Richhill Presbyterian Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Richhill Presbyterian Church
Passage: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 8th June 2025
Passage: James 3:13-4:12
Speaker: Michael McClenahan
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 1st June 2025
Passage: 1 John 2:12-17
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 1st June 2025
Passage: John 21:15-25
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 27th April 2025
Passage: John 21:1-14
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 27th April 2025
Passage: John 20:1-23
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 20th April 2025
Passage: John 18:40-19:16
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 6th April 2025
Passage: Romans 8:31-39
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 30th March 2025
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
Passage: John 18:15-27
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 23rd March 2025
Passage: Romans 8:18-27
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 16th March 2025
Passage: Luke 8:1-15
Speaker: Manuel López Franco
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 2nd March 2025
Passage: John 17:1-5
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 23rd February 2025
Passage: Romans 8:5-11
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 16th February 2025
Passage: Romans 8:1-4
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 9th February 2025
Passage: Romans 7:14-25
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 2nd February 2025
Passage: John 16:4-15
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 26th January 2025
Passage: Romans 6:15-23
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 19th January 2025
Passage: Isaiah 63:1-6
Speaker: Richard Murray
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 19th January 2025
Passage: Romans 6:8-14
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 12th January 2025
Passage: Romans 6:1-7
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 5th January 2025
Passage: John 15:1-17
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 5th January 2025
Passage: Carol Service
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 22nd December 2024
Passage: Matthew 2:1-6
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 15th December 2024
Passage: Romans 5:6-11
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 8th December 2024
Passage: Matthew 1:1-17
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 1st December 2024
Passage: Exodus 20:16
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 17th November 2024
Passage: Romans 3:21-31
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 10th November 2024
Passage: Exodus 20:15
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 3rd November 2024
Passage: Romans 3:1-8
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 27th October 2024
Passage: Mark 4:1-20
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 13th October 2024
Passage: Exodus 20:12
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 6th October 2024
Passage: Romans 2:1-11
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 29th September 2024
Passage: Acts 1:6-11
Speaker: Kevin DeYoung
Sermon: Wednesday Midweek - RPC 200th Anniversary Celebrations
Date: 11th September 2024
Passage: Romans 1:24-42
Speaker: John McKee
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 22nd September 2024
Passage: Exodus 20:7
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 22nd September 2024
Passage: Exodus 20:4-6 (The 2nd Commandment)
Speaker: Al McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 15th September 2024
Passage: Romans 1:8-17
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 8th September 2024
Passage: Romans 1:1-7
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 1st September 2024
Passage: Psalm 12
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 25th August 2024
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
Passage: Exodus 15:22-16:36
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 14th July 2024
Passage: Revelation 21:22-27, Isaiah 49:13-16
Speaker: Mark Hawthorne
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 9th June 2024
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 31st March 2024
Passage: Mark 11:1-11
Speaker: Saško Nezamutdinov
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 24th March 2024
Passage: John 12:37-50
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 25th February 2024
Passage: Philippians 4:14-23
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 18th February 2024
Passage: Philippians 4:10-13
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 11th February 2024
Passage: Philippians 4:8-9
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 4th February 2024
Passage: John 11:45-57
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 4th February 2024
Passage: Philippians 4:4-7
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 28th January 2024
Passage: John 11:28-44
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 28th January 2024
Passage: Philippians 4:1-3
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 21st January 2024
Passage: Philippians 3:17-21
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 14th January 2024
Passage: Philippians 3:12-16
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 7th January 2024
Passage: John 10:1-21
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 7th January 2024
Passage: Matthew 2:1-10
Speaker: Caleb Coert
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 31st December 2023
Passage: Christmas Day Service
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 25th December 2023
Passage: Christmas Eve Service
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 24th December 2023
Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 24th December 2023
Passage: Philippians 3:4-11
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 10th December 2023
Passage: Philippians 3:1-4
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 3rd December 2023
Passage: Philippians 2:19-30
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 26th November 2023
Passage: Philippians 2:12-18
Speaker: John McKee
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 19th November 2023
Passage: Philippians 2:5-11
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 12th November 2023
Passage: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 12th November 2023
Passage: Philippians 2:1-4
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 5th November 2023
Passage: John 8:31-59
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 5th November 2023
Passage: Philippians 1:27-30
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 29th October 2023
Passage: John 7:53-8:30
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 29nd October 2023
