Sermons

David wanted the presence of God in Jerusalem, but he needed to take both the holiness and the word of God more seriously. Similarly, we need to take the teaching of Jesus seriously.

Abraham had faith to go where God told him to go even though he wasn’t told initially all that God would do for him. We like to see what God’s plans are for our future, but God wants us to take a small step of faith even when we don’t know what will happen.

God’s kingdom extended beyond Israel and it extends beyond our church. The kingdom extends when we have faith and are forgiving, like Naaman’s servant girl, when we are unimpressed with the things of this world and seek to heal the sick, like Elisha, and when we are obedient to God’s word, like Naaman.

We idolise ourselves by making ourselves the centre of our lives, and there are two symptoms of self-worship - worry and guilt. God wants his people to worship only him.

There are positive accounts in the New Testament of women teaching, but what Paul has in mind is women teaching when the whole church gathers together. This is what is prohibited. This message looks at three ways in which this text is sometimes unhelpfully softened. It then looks at three key words that help us understand what Paul was specifically prohibiting, before considering three possible reactions.

When the church misses the grace of God there can be quarrels and disputing, and also an unhelpful focus on outward appearances. There are four steps to real beauty: receive acceptance from God, believe in Biblical beauty, serve God gladly and choose clothes wisely.

We can often rely on other things. God calls us to primarily rely on Him, and when we do, he strengthen us.

Moses faced a big decision: should he merely accept God’s promises for Israel, or should he ask for something more, relationship with God himself?

Like Jonah, some of us need a change in direction, a change in action and a change of heart.

Noah’s faith is described as a holy fear. He is commended, not because he built the ark, but because of his faith.

Let’s be courageous, holy and gentle when we come to pray.

We don’t see great exploits with Abel and Enoch, but we see two men walking with God day by day which are examples for us.

We are called to pray for kings and rulers, including our own MPs, for peace and health, rather than getting involved in political arguments with people who disagree with us. Like the Roman emperor, our leaders can unwittingly enable the spread of the gospel.

Faith helps us not only to look forward to our hope, but also to look back at what God has done. We can be creative with what we already have but only God creates the world out of nothing. Faith is not blind but is based on God’s revelation through his Word and through his Son.

In order to increase our faith to pray, Paul reminds us that there is only one God, who is the God of everything and is our only Saviour who cares for everyone. There is also one mediator, who takes us by the hand to take us to the Father, and there is only one ransom which was paid to set us free.

Faith is described: it is believing God. Faith is commended. In Hebrews 11 we see faith in action.

The call to prayer is urgent, the way to pray is varied and the focus of our prayers is everyone. Talking to God is important, and it is also our greatest privilege.

Daniel faced a whole range of challenges in Babylon, how did he remain in the culture and honour God? How do we make Godly decisions in a society which does not honour God.

It doesn’t matter how weak I am, what matters is that I am called. I don’t need a perfect life and unquestioning faith, just a humble heart and a commitment to be obedient to God.

Ruth, a widow from the despised people of Moab, is embraced by the covenant love of God. She finds hope and a future through Boaz her kinsman-redeemer. Jesus is the ultimate redeemer: let us enjoy his wonderful love and faithfulness and extend his heart to the vulnerable.