Sermons – Carryduff Baptist Church

Sermons – Carryduff Baptist Church

Sermons – Carryduff Baptist Church

Carryduff Baptist Church is an evangelical church that acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord. We believe in the gospel and the need for individuals to be born again by the Spirit of God, in order to be made ready for heaven. We are part of a wider fellowship of churches known as the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. We are made up of people from all backgrounds and ages who have a common desire to know more of God’s love in their own lives and to show His love in the community of which we are a part. The Bi...

A Better Master

A Better Master

In Romans 6 Paul address misunderstandings that come from not understanding … What Happened When we Came to Christ What was Happening Before we Came to Christ

Jan 26, • 37:01

No Man is and Island

No Man is and Island

In Romans 5:11-21 Paul addresses something he has not discussed yet: how Christ’s death can change our fate. The answer is through a real union with those who put their faith in him. This is how the human race fell into sin in the first place, through a real union with Adam. And so Paul here describes: How God Justified Us Why God Justified Us, and The Confidence God Gives Us

Jan 19, • 35:47

United in Hope

United in Hope

Romans 5:1-11 demonstrates that, far from being a lesser justification, fake justification, justification by faith is far superior to any status we might ever have earned for ourselves. Justification is not just the satisfaction of our legal responsibilities, it is also … The Restoration of a Relationship, and The Relocation of our Confidence We boast in God…

Jan 12, • 29:46

United in Abraham

United in Abraham

To demonstrate the deep roots of this gospel of justification by faith, Paul takes us to the very beginning of God’s work to bless – to Abraham, “the father of us all” (Rom 4:16). He takes the received wisdom of the Jewish believers and goes about: Redefining History Redefining Israel Redefining Hope

Jan 5, • 35:44

True Religion

True Religion

Zechariah 7-8 forms a kind of review of what the prophet has revealed so far in the form of opposing pictures of: Our Coldness, and God’s Jealousy

Dec 29, 2024 • 37:03

King for All the World

King for All the World

The record of the visit of the Magi provides us with … A False King The True King Some Unexpected Subjects

Dec 22, 2024 • 34:30

But now …

But now …

Romans 3:21 is the turning point, the thing that changes everything, where Paul introduces us to … God’s Declaration – Justification God’s Goal – Redemption God’s Means – Propitiation

Dec 15, 2024 • 38:13

Who are you trying to impress?

Who are you trying to impress?

In Romans 2:17-29 Paul makes a personal challenge to those resting on their inherited advantages and reminds them that, Keeping the Law is an inward thing, not an ourward Keeping the Law requires an outward power, not an inward resolve Keeping the Law is for God’s praise, not people’s

Dec 1, 2024 • 36:04

Assisted Dying

Assisted Dying

Friday 29th November will see the House of Common giving a second reading to a bill intended to legalise assisted suicide for adults who are terminally ill. What, if anything, does the Bible say about this issue?

Nov 24, 2024 • 35:54

Jesus of the Scars

Jesus of the Scars

On this Remembrance Sunday we reflect on the scars of Christ, inspired by Edward Shillito’s poem Jesus of the Scars If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow,We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars. The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;In all the universe we have no place.Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars, we claim Thy grace. If, when the doors are shut, Thou

Nov 10, 2024 • 34:15

Last Words

Last Words

On our college Sunday we are joined by third year student Andrew Gray

Nov 3, 2024 • 26:32

Jude

Jude

On our college Sunday we have New Testament tutor, Peter Firth

Nov 3, 2024 • 37:43

The Danger Within

The Danger Within

In Romans 2 Paul turns from the condition of all humanity, to the specific dangers that those who have been forgiven are prone to.

Oct 27, 2024 • 36:29

It begins with wrath

It begins with wrath

In Romans 1:18-32 we find the first elements of Paul’s argument for salvation by faith alone. But he begins in a very shocking and disturbing way, he begins with wrath. Before the gospel can be about demonstrating God’s love it must first be about God’s wrath – what to do with the furious, devastating, and entirely justified wrath of God?That is the problem to which the gospel is the only possible answer.

