Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Audio Ministry

David's final song in 2 Samuel 22 is a profound expression of gratitude, rooted in a deeply personal relationship with God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer. He celebrates God's saving power, not as a distant force, but as a present refuge in times of death, despair, and danger, emphasizing that divine intervention is both personal and perpetual. The sermon highlights how David's life, marked by trials and triumphs, reflects the enduring truth that God sustains His people through righteousness, not because of their perfection, but because He delights in them. It underscores the believer's security in Christ—safe, strengthened, and guided by God's word as a lamp in darkness—and calls for a life of continual praise, trust, and reliance on God's faithfulness, which remains unchanged across generations.

Title: Timothy: Hearing Sound Words & Developing a Sound Mind Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Series: Bible Characters Date: 7 June 2026 Bible: 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 1:13 The sermon centres on the vital connection between sound words and a sound mind, emphasising that spiritual maturity is cultivated through faithful adherence to biblical truth. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7 and 13, it underscores that God has given believers not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and disciplined thought, which must be nurtured through consistent engagement with Scripture. The preacher highlights four essential qualities for Christian leadership—good conscience, godly example, self-examination, and active spiritual discipline—illustrating how each is rooted in the faithful reception and application of sound doctrine. These qualities, modeled in Timothy's life and taught by Paul, are presented as essential for sustaining the church's mission across generations. Ultimately, the message calls for both older believers to mentor and younger ones to submit, all grounded in the transformative power of Scripture, which shapes character, fuels perseverance, and equips the church for faithful service.

From Grave to Glory Rev Peter McIntyre 2 Timothy 1:10

The sermon, drawn from Colossians 1:12–14, presents a compelling call to gratitude by highlighting four divine acts that form the foundation of Christian thankfulness: God's gracious provision of an eternal inheritance in heaven, His deliverance from the dominion of darkness, His sovereign translation of believers into the kingdom of His Son, and the redemptive forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrificial blood. Each point underscores the profound contrast between the fleeting, corruptible nature of earthly life and the eternal, unshakable reality of God's kingdom, emphasising that salvation is not earned but freely given through faith in Christ alone. The preacher's tone is both urgent and pastoral, combining conviction about human depravity with the hope of redemption, urging listeners to recognize their spiritual condition and respond in repentance and faith. Ultimately, the message affirms that true gratitude arises not from circumstances but from the transformative work of God in redeeming sinners and securing their eternal destiny through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

This final study brings Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians to its triumphant conclusion, reminding believers that despite the trials, failures and discouragements of church life, they must continue steadfastly in the Lord's work. The great motivation for perseverance is not ourselves but Christ—His death and resurrection, His present consolation, His reigning power, and His promised return. Because Christ is risen, reigning and coming again, every labour performed for Him is certain never to be in vain.

The sermon centres on the vital necessity of collective, persistent prayer as modeled by the early church in Acts 1:14, emphasising that prayer is not optional but a commanded response to Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Jonathan Edwards' call to extraordinary prayer and the prophetic vision of Zechariah 8:20–21, it underscores that God's people are to seek Him together, trusting in His promises for revival, spiritual renewal, and global mission. The message highlights the power of unified prayer—marked by humility, unity across differences, and the absence of judgment—as the foundation for spiritual vitality, warning that neglecting prayer leads to spiritual decline and a life of mediocrity. It affirms that while the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, the Spirit's empowering infilling and outpouring are sought through persistent, corporate intercession, which renews the church and fuels lasting revival. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to embrace prayer not as a secondary activity but as the lifeblood of faith, the source of true power, and the pathway to God's promised transformation of individuals, communities, and nations.

The sermon centres on the transformative power of God's grace through the personal testimony of a man whose life was marked by rebellion, addiction, and spiritual ruin, yet found redemption through repentance and faith in Christ. Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, the speaker illustrates how sin promises freedom but delivers destruction, leading to a point of desperation where one comes to the end of self and turns back to God. His journey from a Christian upbringing to a life of substance abuse, theft, and self-destruction culminates in a near-fatal car accident that became the turning point, prompting a return to faith and a life of restoration through a residential recovery program. The message underscores the urgency of salvation, declaring that no one is beyond God's reach, and calls every listener to respond to Christ's invitation in the present moment, emphasizing that salvation is not earned by works but received by faith alone, with the ultimate question being, 'Are you saved?'

