Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Audio Ministry

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.

This sermon, rooted in the book of Jude and centres on the 1927 Davy Heresy Trial, presents a sobering historical reflection on the necessity of confessional fidelity within the church. It argues that the trial was not a mere schism over minor differences, but a critical succession—a faithful withdrawal in response to a creeping apostasy that undermined core doctrines such as the Trinity, the atonement, the infallibility of Scripture, and the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice. Through the lives of key figures like James Hunter and William James Greer, the sermon highlights the courage required to contend for the faith when institutional authority fails to uphold truth, and it warns that the erosion of doctrinal integrity can occur swiftly, even within a generation of revival. The call is not for division for division's sake, but for humility, vigilance, and a deep love for the gospel as the church's safeguard against spiritual decline. Ultimately, the message is a plea for ongoing faithfulness, urging believers to build themselves in their most holy faith, to pray for protection, and to remain ever watchful in defending the truth once delivered to the saints.

Christ our Mediator

Bible Study - Neville McIlwrath John 15 v 16 - Chosen, Commissioned, Challenged, Consistent The sermon centred on John 15:16, emphasising that believers are not self-chosen but divinely selected by Christ out of grace, not merit, and commissioned to bear lasting fruit. This fruit is both outward—such as souls saved and ministries advancing—and inward, reflecting the Spirit's character in love, joy, peace, and self-control. The call to fruitfulness demands active, consistent obedience, not passive waiting, and is sustained through abiding in Christ by dwelling in His Word and living in His love. The promise of answered prayer, given repeatedly in the passage, is tied directly to this abiding life, assuring believers that as they remain in Christ, their prayers are heard and their lives are empowered for lasting spiritual impact. The message is both a profound encouragement and a sobering challenge to live with purpose, faith, and perseverance in the Christian journey.

Title: The All Knowing God Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 1 March 2026 Bible: Psalm 139; Isaiah 55:8-9

Parable of the Talents - Mathew 25:14-30 1st March 2026 PM Service

The sermon centres on the reliability and divine authority of the Bible, presenting it as the living, inspired Word of God that is trustworthy, self-authenticating, and essential for salvation through faith in Christ. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:15–16, it argues that Scripture's truth is foundational to Christian belief, affirming its divine origin as the 'breath of God' and its enduring relevance across cultures and centuries. The speaker emphasises the Bible's internal consistency, historical endurance, and the evidence of intelligent design in nature as compelling testimony to God's existence and creative power. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to faith in Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection offer eternal life and peace in a broken world, underscoring the Bible's role as the ultimate source of wisdom and hope.

This fourth part of this series, exploring lesson from Corinth, confronts the severe moral scandal in the Corinthian church—specifically, a member's incestuous relationship with his father's wife—highlighting how such sin, though forgivable through repentance, carries lasting consequences and damages the church's witness. It emphasises that while God's grace covers all sins, forgiveness does not erase the real-world repercussions, especially when such sins become public scandals that undermine Christian credibility and provoke societal outrage. The preacher underscores the danger of pride, which led the Corinthians to tolerate this sin while quarreling over lesser divisions, and calls for serious, disciplined church action—excommunication as a form of corrective discipline aimed at spiritual restoration, not mere punishment. Drawing from Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, the message stresses that the body is not for immorality but for the Lord, having been purchased by Christ and made a temple of the Holy Spirit, demanding total consecration. The central challenge is a call to holiness, vigilance, and self-examination, reminding believers that one reckless decision can destroy their testimony and that they are always one step away from moral failure, requiring constant dependence on God's grace to live as Christ's representatives in a corrupt world.