Oct 20, 2024 • 34:36

United in Purpose

United in Purpose

Paul has many important, and weighty, things to say to the believers in Rome, but before he says any of them he has something that he needs to say first

Oct 13, 2024 • 35:42

Why Write to Rome?

Why Write to Rome?

Before delving into the glorious detail of Paul’s letters to the Romans it’s important to take our bearings and consider: What Paul wrote? That Justification is by Faith alone Why Paul wrote that? Because their unity was in danger and justification by faith is what makes us one

Oct 6, 2024 • 31:51

Perfect Obedience

Perfect Obedience

...

Sep 29, 2024 • 22:22

Why Lifegroups?

Why Lifegroups?

Our Lifegroups begin again at the end of the month and so this morning we are addressing why we have them, and what we hope to achieve from them.

Sep 15, 2024 • 35:49

The Perfect Wife

The Perfect Wife

Proverbs begins and ends with a woman. The first is the personification of Wisdom, the last is the Perfect Wife, who is more than simply a domestic figure, but a way of showing us what every wife is supposed to be a picture of – the True Wife, the Bride of Christ.

Sep 8, 2024 • 31:22

Wisdom and the Gospel

Wisdom and the Gospel

Wisdom can help us to avoid calamity … but can do nothing to recover us from calamity. So, if it’s too late, if you didn’t listen, if wisdom and all its clarity about what you should have done can only mock you now … where will you turn?

Sep 1, 2024 • 37:28

Wisdom and the King

Wisdom and the King

...

Aug 25, 2024 • 32:58

He is in Control

He is in Control

In Genesis 37 it would seem that Joseph’s life fell apart, but – as events would show – God was in control throughout it all

Aug 18, 2024 • 30:44

How to Waste Wisdom

How to Waste Wisdom

Looking at Proverbs 24:23-34 we look at what Proverbs has to say about laziness – the best way to waste wisdom

Aug 11, 2024 • 35:08

How to Share Wisdom

How to Share Wisdom

How should a Christian share wisdom with others? The simple answer is with words – but through words used well. From Proverbs we find two first principles Words are Power (so use with care!) You are helping, not doing This leads to three practical guidelines Wise speaking begins with careful listening We are in the business of persuasion Persuasiveness begins in the heart

Aug 4, 2024 • 31:50

How to be Wise

How to be Wise

Wisdom is the art of asking the right questions and understanding the implications of the answers that we give – so how do we become wise? The Book of Proverbs has an answer which it reiterates over and over and over, throughout the book – welcome, and be grateful, for correction and rebuke, no matter where it comes from.

Jul 28, 2024 • 36:12

What is foolishness?

What is foolishness?

Foolishness is portrayed in Proverbs not simply as a lack of intelligence but as an unfaithfulness to the wisdom on which the creation itself rests. It is a kind of adultery.

Jul 21, 2024 • 31:14

What is Wisdom?

What is Wisdom?

Before we study the books of wisdom we must understand what wisdom is. The book of Proverbs offers two principles

Jul 14, 2024 • 30:47

Hope in the Lord

Hope in the Lord

...

Jul 7, 2024 • 34:26

Hope

Hope

Micah, who has so clearly foretold both Jerusalem’s overthrow and her elevation, ends with a message of Hope – but a hope that is costly

Jun 30, 2024 • 37:03

Prayer

Prayer

...

Jun 23, 2024 • 31:22

Luke 7

Luke 7

...

Jun 16, 2024 • 30:48

Genesis 49

Genesis 49

...

Jun 9, 2024 • 34:14

What is good?

What is good?

We are often very poor judges of what is good, which is why we often resist, or mistrust, God. Micah calls us to relearn what is good for us.

Jun 2, 2024 • 0:00

A Lion Among the Beasts

A Lion Among the Beasts

...

May 26, 2024 • 0:00

The Kingdom of the Lame

The Kingdom of the Lame

In Micah 4:6-5:6 the prophet begins to describe the kingdom of which the Jerusalem to come will be the capital. He tells us about: The Kingdom he will build The King he will give The Scattering to come The Comfort which will sustain The Harvest to be gathered

May 19, 2024 • 35:19

Keep Going

Keep Going

David Cameron joins us this morning as a pulpit swap for Association Sunday

May 12, 2024 • 38:20

Building Zion with Bloodshed

Building Zion with Bloodshed

...