The sermon meditates on Christ's suffering under the crown of thorns as a profound symbol of the curse of sin, drawing from Matthew 27:27–31 to illustrate how Jesus bore the full weight of divine judgment and human humiliation. Through vivid imagery of thorns piercing His head, the preacher connects this act to the broader biblical narrative of Eden's curse, emphasizing that thorns represent the brokenness, pain, and death resulting from human sin. Christ's suffering was not merely physical but spiritual—He endured God's forsakenness and wrath, taking upon Himself the eternal curse of sin so that believers might be freed from it. The sermon underscores the redemptive significance of the cross, portraying the crown of thorns as a testament to Christ's substitutionary sacrifice and the hope of forgiveness and eternal life available through faith in Him. With a pastoral and urgent tone, the message calls listeners to repent and trust in Christ, whose suffering offers transformation and salvation.

1st Corinthians 14 addresses the contentious issue of spiritual gifts, primarily focusing on the gift of tongues within the early Church. This study emphasises the need for proper understanding and practice, warning against counterfeit manifestations. Peter McIntyre highlights the distinction between genuine gifts for evangelism and modern practices perceived as emotional and unscriptural. The text suggests that the age of spontaneous spiritual gifts ended with the completion of the New Testament scripture and the passing of the Apostolic age. Furthermore, it cautions against the dangers of relying upon experiential Christianity, advocating for a biblically rooted faith. Ultimately, Paul urges believers to seek genuine gifts of the Spirit guided by sound doctrine.

The sermon focuses on the universal need for Christ, illustrated through the contrasting yet parallel encounters of Nicodemus, a religious Jewish leader, and a Samaritan woman, both of whom, despite their differences in status, background, and spiritual condition, were met by Jesus with a tailored yet unified message of salvation. Drawing from John 3 and 4, the preacher emphasises that Christ's approach was both culturally sensitive and deeply personal—using familiar concepts like the temple and the law for Nicodemus, and the well and living water for the woman—while simultaneously confronting each with their sin and the necessity of spiritual rebirth. The core message is that salvation is not based on religious heritage, moral performance, or cultural identity, but on faith in Christ alone, who is the Savior of the world, accessible to all through grace. The sermon calls the church to adopt Christ's missionary vision, breaking down barriers of prejudice and reaching the lost with truth and love, as the gospel's power lies not in doctrine alone but in the personal, transformative encounter with Jesus, who offers eternal life to all who believe.

Title: Finding Jesus in Belfast - Living Testimonies Speaker: Rev. Alan Smylie Date: 24 May 2026 Bible: 2 Timothy 3:9-17

The sermon centres on 1 Corinthians 13, presenting love—agape—as the supreme virtue and defining characteristic of the Christian life, surpassing even faith and hope. Rooted in God's own nature, where 'God is love,' this divine love is not merely emotional but a transformative, sacrificial force that defines true spirituality and is the essential fruit of genuine faith. The message underscores that all spiritual gifts, knowledge, and even martyrdom are meaningless without love, which is the enduring, unchanging foundation of Christian community and personal holiness. The preacher calls believers to cultivate this love through patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness, emphasizing that love is both the origin and the fruit of salvation, and that its presence is the unmistakable mark of a life transformed by Christ. Ultimately, love is the eternal gift that outlasts all temporal gifts and will be fully realized when believers see Christ face to face.

