Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship

Mhairi's sermon centres on Jonah and the "sign of Jonah" in Matthew 12, showing how Jonah's story points forward to Jesus' death and resurrection. She begins by connecting Jesus' words to the Old Testament story of Jonah. Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness, but instead he ran away in the opposite direction. His disobedience led him into danger at sea, where a violent storm threatened the ship. Even there, God used Jonah's failure for good, because the sailors came to fear and worship the true God. After Jonah was thrown overboard, God provided a great fish to save him. From inside the fish, Jonah prayed in humility and dependence, realising that salvation comes from the Lord. Mhairi's point is that God often provides for us even before we properly ask, though not always in the way we expect. When God called Jonah a second time, Jonah obeyed and went to Nineveh. The city heard the warning, repented, and turned back to God. This shows that God is a God of second chances—not only for Jonah, but also for the Ninevites. God had not given up on either of them. The sermon then highlights Jonah's anger when God forgave Nineveh. Jonah knew God was gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, but he struggled to accept that such mercy should extend to people he judged undeserving. Through the object lesson of the plant, God exposes Jonah's narrow vision: Jonah saw only wicked people, but God saw people, lives, and a city worth showing mercy to. Mhairi sums up the book with a series of contrasts: God appealed; Jonah absconded God provided; Jonah prayed God called; Jonah conceded God forgave; Jonah was furious God justified; Jonah judged She then returns to Matthew 12, where Jesus says no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the fish, Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. But whereas Jonah's experience led to the saving of a city, Jesus' death and resurrection bring salvation to the world. The closing application is that God still appeals, provides, calls, forgives, and justifies today. For those who do not yet know Christ, the invitation is open. For Christians, the encouragement is that through Jesus they will stand saved before God, just as the repentant Ninevites will.

James reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus in Mark 8:27–9:10, describing it as a true "mountaintop experience" that gave the disciples a preview of Christ's glory and the coming kingdom of God. He begins by setting the scene near Caesarea Philippi, likely placing the event on Mount Hermon. Before the disciples go up the mountain, three major truths are established at "base camp": First, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Second, Jesus explains that being the Christ means he must suffer, be rejected, die, and rise again. This shocks the disciples, especially Peter, who resists the idea of a suffering Messiah. Third, Jesus says that anyone who follows him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. So discipleship is not a path of comfort or glory in this world, but one of sacrifice. James then explains Jesus' statement that some standing there would see the kingdom of God come with power. He suggests this is fulfilled, at least in part, in the Transfiguration, which acts as a sneak preview of the kingdom. On the mountain, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John aside into solitude. James emphasizes the importance of this: believers need times alone with God, away from distraction. At the Transfiguration itself, Jesus' appearance is dramatically changed. James explains this as Jesus' divine glory shining through his humanity. The disciples are being shown that Jesus is not merely a man, but God and man in one person. This moment was so powerful that it stayed with the disciples for the rest of their lives. Then Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. James says they likely represent the Law and the Prophets, both pointing to and converging in Christ. According to Luke's Gospel, they speak with Jesus about his coming "exodus"—his death in Jerusalem, through which he will deliver his people from sin, death, and Satan. Peter, overwhelmed, blurts out a suggestion to build shelters, but he does not understand what he is saying. Then a cloud covers them and God the Father speaks: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him." This confirms Jesus' true identity and gives the central application of the passage: listen to Jesus. When the vision ends, the disciples see only Jesus. James highlights this as the focal point: all revelation leads them back to Christ, but now they see him more clearly. As they come down the mountain, Jesus tells them not to speak of what they have seen until after his resurrection. James explains that the final proof of Jesus' identity is not the Transfiguration itself, but the resurrection, which publicly demonstrates that he truly is the Son of God. James closes with the sermon's practical lessons: follow Jesus, even on the hard road of self-denial; listen to Jesus above all other voices; and live in hope, because the Transfiguration is a foretaste of the glory still to come for Christ and his people. The sermon ends with an encouragement to remain faithful, carry the cross, and look forward to the coming kingdom, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death.

