Luke – Salisbury Baptist Church

Speaking from the Heart

10th November 2024

True Christian witness flows not from memorised doctrine or intellectual knowledge alone, but from a heart overflowing with love for Jesus Christ. Just as a person in love cannot help speaking about their beloved, those who spend time with Christ and worship Him deeply will speak of Him to others naturally and authentically. This principle is demonstrated through Scripture and live examples. Authentic spiritual authority and effective witness come not through eloquence or education alone, but through a genuine, heart-level relationship with the Lord Jesus. When others recognise that we have "been with Jesus," our words carry His authority and power.

Beyond the Prodigal: Lessons for All

6th October 2024

God's love and grace extend to all, even those who have strayed far from Him. The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son illustrate God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His joy when they return. While we may identify with the prodigal son in our need for forgiveness, we must also guard against the self-righteous attitude of the older brother. God's grace is abundant, and He invites us to rejoice with Him when others turn to Him, remembering our own salvation and seeking to share this good news with those around us.

Interruptions as Opportunities

6th October 2024

Jesus exemplifies a ministry of compassion that transcends rigid schedules and plans. He consistently stops to attend to those in need, whether they be hungry multitudes, blind beggars, or children. As His followers, we are called to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting and willing to step out of our comfort zones to minister to others. God equips us with unique gifts to serve in various capacities within the Church. When we prioritise His work and respond with compassion, He blesses our efforts and provides for our needs.

The Heart of Jesus for the Lost

22nd September 2024

Jesus' parable of the lost sheep reveals His unwavering commitment to seeking the lost, even at the expense of leaving the ninety-nine. This priority should shape the Church's mission, with every believer participating through their unique spiritual gifts. Whether through direct evangelism or supporting roles within the Church, all are called to be part of Christ's mission. A thriving church is marked by rich fellowship, expository preaching, and a unified focus on reaching the lost, reflecting Jesus' own heart and mission.

Like a Child: The Heart of Kingdom Entry

8th September 2024

Jesus calls us to enter His Kingdom as helpless dependents, like infants in arms. This challenges our notions of self-sufficiency. Wealth often hinders our ability to come to Christ in this manner, as illustrated by the rich young ruler. True faith isn't about what we bring to the table or our level of commitment, but about recognising our complete dependence on God's grace. This understanding radically alters how we approach salvation and our relationship with Christ.

The New Covenant formed out of the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood

4th August 2024

The transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant brought a shift in emphasis from trust in the system of temple worship and sacrifices to a faith in the efficacy of the death of Christ on the cross. In the going past the emphasis on the temple sacrifices, God was teaching that sin still required a payment. While obedience remains important, the heart of Christianity is simple faith in God’s provision to overcome our sins. Faith is required everywhere throughout the Bible. This faith-centred approach doesn't negate the need for righteous living but recognises that our acceptance is based on belief rather than perfect conduct. The shift to the New Covenant is a time when God’s ultimate provision in the death of His Son bearing our sins has been made visible in the Gospel message. Jesus, having paid the ultimate price, is the rightful owner and most devoted lover of His Church. As believers, we must be cautious not to let worldly pursuits or self-reliance draw us away from our faith, even while our salvation remains secure in Christ.

The heart awakened to the love of Christ

14th July 2024

The sermon explores the deep, intimate relationship between Christ and believers, using the Song of Songs as a metaphor. The speaker emphasises that Christianity is not merely about doctrines or duties, but rather a loving relationship with Jesus. He shares personal experiences of powerful prayer meetings and encourages listeners to find their unique calling in partnership with Christ. The key message is that true Christian life involves actively seeking and responding to Jesus' presence, leading to a joyful, purposeful walk with Him.

The Person of Christ: The Key to Scripture

23rd June 2024

Jesus is the central focus for understanding Scripture, as illustrated by the two disciples walking on the Road to Emmaus and being tutored by the Risen Christ. The Bible is best read through a Christ-centred lens. This hermeneutical approach can reignite faith and deepen biblical understanding. The preacher shares personal experiences and historical anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of allowing Christ to interpret Scripture, encouraging listeners to prioritise this method in their own study and church life.

Trusting God Over Mammon

16th June 2024

This sermon explores the concept of mammon, emphasising that it encompasses more than just money, but includes security based more on our accumulated assets rather than the provision of God. By examining passages from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the sermon highlights Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve both God and mammon. It calls believers to place their trust in God's provision rather than in their own financial arrangements, urging a focus on divine faithfulness.

The Path from Unfaithful to Triumphant

24th December 2023

"People say to me coming into the church that this season it's great to see the idea of joy being expressed by the church and our singing people have done that for us today in leading us and it was excellent and we thank you. And that's a part of why Christmas carols are so loved and utilised around the world... Now I like the one that we just sang because it's capturing another point of the truth of why Jesus came. He came to bring an answer to a problem that we had and it's been a very honest worded song. Come all you unfaithful."