Passage: Philippians 1:19-26
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 22nd October 2023
Passage: Matthew 22:1-14
Speaker: David Cupples
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 15th October 2023
Passage: Philippians 1:12-18
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 8th October 2023
Passage: John 7:1-24
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 8th October 2023
Passage: Philippians 1:7-11
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 1st October 2023
Passage: John 6:41-71
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 1st October 2023
Passage: Philippians 1:1-6
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 24th September 2023
Passage: John 5:19-47
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 10th September 2023
Passage: John 5:1-18
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 3rd September 2023
Passage: James 5:8-12
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 13th August 2023
Passage: James 4:13-17
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 30th July 2023
Passage: Genesis 37:12-36
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 4th June 2023
Passage: Genesis 35:1-15
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 14th May 2023
Passage: Genesis 33:1-20
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 30th April 2023
Passage: Matthew 27:57-28:10
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 9th April 2023
Passage: Matthew 27:1-26
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 2nd April 2023
Passage: Genesis 29:31-30:24
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 19th March 2023
Passage: John 3:22-26
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 12th March 2023
Passage: Genesis 15:7-21
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 30th Oct 2022
HARVEST
Passage: Philippians 4:4-9
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 23rd Oct 2022
Passage: Titus 2:1-10 (Part Two)
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 5th Oct 2022
Passage: Titus 2:1-10 (Part One)
Speaker: Jeff Gawn
Sermon: Sunday AM
Date: 25th Sept 2022
Passage: Titus 1:10-16 Speaker: Alastair McNeely Sermon: Sunday AM Date: 18th September 2022
Passage: Genesis 12:1-9
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Sermon: Sunday PM
Date: 11th Sept 2022
Series: Abraham
Bible Passage: Psalm 95
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 24th May 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: God, The One to Worship
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 93
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 17th May 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: God reigns!
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 92
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 10th May 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: God our Delight
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 91
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 3rd May 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: God, Our Help in Danger
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 90
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 26th April 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: God is our Home
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 63
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 19th April 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Thirsty for God
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 22 v21-31 Sermon: Sunday AM Sunday 12th April 2020 Speaker: Alastair McNeely Title: Jesus is Alive! Series: The Psalms (Special Series)
Bible Passage: Psalm 22
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 5th April 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Cross
Series: The Psalms
Bible Passage: Psalm 121
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 29th March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Jesus Our Helper
Series: The Psalms (Special series)
Bible Passage: Psalm 27
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 22nd March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: My Light and My Salvation
Series: The Psalms (Special series)
Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:14-19
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 15th March 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Power Of Prayer
Series: Ephesians Series
Bible Passage: Matthew 11:20-30
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 15th March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Come to Me
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:1-12
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 8th March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: No Longer Foreigners & Aliens
Series: Ephesians Series
Bible Passage: Matthew 11:1-19
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 8th March 2020
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Dealing with Doubt
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:19-22
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 1st March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: No Longer Foreigners & Aliens
Series: Ephesians Series
Bible Passage: Matthew 10:32-42
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 1st March 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Costly Loyalty
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:11-18
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 23rd February 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Peace through Christ
Series: Ephesians Series
Bible Passage: Matthew 10:16-31
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 23rd February 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Missionary Orders
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:8-10
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 16th February 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Saved By Grace
Bible Passage: Matthew 10:5-15
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 16th February 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Gospel Strategy
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:1-7
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 9th February 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: From Death to Life
Bible Passage: Matthew 9:35-10:4
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 9th February 2020
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Condition and Commission
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:15-23
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 2nd February 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Praying for Others
Bible Passage: Matthew 9:18-34
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 2nd February 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Lord Over Death!