"Building on the Right Foundation"  Core Illustration The sermon opens with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an impressive structure undermined by a shallow foundation on marshy ground, as a metaphor for lives built on the wrong things. The Two Houses (Matthew 7:24-29) Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable of two houses. Both face the same storms; only one survives. The difference isn't appearance, it's the foundation. Rock vs. sand. Everyone Has a Worldview The preacher argues that everyone "lives in a house" meaning everyone operates from some philosophy of life, whether they realise it or not. The question is whether that worldview can bear the full weight of life's hardest questions: grief, death, identity, suffering, betrayal. Even Christians Can Build on Sand The warning isn't just for unbelievers. Christians can drift into a shallow faith — mixing pop psychology with Bible verses, or building on good-but-insufficient things like belonging, community, or entertaining worship experiences. These are furniture, not foundation. The Real Test is Crisis Storms don't discriminate. Crisis exposes whether your foundation was ever solid. The wise builder prepares before the storm arrives, like practising a fire drill before the building is burning. Hearing + Doing = Solid Rock The foundation Jesus describes requires two things together: hearing his words and doing them, like cement and water forming concrete. Admiring Jesus's teaching isn't enough. Real knowledge produces action. Those who hear but never obey may be fooling themselves entirely. Closing Illustration A Turkish school collapsed in a 2003 earthquake because corners were cut and safety codes ignored. From the outside it looked fine, until the shaking came. Earthquakes reveal what corrupt inspectors miss. Life's crises do the same. The Call Build on Christ, not feelings, not cultural Christianity, not belonging alone. Hear his words and follow them.

David continues the church's Sermon on the Mount series, framing it like crossing a mountain pass: you can't relax too early or lose focus before you're "all the way off the mountain." He says Jesus' teaching demands a response, not just hearing, but doing (quoting James 1), like the kids at the church's Spark group who often know the right answers but don't always live them out. The sermon focuses on Matthew 7:13–23 and presents three "choices" Jesus sets before listeners as the series reaches its final section ("the kingdom response"): 1) Choose the narrow gate (not the wide gate) David contrasts the wide gate/broad road (easy, popular, "do whatever feels right," no effort) with the narrow gate (costly, requires obedience, growth, and often going against the crowd). He uses a piano analogy: playing any notes you want is "freedom" but produces noise; following the "sheet music" is harder but creates beautiful music. The narrow gate involves a 180-degree turn (repentance), not a small adjustment. Application: "What are you carrying that won't fit through the narrow gate?" Like a dog with a stick too long to pass through, you may need to put something down. 2) Choose discernment about who you listen to (watch for false prophets) Jesus warns about false prophets: they look like sheep but are wolves. David tells a story from his student days when someone claimed Jesus had returned "in secret" to a hall in Aberdeen, an example of why discernment matters. Key clarification: false teachers aren't the same as flawed teachers. Every preacher is imperfect and should be accountable and open to questions; that's different from someone intentionally distorting truth for self-gain. How to spot false teaching: Test what's said against Scripture. Look for fruit in the teacher's life (echoing Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, etc.). Not perfection, but evidence of the Spirit's work. He warns especially about online platforms where there's often little accountability and algorithms can pull people toward harmful teaching. 3) Choose genuine discipleship (not empty profession) Jesus' warning:"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord'…is presented as a call to self-examination, not judging others. Some may say and even do impressive religious things, yet lack real relationship with God; their works are for show, and Jesus says, "I never knew you." David describes two common reactions: Burdened/anxious faithful: reassured with "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Cor 12:9). Jesus isn't trying to crush sincere believers. Convicted/comfortable: urged to respond and seek real relationship, quoting John 14:23 (love shown in obedience). Closing emphasis These aren't one-off decisions but daily choices in lifelong discipleship. He ends with a C.S. Lewis quote about the spiritual battle beginning each morning: making space for God's "stronger, quieter life" to shape us deeply (like dye soaking through, not paint on the surface). The final encouragement: choose Jesus' way, seek first his kingdom, and live a responsive, obedient, relationship-rooted faith.