The sermon centres on the profound truth that God, as both Creator and Almighty, uniquely provides 'songs in the night'—spiritual joy and peace amid suffering—not as a denial of pain, but as a testimony to His faithfulness and sovereignty. Drawing from Job 35:10, it emphasizes that these songs are not the result of human strength or self-reliance, but flow from a personal, trusting relationship with God, who sustains His people through trials, teaches them wisdom beyond creation, and invites them to come boldly to His throne of grace. The message underscores that such divine comfort is reserved for those who humble themselves, trust in Christ, and acknowledge Him in all ways, distinguishing the redeemed from those who remain in pride and despair. Through biblical examples—from Job's lament to Paul and Silas in prison—the sermon affirms that hardship, when endured in faith, becomes a context for experiencing God's presence, proving His promises, and cultivating deep spiritual satisfaction. Ultimately, it calls believers to embrace the privilege of knowing God not merely by hearsay, but through personal, life-tested experience, where even in darkness, His songs are heard and His grace is found.

Title: Saved & Serving - Living Christianity Speaker: Mr. Mark Woods Date: 17 May 2026 Bible: 1 Corinthians 15:10

Bible Study; Every Member Matters - Studies in Corinth Part 9.

Title: Luke 15 - Three Pictures of God's Saving Grace Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 10 May 2026 Bible: Luke 15

Living Christianity 2026, 10/5/26

The sermon centres on the Christian virtues of contentment, courage, and confidence, rooted in the unchanging presence of Christ. Drawing from Hebrews 13:5–6, it emphasises that true contentment arises not from material possessions but from recognizing God as the source of all blessings, rejecting covetousness, and trusting in divine provision. Courage is illustrated through the lives of Daniel and Joseph, who faced persecution and danger yet remained faithful, demonstrating that moral integrity, though costly, is rewarded by God. Confidence is grounded in the eternal promise that Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, offering unwavering presence and strength amid life's uncertainties, trials, and grief. The message calls listeners to place God first, find rest in Christ, and respond with faith, knowing that His faithfulness provides peace, purpose, and hope in every circumstance.

The sermon centers on the sacred significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacrament instituted by Christ, emphasizing its role as a means of grace through which believers spiritually commune with Christ and one another. It underscores the necessity of self-examination and repentance before partaking, warning that approaching the table unworthily—while harboring unconfessed sin—invites divine judgment and spiritual harm. Drawing from Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church, the message highlights the danger of treating the Lord's Table as a mere social gathering or indulgence, stressing that true participation requires humility, faith, and a heart turned toward Christ. The sermon affirms the Reformed understanding of the Supper as a spiritual encounter, not a physical transformation, where believers by faith partake of Christ's body and blood, receiving nourishment, assurance, and renewal. Ultimately, the Lord's Table is portrayed as a solemn yet comforting sanctuary—a moment of rededication, unity, and divine communion that challenges believers to examine their hearts and live in faithful response to Christ's sacrifice.

Title: Living Testimonies to Christ's Power Date: 03/05/2026 Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Service: Morning Worship

Living Testimonies - The Backslider Restored Speaker: Norman McElroy

The sermon draws from Isaiah 40 to reveal the dual nature of God as both infinitely majestic and profoundly gentle, emphasizing His sovereign power over creation and history while highlighting His intimate, pastoral care for individuals. Through the metaphor of the shepherd, it portrays God not only as the Almighty who measures oceans and weighs mountains but also as a loving caregiver who gathers lambs in His arms, carries them in His bosom, and gently leads the vulnerable. This divine gentleness is most fully revealed in Christ, who became incarnate, empathized with human suffering, and laid down His life for His flock, embodying the ultimate expression of compassionate strength. The message calls listeners to recognize their need for such a shepherd, inviting them to come into the fold of Christ's care and find rest in His personal, sustaining presence. The tone is both reverent and deeply pastoral, balancing awe at God's greatness with comfort in His tender mercy.

The sermon presents a theological defense of the biblical practice of women wearing head coverings in public worship, rooted in 1 Corinthians 11 and grounded in the created order, gender distinctions, and apostolic tradition. It argues that the head covering symbolizese the divine hierarchy of authority—Christ over man, man over woman, both under God—while affirming the equal dignity of men and women in Christ. The passage is presented not as a mere cultural custom but as a counter-cultural witness to God's design, especially in contrast to modern feminist and gender-critical ideologies that undermine biblical distinctions. The preacher emphasises humility, caution against pride in outward practices, and the need to prioritize self-examination over judging others, urging the church to uphold biblical standards without becoming legalistic or divisive. Ultimately, the practice is framed as a spiritual act of submission and reverence, calling believers to worship God with hearts and lives aligned to His Word, not cultural trends.