The sermon centres on Revelation 3:7–13, highlighting the faithful church in Philadelphia as a model of enduring loyalty amid a hostile, pagan world. Christ, portrayed as holy, true, and sovereign with the key of David, affirms His authority and opens doors of opportunity that no one can shut, commending the church for its small strength, steadfast faith, and refusal to deny His name. Despite persecution and opposition—particularly from those who claim Jewish identity yet reject Christ—the church is assured of divine vindication, as even their enemies will one day bow in worship, recognising God's love. The Lord promises protection from the coming hour of trial for those who remain patient and faithful, urging believers to hold fast to their spiritual blessings, knowing that while salvation is secure, the rewards of faithfulness are not guaranteed. Ultimately, the faithful are promised eternal honor as pillars in God's temple, bearing the names of God, New Jerusalem, and Christ's new name, symbolizing their eternal union with the heavenly city and their victory through Christ. The message concludes with a solemn call to listen to the Spirit's voice, urging continual vigilance and faithfulness in a world that demands allegiance to Christ alone.

The sermon centres on the profound truth of Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death atones for the universal sin that defines humanity's moral and spiritual destitution. Drawing from John 1:29 and the hymn 'Jesus, the Name High Over All,' it unfolds a threefold message: the gravity of sin as a universal condition of rebellion against God, the divine provision of Christ's atoning sacrifice that bears and removes sin through His blood, and the urgent call to behold and trust in Him as the only means of salvation. Rooted in Old Testament imagery like the Passover and daily sacrifices, the sermon emphasises that Christ's once-for-all offering on Calvary fulfills all types and shadows, making His righteousness available to all who look to Him in faith. With pastoral urgency, it warns against relying on human efforts or prayers, insisting that salvation comes solely through personal faith in the Lamb of God, who alone can break spiritual bondage, defeat Satan, and transform hell into heaven for the repentant sinner.

This sermon centres on the sobering reality of God's final judgment, drawn from Isaiah 34 and reinforced by Revelation, emphasising that God's justice, symbolized by a sword bathed in heaven, will ultimately be executed upon all sin. It confronts the human condition with the truth that all have fallen short of God's law, making every person deserving of eternal punishment, and underscores the terrifying yet necessary nature of divine wrath as an expression of divine holiness and righteousness. Yet, the message pivots to hope through the cross, where Christ bore the full weight of God's wrath on Calvary, taking the sword meant for sinners and offering salvation through faith alone. The preacher calls listeners to repentance and personal surrender, urging them to stop and respond to Christ's cry, 'Is it nothing to you?', recognizing that only through His substitutionary sacrifice can one escape eternal judgment. The tone is both convicting and compassionate, rooted in biblical prophecy and the gospel's transformative power, calling the hearer to embrace Christ as Savior before the final trumpet sounds.

Building Churches Through Building Faith (Lessons from Corinth 3) "Ye are God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). True church growth is not merely about numbers, but about spiritual depth. Christ is the only foundation, and every believer is called to build upon Him with faith, perseverance, and obedience. As we endure trials, practise discipline, and labour together in fellowship, God strengthens His Church from the inside out. One day, the quality of our work will be revealed. May we build with gold, silver, and precious stones—lives shaped by prayer, holiness, and love—so that our faith endures and Christ is glorified in His Church. http://hopeinthevalley.co.uk/2026/02/18/building-churches-through-building-faith-lessons-from-corinth-3/

Title: The Presence of God Speaker: Mr. Richard Edwards Date: 15 February 2026 Bible: Jeremiah 23:16-24

Sunday Evening Worship; 15/02/26

Title: Reacting Badly to the Providence of God Speaker: Rev. Gordon Ferguson Date: 8 February 2026 Bible: Genesis 42:25-38

Having Everything Working in Your Favour Rev Gordon Ferguson Romans 8:28

Title: God's Depressed Servant Speaker: Rev. Gary Goodes Date: 1 February 2026 Bible: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Sunday Evening Worship - 01/02/26

The sermon centres on Revelation 21:1, highlighting the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where 'there was no more sea,' not as a literal absence but as a profound symbol of the end of turmoil, separation, and the brokenness caused by sin. Drawing from biblical imagery, the sea represents unrest, chaos, and the suffering inherent in a fallen world—evident throughout history in war, natural disasters, and human conflict. The message emphasizes that Christ's return will usher in a renewed creation where righteousness, peace, and divine order prevail, undoing the curse of sin and restoring God's original design. This future hope is presented as both a comfort to believers and a call to personal faith, urging listeners to trust Christ as Savior in preparation for eternal life. The tone is pastoral and urgent, balancing deep theological insight with a heartfelt invitation to salvation.