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:11-14 Sermon: Sunday PM Sunday 26th January 2020 Speaker: Alastair McNeely Title: God’s Inheritance, Our Inheritance
Bible Passage: Matthew 9:9-17 Sermon: Sunday AM Sunday 26th January 2020 Speaker: John Torrens Title: Repentance and Renewal Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Due to technical Issues, this sermon has not been recorded. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:7-10
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 19th January 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Sufficiently & Securely Saved
Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23-9:8, Sermon: Sunday AM, Sunday 19th January 2020, Speaker: Alastair McNeely, Title: Authority over Creation, Evil and Sin, Series: The Gospel of Matthew,
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:3-6
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 12th January 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: He Chose Us
Bible Passage: Matthew 8:18-22
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 12th January 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Following Jesus
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:1-2
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 5th January 2020
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Ephesians: An Introduction
Series: Ephesians Sermon Series
Bible Passage: Matthew 8:1-17
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 5th January 2020
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Authority on Display
Series: The Gospel of Matthew
Bible Passage: Philippians 3:10-4:1
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 29th December 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Enduring Suffering
Series: Stand-Alone (no series)
Bible Passage: Luke 2:8-20
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 22nd December 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Angel’s Song
Series: The Songs of Christmas Series
Bible Passage: Luke 2:21-35
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 22nd December 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Simeon’s Song
Series: The Songs of Christmas Series
Bible Passage: Luke 1:67-79
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 15th December 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Zechariah’s Song
Series: The Songs of Christmas Series
Bible Passage: Luke 1:46-56
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 15th December 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Mary’s Song
Series: The Songs of Christmas Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 22:6-21
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 8th December 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Behold, I am Coming Soon
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 7:24-29
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 8th December 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Build Your Life on the Rock
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 21:9-22:5
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 1st December 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The New Jerusalem
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 7:13-23
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 1st December 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Choose Wisely
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 20:1 - 21:8
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 24th November 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Old and The New
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 7:7-12
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 24th November 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Ask, Seek and Knock
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 19:11-21
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 17th November 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Return of the King
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 7:1-6
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 17th November 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Planks and Specks
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 19:1-10
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 10th November 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Hallelujah!
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:25-34
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 10th November 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Do Not Worry
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 18:1-24
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 3rd November 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Fall of Babylon
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:19-24
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 3rd November 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Treasure in Heaven
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 17:1-18
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 27th October 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Mother of Prostitutes
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:16-18
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 27th October 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Practise of a Christian: Piety!
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 15:5-16:21
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 13th October 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Day of the Lord
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:9-15
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 13th October 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Model for Prayer
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 14:1-15:4
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 6th October 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Resisting the Dragon
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:5-8
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 6th October 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Prayer
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 13:11-18
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 29th September 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Second Beast (666)
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:1-4
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 29th September 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Why Do We Give?
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
Bible Passage: Revelation 13:1-10
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 22nd September 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Beware the Beast
Series: Revelation
————————————
Tonight we will see who/what is this beast? And why John tells us about this beast.
Main Point:
Although Satan uses the powers and authorities to bring about his destructive purposes in the world, God’s people are safe.
In this chapter there is a threefold description of the beast. “An unholy trinity”. Satan pretends to be God and rather than bringing blessings he brings destruction to God’s people.
If you count yourself a member of God’s people this evening. We need to know his strategy and line of attack. Tonight we are going to see one of his strategies.
There are two points tonight:
1. The Beast.
2. The Book.
The Beast. Vv1-8a
Theme: Satan uses the powers of the world to bring about his destructive purposes.
We see this beast is summoned out of the sea by this Dragon. We must ask if the dragon is Satan who or what is the beast? The answer is in the text.
- We see it comes out of the sea. The sea is a symbol of evil. The beasts inception is evil. It’s been conjured up for Satan’s purposes.
V1 “10 horns and 7 heads”.
This language can be found in Daniel. It represents leaders of several nations. The Beast resembles a leaped, bear and a lion. A reference to Daniel 7. The beasts represent 4 nations. Here John is drawing on that language. John sees one beast because this beast represents all political powers and authorities that have been used by Satan. This beast isn’t one person, one time in History but it is a whole host of powers and authorities that have been called upon to bring destruction to God’s nation.
V1 - we are also told the seven heads have a blasphemous name.
V3 - one of the heads was fatally wounded but had been healed. This is supposed to make us think of Jesus. But what we have here is not Jesus, but a sham!
V4 - The result of this is men worship the dragon. This is just dripping with irony. Jesus was physically raised on the third day. And rather than bring glory the whole world mocks the Father.