The sermon presents Apollos as a gifted yet incomplete believer whose eloquence and deep knowledge of Scripture were transformed by humble discipleship under Aquila and Priscilla, who corrected his incomplete understanding of Christ's redemptive work. Though well-versed in the teachings of John the Baptist and skilled in rhetoric and biblical scholarship, Apollos lacked personal faith in Christ until he was taught the full gospel of salvation through the Spirit. His subsequent ministry in Corinth, marked by powerful public defense of Christ from the Scriptures, demonstrates how God uses even flawed individuals when they are open to correction and growth. The narrative underscores the vital roles of encouragement, humility, and partnership in the body of Christ, illustrating how every believer—regardless of background or gifting—contributes to the advancement of God's kingdom. Ultimately, Apollos' journey calls the congregation to examine their own faith: are they merely knowledgeable in religious matters, or do they truly know Christ personally and live with fervent devotion?

The sermon presents a compelling call to live out genuine Christianity beyond the confines of the church building, emphasising that true faith must be evident in the everyday world—the 'street'—where believers engage in commerce, face temptation, and journey toward eternity. Drawing from Proverbs, it underscores the necessity of 'buying the truth' through humble submission to Scripture, resisting the world's lies, and holding fast to divine wisdom. The street symbolises both moral peril—illustrated by Sodom, the temptations of immorality, and persecution—and divine opportunity, as God's Word is proclaimed in public spaces, echoing wisdom's cry in the streets and reflecting Christ's incarnational mission. Ultimately, the sermon points to the future glory of heaven, where the golden streets of eternity bear the fruit of eternal life and healing, calling all to repent and be prepared for the final journey, ensuring that faith is not confined to sanctuary but lived out in every aspect of life.

The sermon centres on Job's profound transformation after encountering God's sovereign power and majesty through divine revelation, culminating in his humble recognition of God's infinite wisdom and his own finite, sinful condition. By reflecting on God's creation—exemplified in the awe-inspiring creatures Behemoth and Leviathan, and extended to modern wonders like the blue whale—the preacher illustrates how the natural world reveals God's design, power, and glory, calling humanity to a biblical worldview. This encounter with divine greatness leads to self-abasement, as Job confesses his ignorance and repents in dust and ashes, underscoring the necessity of recognising human limitation in light of God's holiness. Yet the message does not end in despair; it pivots to the redemptive truth of God's grace and mercy, revealed most fully in the sacrifice of Christ, offering forgiveness and new life to those who repent and trust in Him. The sermon concludes with a compelling call to embrace Christ as the ultimate expression of God's love, inviting listeners to experience salvation and hope through faith in His atoning work.

This sermon, as part of a wider series of contemporary lessons from the Church at Corinth, focuses on the principle of Christian liberty and love in the context of non-essential differences within the church, drawing from 1 Corinthians 8 to address how believers should navigate disagreements over cultural practices such as eating meat offered to idols. It teaches that while knowledge can lead to pride, true spiritual maturity is marked by charity and humility, recognising that not all believers have the same level of spiritual understanding or conscience. Peter McIntyre underscores that liberty in non-essential matters must never be exercised at the expense of weaker believers, advocating for self-denial and sacrifice to preserve unity and protect the gospel's witness. By applying Paul's example of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel, the message calls for an open, grace-filled spirit that prioritises love over opinion, unity over division, and the eternal over the temporary. Ultimately, the church's integrity and effectiveness in reaching a lost world depend on its ability to embody Christ's love in the midst of diversity.

