still open.-2- Weary pilgrimage-3- Keep the end in view
2 Corinthians 4 has a very spiritual theme, so we might be surprised that the apostle Paul is writing it to the Corinthians- The city of Corinth was renowned for being worldly-minded, corrupt, promiscuous, godless and superstitious, so much so that on the theatre stage, a character from Corinth was usually portrayed as a drunkard. The Christians in Corinth had come out of this background- -such were some of you-. Once saved, however, their vision had been enlarged, their perspectives widened, and their expectations changed. Has Jesus Christ made such a difference in your life- --Main Headings---1- Paul's secret of endurance-2- What is meant by things which are seen, and things which are not seen--3- Historical figures who 'looked beyond'-4- Why we should look at the things which are not seen
It is a miracle that the book of Ezekiel has survived. Ezekiel the prophet wrote it during the exile in Babylon- it was brought back to Jerusalem and survived all the subsequent upheavals. God has preserved this book, and its themes are most wonderful.--Main Headings--1- Overview of the Book of Ezekiel-2- Chapter 47 - A hopeful picture of God's grace-3- The spread of the Gospel brings blessings-4- Grace flows from the Saviour's atoning death-5- We need this grace
These passages in the Bible are a gripping narrative. There are so many details and so many lessons to be learnt but we are confining ourselves to some of the bigger aspects. So many things stem from bad moral choices. Sin always has consequences, and those consequences can last for our whole life. --Just a few matters to note before we come to the main theme, but Joab now has great influence and power over David. As a result of his being made privy to David's desire to murder Uriah, David is now in a weak position before his nephew. Likewise, David's efforts to follow the Lord will now be unconvincing to a number of people. They will say that he is a hypocrite and that he is no longer to be taken seriously. But the judgment of God against David's sin, as spoken by the prophet Nathan, find their exact fulfillment in the rest of David's life. He will experience in his own family sexual immorality, murder, and betrayal.--Main Headings---1- It is a moral universe-2- God is merciful
On August 12th 1866, Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached 'The Voice of Cholera', a powerful sermon which addressed the outbreak of cholera in London. Today we are in a similar situation to his original hearers, since the Covid pandemic turned our lives upside down last March. --We all have different views--- some are more afraid of infection-- some are more concerned about the disruption to their relationships-- we have different attitudes to the restrictions and the reasoning behind them.--But perhaps we have been talking about the wrong issues. We overlook the fact that GOD has changed the world. While the Government have done all they can to help and support us, they have left God out of the equation. Our only hope of understanding His purposes is to turn to Scripture.--Main Headings---1- Remember God's Hand-2- Remember God's Holiness-3- Remember God's Hell-4- Remember God's Hope
Questions about identity are a big issue today. Questions such as 'Who am I-' are questions that people are often asking themselves. But we are more and more detached from reality in the answers that people are giving, such as on the matter of whether we are male or female. As Christians we are able to say that we are born again of the Spirit. We are a privileged people who have a devotion to God. --God, in fact, gives us an identity. He gives us names and roles such as sheep, sons, stewards, disciples, and soldiers. These terms tell us more about our relationship to God than they tell us about ourselves as such. They tell us about who we belong to. By belonging to Him, it means that we are witnesses to Him and of Him. We therefore have to ask ourselves, as witnesses of Him, how we should live to honour Him. That is the challenge put before us.--Main Headings---1- A Christian is a witness to Christ-2- How to be a witness worthy of Christ
People ask -If there is a God, what is He like-- We find the answer in this Psalm which tells the true stories of many people who experienced the Lord's deliverance in dire circumstances. The one central character is the living God. This Psalm has no reference to Israel, its prophets and kings, and is not set in a historical context. Rather, as the story of different people from across the nations, it has a New Testament perspective. Jesus said that people would come from the east, west, north and south and sit down in the kingdom of God.--The Psalm sets out four scenarios of different people in different kinds of trouble.--1- The spiritually destitute -2- The spiritually imprisoned-3- The spiritually sick-4- The spiritually overwhelmed-5- What can we learn from this Psalm-
Previously we have seen David at his best, acting with great kindness and mercy towards Mephibosheth, a man who had nothing to give to David in return. We saw in this act of mercy something greater and recognised that David was acting here as a type of Christ, who in a more significant and far-reaching way, acted with mercy and generosity towards sinners who had nothing they could truly repay Him with. Moreover, as we come to the event we are looking at today, David had accomplished much, having defeated many of his enemies, and had also heard from the Lord of the covenant that had been established with his family.--But if we have seen David at his best, here we definitely see David at his worst. --Main Headings---1- David's great wickedness-2- The dangers of idleness-3- The need for rapid confession-4- A true child of God
