Sermons

Jesus speaks about hell more than anyone else in Scripture, using the word "Gehenna" to describe a place of eternal, unquenchable fire. This teaching is difficult but crucial to understand. The Bible consistently portrays hell as a place of everlasting punishment for those who reject Christ. However, the same passages that warn of eternal damnation also proclaim the hope of eternal life for those who put their faith in Jesus. Salvation begins the moment we trust in Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming new creations. The gravity of hell should compel us to respond to God's offer of forgiveness and life through His Son.

God is capable of guiding His people, both through sovereign intervention and in response to our seeking His will. The story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac illustrates key principles in discerning God's guidance. These include taking practical steps, praying specifically, watching for God's response, and being willing to follow His lead. While God may not always answer in the way we expect, He honours those who earnestly seek His direction. Ultimately, finding God's will involves a balance of divine providence and human responsibility, underpinned by a life of prayer and trust in the Lord's steadfast love.

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.

Following Christ doesn't guarantee smooth sailing; it may lead to unexpected storms. However, these challenges are opportunities for Jesus to reveal His power and for our faith to grow. The key is not to focus on the tempest or second-guess our decisions, but to rest in the knowledge that Christ is present in our circumstances. When we truly grasp that Jesus is 'in our boat', we can find peace amidst turmoil, knowing that He is in control and working out His purposes, even when He seems silent or inactive.

Christian conversion is more than a change of religion or joining a church; it is a spiritual awakening brought about by the Holy Spirit. This awakening involves a conviction of sin, a turning to Christ as Saviour, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The process of conversion is often contested by Satan, but Christ intercedes on our behalf. True conversion results in a transformed life, described in Scripture as being 'snatched from the burning'. The need for genuine conversion applies not only to individuals but also to entire communities and nations.

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.

Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead is more than a miraculous event; it's a powerful demonstration of His identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. This account challenges us to examine our faith, especially in difficult circumstances. Do we truly believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? His power over death offers hope not just for this life, but for eternity. Even when all seems lost, Christ calls us to trust in Him, for He has conquered death and offers life to all who believe.

The Kingdom of Heaven, as prophesied in the Old Testament, was inaugurated after John the Baptist's death. This Kingdom is not a physical place, but God's rulership on Earth through Christ. Salvation comes not through good works, but solely through faith in Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death. When we trust in Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, uniting us with Jesus. This union with Christ is the essence of the New Covenant, offering a closeness to God at a new level than that available in the Old Covenant.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not merely about going to Heaven when we die, but also about living under God's rule now. There are three stages of salvation: justification (becoming a Christian), sanctification (growing in holiness), and glorification (being perfected in Heaven). Many believers focus solely on justification but neglect sanctification. This neglect can lead to unpreparedness for Christ's return or our own death. We must actively pursue spiritual growth, eagerly awaiting His return. The delay in Christ's coming is a grace period for us to deepen our relationship with Him. Our goal should be to know more intimately, not just to secure a place in Heaven.

Christ's return is imminent, though the exact time is unknown. As Christians, we must remain vigilant and spiritually prepared. This involves utilising the 'means of grace' - practices like Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and sharing the Gospel - to stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as the wise virgins in Jesus' parable had enough oil for their lamps, we too must be 'oiled up' spiritually. Our goal should be to walk properly 'as in the daytime', representing Christ well right up to when He returns.