Title: The God with Whom we have to do Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 19 April 2026 Bible: Hebrews 4:13

The sermon uses the Artemis II space mission as a springboard to reflect on humanity's smallness in the vastness of creation, drawing from Isaiah 40 to emphasize God's infinite majesty and sovereignty over all things. It contrasts human achievement with divine power, reminding listeners that despite our technological progress, we are but 'grasshoppers' before the Creator who sustains the universe by His wisdom and design. The message underscores that the universe was not formed by chance but by a loving, intentional God who made Earth uniquely for life and who deeply loves humanity, as revealed in the gift of His Son. This profound truth—our insignificance yet immense value in God's eyes—leads to a call for repentance and faith, inviting listeners to embrace the redemptive love of Christ and find eternal purpose in Him.

Let the Bible Speak Deputation

Psalm 130; Out of the Depths; Sunday Evening Worship - 12/04/26 This sermon, centered on Psalm 130, presents a profound meditation on divine mercy and hope amid spiritual despair, portraying the soul's journey from the depths of guilt and suffering to the assurance of God's unfailing grace. It emphasises the universal human condition of sin and the terrifying reality of divine judgment, yet pivots powerfully on the truth that 'there is forgiveness with thee,' making God worthy of reverence. Through the lens of personal and biblical suffering—illustrated by David, Martin Luther, and Jonah—the message underscores that true prayer arises not from eloquence but from brokenness, and that God hears the cry of the desperate. The sermon calls both the unsaved and the believer to wait in patient hope upon the Word of God, trusting in the plenteous redemption secured by Christ's sacrifice, and affirms that God's mercy is constant, not dependent on human feeling, but rooted in His faithful covenant. Ultimately, it invites all to find salvation and peace in Christ, rising from the depths into the light of His eternal grace.

The sermon centres on the transformative truth of Philippians 1:21—'For to me to live is Christ'—presenting the Apostle Paul as the paradigm of a life fully surrendered to Christ. It traces Paul's radical conversion from persecutor to missionary, emphasising that no one is beyond God's reach, and that true conversion involves divine intervention, not mere moral reform. The message unfolds Paul's purpose-driven life, marked by radical commitment, sacrifice, and consecration, as he embraced suffering and opposition to advance the gospel to the Gentiles. Through vivid examples—from Paul's journeys to the martyrdom of lesser-known missionaries like Phil Masters and Stan Dale underscores that lasting impact comes not from worldly success but from faithful obedience, even unto death. Ultimately, it calls every believer to examine their own life: Are they truly living for Christ, committed to His mission, surrendered in every area, and finishing well with eyes fixed on Jesus?

The sermon centres on the enduring power of faith, exemplified by Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promise despite overwhelming odds, illustrating that true faith is rooted not in emotion or circumstance but in the unchanging Word of God. Drawing from Romans 4:20, it emphasizes that Abraham's faith was not weakened by disbelief but strengthened by his conviction in God's reliability, culminating in his obedience and glory to God, even in the trial of offering Isaac. The message underscores that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a life of submission, pointing to Christ as the fulfilment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed. It calls believers to trust God's Word above visible reality, knowing that while the world fades, God's promises endure, and His grace remains sufficient even after failure. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to place their full confidence in Christ, the eternal Saviour, and to live in a way that glorifies God, finding hope in His eternal promises and unshakable character.

Lessons from Corinth (5) In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul addresses the moral and relational challenges of the early Church by grounding Christian living in divine sovereignty, marital fidelity, and spiritual contentment. He affirms the sanctity of marriage as a covenant ordained by God, emphasising that sexual intimacy belongs exclusively within marriage, while also honouring the spiritual gift of singleness for those called to serve the Lord without marital distraction. Paul teaches that believers should be content in their current state—whether married, single, or in mixed-faith unions—because each condition offers unique opportunities to glorify God, with the believer's faith potentially sanctifying their unbelieving spouse and their children. He upholds the permanence of marriage, the importance of mutual selflessness. Sadly believers are not immune to broken relationships, yet they must pursue peace and faithfulness. Ultimately, the chapter calls the Church to embrace contentment, recognising that every believer—regardless of circumstance—has been bought with Christ's blood and is called to live faithfully in the role God has assigned, using their present condition to advance His kingdom.