May 5, 2024 • 32:14

Engraved with Iron

Engraved with Iron

In chapter 2 we have the reason why God is threatening the judgement described in chapter 1. We have, God’s Diagnosis Israel’s Denial Christ’s Deliverance

Apr 28, 2024 • 31:46

We are too alike

We are too alike

...

Apr 21, 2024 • 32:03

Abraham

Abraham

...

Apr 14, 2024 • 25:40

Welcome to Micah

Welcome to Micah

At the outset of our studies in Micah we start by asking why we need to read the prophets at all, and what this prophet has to say.

Apr 7, 2024 • 34:39

Hard to Believe

Hard to Believe

The resurrection is hard to believe, it always has been, it was for those who were there. But every single person who was there ended up utterly convinced that it had happened

Mar 31, 2024 • 32:20

Baptism

Baptism

Easter has always been associated with baptism and so, on this Palm Sunday, we are considering the importance and significance of Christian baptism

Mar 24, 2024 • 39:14

Draw Near to His Disgrace

Draw Near to His Disgrace

...

Mar 10, 2024 • 37:14

The Need for One Another

The Need for One Another

...

Mar 3, 2024 • 32:52

The Path to Holiness

The Path to Holiness

We are called to be at peace with everyone – which is not simply the absence of war. So we need to … Think about how we live together Think about where we will live together Think about what will endure

Feb 18, 2024 • 36:55

The Need for Suffering

The Need for Suffering

There are many things which will hinder us in Drawing Near to God – guilt and doubt but also suffering. In Hebrews 12 we come to the issue of the struggles that believers face which we are challenged to understand as discipline. Doing so requires us to understand, The Difference between Punishment and Discipline The Difference between Growth and Despair

Feb 11, 2024 • 37:14

An Unseen Foundation

An Unseen Foundation

The message behind the various figures listed in Hebrews 11 as exemplars of faith is simply, These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised Heb. 11:39 The rested their hope on An Unseen Foundation, which is what we are called to when we fix our eyes on Jesus

Feb 4, 2024 • 35:56

Don’t throw away your confidence

Don’t throw away your confidence

In 10:19 Hebrews turns from several chapters of instruction about the priesthood of Christ to practical application of these truths. This passages makes clear: What to do What will happen if we don’t What we should want to do it

Jan 28, 2024 • 38:16

Draw Near to be Changed

Draw Near to be Changed

Hebrews 10 focuses our attention on the profound changes which death of Christ brought about for everyone. This morning we think about, The Death of Christ changes the shape of our relationship to God The Death of Christ changes the experience of drawing near to God

Jan 21, 2024 • 31:13

Arise

Arise

...

Jan 14, 2024 • 47:05

The Question of the Conscience

The Question of the Conscience

Hebrews 9 addresses the question of what it is that Christ, as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, will offer in the heavenly tabernacle by highlighting … The Problem in Essence The Point of Failure The Power of the Blood

Jan 7, 2024 • 37:02

The Next Step

The Next Step

Paul’s approach to planning teach us the importance of … Commitment Teamwork Obedience

Dec 31, 2023 • 31:23

The Genesis of Christmas

The Genesis of Christmas

The first chapter of Matthew’s Gospel presents: The Impossible Promise The Impossible Answer

Dec 24, 2023 • 35:18

Born under law

Born under law

The presentation of Christ by Mary and Joseph make clear, The Humiliation of Christmas The Personal Touch of Christmas The True Significance of Christmas

Dec 17, 2023 • 35:10

The Real World

The Real World

the main point of what we are saying is this: we do have such a high priest Hebrews 8:1 Hebrews declares that that main point the book is intended to make, the reality that sluggish believers find difficult to really grasp is that we do have a high priest who is very different to the familiar priests of the Old Testament. We easily fall back into old habits and this passages serves as a call to wake. Wake up to a better Temple Wake up to a better Ministry Wake up to a better Covenant

Dec 10, 2023 • 36:03

The Hero we Need

The Hero we Need

Hebrews 7 begins to focus on the strange character of Melchizedek, his unusual priesthood, and the promise of another priest like him. All of which reveal: The Surprising Dignity of Melchizedek The Shocking Powerlessness of the Old Covenant The Incomparable Superiority of the New Covenant

Dec 3, 2023 • 35:22

Take Hold!

