Christ Church Fareham Sermons

This sermon begins by briefly introducing some guiding principles that are important in understanding the book of Revelation. These principles include this books purpose & meaning in revealing Jesus Christ in all his glory, and the promise of a blessing for everyone who reads & heeds its message.  The rest of this sermon focuses on answering the question of who is God? The resounding answer is that God is Trinity. The Father, Spirit, and Son eternally existing in perfect union, glory, and power. However, Revelation unashamedly focuses on the person of Jesus Christ, and thus the seven things we are told about Jesus in verses 4-8 are expounded.  It is no coincidence that John starts with this majestic and unparalleled description of God. For, in in the coming chapters his audience are going to face challenge, trial, and suffering. For the original audience and us today knowing who God is in the midst of these difficulties is fundamental for persevering. 

Jesus Christ was and is the great prophet. He alone perfectly fulfils the three fold requirement of, being filled with the Spirit, proclaiming God's Word, and doing signs & wonders. But what about his prophetic work today now that he has ascended? This prophetic work continues through his Church today until he returns. As his followers we find our purpose and aims in Christ. Therefore, because he is victorious and worthy we can continue his work. So, we must be filled with the Spirit, proclaim God's Word, and see signs & wonders amongst us.

This sermon reflects on the unique and unparalleled service of Jesus Christ. He who was and is God incarnate, lowered himself across his life, culminating in his death on the cross. This loving act of service meets the greatest needs of his followers, freedom from sin and death. God calls his beloved followers to use their freedom to imitate his perfect example. This isn't because God has a need that our service fulfils. Instead, it is befitting that as followers of Christ, we would obediently seek to imitate him. Furthermore, as we do, the promise is that we will received blessedness either in this life or in eternity.  Thus, it is a privilege for a follower of Christ, to use their gifts/skills/capabilities to joyfully serve inside and outside of the Church wherever possible. 

This sermon encourages us to see all children as they truly are, a blessing and heritage from God. They are created by God, for a Godly purpose, and sent by him to us. All children will come under attack from the devil. He will seek to steal their time and that of their parents, grandparents, and role models. He will also seek to normalise harmful behaviours and practices in their lives. However, we need not fear, because the grace of God teaches us & our children to say no. So, we must cry out for this grace to be poured lavishly on us and them. We must also take our responsibility seriously to teach them about God and his perfect ways.

This sermon is a timely encouragement to lay hold of the glorious and certain hope that believers have with Jesus' second coming.  For, as scripture makes clear Jesus will surely come again. He will return in majesty and glory when he does. And his return will effect everything and every part of life as we know it. Therefore, we should long for Jesus' return, as his return will usher in the best that is yet to come! 

This sermon unpacking these verses answers two important questions, Who is Jesus? and What does Jesus command us to do? So, Who is Jesus? Jesus is truly God as his victorious resurrection testifies. He is also King reigning in power and authority now. Jesus is also with his disciples and all his followers until the end of the age through the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus command us to do? With the confidence of King Jesus being with us we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. We who have been taught the ways of Jesus and been baptised are commanded to go & do likewise. This is a command for all followers of Jesus done in his strength, power, and authority.  It is a great joy to co-labour with Jesus in this exciting commission!

What are you scared of? How does fear stop you from being yourself? How does fear rob you of the joy of knowing God and of your certain eternity with him? This passage and the Easter Sunday narrative is filled with fear. There is evident fear of reprisal, of the unknown, and of terror. These are all kinds of fear that restrict, limit, and do harm. However, in this narrative there is a beautiful fear of wonder. A fear mixed with joy displayed by the women that encountered the angel at the tomb. The fear of knowing that we are in the presence of Jesus Christ the majestic death defeating conqueror. Yet, this same Jesus Christ, is simultaneously merciful, gentle, loving and compassionate. He is by the side of his believers throughout their lives by the Holy Spirit which is why it can be said to them "Do not be afraid." It is this fearlessness that led these followers and can lead us to be empowered to do mighty works for God. 