The sermon centres on the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, drawing from John 14:19's promise that 'because I live, ye shall live also,' to unfold five profound benefits for believers: eternal life, personal knowledge of God, divine love, heartfelt obedience, and the abiding presence of Christ and the Father within the believer. Rooted in the historical reality of the empty tomb, the message affirms that Christ's victory over death is not merely a theological concept but a living, present reality that dispels fear, guarantees hope, and redefines life's meaning. The preacher emphasizes that faith in the risen Christ produces a dynamic, relational faith marked by assurance, love, and obedience, empowering believers to face life's trials, family struggles, and the certainty of death with confidence. Through the lens of John's Gospel and epistles, the sermon calls listeners to a life of radical trust in Christ's living presence, urging both personal commitment and spiritual renewal, grounded in the unshakable truth that Christ lives and continues to dwell in His people through the Holy Spirit.

Resurrection Sunday 2026 - 05/04/26 PM

The sermon centres on the profound truth of Jesus' resurrection, articulated in John 14:19 with the declaration, 'Because I live, ye shall live also,' presenting it as the foundation of Christian hope, forgiveness, peace, and eternal assurance. It explores how Christ's victory over death transforms the believer's present life—offering liberation from fear, confidence in the future, and enduring joy even in the face of suffering and death. Drawing from the hymn 'Because He Lives,' the message emphasises that forgiveness is secured through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, making eternal life possible for all who trust in Him. The sermon underscores the practical implications of this truth for daily living, parenting, and facing life's uncertainties, affirming that Christ's resurrection is not merely a historical event but a living reality that empowers believers to live with purpose and courage. Ultimately, it calls listeners to personal faith, inviting them to rest in Christ's finished work and embrace the life He offers.

Easter Meetings - Thursday 02/04/26 The sermon centres on Christ's final words on the cross—'It is finished'—presenting them as a triumphant declaration of completed salvation, not defeat. Drawing from John 19:30, it emphasises that Christ's work of redemption was fully accomplished, rendering further human effort unnecessary, and affirming that salvation is a gift received through faith alone. The message unfolds this truth through three dimensions: conquest over sin, Satan, and divine wrath; comfort in the end of condemnation and the removal of separation from God; and a call to faithful service and perseverance until life's end. Using the life of Hudson Taylor as a compelling example, the sermon illustrates how encountering the finished work of Christ transforms lives, ignites service, and brings lasting peace, urging listeners to rest in Christ's completed sacrifice rather than in their own works.

The sermon centres on the profound significance of Calvary, presenting the crucifixion of Christ not merely as a historical event but as the climactic expression of God's eternal plan for redemption. It emphasises that Christ's suffering—marked by shame, physical agony, and divine abandonment—was not random but intentional, as He bore the curse of sin and the wrath of God on behalf of humanity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and typology. The message underscores that the cross was both a place of ultimate sacrifice and divine victory, where Christ's finished work satisfied divine justice, defeated sin and death, and opened a fountain of cleansing for all who come in faith. The sermon calls listeners to personal response, affirming that salvation is available to every sinner through simple trust in Christ's atoning death, and that Calvary's power remains effective today, transforming lives and offering eternal security to all who believe.

The sermon centres on the profound significance of Christ's crucifixion as the sole means of salvation, emphasising that God's justice and mercy are fully revealed at the cross. Through a vivid examination of Matthew 27:33–44, it highlights the contempt, mockery, and challenges Christ endured—yet underscores His unwavering commitment to suffer fully in human consciousness, refusing pain relief to bear the full weight of sin. The sermon then turns to the remarkable compassion of Christ's first cry from the cross—'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'—revealing a prayer of intercession that was repeated, ongoing, and effective for all who repent and believe. This act of divine forgiveness, grounded in Christ's sacrificial death, is presented as the ultimate incentive for sinners to turn to Him in faith, with the assurance that salvation is available to all who come, not by merit, but by grace through the blood of the Lamb.