Take Hold!

Hebrews has much to tell us about the new kind of priesthood which Christ embodies, but for it’s first readers (and perhaps for us) there is something which will make it hard for us to grasp – the sluggishness of our faith. And so Hebrews 5:11-6:20 constitutes an aside in which he calls us to face that truth and confess, It’s not you, it’s me It’s not ok Get your eyes on the prize

Nov 26, 2023 • 36:49

A Sympathetic Saviour

A Sympathetic Saviour

C. S. Lewis wrote, Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is Mere Christianity Which means that no-one knows more completely how strong temptation is, than the only man who never gave in to it – Jesus Christ. And it is that which makes him able to sympathise with those who fall before it.

Nov 19, 2023 • 33:28

A Christian Response

A Christian Response

Christ’s Olivet Discourse provides us with two clear elements of a Christian’s response to war: Do not be frightened Bear Testimony to Christ

Nov 12, 2023 • 29:06

Enter his Rest

Enter his Rest

Hebrews 3:6-4:13 issues a solemn warning, do not harden your hearts Hebrews 3:8 But, like all good warnings, it’s intent is not to fill us with anxiety, but to ensure that we are safe.

Nov 5, 2023 • 32:32

Lifted up with Him

Lifted up with Him

Hebrews 2:5-3:6 introduce us to God’s solution to a problem of our making, the problem of why the world is as it is, of why – although God put everything under our feet – we have become the victims, instead of the masters, of creation.

Oct 29, 2023 • 37:14

Friendship

Friendship

...

Oct 22, 2023 • 31:43

Genesis 15

Genesis 15

...

Oct 15, 2023 • 35:16

Christ is Supreme

Christ is Supreme

...

Oct 8, 2023 • 26:28

The Angels our Servants

The Angels our Servants

Hebrews begins by addressing an issue whereby, in the minds of its recipients, the angels had become so important that they threatened to displace Christ. It is a particular example of a more general danger, that of allowing a true but secondary matter to mean more to them than Jesus did. When that happens, no matter what the secondary matter might be, we face the danger of drifting.

Oct 1, 2023 • 36:47

The New World

The New World

Broadly speaking the book of Hebrews presents us with two major themes: The Danger against which it warns The Appeal which it makes

Sep 24, 2023 • 31:38

Mervyn Scott – Baptist Missions

Mervyn Scott – Baptist Missions

We were delighted to have had the director of Baptist Missions, Mervyn Scott, with us this Sunday

Sep 17, 2023 • 44:15

Missions and the Local Church

Missions and the Local Church

Mission is not an optional extra for ‘advanced Christians’, nor is it simply a department of the Church, it is much more important than that. To fully understand the part of the local church in missions we need to ask: What is Mission? What is involved in Mission? Who is involved in Mission

Sep 10, 2023 • 29:47

Built on Rock

Built on Rock

Hear his voice – “the crowds were amazed at his teaching” (v 28) Make it real – “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man” (v 24)

Sep 3, 2023 • 35:47

Stay the Course

Stay the Course

Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, Christ emphasised how we can trust our heavenly Father, for he knows how to give good gifts to his children. Now, as we approach the end of chapter 7, he makes clear that we must trust him, even if it seems impossible, because all other alternatives lead to destruction

Aug 27, 2023 • 32:34

Don’t Judge

Don’t Judge

Far from a blanket ban on making any judgements, this is a warning not to judge badly, because we desperately need to be part of … A Community of Compassionate Judgement A Community of Prepared Hearts A Community of Believing Seekers

Aug 20, 2023 • 35:32

Don’t Worry

Don’t Worry

Matthew 6 begins with a warning against reducing our righteousness to a performance to be seen by men. The end of that chapter is about the thing that makes us play a part instead of pleasing God – worry

Aug 13, 2023 • 33:38

When righteousness goes wrong

When righteousness goes wrong

...