Through a mixture of stories from the bible, modern Britain and his own life, Chris reminds us that Jesus Changes Lives! He did it 2,000 years ago and he does it today. Jesus is not looking for perfect individuals. But instead imperfect individuals, who are willing to to acknowledge their imperfections, and receive his life transforming gift of grace. Once this gift is received, life is never the same, and always filled with the most fulfilling & glorious purpose.

We often rightly focus on how Jesus exchanges our guilt for his righteousness on the cross. But this sermon looks at the cross from the perspective of Jesus taking on our shame for his honour and glory. Jesus is shamed as he is stripped, mockingly dressed up, spat at, paraded through the streets, taunted by a sign and the crowd. Yet, Jesus the eternal King of Kings chose to endure all of this to cover our shame so that we can have his glory & honour. Oh what a saviour!

This sermon proclaims the good news of the Gospel for all! Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the perfectly innocent & righteous one lays down his life for the guilty and sinful. Both Judas & Barabbas are guilty men. Judas acknowledges his sin in betraying Jesus. Barabbas is a murderer deserving of imprisonment and punishment. Who among us can argue with integrity that we have not sinned against God in any way? Yet, Jesus takes on the guilt, imprisonment, and punishment of death that Barabbas truly deserved. This offer of the cleansing blood of Jesus to replace the blood of guilt is graciously offered to us too. Don't be like Judas who when he became aware of his sin ran from God! But instead run towards the grace & mercy offered by a loving Saviour pledging to live your days serving the eternal King.  

This sermon looks at these verses from the perspective of Jesus. Jesus, fully God & fully Man displays his perfect humanity in this passage. He is sorrowful at the impending cup of wrath he will drink in our place that will see him temporarily separated from the Father. Yet, he prayerfully responds in his humanity with a steadfast commitment to obey the will of his Father. The same will of the Godhead that Jesus is fully part and upon which was the reason he took on flesh.  Meditating on Jesus' perfect love for the Father displayed in this passage can lead us to respond in multiple ways. Firstly, we can respond by worshipping Jesus for his perfect obedience driven by a perfect love for the Father. Secondly, we can acknowledge our own shortcomings in imitating Jesus' obedience, repenting of this, and falling again upon the refreshing grace & mercy bestowed on us. Thirdly, we can fall on our knees in prayer if we feel sorrowful and be met by a compassionate & loving Father. Finally, we can pray Father let your perfect will be done in our lives.  

On the night he was arrested, when the Shepherd is struck, the sheep scatter. Peter, brashly and proudly, says he would never fall away or deny Jesus, but he does. How can we learn from Peter's mistakes? And how does Peter's sin reveal Jesus' strength and mercy more gloriously?

This sermon proclaims how precious a sacrament the Lord's Supper is to all God's children until Jesus returns.  Every time we partake together in eating the bread and drinking the wine we are spiritually feasting on Jesus' body & blood. Through the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of every believer we are mysteriously and meaningfully connected with Christ in these moments.  Therefore, we celebrate and give thanks for his once and for all sacrifice on the cross. We celebrate and give thanks for the forgiveness of our past, present, and future sins. We rejoice that we are inextricably tied in Union with Christ seated at the Fathers right hand. We look forward to Jesus' glorious return when this sacrament will be made obsolete.

This sermon speaks into the question of how precious is the Son of Man to you?  There are two responses shown in these verses. The first is viewing Jesus as a person to gain things from and to use to store up treasures for ourselves as done by Judas. This response falls well short as it doesn't give Jesus the true worship that he deserves for who he is and what he has done.  The second response is to view Jesus as the most glorious and precious gift you have ever received. To have your heart transformed by the amazing love that he demonstrated in laying down his life for your sin. Once this takes root, we should have hearts of extravagant and sacrificial worship as demonstrated by the woman with the oil. We should seek to pour ourselves out as a living sacrifice always at God's disposal. We aren't given the option of choosing a middle ground. So, what response will you choose?

