Sermons from December 2018
What is Man? – Psalm 8
Psalm 8 What is Man? In the 18th century the idea arose that God has no interest in man. The Universe is a vast machine that God made and no longer cares about. Man is just part of the clockwork. In the 19th century Man said that God doesn’t exist. Naturalism (there is nothing but Nature) inevitably led to Nihilism (Man has no significance at all). This is a great blow to any idea of our dignity. We are so…
God Next Door
John’s Gospel chapter 1, verses 14 to 18 God Next Door Jesus’ Identity, verse 14 A real man, yet real God too. “The Word became flesh”. Humble, living with Mary and Joseph. He was one always moving towards people, and never away from them. A man of intimacy. Jesus’ History, verse 15 “He was before me” was a witness’s statement. A history from the very beginning of time. A real history in space and time. Jesus’ Ministry, verses 16 to…
Responding to the Light
John’s Gospel, chapter 1 verses 6 to 18 Responding to the Light Christmas preparations. Three words that strike terror in the heart of any sane person! Christmas is coming. Shopping for presents, food, decorations, and it all starts earlier each year. The witness of the light: John 1:6-9 John the Baptist. John the street sign: not the street, but pointing to where it is. What he is not: not Christ. What he is. “The voice of him who cries in…
He Came Down – Light and Life
Light and life John’s Gospel, chapter 1, verses 1 to 3 Who do you think Jesus is? Here is what one famous man said:- I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a mere man. Between him and whoever else is in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Cæsar, Charlemagne, and I founded empires. But upon what did we rest the creations of our genius ? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded…
He Came Down – Before the Manger
Before the Manger John’s Gospel, chapter 1, verses 1 to 2 John’s unique contribution Mark’s Gospel is silent, Matthew and Luke’s Gospels give us the details of Jesus’ birth, but only John takes us back to the beginning, “before the manger”. In the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word To call Jesus “The Word” seems a strange way of speaking, but…
Side by Side
Side by Side Colossians chapter 4 verses 2 to 18 Christians are not to be lone rangers. The church is God’s family, and spiritual diversity is God’s way. Relationships are vitally important to God. Loving Concern verses 7-9 Mutual concern is the mark of the Christian. Barnabas was called the son of encouragement Encouraging Words, verses 10 to 11 They have proved a comfort to me Unswerving Commitment, verses 12 to 18 First to Jesus, then to each other. Faithfulness…