Sermons

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.

God's prior action in loving and choosing us forms the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Him. While Scripture clearly teaches God's sovereign election, it also calls for human response. This seeming paradox is resolved in the work of the Holy Spirit, Who awakens sinners to their need for Christ and enables them to respond in faith. God's love is not merely an emotion but a choice that precedes and enables our choice of Him. This understanding applies not only to salvation but also to areas such as relationships and church leadership. The power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit's work are crucial in bringing about true spiritual awakening and transformation.

God's love for us precedes our love for Him. This truth is central to understanding spiritual awakening and growth in the Christian life. Many believers struggle to live out their faith fully, but there is a deeper work of the Holy Spirit available—an awakening that leads to spiritual vitality. This awakening often begins with prayer and a renewed awareness of Christ's constraining love. His love holds us fast, like a safety cord for mountain climbers, allowing us to persevere in our spiritual journey despite our weaknesses and failures. The Western Church is in great need of such an awakening to rekindle its love for Christ and experience His transformative power.

The love of God, demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, forms the unshakeable foundation of our salvation. This love, initiated before the world began through God's election, is made tangible in history through Christ's death and resurrection. When we respond in faith, we are justified and brought into an eternal relationship with God. No external force—be it tribulation, distress, or even death itself—can separate us from this love. Christ's ongoing intercession for believers at the Father's right hand ensures our continued security in God's grace. This assurance is not based on our feelings or performance, but on the unchanging character of God and the finished work of Christ.

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.

Salvation is not automatic, even for those seeking to obey God. The story of Lot's wife serves as a powerful warning that one can be on the verge of salvation yet still perish. Like Abraham interceding for Lot, Christ intercedes for us, but we must respond to His call. Our heart's treasures can hinder our response to God. Some have felt God's call but did not fully commit. Now is the time to look to Jesus, not back at worldly attachments, and to take hold of the incomparable riches found in a relationship with Him.