Jesus through this astonishing and profound encounter offers a societally estranged Samaritan Woman the greatest invitation anyone can ever receive. He invites her into a personal relationship with God in all its fullness. But surely not, a Samaritan Woman? Oh yes! Jesus defies historic and contemporary belief that excludes anyone from this invitation because of their background and/or identity. For all who believe Jesus is the Christ, Son of God they will have abundant life through believing in his name.  Yet, the story doesn't end there. This Woman is so transformed by receiving living water it flows out of her as she evangelises to the very people she was estranged from! A simple but beautiful example of evangelism "Come & See a Man who changed my life."

This sermon address questions such as "Why did Jesus have to die?" and "Couldn't he have died another way?". This systematic overview reminds us that the problem of universal sin we were all born into & have contributed to created an insurmountable problem. God being just and holy could not overlook this debt caused by our sins. However, in his love, mercy, and grace the Son of God took on flesh with the central mission of atoning for our sins once and for all. Jesus substituted himself in as a perfect ransom for our debt, obediently suffering on the cross, appeasing the wrath of God, all so that we could be redeemed & reconciled with God.  Oh what a Lord & Saviour we have!

This sermon is on the doctrine of justification. Whilst clearly explaining this doctrine it is rich with helpful illustrations that leads us to rejoice in the goodness of God.  This doctrine confirms that for everyone who has accepted the free gift of grace through Jesus Christ our fixed position before God is fully and finally justified. All of our past, present, and future sins have been accounted for by Jesus. A second part is that we have had Jesus' righteousness imputed onto us. Therefore, if we have let God invade our hearts, we can always boldly approach throne!

This sermon encourages us to take steps of faith in 2024. For we have an awesome and mighty God fighting for us every step of the way. It is for this reason we can stride forward and find hope in the darkest of situations.

This sermon helps show us how to plan in a Godly way. The essential foundation is that the Lord is sovereign. We can make plans, but these will only happen if God in his eternal wisdom and love wants them to. However, when we play our role in making plans there are some lessons we can learn from this passage. Firstly, we should plan to stay with God no matter what trouble we may face. Secondly, we should devote time to seeking God's direction. Finally, we should make plans that are of God's Spirit. Through reading the Word, considering the fruit of the Spirit, and seeking to hear God prophetically we will be led by the Spirit. Nonetheless, even when we make bad plans & don't implement these lessons God's grace abounds evermore. This guides us to turn back to him and make plans that are of God's Spirit. 

This sermon encourages us to live lives where our hearts are close to and fully committed to God. For Jesus came so that we could draw near to God in our hearts and know him intimately. The Holy Spirit helps us live lives like this. 

This sermon proclaims that the Christmas story is a cause for great joy!  The people in this story found themselves in darkness. A darkness caused by external evil and their own individual wrong doing. A context we can relate to today. Yet, Jesus the Son of God chose to come to earth in human form in the midst of this, why? Because Jesus knew his mission was to rescue people from their sins. The consequences of accepting Jesus' free gift of grace that washes our sins away are great joy and worship. No matter what darkness we may face this Christmas and/or at any other time of the year, the Christmas story encapsulates the coming of the one who shines forth brightly. For all who believe in him, there is the reassurance that the light that shines forth from him is greater than all the darkness in the world.

This sermon is situated in the truth that every person has foundations, crowns, and teachers. Foundations are the things and/or people we stand on that enable us to live the lives we lead. Crowns are the things we consider to be the pinnacle of beauty and honour in our lives. Teachers are the people and/or resources we stand alongside that teach & advise us on life. This passage encourages us to put on the unfadingly beautiful crown of the Lord Jesus Christ rejecting the fading crown of pride. This is evident in whether we give God the honour and praise for all that is good in our lives. We are also encouraged to make the Word of God our primary and most significant teacher. For what could be better than the very words of God himself. Finally, we are encouraged to make our only foundation the secure cornerstone of Jesus Christ. There is no other foundation we can stand on that will be as secure, majestic, and eternally glorious as this. 