This study centres on Paul's declaration, "But we preach Christ crucified," showing the cross as the Church's true point of unity. Writing to a divided Corinthian church, Paul directs believers away from personalities, pride, and shallow thinking, and back to Christ alone. The cross heals division, humbles human pride, and defines authentic Christianity as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption found only in Christ. It is the heart of the gospel message and the glory of the Church. By glorying only in the cross, believers are united, transformed, and kept faithful to the truth in a distracted and superficial age.

The Faithful Remnant - Malachi 3:16 Rev Peter McIntyre Morning Worship

The Boy Samuel Rev Peter McIntyre Evening Worship

This podcast reflects on the biblical account of Abner's funeral in 2 Samuel 3, led by King David. Abner is remembered as a great man of Israel—a skilled soldier, general, and statesman—who played a key role in the transition of power from Saul's house to David. Despite his achievements and influence, Abner's life ended suddenly and violently through murder. David laments that Abner "died as a fool," not because he lacked wisdom, but because his death was avoidable. The message urges listeners to reflect on the certainty of death and the importance of being spiritually prepared.

The sermon centres on Malachi 3:10, where God challenges His people to 'prove me now' by fully surrendering to His authority, not merely through tithing but through holistic obedience in every area of life. It emphasises that God's claim over believers is absolute, illustrated through the image of a refiner purifying silver, calling for humility, repentance, and the acknowledgment of rebellion—whether in withholding time, talents, or worship, or in living contrary to God's design. The message expands beyond financial stewardship to include the sanctity of the Sabbath, participation in sacraments, prayer, Scripture, and the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, all of which are sacred gifts to be honored. True submission involves return, repentance, restitution, and restoration, grounded in God's unchanging character and mercy, which enables a new beginning. Ultimately, the promise is that when believers fully yield, God will open the heavens and pour out blessings beyond measure, demonstrating His faithfulness and grace to those who trust Him.

The sermon presents the Bible as a living, dynamic force—alive, powerful, and transformative—revealing truth through vivid metaphors that illustrate its multifaceted work in the human heart. It portrays Scripture as a mirror that exposes our true condition, a sword that kills sin by convicting the conscience, a hammer that breaks hardened hearts, a seed that produces eternal life, rain that nourishes spiritual growth, food that sustains the soul, and a light that guides through life's darkness. Each metaphor underscores the Word's active, enduring power to convict, convert, and sustain, emphasizing that without personal encounter with Christ at the heart of Scripture, cultural or nominal affiliation with Christianity is insufficient. The message calls for a radical response: not mere hearing, but doership, repentance, and evangelistic urgency, as only the living Word can transform lives and nations. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to embrace Christ, the source of all light and life, and to proclaim the gospel with conviction, knowing that God's Word always accomplishes its purpose.

Why does the Bible still matter in a world of noise, misinformation, and fading truths? In this episode of Let the Bible Speak, we reflect on Psalm 68:11 — "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it." From the sacrifice of William Tyndale to the enduring power of Scripture today, this message explores why God's Word has shaped hearts, transformed societies, and stood the test of time. Discover why the Bible is truth, life-giving, and as relevant now as ever.