Aug 6, 2023 • 35:29

Wholehearted

Wholehearted

Having issued the ominous warning, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven Matt. 5:20 Jesus now poses six piercing challenges to what we think righteousness really is, and whether what we’re actually looking for is the absolute least we can do.

Jul 30, 2023 • 36:30

Pursue Perfection

Pursue Perfection

...

Jul 23, 2023 • 34:06

Do your job

Do your job

After the beatitudes Jesus says two profound things to his hearers, ‘You are the salt of the earth You are the light of the world Matt. 5:13-14 Two assertions which imply two requirements of Christ’s followers, Don’t Blend in Don’t Hide

Jul 16, 2023 • 31:58

The Man with No Bucket

The Man with No Bucket

In John 4 a woman despised and excluded from her community encountered Jesus by a well. He didn’t even have a bucket to draw water for himself but he advised her to ask him for water.

Jul 9, 2023 • 36:49

Why doesn’t politics work?

Why doesn’t politics work?

When it comes to simply living together … why can’t we do better?

Jun 25, 2023 • 32:19

Inheritance

Inheritance

The book of Numbers finishes with a final collection of laws, both related to the inheritance Israel is about to receive. The lessons Moses leaves with them are: Do not defile your inheritance Your inheritance can never be taken away

Jun 18, 2023 • 34:17

Taking Jesus at his word

Taking Jesus at his word

...

Jun 11, 2023 • 29:30

Momentum

Momentum

...

Jun 4, 2023 • 35:19

Remember the Journey

Remember the Journey

Numbers 33’s careful enumeration of all the stages in Israel’s journey from slavery to their promised land, followed by a clarion call to drive out the people’s living there completely, serve to issue two challenges Remember how you got here Remember why you came

May 28, 2023 • 32:33

Fighting for the wrong thing

Fighting for the wrong thing

On the verge of entering the long awaited promised land, two of the twelve tribes who made up the people of Israel said to Moses, Do not make us cross the Jordan Num. 32:5 They had found what they thought was a better home in Gilead. Meanwhile, half of another tribe were so committing to fighting a war that everyone else knew was over, that they stayed behind too. Their example forces us to ask ourselves, are we Fighting for the wrong thing?

May 21, 2023 • 34:07

His Last Battle

His Last Battle

The last battle Moses would fight before his death on this side of the Jordan was to execute the Lord’s vengeance on Midian. And that terrible task would show that, No-one is innocent No-one is untouched No-one is alone Nothing is finished

May 14, 2023 • 38:15

Men and Women

Men and Women

After the offerings detailed in Numbers 28-29 which maintain the relationship between God and his people, chapter 30 turns to the relationships among the people, specifically those between Men and Women

May 7, 2023 • 36:31

Offerings

Offerings

In Numbers 28-29 Moses offers a summary, not simply of the sacred days and seasons Israel were to observe, but the Offerings they were to present as a fundamental part of the rhythm of their lives.

Apr 30, 2023 • 33:37

Make Ready

Make Ready

Two challenging events – the loss of the inheritance of a man with no sons and only daughters, and the need for a leader to succeed Moses – cause Israel to face their fears for the future The Fear of Loss The Fear of Abandonment

Apr 23, 2023 • 31:14

He is Faithful

He is Faithful

We consider Psalm 20 as a psalm for David and a psalm for Jesus

Apr 16, 2023 • 38:39

Surely he bore our pain

Surely he bore our pain

Christ bore more than our sins, according to Isaiah, he also bore our pain and those who saw him do so responded in many ways. There were, The Gawkers The Fearers The Wonderers And those who heard and believed the Truth He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you Matt. 28:7

Apr 9, 2023 • 34:56

The Blind Spot

The Blind Spot

After God’s glorious defence of Israel against the ploys of Balak and Balaam it is tragic that what happens next is an utter betray of God by Israel. In Numbers 25-26 we encounter, Faithless People Faithful God Fearful Sacrifice

Apr 2, 2023 • 35:56

God in the Womb

God in the Womb

...