It may sound strange to say it, but we are a great threat to ourselves and to the wellbeing of other people. You might think that we would have our own self-interest at heart and would do everything we could to make sure things went as well as possible for us. But the opposite is true. While we might have been concerned over the last year about our effect on other people's health, we do harm to other people and to ourselves in all kinds of ways. This happens because we pervert our ways and folly is bound up in our hearts, often blaming God when things go wrong.--Main Headings---1- Our own worst enemy-2- The help we need
It's a big if, but if the UK government restores our pandemic driven withheld liberties on the 21st of June as intimated, what will we have learnt about our lives before God, and will it have affected our lives in the witness we give-
This sermon illustrates something more than simply an incident in David's life or an isolated act of kindness to Mephibosheth. In other words, we are able to trace in it aspects of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. David, in a smaller way, is acting like the Lord Jesus Christ will act in a bigger way. So, in David's act of mercy, we will see something that we are to copy as an example. But we are also to see something in it that will teach us about the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.--Main Headings---1- Acts of Mercy-2- The greatest act of mercy
It is important to feel we belong somewhere. It may be a place which we call home. It may be our family which we feel is 'home' to us. The world is very big and we can feel a very small part of it. We can feel that we are on our own and it can be a very lonely place. Our Lord Jesus Christ is very personal. How can He not be- He is a Person. He relates to and we can relate to Him. He listens to us. He is able to give us time, communicate with us, show sympathy to us, give advice to us and have our best interests at heart. --It comes through to us in the way He speaks about us being His sheep -John 10-3, 4 and 14-. What are some of the things that this tells us about His relationship with us and a sense of belonging we can have- --Main Headings---1- God is personal-2- Christ relates to us personally-3- We are to know Him
The Psalms bring so much to our souls. They help us in prayer, giving us the words to express what we are feeling. This sermon looks at a number of verses from Psalm 97 which speak of the majesty and righteousness of God's character and justice.--Main Headings---1- The righteous king and judge-2- We must hate evil as God does
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Messiah and to be a witness to Jesus Christ. As he saw Jesus walking by, John cried out -Behold- The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world-----Behold- means more than merely -Look-. This is a command to stop and pay full attention- a bit like when a teacher blows a whistle in the noisy playground. The word -behold- implies that we observe and perceive something, such as in the sentence -She looked into his eyes and beheld madness-. John is calling on us to recognise the One in whom repentance and salvation is found. There is no other name under Heaven by which we may be saved. Have you beheld the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of those who come to Him- --Main Headings--1- The meek and gentle lamb-2- The Passover lamb-3- The lamb of God-4- Taking away the sin of the world-5- What must we do-
Nehemiah had a passionate concern for God's people and the city of Jerusalem, even though it was 1000 miles away and he had probably never been there. Hanani, one of his brethren, reports to him of---- a Remnant- only a small number of Jews were living in the city.-- a Ruin- Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the city 100 years ago. Ten or twenty years ago the Jews had started rebuilding, but had been forced to stop and their work may have been demolished.-- a Reproach- Jerusalem was the city where God had put his name, and its insecure condition was bringing His name into disrepute.--Nehemiah wept for Jerusalem, just as many years later Jesus would weep for the city. Are we passionate about God's kingdom and glory- --Main Headings---1- Starting with prayer-2- Persistent prayer-3- Confident faith-4- Humble confession-5- A willingness to serve-6- Waiting on the Lord
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, the phrase -In Christ Jesus-, -In Christ- or -In Him- oc-curs 21 times, more than in any other of Paul's letters. This passage points us to seven aspects of being -in Christ-. What significance does this have for us as Christians-
David had been promised a dynasty and one from his line will forever have possession of the throne, looking forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Great David's Greater Son. Possessing so much from the Lord, David is able to go and secure some wonderful victories against the nation's enemies -2 Samuel 8 and 10-. The Philistines are defeated in 2 Samuel 5-17-25 and then once more in 2 Samuel 8-1, and are not heard of again as a threat to the nation. Nations such as Moab, Ammon, and Syria are subdued and the methods used are, at times, seemingly quite brutal.--Today, our battles are not to be fought against literal enemies bearing weapons like swords. We have spiritual enemies and we are in a spiritual battle. We fight spiritual- foes such as sin, the world and the devil with spiritual weapons. The Lord's people are the church militant while upon the earth. --Main Headings---1- The Old Covenant is not identical to the New Covenant-2- Wrestling with our sins