What kind of church does God use? A perfect one—or a broken one saved by grace? In this opening message from 1 Corinthians, we are confronted with a church that was deeply flawed, morally messy, divided, and struggling—yet still called "the church of God." Corinth was infamous for its wickedness, yet God declared, "I have much people in this city." That truth still speaks powerfully today. This sermon launches a series exploring lessons for the 21st-century church, beginning with a vital theme: a church made perfect by grace alone. Paul does not define the Corinthians by their failures, but by Christ's finished work. Though once idolaters, adulterers, thieves, and drunkards, they were now washed, sanctified, and justified. Grace—not performance—was their foundation. The message challenges spiritual pride, reminds us that the Christian life is a work in progress, and calls us to see the church—and sinners—as God sees them. It asks hard questions: Are we ready for conversions of people with deeply troubled lives? Do we truly believe the gospel can transform the worst of sinners? If you need encouragement, humility, and a renewed confidence in the power of grace, this message is for you. Listen and be reminded: "Such were some of you—but God."

Sunday Morning Worship 11/01/2026 Galatians 4:16

Sunday Evening Worship 11/01/2026

In this episode, we turn to 1 John chapter 2 and consider one of the most comforting truths in Scripture: Jesus Christ, the sinner's Advocate. Drawing from John's words, "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," we are reminded that every one of us stands guilty before God's perfect law. There are no technicalities, no hidden evidence, and no miscarriages of justice in God's courtroom. By His law, we have all sinned and fallen short. Yet into this courtroom steps Jesus Christ the Righteous. As our Advocate, He stands before the Father—not to deny our guilt, but to plead on our behalf. Unlike earthly defenders, Christ does not argue innocence. Instead, He pleads the merits of His own precious blood, shed for sinners. He bore the punishment we deserved, fully satisfying divine justice. This message unfolds the beauty of Christ's qualifications, His perfect righteousness, and the certainty of His success. Those for whom Christ pleads are truly redeemed. The episode closes with a solemn and loving call: Christ is our only hope. To neglect Him is to face judgment alone—but to trust Him is to have an Advocate who never loses a case.

The sermon centres on the profound truth that God Himself is the author of Scripture, declaring that 'the Lord gave the word,' and that the church's sacred duty is to proclaim it faithfully. Drawing from Psalm 68:11 and the 500th anniversary of Tyndale's English New Testament, it emphasises the Bible's divine origin, its transformative power, and its indispensable role in revealing God's character, human depravity, and the redemptive work of Christ. The message underscores the Bible's enduring authority, its historical preservation through generations, and the urgent need for believers to treasure, study, and share it with a world increasingly drifting into spiritual darkness. It calls the church to a renewed commitment to Scripture—not merely as a reading habit, but as a life-changing, life-giving, and world-transforming force that must be published with passion and purpose, echoing the sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that the Word might be known in the language of the people.

The sermon centres on the transformative promise of Revelation 21:5—'Behold, I make all things new'—presenting God's redemptive work as the ultimate new beginning, far surpassing human resolutions or self-effort. It unfolds this truth through four spiritual realities: a new birth, essential for all, as taught in John 3; a new life marked by genuine repentance and transformation, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 5:17; a new song of praise born from deliverance out of spiritual despair, illustrated by Psalm 40; and a new hope anchored in the eternal promise of a renewed heaven and earth, contrasted with the final judgment for those who reject Christ. The preacher calls listeners to embrace this divine renewal not through human striving, but through faith in Christ alone, emphasising that salvation is available now, in this moment, as the only true beginning that brings lasting change, purpose, and eternal hope.

As a new year dawned in 1940, the world stood trembling on the edge of the unknown. Europe was already gripped by fear, and darker days lay ahead as war spread its shadow. People looked forward with anxious hearts, asking the same question we still ask today: What lies ahead? In that moment of national uncertainty, King George VI offered words of comfort drawn from a simple poem—words that spoke not of clear answers, but of trust. "Put your hand into the hand of God," the voice at the gate of the year replied, "that shall be better than light and safer than a known way." This podcast reflects on that same tension between fear and faith. It acknowledges the reality of loss, illness, and unexpected sorrow—things no one sees coming when a new year begins. Yet it also points to a deeper reassurance found in Psalm 139: a God who knows us completely, who goes before us and behind us, whose hand holds us even in the darkest places. At the gate of another year, with the future still uncertain, the message is clear and timeless. We may not know what lies ahead, but we can know who walks with us. And in that knowledge, there is comfort enough to step forward into the unknown.