This sermon addresses the question of where can we find hope and comfort in times of trouble? It is found in meditating on and rejoicing in who God is! In this chapter God is presented in four different ways. Firstly, God is the sword wielding dragon slayer. In the present he keeps Satan under his authority and all his actions are subject to God's permission. However, God's supreme authority will be most evident at the end of time when Satan is slayed once and for all condemned to eternity in hell.  Secondly, God is the gardener/keeper of the vineyard. He actively tends to us and seeks our protection.  Thirdly, God is the discipliner, who allows his people to experience temporary affliction to learn things. This pruning process allows us to grow in our relationship with him.  Finally, God is the gatherer. He will gather up all his people at the end of time and usher us into the most glorious family time. A place where there is no more affliction, we can truly be ourselves, and participate in the glorious worship of our majestic King.  We can be sure we will face afflictions and trouble in this life. But what a great hope and comfort we have during these times when we fix our gaze upon our God! 

This sermon encourages us to receive God's forgiveness fully today! To move on from carrying around our shame and guilt of not being good enough. Instead, laying down these thoughts at the cross fully accepting the freedom Jesus has won for us and living in this truth.  It also encourages us to fully forgive ourselves. To no longer dwell on the sinful things we have done in our lives that evoke emotions of guilt and shame. God's righteous wrath for these things was satisfied on the cross where Jesus Christ took it upon himself. To continue living in guilt and self-punishment is to reject the Gospel that proclaims Christians are free from the consequences.  Once we have received this life transforming good news we are not to sit down and rest on our laurels. We are instead instructed and tasked to share & proclaim this good news in all areas of our lives. For how can we not share this good news of a loving Lord & Saviour who forgives all of our sin!

This sermon unpacks the following seven themes situated within this poetic and prophetic chapter; Salvation, Faith & Trust, Proud are Humbled, Desiring God & His Glory, Judgment upon the Wicked, The Whispered Prayers of the Saints, and Closed Up Doors.  These themes display a powerful contrast between the life & outcome of the saint and the sinner.

This chapter encourages us to remember and declare that God's perfect plan is always being outworked. Both in good and bad circumstances we can trust in a faithful God! Let us focus on God the one who sustains and is worthy of our praise.  It also includes an invitation to a majestic feast. The feast of the Lamb of God, Jesus himself. A feast that has us dwell on what Jesus has done for us, how he has rescued us from our sin, and imputed his righteousness on us. The most glorious of feasts that is incomparable and never leaves us hungry. We know the victory is certain! But death has not yet been swallowed up and will not be until Jesus returns. So, the instruction to Christians, is to wait! We must wait upon God faithfully, baring reproach for his name, imitating Jesus' example. 

This chapter speaks of how our human behaviour has corrupted the good creation God made. Therefore, a righteous God, must deliver judgement in response to this corrupt and sinful behaviour. Yet, intertwined within this chapter of judgement to come, is a joyful and hopeful song. This is the song sung by those within the everlasting covenant. They will be spared judgement because of the beautiful, sacrificial love of Jesus Christ demonstrated on the cross. This song sings of Gods majesty, glory, beauty and faithfulness.  So, will you as the chapter outlines fall into the loving arms of Jesus Christ and in doing so become part of this covenant? Or will you stagger like a drunkard into eternal judgement?

It is clear from these verses that no-one except the Father knows when the world will end with Jesus' return! And perhaps this is the wrong question to ask. Instead a better question is how can we be ready for when it does? Five ways we can be ready are outlined in these verses. Firstly, we can be obedient to God, his laws, commands, and instructions. Secondly, we can stay awake and be alert not allowing distractions or a passivity to creep in. Thirdly, we can use the gifts that God has blessed us with to achieve his Godly purposes. Fourthly, we can care for others instead of harming others. Finally, and most importantly we can live life knowing Jesus personally & intimately. In everything we do, doing it with him, and for his glory.

This sermon unpacks the double fulfilment of these verses. There is one area of fulfilment to be found in the destruction of the temple in 70ad. But there is also future fulfilment to be found and completed when Christ returns.  There is lots going on in our world today, earthquakes, famines, wars, and rumours of wars. But these verses encourage us to not be alarmed as the end is not yet and we will not miss it. Consequentially, we should expect persecution, tribulation, and perhaps even martyrdom in this life. However, we are called to endure, stirring up our love for Jesus, and continuing to proclaim the good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth. We are also warned to beware of false messiah's that will come. They may do signs and wonders that may indicate their authenticity. But we know that when Jesus returns it will be like no other event we have ever seen or experienced.  At the heart of these verses, is a call to trust only in God! For he alone is the only one we can trust and depend upon in all things.