In this Psalm, David is again experiencing difficulties, as in Psalms 60 to 62. Yet he is assured that God is near to him and he has great confidence which he expresses in this Psalm. He is able to speak about being joyful and rejoicing -verses 5, 7 and 11-. --What were the difficulties that he was facing when he wrote this Psalm- It is possible that it was the troubles caused by his son, Absalom, when he tried to seize the throne from his father. David is certainly the king at this stage, as we see from verse 11. David also has great clarity about the downfall of the person causing his troubles -vv 9 -10-. Whilst facing these huge challenges, David expresses vehement longing -v1- and believes that there will be satisfaction for his soul -v5-. His deep conviction about the Lord's goodness towards him comes through in v3.--Main Headings---1- God's loving-kindness -- better than life-2- What did David know-
David's route to the throne has been through suffering. In this respect, he reminds us very much of a greater King to come, who was also born in Bethlehem, had a group of followers, and had to defeat evil through suffering. Like with David, people recognized that the Lord Jesus Christ had the Spirit of God very much upon Him and saw that He too was replacing a decaying and apostate leadership with something better. --Nathan's prophecy, which we read of in this chapter, speaks with great clarity about David's line, something which David also foresaw clearly as we learn from Psalms 16, 22, and 110. David foresees a Son of his, whom he would be calling 'Lord'. This is great David's greater Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is going to surpass David in glory, power, authority, honour, obedience, longevity, and scope.--Main Headings---1- David's noble aim.-2- God's greater aim-3- Some implications for us.
This is another Psalm of David. It is not far removed from the territory that we were exploring in Psalm 60 and Psalm 61. It may be that, this time, it was Absalom who was troubling him. Perhaps we might detect that he is not so overwhelmed as in Psalm 61 and felt less abandoned that he did in Psalm 60. Certainly, the tone and mood are going to change when we get to Psalm 63. Though David is in great need in Psalm 62, he has found greater peace and is able to wait on the Lord -v2, v5-. He has not yet received an answer from the Lord but there is a confidence expressed that he soon will.--Main Headings---1- What people do to us-2- Showing faith even when it's a battle-3- Quiet confidence
This sermon explores the meaning and significance of Romans 3-23, encouraging us to reflect on this familiar verse in greater depth.--This verse is not referring to God's eternal attributes such as his almighty power. In Isaiah 42-8 God declares that -I will not share my glory with another.- Even if we never sinned, we could not become like God in this sense. --Instead, the verse is referring to the glory of God's perfect righteousness. God created man in his image, able to enjoy unbroken fellowship with Him. However, since the Fall -There is none good, not one- -Mark 10-18- and we can no longer go into God's presence. All the rituals, sacrifices and laws of the Old Testament were insufficient to restore this relationship.--Main Headings---1- Context in the book of Romans-2- What is the glory of God that we fall short of--3- The universality of the problem-4- The severity of the problem-5- The good news-6- Have you put your trust in Christ-
Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia -north-east Greece- and had a population of over 1000. Egyptian cults and other forms of paganism were prominent, and there was also a sizeable number of Jews. Acts 17 described how Paul, Silvanus -Silas- and Timothy preached there over three Sabbaths, leading to the conversion of both Jews and Gentiles. The three men were accused of treason and had to leave the city following a disturbance. Paul sent Timothy back to visit on the young Christians at Thessalonica, and this letter followed on from Timothy's report.--Paul addresses several important topics, including something that had confused many in the church at Thessalonica, namely that Christians who had died will participate fully in Christ's second coming.--The gospel came to Thessalonica not just in word only, but in the power of God. This was evidenced, to Paul's great joy, in the conversion of those in the church, who had turned unto God from idols-
Jerusalem, David's intended capital city, has now been conquered. With the help of Hiram, king of Tyre, David has now built a fine palace to live in. It is to be known as the city of David -v9- which is very significant. It is located in the northernmost part of Judah, actually lying mostly in the land allotted to Benjamin. It has steep cliffs on three sides and the pinnacle of the hill it is built on is called Zion.--David's choice of Jerusalem for a capital city was full of significance which would only become more apparent with the passing of time and the unfolding revelation of the Lord's purposes. Successive kings since David's have not all been godly men, so there are lessons to be learnt on important issues such as the true worship of God. Dealing tactfully with the question, we might also ask whether Jerusalem holds the same relevance today as it did back then- --Main Headings---1- Why Jerusalem--2- A city to be captured-3- The ark comes to Jerusalem
