Sermons on Despair
Martin, Luther, Grace and OCD
Martin, Luther, Grace and OCD, Romans chapter 1, verse 17 Sub-title – How Martin Luther’s mental illness drove him to rediscover the heart of the Gospel and rescue Christianity from its deadly sleep. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ Romans 1:!7 I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates ……
Light in the Darkness
Light in the Darkness: The Excellencies of God’s Love – Psalm 63 The true Christian is driven by adversity TO God and not away from Him. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 Christians feel they have a right to turn to God at such times On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the…
The Dying Thief
The Dying Thief – Luke’s Gospel chapter 23, verses 26-43 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Luke 23:33 Here Jesus is crucified in the middle, dividing the 2 thieves. The similarities that united them Both wicked men: revolutionaries, murderers, for these were then the capital crimes. Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his…
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 Omnipotence of God
The Omnipotence of God – Job chapters 38 to 42 Omnipotence defined God can for all things according to his nature and will. So he cannot lie, but he can do everything he wills. Nothing can thwart his plans. The book of Job is about suffering, but much more. It shows us the omnipotence, the sovereignty of God. Again and again He is called the “Almighty”. Job’s early acceptance of his suffering turns later to complaint. God’s unsearchable knowledge. 38 Then…
Hope for the Desperate
Hope for the Desperate – John’s Gospel chapter 4 verses 43 to 54 Hope for the desperate. The twin themes of desperation and faith. The superficial faith of the curious crowd They were there to see His miracles. 43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honour in his own country.) 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in…
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…
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…
How Long, O Lord? – Psalm 13
How Long, O Lord? – Psalm 13 Psalm 13 – For the director of music. A psalm of David. This Psalm of David is for all of us (for the “Director of Music”, so it was for everyone). We lament. (verses 1-2) 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over…
The God Who Triumphs
The God Who Triumphs, Exodus chapters 13 to 15 The God Who Triumphs 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.’ 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing towards[e] it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. 28 The water flowed back and covered the…
A Song for All Seasons – The Never-Failing Love of the Lord
The Never-Failing Love of the Lord – Psalm 77 7 ‘Will the Lord reject for ever? Will he never show his favour again?8 Has his unfailing love vanished for ever? Has his promise failed for all time?9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?’ 10 Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.12 I will consider all…
A Song for All Seasons – When Things Fall Apart – Psalm 11
Welcome and Prayer O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer Psalm 11 For the director of music. Of David. 1 In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain.2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the stringsto shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne.He observes…
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