Sermons on Despair
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…
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…
A Song For all Seasons – When I’m feeling lonely and forsaken
When I’m feeling lonely and forsaken – Psalm 22 Bible Reading Matthew 27:32-44 The crucifixion of Jesus 32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his…
The Ultimate Rescue Act
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 Weekend Services – Good Friday and Easter Sunday . These are opportunities to focus on some of the most crucial truths in the Bible for all of mankind . We will be exploring the life changing truths of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, and its relevance to…
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…
No Need to be Afraid
Mark’s Gospel, chapter 4 verse 35 to chapter 5 verse 43 No Need to be Afraid Terror of spiders! But mostly spiders are not that hard to deal with. What about the things we can’t control? Can’t deal with? Dark things, evil things. What scares you? Dying? Demons or spirits? Sickness? Being alone? Losing a loved one? Jesus came to deal with these. Fear of storms. A mega-storm terrifies experienced seamen. Jesus is asleep. “Don’t you care?” Great calm. Mega-storm…
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