This famous occasion is when the disciples who were present after the resurrection, realise that it is the risen Lord who is with them after the stranger on the beach helps them catch a miraculous quantity of fish. They have breakfast together but there is a serious aim in view. The Lord communicates to Peter the important role he is to play in the early church. Peter is to have the right focus because the Lord will soon be taken up to heaven. Peter, and the other apostles, are being prepared for the greater works that the Lord promised that they would be doing in His name.--Main Headings---1- Putting Peter's mouth to better use-2- Sheep in need of feeding-3- Avoiding imbalanced diets
Following the death and funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, we remember with appreciation his years of public service. Importantly, we are reminded of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life to pay the price for our sin. No earthly mortal, however high born, could accomplish what Jesus did in His comparatively short life of 33 years. May those who presently do not know the Saviour of sinners, come to Him by faith, and trust Him for salvation. What a legacy that is-
As recorded in 2 Samuel 2-4, David became king of over Judah, reigning in Hebron. It had not happened at a time of peace. The Philistines were enjoying a time of dominance and he became king over Judah at a time of national crisis. David also had his own personal grief at the death of his friend, Jonathan, in battle, to cope with.- -The nation then descended into civil war, with Abner, a skilled general, having established Ishbosheth, a surviving son of Saul, as a puppet king over the rest of Israel. He was ambitious and wanted to hold on the power he had grown accustomed to. The Lord was with David and he began to gain the ascendancy over Abner, who dropped his support for Ishbosheth, and looked for terms of peace with David.--Ishbosheth was then murdered, and Abner himself was murdered by Joab, the leader of David's forces. It was therefore a very dangerous and tense time when David became king over all Israel.--Main Headings---1- It has been a long journey-2- A good king brings joy
We all have a sense of longing, and very often our longings are unfulfilled. Disappointment is an inevitable part of longing. Even Jacob, who had seen many blessings in his 130 years of life, such as being recently reunited with Joseph, described the 'days of his pilgrimage' as 'few and evil' -Genesis 47-. There are many expressions of, and references to, longing in the Bible, for example--- Psalm 42 -As the deer pants for the water--- Ps 107- -He satisfies the longing soul--- Ps 119-20 -My soul breaks with longing for your judgments at all times- -- Prov 13-12 -Hope deferred makes the heart sick-.--This passage of Hebrews speaks of the fulfilment of a longing. The author makes this aside to clarify the nature of their hope. These verses describe three aspects of Biblical faith that should be true of us.--Main Headings---1- Biblical faith is an assurance of something we don't yet have-2- Biblical faith involves a longing for a better country-3- Biblical faith is faith in a heavenly father
Onesimus, a servant in whom a remarkable change took place, after being converted under the ministry of the apostle Paul. Once he was unprofitable to his Master, but he became profitable to Paul, who recommended his Master, Philemon, to receive him back, as one who would now be profitable to him, as a brother beloved. Has your life been so changed-
The resurrection is not an optional extra as a doctrine. It is vital to the entire Christian faith. To deny it is to become, in this day and age, a materialist. It is to deny that God supernaturally involves Himself in this world and comes closer to a view called deism which believes that God simply leaves the world to follow its natural laws and processes without His aid. We do not believe that. We believe that God very much involves Himself supernaturally in this world and that the resurrection is clear evidence of that fact. So we have good news to consider as Christians. But it is interesting to find that Paul concludes this teaching on the truth of the resurrection with an exhortation to carry on labouring in the Lord. Believing in the resurrection, in Paul's mind, links up with us serving Him joyfully and in a fulfilled way. The good news means that we have a work to do.--Main Headings---1- It can all seem in vain-2- The resurrection changes our perspective
The apostle Paul is writing to a church in all kinds of difficulties. There were many good people in the church but there were some wrong beliefs and some bad behaviour in circulation. One of the key doctrinal mistakes that was taking place was a denial of the bodily resurrection of the Lord -v12-. Paul takes them through the implications of what the denial of the resurrection will lead to. He shows them that to lose the resurrection is to lose the hope of the gospel. So, having gone through the negative implications, were the resurrection not to be in fact true, he then asserts that the resurrection is true -v20-. That verse begins in our English translation with the word 'but'. There can surely be no more important 'but' that has ever occurred in the English language than this one.--The Main Headings---1- A hard thing to believe-2- But it is true--3- Learning to live with life