This follow up sermon is grounded in the secure foundation that as Christians we are called to be generous with our finances because the God we follow has been so incredibly generous to us! Our financial generosity is an outworking of the amazing grace we have generously been lavished with.  It isn't about giving a set amount or percentage. But instead following biblical instructions to give generously, sacrificially, proportionately, freely, integrally, and cheerfully. As we do this, we will live out the greatest commandment, to love the Lord God with all of our devotion, including with our finances.  The sermon concludes with a range of practical wisdom on how we can do this. 

This sermon outlines Jesus' seven declarations of woe on the Pharisees. For those that give themselves to these behaviours the dire ending will be eternity in hell separated from God. However, this sermon is also addressed to his disciples, and acts as a sobering reminder of how the disciples of Jesus should live. It ends with Jesus' love filled plea that anyone with ears may hear and turn towards his loving arms where grace & mercy abounds. 

Our starting point with these verses should be acknowledging we have all failed to follow this most important commandment. For none of us, can honestly say that we have loved God first, in every moment of our lives. This acknowledgement should lead us to do two things. Firstly, it should drive us to run to Jesus Christ, for the mercy & grace that is freely on offer, because of his death and resurrection. Secondly, we should desire to allow the Holy Spirit, to transform and renew us. It is only through the Holy Spirits power and strength that we can fulfil this most important command.  As we partner with the Holy Spirit in prayer, worship, and proclamation of Gods goodness this acts as fuel in our love for God. We cannot help but love God and want to serve him all of our lives because of his greatness, holiness, splendour, grace, mercy and so much more!  This lays the foundation upon which we can fulfil the second commandment. As we live lives full of the love of God, this overflows into our interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers! 

After Jesus criticises the Jewish rulers, they try to trap him with questions. But Jesus shows his divine genius in answering these questions and teaching us about human government, the resurrection and giving God our entire lives.

This parable contains an invitation to the greatest ever wedding celebration there will ever be! This is a wedding that joins God the Son with his Bride the global Church. All of this is put on by the Father out of love for his beloved Son.  Yet, there are warnings against those that reject this invitation. Firstly, there is warning against those who reject the invitation because they hate Gods servants and the message they carry. Secondly, there is a warning against those who do not pay attention to God, because they are distracted by the things of life including work & family. For, the consequences of not accepting this invitation are very serious, and will end in eternal separation from a loving God. For those that accept this invitation through putting their faith in the Son & accepting this gift of grace this will be a great celebration! As we do this, we join with God in his mission, going far and wide inviting people to this amazing celebration. This is done by proclaiming these glorious, life transforming truths. We are also encouraged to live our lives following the Father's example seeking to bring glory to the Son. 

This sermon begins by reminding us that all the possessions and money we have belong to God. He alone is the owner and we are only stewards of the resources we are blessed with in this life. However, stewardship comes with responsibility, to steward it well! Jeff unpacks from scripture the fatal consequences of making money our master. Are our decisions driven by hoarding and accruing riches? Are we anxious and/or worried about losing money and/or not having enough. These are indicators we may being idolising money. Jesus is very clear that this path will lead to you losing your life.  Instead, as Christians we are called to put God first and in doing so receive eternal life! The natural overflow of dwelling with and knowing our great, big, generous God is that we will imitate this generosity. For did we earn a single bit of the grace, mercy, love, joy, peace, and comfort he lavished upon us? No! This generosity will be evident in all areas of our life but especially with how we steward our money. It also means we can receive and enjoy the blessings of money that God has given us in their appropriate place without guilt & shame. 