Mar 26, 2023 • 32:27

God’s Invincible Blessing

God’s Invincible Blessing

The Futility of Trying to Overthrow God's Blessing The Nature of God's Blessing The Purpose of God's Blessing

Mar 19, 2023 • 37:56

The Blind Prophet

The Blind Prophet

Balaam's Greed is Condemned Balaam's Humiliation is Engineered Balaam's Madness is Confronted

Mar 12, 2023 • 34:29

Ends and Beginnings

Ends and Beginnings

A Story without an End A War without Mercy A Solution without Cost

Mar 5, 2023 • 35:53

Doubt

Doubt

...

Feb 26, 2023 • 35:59

The Breaking Point

The Breaking Point

After forty years in the wilderness Moses is within sight of the Promised Land. But, tragically, it is here, within sight of his life’s goal, Moses reaches his breaking point and is barred from entering Canaan

Feb 19, 2023 • 34:58

“Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

“Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

As we begin a study of Christ’s parables we begin with the fundamental question of, why did he use them at all?

Feb 5, 2023 • 21:58

This is not a drill

This is not a drill

What has been at the root of all Israel’s troubles has been a habit of defiance, and in Numbers 16-17 we see that the answer to that habit isn’t more legislation, but a priest – a mediator who can stand in the gap and made peace. In these chapters we see, What the priest does Why we need the priest What the priest can give us

Feb 5, 2023 • 37:08

How then should we live?

How then should we live?

Numbers 15 inserts a groups of laws into the aftermath of Israel’s refusal to enter the promised land. But there’s nothing random about them – they are designed to introduce into Israel’s daily life over the next forty years three truths: Salvation is a Relationship Defiance Destroys Relationship Remembrance Preserves Relationship

Jan 29, 2023 • 35:13

Minority Report

Minority Report

There comes a point in some stories – indeed, in some lives – where everything changes. It becomes the definining moment of that story or of that life. In the life of the newly born nation of Israel that defining moment is described in Numbers 13-14. Their moment of truth results in a spiral of Discover, Disinformation, and Disobedience – but what does it mean? Don’t watch Israel, watch God and see … The sin of not wanting to try The need to face our failure The provision of a man to pray fo

Jan 22, 2023 • 41:15

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Matt 5:1-12

Jan 15, 2023 • 28:50

The Graves of Craving

The Graves of Craving

As Israel are on their way – quite literally – to the promised land, they stumble over the same thing that so often causes us to stumble … the things we crave. The thing we crave can destroy us, or lead us to salvation. Dissatisfaction creates craving Craving is Contagious

Jan 8, 2023 • 38:39

Do not be silent

Do not be silent

Acts 18 gives us an insight into how Paul was able to situate himself in unexpected situations, and react to unforeseen opposition. He avoided both the crushing weight of thinking the whole future of the Church rested on him, and the despiriting idea that what he did was irrelevant by recognising that he was, Necessary but not Sufficient Necessary but not Vulnerable Necessary but Replaceable

Jan 1, 2023 • 34:25

The Dark Night of Christmas

The Dark Night of Christmas

Much of the Christmas story takes place at night, and for good reason. There is a darkness in these events that exemplifies the very thing Christ was born to save us from. It teaches us that, Humanity doesn’t want to be saved God still wants humanity He has come to confront our darkness

Dec 18, 2022 • 33:21

Carol Service

Carol Service

The 17th century poet Richard Herrick wrote, The darling of the world is come,And fit it is, we find a roomTo welcome him. To welcome him. And what Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem teaches us is that, if we do welcome Christ we will find that we are not welcoming a stranger, you may have never met him before but he’s your family, your true family.