Big Events - The final part of this series. The Lord's Second Coming, with all things new- New Heavens and New Earth. Together with the Lord Jesus - a great climax-
Many people know the pain of having to sort out the clothes and other possessions belonging to a loved one after they have passed away. It can seem so disrespectful to us, even though they are no longer there, to give away precious things. It would be inconceivable to us to do this sorting out while the person was still alive or was actually there in the house with us. It would seem so disrespectful and such an affront to their dignity.- -This is what the Lord Jesus had to endure when, as He was in the process of being crucified. He endured the soldiers at the foot of the cross, talking, in His hearing, about who will have what of His belongings. This was callous behaviour and so lacking in any sense of His dignity. It was a sign of how the personhood and dignity of our Saviour was utterly laid waste through the things that He had to experience. -Main Headings---1- He had real dignity-2- Suffering huge indignity-3- Dignity restored and our dignity gained
We find David, on more than one occasion, stopping over with the Philistines. He even stays in Gath, the place associated with Goliath. The first time is narrated in Samuel 21-10-15. The second time he is with 600 men -1 Samuel 27-. The king has the same name on both occasions - Achish - but it is thought that he is a different Achish on the second occasion when David goes to Gath. On this second visit he is given residence in Ziklag and ends up, incredibly, being in the king's bodyguard, on the verge of going to fight for the Philistines against Israel. It is through the Lord's mercy that David is discharged by Achish from having to fight alongside him. In all this, Scripture is very open in revealing to us David's flaws, despite being a man after God's own heart.--Main Headings--1- The gullibility of unbelievers-2- What is David doing--3- God loves flawed believers
One day, the things we do today will be called 'history'. Various people will write that history. What will they say of us- Will we be well, or badly thought of- Will we be denounced maybe- In other words, will we be on the right side of history or the wrong side- Will we be judged kindly or harshly by those who might one day write up the days we live in and make a judgment about us---In this passage of the Bible there is only one Person who will be judged to be on the right side of history. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is found here unassumingly riding on a donkey. He is destined to be hated and to be put to death in a very short space of time. The people who put Him to death thought they were on the right side of history. They were seriously mistaken. For the Person who is going to write up history is the Lord Himself and He will not err in what He judges and what He writes. But we can see a selection of people who were on the wrong side of history in verses 39, 44 and 46.
In this passage Ryle is still dealing with the Sermon on the Mount, and the teaching which Jesus gave on a variety of subjects. Here, he speaks briefly on fasting, worldliness and singleness of purpose in religion. There is much more that could be said in a fuller commentary on these verses from the Gospel of Matthew, but this brief exposition is undoubtedly helpful, and may lead those sufficiently interested to a fuller and deeper study of the subjects covered.
David is now a fugitive. He does have friends, but their lives are in danger if they are associated with him. A number of Psalms that David wrote come from this period of his life. David makes some big mistakes during this time. But he also performs some acts of mercy, all the more precious because they are done during a period of great personal trial. They speak about the man that David has become.--Main Headings---1- Examples of David's mercy.-2- God delights in showing mercy...so must we--3- God keeps an accurate record of wrongs.
This is, again, a Psalm of David. He is experiencing a time of trial and testing and is almost overwhelmed.. He speaks of an enemy in v3, and we might suppose this to be someone with the same character as Saul or Doeg. By now, we can see from v6 that David is king. Although the king, he is experiencing troubles in the kingdom, perhaps due to loyalists to Saul still causing difficulty and dissent.--Main headings---1- Christianity is not a life of calm-2- The Christian finds help in the Lord-3- We begin to see the future
David is now a fugitive. He knows that Saul intends harm against him. Jonathan has proved himself a loyal friend and has risked his relationship with his father and his own life, to help David. Saul only sees evil in David, wrongly believing that David is bent on overthrowing him and seizing the crown. David flees, going firstly to the priest at Nob. But Doeg, an Edomite, sees David there and reports this to Saul, which leads to the deaths of all the priests, except for Abiathar, who manages to escape and bring word to David. --David seeks refuge among the Philistines in Gath. He feigns madness, realising that he is in danger and hides in the Cave of Adullam, before leaving to lead a nomadic existence with his followers. All the time he is being pursued by Saul. This is the experience of the true church, persecuted by Satan, and having to find help and refuge in the wilderness -Revelation 12-13-17-.--Main Headings---1- Bad tactics-2- Betrayal is a reality-3- The bonds of fellowship