Context: Part of a series through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Vijay frames the sermon as what life looks like when Jesus is truly King—citizens living under God's reign. Main passage: Matthew 7:1–6 ("Do not judge…"; speck/log; pearls before pigs). The central claim: the judge's seat is already occupied—Jesus alone has the ultimate right to judge, justify, and condemn. What "do not judge" means (and doesn't mean): It doesn't eliminate moral clarity or discernment, or mean "anything goes." It does confront a judgmental spirit: self-righteous condemnation that forgets our own need for grace. What judgmentalism looks like: Quick verdicts without the full story, fault-finding without kindness or desire to restore, using "truth" to elevate self and diminish others, and placing labels that can crush people. Illustrations: Train story: People assume a dad is careless while his kids misbehave—until they learn the mother has just died. The behaviour hasn't changed, but perspective does: judgment often lacks crucial context. Baker/farmer scales: The standard you use comes back on you—mirroring Jesus' "measure you give will be the measure you get." Deeper warning: Jesus points beyond social reciprocity to final judgment before God. The way we judge others reveals what we believe about grace and mercy. Harsh, mercy-less judgment implies we think mercy "shouldn't count"—but no one survives God's pure justice without mercy. The opposite of judgmentalism: Not moral neutrality, but mercy and forgiveness that still names wrong as wrong while longing for restoration rather than ruin. The speaker cites Luke 6 ("forgive…"), and Colossians 3:13–14: forgiveness flows from remembering God's forgiveness and from love that "keeps no record of wrongs." The speck/log teaching: Jesus' absurd image exposes how self-righteousness makes us unfit to help—a person with a "beam/telephone pole" in their eye can't do eye surgery. Judging others often reveals our own pride, insecurity, and unaddressed sin. But Jesus still expects correction: The goal isn't silence. After removing the log, you can see clearly to help remove the speck. Humble, repentant people can help; hypocrites cannot. Why verse 6 matters ("dogs/pigs/pearls"): Even when correction is loving and humble, some will reject it. Discernment protects what's holy and protects you from wasting what's precious or being harmed. Kingdom people are judicious, not judgmental—grace without gullibility. Closing story (shepherd): "Sheep won't come near a man with a raised stick." People respond better to someone who "smells like the fold"—the "smell of mercy." The advice: go first to the Great Shepherd, let Him deal with your pride, then speak. Prayer: Confession of self-righteousness and a plea to be "staggered by grace," so that believers offer mercy when helping others, becoming more like Jesus.            

Cheri continues a Sermon on the Mount series with a challenging message on money, possessions, and "kingdom living" (Matthew 6). She asks what our bank accounts and goals reveal about our true priorities, warning that storing up earthly treasure shapes our hearts and loyalties. Unpacking Jesus' teaching about the "good eye," she connects generosity with spiritual clarity and shows how greed creates divided focus, like trying to run toward two finish lines. She also explores "mammon" as a rival master, arguing that trusting wealth for security easily becomes a kind of idolatry. While affirming the goodness of work and provision, she distinguishes that from the desire for more than we need, and links hoarding to worry and the modern illusion of control. The invitation is to seek God's kingdom first, trust a generous Father who knows our needs, and step into a freer, more content life marked by generosity rather than fear.

Summary This is a sermon in a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Florence has reached the "peak" (the central teaching) and will focus on the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5–13). She begins with how not to pray (avoid performative "hypocritical" public prayer; avoid mindless "babbling"), then move into how to pray, unpacking the Lord's Prayer as a model with two dimensions: a vertical focus on God (God's name, kingdom, will) a horizontal focus on human needs (provision, forgiveness, spiritual protection) She notes these form a "cross" shape (vertical + horizontal), highlighting the cross as central to Christian faith. Key points 1) How not to pray (Matt. 6:5–8) Don't turn prayer into a performance aimed at being seen by others. Don't "babble" — i.e., don't repeat words unthinkingly or incoherently; prayer should be conscious of who God is. 2) How to pray: the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13) Vertical (God-centred) "Our Father in heaven": God is intimate ("Father" through adoption in Christ) yet transcendent ("in heaven" → reverence and awe). "Hallowed be your name": asking that God's reputation/holiness be honoured in the world and in our lives; motivation to live in a way that reflects the "family likeness." "Your kingdom come": God's reign has already begun (in Christ and in believers) and is still coming in fullness; praying for God's rule in personal life, the church, and the future new creation. "Your will be done… on earth as in heaven": described as hard because humans resist surrender and control; the speaker argues trust grows by knowing God's unchanging character (loving, just, holy, etc.). The "on earth as in heaven" line is presented as a bridge between vertical worship and horizontal needs; heaven's obedience is pictured as willing, immediate, uncomplaining—an example for believers. Horizontal (needs-centred, but "us/our" communal) The plural language ("us/our/we") means the prayer is corporate, not just individual: we pray for one another and the wider church. 3) Three human needs in the prayer Physical provision: "daily bread" explained historically (many were paid daily, buying food for the next day). It includes broader needs (shelter, clothing, work). Links to manna and to Jesus as the "bread of life," urging daily dependence on Christ, not just material fullness. Relational/forgiveness: "forgive us… as we forgive" is treated seriously (including v.14–15). Florence  clarifies salvation isn't earned by forgiving, but forgiveness of others is bound up with genuine repentance and receiving God's forgiveness. Forgiveness is framed as giving up the right to pay back, which frees the forgiver and moves them toward God. Spiritual protection: "lead us not into temptation" is explained as asking God to help us remain steady in testing; God doesn't tempt to evil, but may allow tests, while the evil one tempts. The desired response in tests is to submit to God's sovereignty and commit the situation repeatedly to him (not "one-and-done"). Includes an illustration/prayer attributed to Stuart Briscoe about weakness and asking deliverance from the evil one.