V4 - Who is like the beast? Last week we saw Satan isn’t even on an equal footing with Jesus. This description is Satan’s strategy. He has deceived the word into thinking that Glory and Honour is found in Power. So the world rather than worshipping its creator and saviour, the world worships Power and the powerful.
V5-8 The persecution is described to us.
This is a clear picture of our world. The powerful people and nations slander the very God they owe their power too. This is the ironic strategy of Satan’s strategy.
Satan is using power in this world to steal glory from God.
John isn’t saying the regimes and governments are all evil! It’s not that we should opt out of voting. But it’s to make us wise and help us see that nations and regimes can be used to bring destruction to God’s people.
Rather than despair, we are called to pray for all these people who drive power and can change culture. We are called to pray for these people! We are to pray that they not abuse their power and that they will be saved. This is how we respond to the beast. We call upon the most powerful one, God in prayer.
2. The Book vv8b-10
Theme: God’s people can patiently endure and remain faithful because we live under Christ’s authority.
V10 - “this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness of the saints.”
WHY?
Why do we need to patiently endure?
V10 - “if anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go....” Here John is quoting two verses from Jeremiah. He does this to warn his people that the beast will bring persecution like the time of Jeremiah.
As long as the church remains the beast will come after us. We need to know this so that we might endure! We are called to remain faithful.
It’s hard for us to remain faithful because deep down we want to join the world and worship the powerful and famous.
Bruce Springsteen - ‘(You) waste your summer praying in vain for a saviour to rise from these streets.’
This line encapsulates many of our hearts. We would love for someone to take hold of our land and fix our country and sort out the mess our country is in. This is our desire we long for a quick fix, no problems but this passage shows us we will be under attack until Jesus returns.
The psalmist says do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot be saved.
Our problem is we have this desire to worship the beast. To trust the powerful. But John in Rev is saying don’t trust in mortal men.
HOW?
How do we patiently endure?
V8 - The Book.
We need to know our Salvation is tidied up in something that was written even before the world began.
The Lambs book of life was written before the world was even made! Jesus has already put your name down. God doesn’t add to the book when he feels like, it has already been written! v8
John says don’t look at the beast, look at the book that was written before the foundation of the world and see the real power that it contains! Your name was written down by the most powerful!
We are to look to the lamb that was slain time and time again. John says before the world was even created, God knew you, he knew the days of your life and he put your name in the lambs book of life. That is how we react, we must focus on the book and focus on the power that God will grant us eternal Salvation!
Satan’s battle plan is the destruction of God’s people and to steal glory from God. Don’t be distressed rather than focusing on the beast, focus on the book and know that the lamb has written your name into the book of life forever. Remain faithful and patiently endured and know that we are saved by the true lamb. If you belong to God, know you are safe!
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:43-48
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 22nd September 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Love Your Enemies
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
————————
In Matthew 5 Jesus is presenting a righteousness that cannot be produced or matched by the world but rather is presented a vision of what His Kingdom will look like.
Jesus is contrasting the false righteousness that is taught by the Pharisees.
Jesus understands and represents true radical righteousness.
3 Points:
1. Original Intention of the Law.
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your being our as yourself. I am the Lord.” Lev 19 v18
Also look up Lev 19 v34.
This commandment in the OT shows us the original intention of what Jesus is saying here in Matthew 5. Anyone is to be loved!
It’s always been God’s standard for human relationships.
2. Perversion of the Law v43
How did the Pharisees manipulate it?
“Tribalism” - a cultural expectation and cultural practice.
The question was how can I broaden the definition of love, BUT how can I narrow the definition of neighbour?
Neighbour then meant “my chosen few”.
Tribalism is still active today. People form a different nationality, different race, different political belief...
The Pharisee in us and this generation asks how can I narrow down God’s commandments so that I’m in control.
How can I narrow down God’s commandments so that I can enjoy them my way?
“Themins” - Northern Irish slang. For those we don’t like.
Tax Collectors, foreigners and poor people were all excluded so that meant you didn’t have to love over 95% of the people.
They omitted a phrase - “as yourself”.
The Pharisees reduced the standard and omitted this. Can’t we see that we sometimes do the same?