This sermon unpacks how the path of the wise embraces discipline and reproof. Despite, our earthly experiences, discipline & reproof when understood & applied appropriately are wonderful mercies and grace given by God to enrich our lives. Primarily, discipline and reproof are exercised by God. He does this to those he loves and delights in. So, that we might rid our lives of the rubbish we hold onto, and pursue wholeheartedly the path of righteousness. God as a loving Father administers discipline & reproof gently, filled with compassion. However, God in his wisdom, has also designed a world where we as individuals will give & receive discipline and reproof. This sermon looks at two of these; parental discipline and friendly reproof. These both follow the Godly example in how and why they are delivered & received.

Secular society in the United Kingdom is filled with a narrative about sex. This being we should get as much of it as we can, with whoever we can, for our own self-gratification and fulfilment. This sermon shows this narrative to be untrue and explores the appropriate place for the joyful gift of sex. It firstly looks at the foolish path with sex. This is to be seduced and tempted into committing adultery. There are devastating consequences listed in this Proverb if we follow this path and give ourselves to it. So, the call is to take radical action! Firstly, radical action to go nowhere near the door of temptation, that we might fall into sexual sin. This may mean we have to make costly decisions and choices. But this is better than to go down the foolish path. Secondly, radical action to enjoy and use the gift of sex given to a man and woman inside of marriage. This is to be fully consumed, committed and present during sex. This is the wise path with sex and is the best one to follow. However, we only do this because of God, because we are his servants, who have presented our bodies as living sacrifices to him. We can also only do it through him and his equipping power of the Holy Spirit. The Fear of the Lord is what prompts us to choose the wise path of sex.

This sermon focuses on the role of the wife in a marriage. Particularly, that wives are called to submit to their husbands.  Jeff begins by demonstrating that submission is a clear biblical theme. This spans into all of creation from the trinitarian God, to marriages, to families, and working relationships. Submission when done well and appropriately is a Godly & good thing. For a wife to submit to her husband it means accepting his headship, leadership, and respecting him. A range of practical examples are given of what this looks like. This should be done in the context of submitting to God first and also with a husband focused on sacrificially loving his wife. 

This sermon proclaims the wise truth from within this chapter that it is better to have righteousness than riches. For we cannot take our wealth and riches into eternity with us. However, righteousness is obtained only through faith in Jesus Christ, and through grace alone which means we will obtain the greatest prize of knowing God for all eternity.  There are multiple symptoms that might identify we are foolishly prioritising riches over righteousness. Are you more excited about the financial blessings you receive from God than you are about your relationship with him? Do you not give any money to the Kingdom of God to support building his Church and caring for the poor? Are you thinking about money and what you can buy with it more than you think about Jesus? Are you working longer hours to bring in more money at the expense of spending time with God, your local Church, and your family? The wise path instead instructs us to earn money doing so with integrity. This means working with honesty and with a full commitment honouring God & our employers. We are also instructed not to hoard any riches and/or wealth we may be blessed with. Instead, the wise path is also one of generosity, where we use our God given finances to bless others and to the glory of God. We do not need to hoard our money and wealth for we trust in God to provide for us.  The wise path with money is one where knowing God is our greatest treasure.

This sermon introduces the purpose of Proverbs, that everyone, young or old or somewhere in between, may know wisdom! And that this process of knowing and acquiring wisdom will continue across a lifetime.  We see in this chapter a description of the two paths we can choose between in life, the path of foolishness, and the path of wisdom. The helpful imagery within this chapter allows us to see that the path of foolishness is sly, violent, and ends in death. Whilst the path of wisdom shines forth because of its purity, its desire for righteousness, holiness, and equity. And its final destination is a secure life lived free from the dread of evil. Yet, despite being so abundantly better a path to walk down, how can we possibly start on it, and continue on it? This is where this chapter introduces the gift and blessing to all walkers of the path of wisdom, an appropriate Fear of the Lord! It is when we truly understand our relationship with God and live out a life full of reverence & awe for him that we can choose this better path.