The sermon centres on the profound question, 'Have you any room for Jesus?', drawing from Matthew 27's account of Christ's trial before Pilate, where multiple figures—religious leaders, Pilate, and the crowd—demonstrate a complete refusal to make space for Christ in their hearts. It exposes the spiritual danger of religious formalism, pride, and the fear of man, illustrating how even those who recognize Christ's innocence still reject Him due to envy, self-interest, or public pressure. The preacher emphasises that salvation is not earned through human effort or religious ritual, but received by faith in Christ alone, who bore the penalty for sin. The message culminates in a personal, urgent appeal: every individual must confront their own heart and decide whether to welcome Christ or remain in the self-sufficient emptiness of a life without Him, with eternal consequences hanging in the balance.

The sermon presents Philip the Evangelist as a paradigm of faithful service, tracing his journey from a deacon who served widows with humility to a pioneering missionary who broke cultural and religious barriers in Samaria and beyond. Central to the message is the theological principle that true evangelism begins with practical compassion and obedience to God's call in the present moment, whether in urban revival or solitary outreach to a single soul. Philip's life exemplifies the balance between itinerant evangelism and settled family life, highlighting the value of both mission and domestic faithfulness, as seen in his prophesying daughters and his hospitality to Paul. The preacher emphasises that spiritual success is not measured by numbers or location, but by faithfulness in God's will, whether in a bustling city or a desert road. Ultimately, Philip's story calls the church to embody a spirit of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to Christ, wherever God places them.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and presenting Himself as the humble, meek King who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This moment, set against the backdrop of the Passover—a feast commemorating Israel's redemption from slavery—foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God whose blood would redeem humanity from sin. Though the crowds hailed Him with cries of 'Hosanna,' their recognition was superficial; they did not grasp His divine identity or the profound significance of His impending death. The sermon underscores the contrast between outward religious enthusiasm and genuine faith, calling listeners to move beyond ritual to a personal, transformative relationship with Christ, who offers rest, forgiveness, and eternal life. It warns against spiritual fickleness, as the same people who praised Him soon demanded His crucifixion, and calls believers to remain steadfast in faith, ready for His return in glory. Ultimately, the message is one of urgent invitation: to know Christ personally, to submit to Him as King, and to find true hope in His victory over death.

The sermon presents Stephen as the first Christian martyr, highlighting his exemplary life of faith, humility, and Spirit-filled service, which culminated in his courageous defense before the Sanhedrin and his martyrdom. Centered on Acts 6–7, the message emphasises that Stephen's calling arose from his godly character, his commitment to Christ, and his empowerment by the Holy Spirit, enabling him to serve faithfully in a humble role while demonstrating extraordinary spiritual gifts and prophetic insight. His powerful sermon, rooted in biblical history, confronted the religious leaders with their persistent resistance to God's Spirit and their rejection of Christ, provoking a violent reaction that led to his stoning. Yet, even in death, Stephen exemplified Christ-like grace through his prayer for forgiveness, foreshadowing the conversion of Saul and the expansion of the gospel to the Gentiles. The sermon calls believers to emulate Stephen's total surrender, urging a life of radical obedience, spiritual readiness, and unwavering commitment to Christ, so that their lives may burn brightly for God in a world in need of redemption.

The sermon centres on the biblical call to honest, accountable repentance in the life of the believer, drawing from James 5:16 to emphasize that true spiritual healing begins with confessing sins to one another and praying for restoration, not through ritualistic penance but through genuine humility and relational integrity. It contrasts the early Irish church's healthy practice of penitential accountability—marked by restitution, soul-friendship (anam cara), and pastoral guidance—with the later Roman Catholic system of penance, which distorts the gospel by substituting human works for Christ's atoning sacrifice. The core message affirms that while earthly friends can counsel and guide, the ultimate confessor and healer is Jesus Christ, who alone forgives sins, bears our burdens, and offers mercy to the repentant. The sermon calls believers to reject complacency toward sin, embrace accountability, and embody the role of soul-friend by pointing others to Christ's grace, while underscoring that true spiritual health requires both personal repentance and communal faithfulness, grounded in the gospel of grace alone.

