Sermons on Anxiety
Suffering and the Works of God
Suffering and the Works of God – John’s Gospel, chapter 9 verses 1 to 12 Suffering is always with us. 3 ways people think about it: The reality of suffering. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. John 9:1 An even more hopeless case (than the lame man at the pool in chapter 5). He saw a man blind from birth. Jesus knows, feels, understands. Heb 4:14-16He “gets” our suffering. God sends his son, fitted to…
Trusting God in the Darkness
Trusting God in the Darkness, Isaiah chapter 50, verse 4-11 10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light,trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.11 But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches,go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze.This is what you shall receive from my hand: you will lie down in torment.…
The Holiness of God
The Holiness of God – Isaiah chapter 6 verses 1 to 7 God’s fiery, beautiful holiness The rise and fall of a king 6 In the year that King Uzziah died, … Isaiah 6:1a Uzziah: 52 years on the throne. A good king, but his pride led to his downfall. National anxiety at his death. Would the next king be good or bad? The Lord’s majesty described I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train…
Hope in the Love of God
Hope in the Love of God – Romans chapter 5, verses 6 to 11 There is something missing in the lives of many Christians, and it stunts their growth. What is it that’s missing? It is failing to grasp the greatness of the Love of God. The Greatness of God’s Love, Roman’s 5:6-8 To understand it we need to see ourselves through God’s eyes: Weak, helpless, sinful. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ…
Where Do We Turn?
Where Do We Turn? Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. Where do we run when trouble comes? Prince Absalom had rebelled against his father, KIng David, had raised an army and wanted to kill him. People were saying “Even God won’t save him!” 1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” Psalm 3:1-2 But David through his tears still trusts…
Whoever You Are, Whatever You’ve Done
Whoever You Are, Whatever You’ve Done – John’s Gospel chapter 4, verses 1 to 26 Too Far Gone? Does “whoever believes in Him” really include me? (John 3:16) 3 Important bits of information She was a Samaritan, Jesus a Jew, and she was shocked that He should speak to her. Then, they were beside Jacob’s Well, the heritage of both. And it was midday, the hottest time of the day. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said…
How to Deal with Jealousy
How to Deal with Jealousy – John’s Gospel chapter 3, verses 22 to 36 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30. Envy and jealousy can find their way in anywhere, even in church, and bring bitterness. Jealousy Rises verses 22-26 The rise of Jesus’ influence. But John still had a ministry. Many flocked to him in the north. But a dispute: perhaps about who’s baptism was better – “everyone is…
Following God When He Feels Distant
Following God When He Feels Distant (and the “Law of Undulation”) – Psalm 25 A Psalm Of David. 1 In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. 2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Psalm 25:1-3 Our feelings of closeness to God go up and down like the weather (as does every…
The Christian’s Assurance
The Christian’s Assurance – Romans chapter 8, verses 1 to 8 Many have some doubt – “Is my Christian faith real?” The Bible shows us:- 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending…
A Reminder for Forgetful People (Easter Sunday)
A Reminder for Forgetful People (Easter Sunday) – Luke chapter 24 verses 1 to 8 Hopes shattered Failed expectations lead to despair, and memory goes out the window. Verses 1 to 3. Wondering They were baffled and confused, just like us. “Wrong way, Go Back!” they are told. A graveyard is no place for the living. Verses 4 and 5. This changes everything! “He is not here, He is risen! Remember how He told you…” Jesus’ resurrection changes everything! Verses…
Sticking with Jesus
Sticking with Jesus – Colossians chapter 2 verses 6 to 23
Be Ready!
Be Ready! – Matthew’s Gospel chapter 24, verse 36 to chapter 25, verse 13 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Different reactions to Jesus’ return The calculator and calendar approach The anxious response The…