Sermons from 2024 (Page 4)
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…
The Greatest Expression of Love
The Greatest Expression of Love – John’s Gospel chapter 3 verses 16 to 21 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not…
Be a Banana Tree!
Be a Banana Tree! – 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 verses 1 to 10 The Christians of Thessalonika were like banana trees – they multiplied! The Apostle Paul was thankful for their faith, love and hope in Jesus. They were imitators of Jesus, and example to all 1st Century Greece. God’s Gospel rang out from them. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2…
How Does a Person Become a Christian?
How Does a Person Become a Christian? John’s Gospel 2:23 to 3:15 Jesus know the heart of Man 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:23-25 A Q&A between Jesus and a Religious Teacher Jesus…
Zeal for the Worship of God
Zeal for the Worship of God – John’s Gospel chapter 2, verses 12 to 22 Jesus, compassionate – yes. But also justly angry. We must not make a caricature of Jesus – here is just anger at those who had turned the place of prayer, where people could seek God, into a noisy marketplace. The wrong place for this. He was angry that people were being obstructed from seeking God. “Instead of solemn dignity and the murmur of prayer, there…
A Miracle at a Wedding
A Miracle at a Wedding – John’s gospel chapter 2, verses 1 to 12 The Invitation Jesus was not a monk. He went to the wedding. He approves of both joy and marriage. On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2 The Problem A social embarrassment – they had run out of wine! Mary is confident he will…
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 Folly of Greed
The Folly of Greed – Luke’s Gospel, chapter 12, verses 13 to 21 Greed condemned Luke 12:13-15 Then he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ Luke 12:15 The greed illustrated Luke 12:16-20 And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to…
God Dwelling Securely with Us
God Dwelling Securely with Us – Psalm 16 We live in insecure times. Money, house, things and even relationships are never wholly secure. God is for us, yes. But He is also with us. With Him we will not be shaken. Seeking refuge in God, v1-8He is ultimately all we need, “the overflowing source of all good” Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I…
Dwelling Securely with God
Dwelling Securely with God – Psalm 15 Security in insecure times? Wealth, health, youth and relationships are all fragile, and easily shaken. A Crucial Question. The things we think matter the most end up not mattering at all. Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? Psalm 15:1 The Searching Answer – always truthful, always kind, always generous, always honest, always reliable, always honours God. Oops! Doesn’t sound like me 🙁 Only one Man…