Then they added another phrase. Verse 43. “Hate your enemy”
Probably, there was no other area where they corrupted the law than teaching other people about love. They took very clear teaching and perverted it to suit themselves.
Jesus then challenges this:
3. Radical Fulfilment of the Law v44-48
V44 “Love your enemies”...
The Good Samaritan. What a story. We love it. But do we love to practice it?
V44 “ Pray for those who persecute you”.
It’s hard to pray for someone you cannot or will not love.
Bonhoeffer - stood against the evil campaign of Hitler. Instead of hating the Nazi’s he learnt to pray for them.
Jesus practiced this. He prayed for his “enemies”.
“Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”.
Prayer is so important. Why should we do it?
-
Prayer challenges our desire for revenge.
-
Our hearts are filled with grace, truth and compassion.
-
We are reminded God is sovereign.
Why should we do this?
1. Evidence of our Sonship. V45
We are to act like children of God. “Like father, like child”
A life of self giving prayer and love is evidence of a child of God. A life of hatred is a sign of hypocrisy!
2. Imitation of our Father v45
God is generous in his love! He sends sunshine and rain to all! No matter who they are.
3. Exceeding the standards of Tribalism v46/47
We need to exceed the standards of Tax Collectors! Even Tax Collectors loves their friends. Loving those who love you is not a big deal. Even pagans do that. I expect something more from my people.
V47 - “What are you doing more than others?”
Christians should do more.
Kent Hughes - “is there a more in my love beyond natural love, beyond Human affection”
There needs to be a more that points to the fact that God is our Saviour.
Agape love.
“Perfect” - ‘teleious’ - fulfilling what we were made for.
Christianity is more than humanity. We know more than others, we talk more about the things of God than others... God has done more for us and therefore he justly expects more from us than others. He calls us to love the unloveable. - Matthew Henry.
Bible Passage: Revelation 11:19-12:17
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 15th September 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Woman, Dragon and Son
Series: Revelation
—————————————
There is a cosmic battle going on - we as believers mustn’t forgot this!
1 Satan fails in his attack on Jesus - 12v1-6
- The Bible is very clear that Satan is personal force and power and he is out to attack Christ and his church. Christ’s people.
The three characters:
A. Woman v1 - God’s covenant people.
How do we know the women represents God’s Covenant people?
The sun, the moon and the 12 starts. We’ve seen this in Gen 37 - Joseph’s dream. The tribes of Israel!
The promise was made through the pregnant woman.
The messiah came through the covenant people.
Gen 3:15 - was the original promise. The snake has became the dragon!
But as we read in Gen3:15 the woman will crushed the serpent.
B. Dragon v2-3 v9 - Satan
The snake has become the dragon.
These images symbolise -
Red - symbolises strife.
7 heads - completeness
10 horns - power
7 crowns - influence
Destructive tail - that he reeks havoc!
C. Baby v2-3 Jesus!
Satan here is trying to kill the baby.
Abortion. Satan is behind this wicked acceptance of abortion! Satan hates babies.
V6 - “ the women fled to the wilderness”
The church is in the wilderness. But just as God cared for the Israelites and fed them. God is feeding us! We may feel like we are in the wilderness but he is protecting us!
- Satan fails in his attack on heaven v7-12
Satan is defeated and hurled down v7-9
Who is Michael? - Daniel 10v21
V10 points to the victory in Christ.
Jesus resisted the satanic attempt in the dessert.
V12 - the devil knows that his time is short.
- Satan fails in his attack on the church v12-17
V13 - we see why there is chaos in the evil.
V14 - God is for His Church! “The women is given two wings of protection.”
This reminds us of Exodus 19. Where God carried his people on eagles wing! God will protect His people! Satan is making this journey through the wilderness as difficult as possible!
The closer your walk to Jesus the more he will come after you.
“...in order that Satan might not outwit ya. for we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Cor 2 v11
So what are we to do? 3 things:
What is the church to do in between the first and second coming as we wait in the wilderness?
- Trust in the blood of the lamb
V11 - “And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony...”
- Proclaim the Gospel!
Satan hates the Gospel! We must proclaim the Gospel! We must refuse to be silent.
- Dent self and take up His cross daily.
V11 - “... for they lived not their lives even unto death.”
There is something worse than dying! Never truly living. We must live for Jesus!