The sermon unfolds the spiritual journey of Noah through three essential steps: grace, walking with God, and obedience, illustrating how divine favor initiates a transformative life. It emphasises that Noah's salvation was not due to his righteousness or heritage, but solely because God's grace distinguished him in a world consumed by wickedness, underscoring that grace is unearned and sufficient even in human failure. The second step, walking with God, is portrayed as a daily commitment rooted in Scripture and prayer, where God's Word shapes character and prayer aligns the heart with divine will. The final step, obedience, highlights faithful action in the face of absurdity and opposition, as Noah built the ark not because he understood the flood, but because he trusted God's command, demonstrating that true discipleship involves complete surrender to God's revealed plan. The message calls believers to embrace the same journey—receiving grace, cultivating intimacy with God, and living in faithful obedience—knowing that such a life, though often lonely and countercultural, preserves a legacy of salvation for generations to come.

As the year draws to a close, the message calls believers to reflect on the sacred rhythm of looking backward, inward, and forward—honoring the past through faithful remembrance of foundational truths, examining the heart for the presence and growth of Christlike character, and pressing forward with purpose toward spiritual fruitfulness and eternal hope. Rooted in 2 Peter 1, the sermon emphasises that true faith is not static but active, requiring diligent cultivation of virtues such as virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, which together confirm one's calling and election. The preacher warns against spiritual complacency, rejecting the notion of passive security, and instead calls for a life marked by continual growth, service, and love, grounded in the promise of an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. This reflection, shaped by the passing of faithful elders and the brevity of life, is both a solemn challenge and a joyful invitation to live with intention, rooted in God's grace and aimed at eternal glory.

The sermon centres on the profound truth that eternal life is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, as declared in 1 John 5:12: he who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the Son has no life. It emphasizes that true life is not merely biological existence but a spiritual reality rooted in a personal relationship with Christ, who is the source of eternal life through His incarnation, sacrificial death, and resurrection. The message underscores that this life is not earned by human effort, religion, or morality, but received by faith and repentance, and it transforms the present life with peace, purpose, and hope. The sermon issues an urgent call to decision, warning that postponing faith in Christ is perilous, as eternity is certain and the opportunity to respond is now—today is the day of salvation. Ultimately, it presents a stark, life-or-death choice: to accept Christ and possess eternal life, or to reject Him and face eternal separation from God.

The sermon centres on the Christian's confident hope in both life and death, anchored in the transformative truth that 'to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Drawing from Paul's imprisonment and his profound inner struggle between desire to depart and be with Christ and the necessity of remaining for the sake of others, the message emphasises that a life rooted in faith in Jesus Christ transcends fear, suffering, and the finality of death. It presents Christ as the only source of true meaning, peace, and redemption, countering the despair of a world cursed by sin with the gospel of salvation through Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection. The contrast between a despairing view of death—illustrated by a poem of dread—and the Christian's joyful anticipation of eternal fellowship with Christ, as expressed in a mirrored poem of hope, underscores the radical difference faith makes. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to repentance, faith in Christ alone, and a life fully surrendered to Him, so that both living and dying are lived in the certainty of eternal life with God.

Title: The First Christmas Carol Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 21 December 2025 Bible: Luke 2:14 Christmas Family Services - AM

Title: John 3:16; The Greatest Christmas Text of All Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 21 December 2025 Bible: John 3:16

The sermon centres on the profound question, 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews?', posed by the Magi and tracing its theological significance from Adam's encounter with God in the Garden to the incarnation of Christ. It emphasizes that God's redemptive initiative is marked by personal, seeking love—He calls sinners to Himself, just as He called Adam, and reveals Himself through Scripture and divine signs, such as the star. The Magi's journey illustrates the necessity of seeking Christ not in worldly power or religious tradition, but in humility and faith, guided by God's Word, which points to Bethlehem and the fulfillment of prophecy. The preacher calls listeners to abandon distractions, including the commercialized trappings of Christmas, and to pursue Christ earnestly, surrendering their hearts in worship, recognizing that salvation comes not through human effort or religious ritual, but through personal faith in Jesus as Savior and King, who offers eternal life through His sacrifice.

