Sermons on Opposition
The Jesus Who Divides
The Jesus Who Divides – John’s Gospel chapter 7, verses 40-52 A surprising response to good news A division among the crowd 40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, ‘Surely this man is the Prophet.’ 41 Others said, ‘He is the Messiah.’ Still others asked, ‘How can the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?’ 43 Thus the people were divided because of…
Let All Who Are Thirsty Come and Drink
Let All Who Are Thirsty Come and Drink – John’s Gospel chapter 7, verses 25 to 39 Confusion about Jesus 25 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, ‘Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? 27 But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will…
The Identity of Christ Confirmed
The Identity of Christ Confirmed – John’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 31 to 47 Background Jesus had compassion on the paralysed man and healed him on the Sabbath day, creating controversy with the religious rulers. His startling claim to be one with God angered them. Now He calls witnesses in His defence. Jesus’ five witnesses He engages in a mock trial, calling 5 witnesses. There is no shortage of evidence. God the Father 32 There is another who testifies in my…
The Controversial Claim of Christ
The Controversial Claim of Christ – John’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 16 to 30 2 Things: Jesus, a controversial figure 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. John 5:16 Just before this He provoked controversy by healing an paralysed man on the Sabbath. Jesus’s controversial claim 7 In his defence Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’ 18 For…
A Surprising Solution to Suffering
A Surprising Solution to Suffering – John’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 1 to 15 A surprising solution to suffering. The problem of suffering is ever with us. What could be worse than being sick? A miraculous poolside healing 5 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great…
Persecution Ignites Mission
Persecution Ignites Mission – Acts chapter 8, verses 1 to 8 God intends to make His name known so that all will call on Him. Persecution is part of this, for it ignites and fuels the mission of the Gospel of Jesus. The Reality of Persecution: Acts 8:1-3 – a murderous rage against Jesus’ followers, still happening today in many places. The Response to Persecution: Acts 8:4-8 – the Christians scattered, sharing the Gospel message. The believers were not good…
God’s Holy Temple
God’s holy Temple (and Living Stones) – Ezra chapter 6 King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon. 2 A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it. Memorandum: 3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and…
Hope Restored
Hope Restored – Ezra chapter 5 5 Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. Ezra 5 5 But the eye of their God was watching over…
An Ancient Atheism – Psalm 14
An Ancient Atheism – Psalm 14 Psalm 14 – For the director of music. Of David. 1 The fool says in his heart,‘There is no God.’They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;there is no one who does good.2 The Lord looks down from heavenon all mankindto see if there are any who understand,any who seek God.3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;there is no one who does good,not even one.4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?They devour my…
The Coming of the King
The Coming of the King – Matthew’s Gospel chapter 21, verse 1 to 27 Who is this? 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’11 The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’ Matthew 21 New International Version…
The God Who is Determined
The God Who is Determined – Exodus chapters 5 and 6 The God Who is Determined Exodus 5:22-6:8 The splendour of stubbornness: God is determined to make good His promises to rescue Israel. Obstacles: Pharaoh’s Feistiness Israel’s Fickleness Moses’ Failings God’s determination: 8 times He says to Moses “I will!” “Come hell or high water”
The God Who Keeps His Promises
The God Who Keeps His Promises – Exodus chapters 1 and 2 8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 ‘Look,’ he said to his people, ‘the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.’ 22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people:…
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