- When it comes to dying make sure all you have to do is to die.
Conclusion: Satan has lost, and one day our time in the wilderness will be over and Jesus will return and we will be in His promised land!
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:38-42
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 15th September 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Mere Prattle Without Practice
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
—————-
“Mere Prattle without Practice”
- Being Christian is about giving up personal retaliation. V38&39
V38 & 39 - designed to limit the problem of payback. Jesus comes along and says do not retaliate against such a person.
Is Jesus saying there should be no resistance to evil?
-
I don’t think we should think Jesus is talking about policemen at this moment. There’s plenty of passages which show that God loves justice.
-
Jesus isn’t aiming to prohibit justice in this passage he is prohibiting us from taking personal revenge.
-
we know this is personal because of the word “you” in the passage. Do not take personal revenge! Instead show mercy. Love your brother or sister when it’s hard.
-
- Being Christian is about giving our cheek. V39
-
Jesus says if you’re his follower you are to be prepared to take another slap to the cheek rather than retaliate. To turn the cheek.
-
We believe in fair play. It’s our natural instinct to “even the score”.
-
We want the referee to be fair in a game of football.
-
What happens when a fellow believer says something really nasty behind our back? The natural temptation is to retaliate.
-
Being Christian is about giving our possessions. V40
-
The law actually limited that for which a person could be sued... what’s crazy about Jesus’ teaching here is... even if the law protected Christians they are still not to live by the rights of our possessions. At the very least speaks to our property.
-
It’s using our homes with the mantra “open homes open arms”.
-
It’s using our cars to bring those people to church.
-
when we food shop do we buy extra anticipating friends will come round?
-
This is what it means to be Christian... we are to give up retaliation, to give our cheek and our possessions.
-
Being Christian is about giving our time. V41
“If anyone forced you to go one mile, go with him or her two miles.”
-
Jesus is saying if someone asks you to go one mile, you’re not to do it begrudgingly but with grace... what does this mean for us?
-
When someone phones looking to talk we’re not to be resentful,
-
When people are round at the house is it a matter of feeding them and kicking them out?
-
This is what it means to use our time.
-
Being Christian is about giving our money. V42
-
Jesus call us not to say what’s mine is mine. We are to respond to our brother’s need. It is speaking of a genuine need of what has to be met.
-
How easy is it to ask, what’s in it for me? How easy is it to keep our money in our pockets when there is serious need. Jesus says no, give to the one who asks you. When you see need, meet it!
Being Christian is giving up personal retaliation and giving our check, possessions, money and time.
There can be a temptation to have a negative attitude to what Jesus is saying here... but as followers of Jesus we are called not to have negative attitudes. We are called to think and to live differently. Since we are believers there should be a new sense of righteousness in us. Our answer doesn’t lie with what we think is right or wrong, it lies at the cross.
As followers of Jesus, it’s not right or wrong... it’s the cross. When Jesus carried the cross, he walked and he walked and he walked... Jesus time and money was never his own. Why did He come to this world? To do His Father’s will.
Jesus is willing and able to help us do that. Mere prattle without practice may that not be true with us. May we actually live this out with one another.
Bible Passage: Revelation 11:15-18
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 8th September 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Christian Hope
Series: Revelation
——————
“Christian Hope” is the fuel the enables Christians to endure in their faith.
Corporate worship is the primary way that Christians endure.
There are other things that help us endure:
-
Friendships.
-
Family.
-
Hymn Writers
-
etc
Revelation could be summed up as a book about endurance.
It asks us the question - in whom or what will we place our hope when all these other things are gone.
Tonight’s message in two points:
-
Jesus will return to Reign.
-
Jesus will return to Reward.
-
Jesus will return to Reign.
Theme: Our Hope is in Christ’s eternal reign.
-
In the passage we are currently on the seventh trumpet. The end of time. V15
-
This verse is strange because throughout this section we have seen a negative view on the world. But verse 15 rather tells us that the end will come with the return of Jesus and the beginning of his Kingdom. This is where our Christian Hope ought to lie.
-
Our focus should not be on the destruction of the world or evil, our focus should be on the return of Christ and his subsequent reign.