The first 10 minutes of Duncan's sermon wasn't recorded this week. We're really sorry about that.  Here are a few sentences summarising what you missed.1. Isaiah 59:1 says "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear"This verse presents to us a God who saves and a God who hears us when we pray.2. But there's a problem - sin.Isaiah 59:2 says "but your iniquities have made a separation    between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." 3. Isaiah 59:20 says "“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,    to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD." This verse describes Jesus, the Redeemer and the Hand of the LORD who saves. And on from this point on, we do have the recording of the sermon. Sermon Summary: This sermon proclaims the truth in these verses that God Saves. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ he saves us from our sins that once separated us from him. The impassioned plea of these verses is that we might hear and receive this salvation today! A second truth is also proclaimed that God Hears. We can often be tempted to doubt that God listens to us because of our personal sin and/or extreme circumstances. But the wonderful promise of these verses is that God never dulls his ear to his children when they cry out to him. So, we are encouraged to boldly cry out to God in all circumstances and seasons of life.  Oh, what an amazing God we praise and worship!

This sermon focuses on the glorious future that awaits all who believe and have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The eternal hope believers share helps us persevere in challenging times and live joyfully knowing what awaits. The new heavens and earth will replace all that is bad in this life. There will be no more evil, sin, suffering or mourning. Not only will these things cease but God will in his compassion will wipe away our tears. They will also enhance all that is good about this world to levels beyond our comprehension. The most significant of these will be that we will dwell in Gods very presence for all eternity. 

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit tells his readers they can know they have eternal life. Do you have that assurance of salvation and, if so, what ought your life look like as a consequence?

Clive begins this sermon by outlining the remarkable freedom upon which Jesus lived his life on earth. Jesus lived every day knowing the divine love of God the Father. Nothing compared to this and Jesus lived freely in this love. The amazing truth of these verses is that through our relationship with Jesus we can also know this love. God the Father pours out his love on his Son and this love is poured out on us! Once we know and/or are reminded of this wonderful truth we can start to drink in some of the freedom that Jesus felt and lived.  Living in this love gives us the freedom to allow this love to overflow. As God lavishly pours his love onto us we cannot help but overflow abundantly with a radiant love for the creator who pours it out on us. This overflow also leads to a love for our brothers and sisters that is not sustained through human effort. But instead is sustained by dwelling actively in this amazing love.  Living in this love also gives us a freedom to live. Abundant life itself is only found in the person of Jesus. Peace, eternal life, victory, forgiveness and so much more can only be received through relationship with Jesus. The Father delights in Jesus as seen at his baptism. Therefore, as we children of God knowing and living in this love, we receive these things Jesus earned and has a Father who also delights in us!

Christians are instructed to love another with a unique love that only originates from God. This selfless, perfect love is God and was demonstrated in Jesus the Son of God's death on the cross whilst we were still sinners. Therefore, how can Christians not want to imitate this unique love especially within the Church. As Christians do this it reflects this unique love to those who do not yet know him and shows them who God is. God perfects his love in us through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The result is that all Christians need not fear the judgement day that awaits us all. Gods unique love drives out these fears as we are reminded that we are right with God through grace alone. This gives Christians a freedom to go on expressing love lavishly to brothers and sisters all around just as God has done to us ten times over. 

The warning within these verses comes from a foundation of love. Firstly, Gods love for his children. Secondly, John the authors love for his brothers & sisters who he doesn't want to see fall into believing these falsehoods. These verses contain two warnings. Firstly, that there are spirits operating that are not to believed. Secondly, these spirits should be tested to establish whether they are from God. We test by seeing whether these spirits declare Jesus came in the flesh and confess Jesus as Lord & Saviour. Any spirits and/or people that declare these falsehoods are false prophets and not to be believed.  At the centre of Christianity is the doctrine of incarnation which false prophets seek to undermine. This is the theological truth that Jesus the Son of God who has existed eternally came to the earth taking on human flesh. All part of the perfect redemptive plan to restore our relationship with God in the most beautiful way. So, believing this doctrine is important because it guards us from erroneous beliefs about who Jesus is. It also means we have a saviour who can relate to our bodily experience. Jesus has experienced temptation, hunger, tired, and pain. Finally, it means our bodies matter protecting us from the harmful view that we should seek to do away with and/or distort our bodies to mirror the current popular worldview.  This warning from John is just as relevant for us today as it was for the first hearers. 

