Sermons

The gospel leads to godliness, being content with the essentials. If we drift from the the gospel we will be led in a totally different direction, where we are greedy for money.

We stand not at Mount Sinai, which was a place of fear, but at Mount Zion, a place of joy, because of Jesus who is a mediator of a new covenant.

Paul wants both slaves and masters to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. and to recognise that they are united together in Christ.

God commands us to rest, and Jesus frees us from four burdens - the pressure to prove ourselves, the pressure to meet other people’s expectations, the pressure to try and stay in control and the pressure to live life to the max.

We are meant to run the race together as a body, encouraging, challenging and sharpening one another. All are encouraged to run the race.

It is right that we should honour the Church elders, whilst avoiding a misplaced loyalty.

The life Jesus calls us to is a life where we can expect hardship. There’s nothing wrong with lamenting or wrestling with God in difficulties, but we must also remember that God is treating us as sons.

God cares for the destitute and the church must too. Our life should be shaped by compassion, wisdom, responsibility and dignity.

The gifts of the Spirit are given to us to glorify Jesus. They show God’s generosity, and they are for the good of the whole body.

[The first few minutes of this message were not recorded - apologies.]

Walking by the Spirit is not for the select few, but is for all of us. It involves conflict within us, cultivating fruit and crucifying the flesh, and involves us as a community not just as individuals.

Leaning on somebody is a sign of weakness, but when we lean on Jesus God’s power is seen in our weakness. People should be able to ask “Who is that, and who is it they’re leaning on?”

Just as David defeated Goliath by holding on to the word of God, we too can exercise reckless faith in the face of giants as we remember the promises that he has made to us.

God’s great plan was to bring people together. We ought to relate to one another as family; with respect, love and purity.

We can react badly when hardship and trials come, but we should not look to our circumstances for ultimate truth. We mustn’t forget that God is treating us as sons.

Fasting can help us to draw close to God. God’s people fasted in the Bible when they were in trouble, when they needed a breakthrough, when they were on the brink of something new or when seeking direction from God.

In order to train ourselves to be Godly, we need to eat healthy spiritual food and be disciplined in our everyday routine.

Discipline from God is seen in the context of family relationships. It is fundamental in the relationship between father and child. It is painful but fruitful. Parental discipline is just a poor imitation of God’s discipline.

God directs his people for a purpose, but we can easily become discouraged when things go wrong. Are we willing to step back and pray; obey him; step into the impossible; and worship even before we reach our destination?

We belong to God because he made us, bought us and won us. In what is an amazing exchange, God also gives himself to us.

Jesus is the pioneer of our faith. He didn’t just lead the way but he made the way. He is also the perfecter of our faith who finished the work of redemption on the cross.