Psalm 81 is a call to worship — a summons to gather before God with reverence, joy, and obedience. In this message, we explore Psalm 81 as a "Psalm for the Solemn Feast Day," written by Asaph to guide God's people as they gathered for worship at Israel's appointed feasts. Though the specific feast is not named, the psalm was suitable for every sacred gathering, reminding worshippers of both God's grace and their responsibility before Him. The psalm opens with a clear call to worship — joyful praise, reverent music, and the blowing of the trumpet at God's appointed time. Worship is not casual or optional; it is ordained by God for His glory and our good. The feasts reminded Israel of redemption — deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness, and God's faithfulness through every trial. But Psalm 81 also carries a solemn warning. God laments a people who gathered outwardly yet refused to listen inwardly. Worship without obedience, gratitude, and hunger for God's Word leads to spiritual barrenness. True worship demands open hearts, attentive ears, and lives shaped by Scripture. The psalm closes with a promise: if God's people would listen and walk in His ways, He would feed them with "the finest of the wheat" and "honey out of the rock." Here is a call to rediscover worship that is serious, joyful, Word-centred, and deeply satisfying.

Acts 11 introduces us to Barnabas, described as "a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." Though not an apostle, his influence on the early church was immense. Known originally as Joses, he was given the name Barnabas — "son of consolation" — because of his gift of encouragement. Barnabas encouraged the suffering by sacrificially selling his land to support needy believers in a time with no welfare system. He encouraged new believers, most notably Saul of Tarsus, when others feared him. Without Barnabas' support, Paul's ministry may never have begun as it did. He strengthened the church at Antioch, rejoicing when he saw the grace of God at work and exhorting believers to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart. Recognising the need for help, Barnabas sought out Saul and encouraged him into service, forming a partnership through which the gospel reached the Gentile world. Barnabas also stood firmly for the truth of the gospel of grace, resisted discouragement, and restored those who had failed — most notably John Mark. His life teaches us that encouragement strengthens the church, advances the gospel, and brings glory to Christ. May God give us the spirit of Barnabas — to encourage, support, and serve faithfully.

Enoch is remembered in Scripture as "the man who walked with God." For 65 years he lived without the Lord, despite many privileges, until God dramatically changed his life at the birth of his son Methuselah — a living warning that judgment was coming. From that moment, Enoch was converted and devoted the remaining 300 years of his life to walking continually with God. Enoch was not only a godly man but a faithful preacher. Jude tells us that he warned of Christ's return and the coming judgment, reminding all that they must be prepared to meet God. His life shows that true Christianity is not a one-time decision, but a daily, consistent walk with the Lord. Genesis 5 and Hebrews 11 reveal Enoch's remarkable end: "God took him." He did not see death but was translated — changed in location and transformed in body — taken directly into God's presence. His experience points us to the great hope of believers: the home call to the Father's house and the future rapture and resurrection of the saints. Enoch's story asks us a searching question: are we ready? For those in Christ, eternity means being forever with the Lord. For those without Him, separation remains. Today is the day to walk with God.

In this message, Rev. Peter McIntyre reflects on Christ's words about "wars and rumours of wars" in Matthew 24, prompted by recent media talk linking Fivemiletown to potential conflict with Russia. He reminds listeners that war has always marked human history, yet Jesus commands His people not to be troubled. Amid global tensions and personal fears, true peace is found only in Christ, who conquered sin and death and offers refuge to all who trust Him. Psalm 46 declares God as our "very present help," and the gospel remains the world's only hope in uncertain days.