This sermon focuses on the role of the husband in a marriage. Husbands are instructed to lead their wives offering protection, provision, nurture and love. From the very first marriage of Adam & Eve this clearly defined role was established and Adam was held accountable for not fulfilling it. A husbands leadership should be modelled on the perfect example of Jesus. He used his leadership to submit and to serve those he led. His authority was not used manipulatively or lorded over people. Jesus was also not afraid to express his love for those he led verbally and physically. Despite being a strong leader he was also gentle and kind. Jeff proposes 5 clear aspects of healthy Christian husband leadership (SLEEP). Firstly, submission, we need to live in submission to God. Secondly, leadership, we need to actually lead our wives. Thirdly, example, we need to be an example for our wives. Fourthly, encouragement, we need to be the biggest encouragers of our wives in pursuing God. Finally, purpose, we need to lead our marriages in establishing and pursuing the direction of travel in what we are wanting to achieve.

This sermon expounds the wonderful, life giving truth that Jesus Christ is a loving saviour. He is the definition of love and this was displayed in his death on the cross. He alone felt the cost and price of salvation for all who believe in him. We must never lose the wonder of how amazing it is we can know his love personally through his grace.  Following Christ's perfect sacrifice we are then instructed to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters both locally & overseas. This passage provides four ways we can do this. Firstly, we can lay down our financial resources to ensure no fellow Christians are going without what they need. Secondly, we can lay down ourselves in prayer for our fellow Christians, placing their needs first above ours. Thirdly, we can lay down ourselves by committing time to building relationships with fellow brothers and sisters. Fourthly, we can lay down our time and pride to use our God given gifts & talents to bless others. 

In this introductory sermon Jeff outlines the theological bedrock of marriage, as first displayed in Genesis 2, that it should be God centred. The joining of one man and woman imitates the union of Jesus Christ and his bride the church. It is through imitating Jesus' sacrificial, mercy and grace filled love that we achieve the purpose of marriage to bring glory to God. For when we mutually remember the amazing extent of love, mercy, and grace we have received from God we cannot help be stirred to live this out in our marriage. We must also be aware of little foxes that will seek to corrupt our marriages. This includes not being thoughtful of one another, allowing family members to have influence in your relationship, not understanding each others differences, and not having a clear understanding of your spiritual purposes/calling. In Gods grace we can stand firm against these things. This talk concludes with some helpful biblical advice speaking into a variety of circumstances. This includes, singleness, relationships prior to marriage, and marriages where one person is a Christian.

This sermon expounds two fundamental Christian truths within these verses. Firstly, that Jesus will return triumphantly at the second coming. This is not just a future hope but also helps transform us to be more like him as we await his return. Secondly, that for those who have faith in Jesus Christ we are children of God. We are adopted into his family and placed permanently into our new identity. These two theological truths lay the platform for three instructions given. Firstly, that we are to abide in Christ. He is the vine and we are the branches. We find our meaning and purpose as a branch by remaining in him, holding to his death and resurrection, and to his certain return. Secondly, we are not to walk in unrepentant sin. Of course Christians will still sin as John makes clear earlier in his letter. But there is a change of heart as a child of God where empowered by the Holy Spirit we grow in saying no to sinful desires and way. Finally, in contrast to this, we are to walk in righteousness and love as we follow the example of Jesus.

This sermon encourages us to identify and refute false teaching that seeks to distort the glorious truth about Jesus' divinity and his essential role as the Messiah. We must be alert to these attempts of deception and especially when they come from those that were formerly brothers & sisters in Christ.  In contrast, for those that have confessed Jesus as their Lord and Saviour we have an eternal union with Jesus. It is through this union that we also have an eternal union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This is an amazing and incomparable truth that we have a personal relationship with the trinitarian God.  We should also seek to abide, remain in this glorious truth. For what could be better and more deserving of our focus! We do this by reading Gods Word, listening to the Holy Spirit, and celebrating this amazing union with our brothers & sisters in Christ. These actions don't improve our standing before God but they remind us of this glorious truth!