Description The session highlights the importance of being God-centered in life and prayer, introducing a sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount. It discusses the Beatitudes as a recipe for happiness, emphasizing mercy, right choices, and pure thoughts.Vijay encourages genuine relationships with God over seeking human approval, illustrating the dangers of hypocrisy. Ultimately, it promotes living for God and finding fulfillment in His recognition. ##GodCentered #Happiness #Beatitudes #Prayer #GenuineRelationship" Q&A What is the focus of today's sermon? Today's sermon will focus on our motives regarding giving and prayer, as taught by Jesus. What does First Thessalonians 2:4 emphasize about our actions? It emphasizes that we should aim to please God rather than people, as He tests our motives. What are some key ingredients for a happy life according to Jesus? Key ingredients include being merciful, seeking righteousness, being a peacemaker, and having a pure heart. What does Jesus mean when he says that God rewards those who seek Him in secret? Jesus emphasizes that God's rewards are not material trophies but a deeper relationship with Him, highlighting the relational aspect of being seen by God. What warning does Jesus give about practicing piety? Jesus warns that practicing piety to impress others can lead to hypocrisy, where the focus shifts from genuine relationship with God to seeking human approval. How does Jesus illustrate the concept of hypocrisy through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector? In the parable, the Pharisee's self-righteousness contrasts with the tax collector's humility, showing that true righteousness comes from recognizing one's need for God's mercy.  

Dave continues the Sermon on The Mount series

Cheri continues our latest series

Vijay returns from Sabbatical to continue the 'Sermon on the Mount' series

David starts a new series on the Sermon on the Mount

Cheri brings us the word and we look at Isaiah 7:14 and the prophecy he gave. We unpack how we sometimes interpet prophecy through a familiar pagan lense and how instead we should remember that prophecy unfolds in the ways God chooses it to

James brings us the word We look at Isaiah's prophecy and learn who he said Jesus would be, the 4 titles he is given and what he would do.   

Derek brings us the word as we kick off our Christmas series. We look at Genesis 3: 1-15 and learn that what happened at Christmas was the culmination of what God had beeen planning for 1000s of years. We see the first disclosure of God's plan of salvation in The Garden of Eden and we focus in on the true significance of Christmas. Which is often pushed aside, diluted, or for some, completely unknown.  

Florence brings us the word as we conclude our series on the book of Joshua

This was a baptism service. David brought us the word and we looked at Joshua Chapter 5. We learned how circumcision was an ouward symbol of an inward reality, belonging to God. Much like baptism.

Cheri brings us the word. We look at Chapter 4 of Joshua. We learn the importance of putting up menorials in our lives that remind us of the work God has done in our lives.

David brings us the word and we look at Joshua 3. Israel has reached the critical point of their journey, they are stepping into the promised land. It is a story of faith in God and his working out of his plans, even when it seems like an impossible journey.  

Today James brought us the word. We looked at Chapter 2 of Joshua and explored the story of Rahab. We learned about what it means to have faith, what it looks like, where it comes from and the acting out of it. We glance into the books of James, Hebrews, Ephesians, Matthew and 1 Corinthians to gain a bigger picture of her story. We discover that Rahab wasn't a side story in God's plans but instead saving her was his main focus. Like with Rahab, his focus, transformational love, grace and care for us is intentional and not a background thought.

Florence kicks off our new series on Joshua. We begin in Joshua 1:1-18 and look at how the new generation trust in God's promise, encouragement and direction and use that to encourage one another.

David closes off this series as we look through Exodus 33-34

Derek brings us the word and we look through Jeremiah. We ask questions about why there is suffering and brokeness in our world and what happens when we depart from God and live under the wrong authorities. We look at how the human failure to acknowledge YAHWEH as the LORD of rigteousness and justice is the root of human problems. We also unpack some of what it means when the bible says that Adam and Eve came to know good and evil, and how that affects us today. We learn about how God wants us to live like him, justly and righteously.