The final invitation of Scripture, drawn from Revelation 22:17, is a profound and urgent call to all people to come to Christ for salvation, emphasising the freely offered water of life—spiritual refreshment and eternal life made possible through Christ's sacrificial death. This invitation, issued by the Spirit, the Church, and every believer, underscores the necessity of divine conviction and personal response, as the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and draws the thirsty soul to Christ. The water of life symbolises the complete and lasting satisfaction found only in Jesus, surpassing all earthly pleasures and fulfilling the deepest longings of the human spirit. The message is both inclusive—open to 'whosoever will'—and urgent, rooted in the reality of impending judgment and Christ's imminent return, calling all to repent and believe before it is too late.

Title: ENCOUNTER - Eight Places Where People Met Christ Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 20 March 2026 Bible: Luke 24:28-32 Preached at the opening of the "Enocunter" young people's facility at Clogher Valley FPC, this sermon centres on the transformative power of encountering Christ, presenting eight pivotal moments in Scripture where individuals met Jesus—by the sea, in the office, at a well, at a wedding, in grief, at the cross, in the empty tomb, and on the mountaintop—each symbolising a stage in the spiritual journey. These encounters reveal that Christ is present in everyday life, calling people to purpose, repentance, joy, comfort, and mission, with the ultimate call to follow Him and share His gospel. The message emphasises that true fulfillment comes not from worldly success or moral performance, but from a personal, life-changing relationship with Christ, who offers mercy, resurrection hope, and eternal life. Through vivid biblical examples, the preacher underscores that every believer is invited into a living encounter with God, not as a one-time event but as a continual pilgrimage of faith, surrender, and service. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, calling young people and all believers to examine their priorities, embrace Christ's presence, and answer His call to be His witnesses in a world in need of hope.

Title: Five Key Christian Truths Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Series: FPC 75th Anniversary Date: 15 March 2026 Bible: Luke 1:1 The sermon presents a foundational reflection on five essential Christian truths—sin, Scripture, the Trinity, Christ, and the atonement—framed as the unshakable pillars of the faith, especially relevant in light of the church's 75th anniversary and its historical roots in the 1927 Davy Heresy Trial. It emphasises that sin is humanity's universal condition, breaking all barriers and necessitating divine intervention, while affirming the Bible as God's infallible, authoritative Word, not subject to human reason or experience. The Trinity is upheld as the core of Christian orthodoxy, revealing God as three persons in one essence, essential to proper worship and understanding of salvation. Christ is presented as the eternal Son who became flesh to reveal God, die as the perfect sacrifice, and rise in victory, offering hope amid global turmoil. Central to this is the atonement, where Christ bore the sins of humanity, making believers righteous through His substitutionary death, grounded in Scripture and secured by the triune God's eternal plan. The tone is pastoral, convicting, and deeply reverent, underscoring that these truths are not mere doctrines but the very foundation of gospel assurance and mission.

Still Preaching Still Reaching The sermon, rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:17–20, centres on the urgent call to evangelism and reconciliation with God through Christ, emphasising that the gospel remains timeless and transformative. It underscores the necessity of personal faith and repentance, grounded in the atonement where Christ became sin for us, bearing the full weight of our guilt and satisfying divine justice through His sacrificial death. As ambassadors of Christ, believers are commissioned to proclaim this message with compassion, integrity, and urgency, reflecting the heart of Christ who longs to restore all people to Himself. The sermon calls the church to remain faithful in both preaching and reaching, recognizing that true conversion results in a radical new creation, where old things pass away and all things become new through the righteousness of God in Christ.

The sermon centres on the essential truth of spiritual rebirth, drawing from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, where He declares that no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born again. It uses Saint Patrick's life and ministry as a powerful illustration of this truth, highlighting how his own conversion in captivity led to a lifelong mission to bring the gospel to Ireland, emphasizing salvation through Christ's substitutionary death and the authority of Scripture. The preacher underscores that conversion is not a cultural or religious ritual but a radical, personal transformation made possible only by the grace of God, calling all listeners—regardless of background—to repent and be born again. The tone is urgent and pastoral, blending historical reflection with a direct, heartfelt appeal to respond to the gospel with wholehearted faith. Ultimately, the message affirms that eternal life is certain for those who trust in Christ, and the call to conversion remains as vital today as it was in Patrick's time.