-
Our hope is not limited to one great day of judgement rather our hope is as infinite as God’s Kingdom in which we will one say belong. A kingdom which will go on forever and ever and ever. This is what verse 15 says.
Our Christian Hope is normally places on temporary things like our worship or our friends. Our Christian Hope is in short-term things. This is why this vision is here. God through his servant John wants us to know that Christ will return and he will begin an ever lasting reign (v15). This is our true Christian Hope, as all our earthly hopes will fade away.
When the last trumpet is blown. Jesus will reign supreme. It’s almost the complete opposite of what we see in our governments at the minute. But not Jesus Kingdom. There will be no other rulers. We will be restored to our original intention as in the garden of Eden.
“I did think that I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself!” - Handel
This quote sums up what this passage is about.
But what does this mean for us?
-
If you place your Hope in church worship and you’re growing discontent in it. The answer for you is not to find a church where it does satisfy you. The answer is that there will come a day where worship will be perfect.
-
If you place your Hope in biblical teaching and you’re growing discontent. The answer for you is not to find a church where it does satisfy you. The answer is that there will come a day where Jesus and his Gospel will be perfectly explained.
-
Jesus will return to Reward. V18
Theme: Our Hope is in Christ’s eternal reward.
God doesn’t just judge evil but he also judges His people.
Verses 18 has Psalm 2 language - the nations where angry...
It’s clear that when Jesus returns he’s going to judge the world. That isn’t the main purpose of this verse but we must state the warning this it provides as we know people tonight who are not yet members of God’s family. But Jesus is also going to judge his people.
He will have a period of time where he judges the sheep not the goats. This time isn’t to judge... but to reward. V18.
This passage has to be taken in its context. The purpose of this passage is to encourage God’s people to hope in Jesus’ return. Jesus says he rewards those who put their trust in Him.
The reason this is here is because it’s going to get harder for God’s people. As it gets harder we are going to be under severe precious to put our hope elsewhere. Jesus says here... if you hope in the world see it will lead to destruction... but if you hope in me see you will lead to new life.
But what does this mean for the Christian today? It means that Jesus will reward us. It reminds us that this is not the end as Jesus will return.
Jesus will reward us in whatever way we endure and stand tall in these end days. Whether that be in our jobs, in our prayers, how we bring up our children for him - whatever it may be. Jesus will reward us when we live our life for Him. It is going to get infinitely better! That is our Hope! If we are in Him then we will be given our robes of righteousness.
Final point:
Where do you place your Hope?
Maybe it is in the world? Maybe it is in yourself? Maybe it is in godly things like worship or prayer?
We know it is going to get harder... we must be eternally minded. Our hope must be founded on Heaven. Christ is returning, and when he returns he will reward.
As we finish this section in REVELATION we remember
Ch8-11 shows us The world will end in Destruction and fear.
But chapters 11:15-18 Show us that yes God will judge the living and the dead but he restore his original intention for Earth and will reward those who are faithful to him.
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:33-37
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 8th September 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: A Truthful Tongue
Series: Sermon on the Mount Series
______________
-
Intention - Honesty v33.
-
Oaths we’re allowed to be made but only in the name of God. They are to add emphasis to an important promise.
-
Verse 33 is a summary of several OT passages - Lev19, Ex 20.
-
Perversion - Deceit
-
Pharisees wanted to pervert that idea of oaths. They created ‘escape clauses’ to allow them to lie. They did this by using names similar to God’s name (but they never actually mentioned God) - heaven/ earth/ Jerusalem/ Temple/ etc.
-
‘Fulfilled pattern’ - integrity v34-37
-
Jesus condemns SINFUL use of vows and oaths. He is saying do not swear an oath if you are not going to keep it! (Jesus himself swore an oath before the Sanhedrin).
-
God is a everything - so don’t use anything to be a witness to a lie. Don’t swear a lie by heaven because that’s where God lives. “I swear on my mothers grave”... everything belongs to God so do not swear by them and tell lies.
-
Honest people should not have to make oaths or vows. There are times when people have to make vows, so be it. Take it and tell the truth. (In Court, weddings etc)
The Gospel brings us great hope.
Application
-
have you ever misrepresented yourself to impress others?
-
have you ever bent the truth to suit yourself?
-
Have you ever tried to impress others with a. Radical statement?
