Sermons by James Stone (Page 5)

Sermons by James Stone (Page 5)

A Song for All Seasons – When I’m Feeling Despondent – Psalm 88

Psalm 88 A Song for All Seasons – When I’m Feeling Despondent. Bible Reading – Romans Chapter 8 verses 18-27 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be…

Do not be afraid

If you just want the audio Bible message, please click on the play button above. Otherwise scroll down to follow the songs, readings, prayers as well as the Bible message. Welcome to our Easter Sunday service. Today is a significant occasion in the Christian calendar, and in the lives of all Christians. It is a joyful day as we celebrate the resurrection – the coming back to life – of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As we begin our…

Jesus is King: The King’s Workers

Jesus is King: The King’s Workers. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 9 verse 35 to chapter 10 verse 15. How to Change the World Praying for Workers (9:35-38) Jesus’ ministry (v. 35) Jesus’ compassion (v. 36) Jesus’ strategy (vv. 37-38) Sending out Workers (10:1-15) What? (v. 1) Who? (vv. 2-4) How? (vv. 5-15) Changing the World – Jesus’ Way

Jesus is King: King Jesus, the Soul Doctor

King Jesus, the Soul Doctor. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 9, verses 9 to 13. Jesus’ Call, Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew. He was sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him. Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9 “Follow me” – A hated, despised, tax-collector gets up and follows Jesus. In his crucifixion painting Rembrandt paints himself into the narrative. “Me too!” Jesus’ Mission, Matthew 9:10-13 Later Jesus…

When God Seems Far Off and Hidden – Psalm 10

When God seems far off and hidden. Psalm 10. A crisis of faith Psalm 10:1 The Lord is a place of safety for those who have been treated badly. He keeps them safe in times of trouble. Psalm 9, verse 9 Lord, why are you so far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? … but now, Psalm 10, verse 1 God seems out of the picture. The wicked have moved to the centre. A portrait of…

Praising and pleading with God the Judge – Psalm 9

Praising, and pleading with God the Judge. Psalm 9 A new year in a broken world. Sometimes the wicked seem to win. This side of heaven life is still like that for the believer. Praise for past rescue: Psalm 9:1-12 David and his kingdom are under threat, but he looks to One far greater than any enemy. Every deliverance is a signpost to God and His ways, to His final victory. God’s justice is a source of hope and joy.…

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room 10 – The Birth

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room 10 – The Birth. Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, verses 1 to 7. Macro and Micro, big and small. Macro: Luke 2:1-3 Caesar Augustus (they called him “Ruler of the World”) makes a decision, a census of all the Roman world. He decides and everyone must follow. Micro: Luke 2:4-5 Two of those “everyone”, micros, must go to Bethlehem. What’s so important about micro Bethlehem? Nothing much of itself, but it is David’s city, the…

Let every heart prepare Him room – 3, The Child

The Child. Isaiah chapter 9, verses 1 to 7. Great Expectations. Waiting for a child to come. A time of great distress and gloom (Isaiah chapter 8) – but now “no more gloom” (Isaiah 9:1). Hope Light and joy Isaiah 9:1-3 The basis of hope: Isaiah 9:4-7 Deliverance Isaiah 9:4, as when Gideon defeated Midian in the days of the Judges. Complete victory Isa. 9:5, won by God Himself. The birth of a child Isa. 9:6-7. Born of man, given…

The Good Life 7 – Relationships 101

The Good Life 7 – Relationships 101 Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 7, verses 1 to 12 Relationships occupy our lives, make the biggest part. How are we to relate to…? Christian brothers and sisters Matt. 7:1-5 ‘Dogs’ and ‘Pigs’ Matt. 7:6 Our Heavenly Father Matt. 7:7-11 All people everywhere Matt. 7:12 The golden rule. Treat others as we want to be treated. Simple, but hard. In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you. Words of…

The Good Life 4 – An Audience of One

The Good Life 4 – An Audience of One. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 6, verses 1 to 18. Cravings of the heart. We all want to be noticed. By someone, anyone. How good to come to Jesus, the heart specialist, to get a better perspective. Jesus’ Prescription “When you give” – Matt. 6:2-4. Mask-wearers turn giving into getting by seeking applause. Jesus says “use the hidden way.” “When you pray” – Matt. 6:5-15. Mask-wearers turn giving into getting by seeking applause.…

The Unfinished Task 18 – The Gospel’s Law of Motion.

Acts chapter 14. Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion For every force there is an equal but opposite reaction. But the Gospel Law of motion is different – the Gospel is like a force, and there is an opposite, but unequal, response. Division in Iconium Acts 14:1-7 Don’t be surprised at a divided response. Many believed the Gospel, but others plot to stone Paul to death. This opposition is not equal to the Gospel, which the apostles and disciples carry then…