Dec 18, 2022 • 17:42

Veiled in Flesh

Veiled in Flesh

God did the impossible at Christmas – the omnipotent God becomes a helpless child. And yet he did it … Because we are blind to what we long for That we might see his glory To bring us grace from God

Dec 11, 2022 • 33:02

Elders – Servants of the Word

Elders – Servants of the Word

There are two offices, given by Christ for the good of the Church – Deacons and Elders. This morning we look at Elders, Servants of the Word

Sep 11, 2022 • 34:21

Love and Law

Love and Law

Throughout 1 John, John has emphasised the need for Christians to love one another. But where does that leave the obligations of the Law? Is there a tension between the two? In the final chapter he addresses both, and brings the letter to a surprising conclusion.

Sep 4, 2022 • 36:56

Shaken by Lies

Shaken by Lies

The community John is writing to has been shaken, not only by people denying Christ and leaving the church, but also by people staying and lying to the church. And he shows us, in 1 John 4:1-6 … How to Recognise the FakesHow to Defeat the Fakers

Aug 22, 2022 • 30:37

Remember his Love

Remember his Love

In his opening chapters John has been at pains to call us to remain in Christ, to remain in the light. Chapter 3 begins to address what it looks like to do that and the heart of it is this appeal, See what great love the Father has lavished on us1 John 3:1 In the chapter he warns us of two things that will distract us from his love, and one consequence that will follow if we focus on his love Do not be deceivedDo not be surprisedDo set your hearts at rest in his presence

Aug 14, 2022 • 37:55

Shaken by Divisions

Shaken by Divisions

In 1 John 2:15-29 we come to an event which has profoundly shaken the confidence of the believers, and which may well be the reason why John wrote. Some of their number had left them, denying Christ and trying to lead them astray. And the question they are facing is, What does this mean? John offers several answers: It means that they allowed themselves to love the world instead of GodIt means that they were following an invented JesusIt means that it is God who holds on to us, and not we to hi

Aug 7, 2022 • 34:26

You can do it!

You can do it!

In 1 John 2:7-14, having called on his readers to walk in the light, John assures them that they can do exactly that because – in Christ – something has changed. Jesus has changed our capacity to keep the lawJesus has changed the signs by which God’s people are knownJesus has changed all our defeats into victories

Jul 31, 2022 • 33:38

Light and Dark

Light and Dark

In 1 John 1:5-2:6 we are presented with a spiritual catch-22, we cannot claim to have fellowship with God while we are walking in the dark, but if claim to be without sin we are lying … so how can we come to God. John’s answer is Christ, because Christ is … A LightA SacrificeAn Advocate

Jul 24, 2022 • 34:19

What it’s all about

What it’s all about

John begins his letter, discussing How to Know, by making three simple points Something has happenedWhat has happened has made us oneOur joy depends on what has happened

Jul 10, 2022 • 35:53

That you may know

That you may know

John explains his motivation in writing 1 John towards the end of the letter, and he says it was … I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.1 John 5:13 But one of his dominant themes isn’t a reassurance, but a command, “love one another”. The key to understanding the letter is seeing the connection between the two.

Jul 3, 2022 • 35:09

Go with God

Go with God

In Numbers 9:15-10:36 Israel are finally ready to leave Mount Sinai. The time for preparation has ended and their final directions relate how they are to come and go as they travel. This is unfolded in: The CloudThe TrumpetsThe Invitation

Jun 26, 2022 • 35:24

Worth Remembering

Worth Remembering

It’s one thing to set people free, but how do they stay free? Numbers seems to present the Passover in Numbers 9 as the answer, that the way they’ll stay free is by remembering how they were delivered. The regulations given here highlight: The Importance of RemembranceThe Indispensability of RemembranceThe Universality of Remembrance

Jun 19, 2022 • 28:35

To Walk in the Light

To Walk in the Light

Numbers 8 presents, rather unexpectedly, specific instructions for one item of furniture in the Tabernacle – the lampstand. It is clear that, with the dedication of the Tabernacle, the privilege of being able to walk in its light has profound significance. This is only underscored by the fact that the next thing narrated is the cleansing of those who would walk in that light. It presents to us: The Promise of LightThe Promise of Cleanness

Jun 12, 2022 • 32:53

Switch to the Fountain App