Jesus wants us to be habitual truth tellers. He I Holy and he is Truthful and he wants his people to do the same.
- Tame the tongue.
The most dangerous weapon in the world today. James 3. Lying dissolves our view of reality.
- Shun Gossip.
There are many better things to do than gossip. We should challenge the gossip.
- Be open.
The natural tendency is to be closed. Some at haunted because they have not dealt with the things of the past. Speak truth in love.
THINK:
Is it TRUE?
Is it HELPFUL?
Is it INSPIRING?
Is it NECESSARY?
Is it KIND?
Psalm 15:
“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
Final Point:
When we fail, we need to go to the truth. We need to go to Jesus. We need to be people of repentance. We need to go to Jesus because we will never be able to do it on our own. Make he guide us and help us as we go out this week.
Bible Passage: Revelation 9:13-11:14
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 1st September 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Dealing with Dark Days
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:27-32
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 1st September 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Love and Marriage
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 8:1 - 9:12
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 25th August 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Seven Trumpets: Warning!
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:21-26
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 25th August 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Bringing Glory to God: Anger
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 6:1-8:1
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 18th August 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Seals and The Sealed
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Rev 5:1-14
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 11th August 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: A Glimpse of Heaven Part ii - Behold the Lamb of God
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:17-20
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 11th August 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Root of True Righteousness (Part i)
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Jonah 1 - 4 (Recap)
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 4th August 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: God’s Passion!
Series: Stand-alone (Ambassadors Football Camp)
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:13-16
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 4th August 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Purpose of a Christian
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 4
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 28th July 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: A Glimpse of Heaven Part i
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5 - 7
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 28th July 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Sermon on The Mount (Overview)
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 3:14-22
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 21st July 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Church in Laodicea
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Luke 9:18-27
Sermon: Sunday PM (Youth Sunday)
Sunday 16th June 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: Who is Jesus?
Series: Stand-Alone
Bible Passage: Luke 14 v15-24
Sermon: Sunday Am (Children’s Sunday)
Sunday 16th June 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Come to the ‘Party’!
Series: Stand-Alone
Bible Passage: Revelation 2:8-11
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 9th June 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Under Pressure
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:5
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 9th June 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Meekness & Might
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 2nd June 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Faithful & Frigid
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:4
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 2nd June 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Good Grief
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 1:4-20
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 26th May 2019
Speaker: Al McNeely
Title: Look up!
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:1-3
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 26th May 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Bankrupt and Blessed
Series: Sermon on the Mount
Bible Passage: Revelation 1:1-3
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 19th May 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Revelation: An Introduction
Series: Revelation
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 30 - 31
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 19th May 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: David and Saul
Series: God’s King
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:11-18
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 12th May 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Final Words!
Series: Freedom in Christ
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 29
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 12th May 2019
Speaker: Alex Richardson
Title: David and God
Series: God’s King
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:6-10
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 5th May 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Spiritual Harvest
Series: Freedom in Christ
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 28
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 5th May 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Life on Death Row
Series: God’s King
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:1-5
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 28th April 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Living in a Sinful World
Series: Freedom in Christ
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 27
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 28th April 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Slippery Slope to Sin!
Series: God’s King
Bible Passage: John 20:19-23
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 21st April 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: Meeting the Risen Saviour
Series: Stand-alone (Easter 2019)
Bible Passage: John 20:1-18
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 21st April 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: Can You Be Sure of Your Faith?
Series: Stand-alone (Easter 2019)
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:22-26
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 14th April 2019
Speaker: John Torrens
Title: The Fruit of the Spirit: Part ii
Series: Freedom in Christ
Bible Passage: John 12:1-11
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 14th April 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: An Extravagant Expression Of Love
Series: Stand-alone (Easter 2019)
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:22-26,
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 7th April 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Fruit of The Spirit
Series: Freedom in Christ
Bible Passage: Romans 8:28-39
Sermon: Sunday AM
Sunday 7th April 2019
Speaker: Guest Speaker
Title: Logos Ministries
Series: Stand-alone (No Series)
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:16-22
Sermon: Sunday PM
Sunday 31st March 2019
Speaker: Alastair McNeely
Title: The Ongoing Fight
Series: Freedom in Christ