Cheri brings us the sermon  We look at spiritual warfare and how culture, upbringing, pride and fear has influenced our understanding of spiritual beings and their influence. We learn about how God is sovereign over all of these things

This time David brings us the word. We look at Deuternonomy 7: 6-11 We take a look at the working out of the covenant between Israel and God. We ;earn about how we are already blessed by God and why we had to pay nothing for that blessing.

This time Vijay brings us the word and we look at Psalm 115.  We learn that what we worship is being reflected through us. How worshipping empty hollow things, idolatry, makes us reflect hollowness. But also how worshipping the living God makes life and light reflect from us.

This time James brings us the word We look at Deuteronomy 4:11-16 and Isaiah 44:6-20 We explore the foolishness of idolatry and we ask ourselves the question, are we creating God in our OWN image?

David talks us through Exodus 3:1-15 We learn about the origin and meaning of the name YAHWEH 

Cheri brings us our second sermon in our new series, Yahweh among the gods. We walk through the story of Yahweh declaring his authority over the gods of Egypt in the book of Exodus. We know the familiar story of God delivering the Hebrews from Egypt, but now we delve into the  the battle within the spiritual realm during that time. The story of God's unrivalled power over very real deceptive powers. We face some difficult ideas as we learn about the destruction that misplaced worship brings. We ask the question, is the Bible simply just wild myths folded in with good philosophy or is Yahweh really unrivalled amongst other spiritual forces.

Vijay kicks off a brand new series with us.  - Yahweh among the gods - The first sermon in this series is about God the Creator! We dive into Genesis 1:1-2:3 and learn how the creation story of the Bible is unique amongst all creation stories.

Derek walks us through the relevance of Old Testament Law in our lives as Christians. We learn a bit about what is still applicable, what isn't applicable and what we can still learn from.

James's sermon focuses on the difference between doubt and unbelief. We look at the story of Thomas and Jesus in John 20:19-21, 24-29.    

Florence bring us to today's sermon. She walks us through the importance of patience in the Christian walk.  

Derek brings us this sermon. He addresses 3 issues that Christians often have with the Old Testament.    

James delivered us a sermon covering the incredible Psalm 51:1-17. Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance written by David when the prophet Nathan came to him after his affair with Bathsheba. James walks us through the different stages of saying sorry to God. The preparation, the confession, the cleansing and the confidence we can have in God, based on his promises in scripture.

This service we were blessed to see four of our congregation get baptised! Before they shared their testimonies, Vijay shared this short sermon. In this sermon he spoke to us about how a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, provides the belonging, clarity and satisfaction we desire and need. He explained how we were created to function with him and not apart. The promise in John 10:10 is unpacked an we learn that we find our home in Christ.

David takes us through part 10 of our Evangelism series. He walks us through the very last section of the biblical account of Paul ~ Acts 21-28. We saw that, even in this desperate situation, Paul still took every single opportunity provided to him to share the hope he had in Christ. The amount of power the individuals had, or did not have, didn't deter him. He just continued to be a faithful witness, even at the risk of his own life. He stayed faithful to Christ.

Florence brings us the word for Part 9 of our Evangelism series. The passage is Acts 20:17-27.

Vijay takes us through Acts 18:1-11 The sermon is titled; When a Door Closes. In Evangelism it is our job to faithfully, respectfully and thoughfully share the good news and tell of Christ. If this is what we do, then we are not responsible for the outcome. For God can even use rejection to reach out to those who don't know him. Like Paul, we must not be results motivated, but instead, be motivated simply by our obedience to Christ.  

David took us through the next section of our evangelism series. The passage he covered was Acts 16: 23-34, Paul and Silas in prison. The sermon explores the affects of Paul and Silas's actions and reactions to their situation. It shows us that we can turn moments of extreme sufferring into moments of worship, into moments of faith. The story begins with captivity but it ends in freedom, not just for Paul and Silas from prison, but freedom in the form of spiritual deliverance, for the jailor and his entire household.

Continuing on in our Evangelism series, Vijay Takes us through the sermon. The sermon is titled 'Pointing to Jesus, Not Ourselves'. The passage we look at is Acts 14:8-18. Whilst sharing the gospel, Barnabas and Paul are believed to be God's by the people of Lystra.   

We continue on in our evangelism series. Today Cheri takes us through the story of Paul and Barnabas meeting the Magos, Elymas. Acts 13:1-2 is the passage Cheri takes us through and the sermon is about the importance of speaking truth and confronting lies from a place of love, as Christ did.

  We continue on with the journey of Saul. Vijay walks us through Acts 11:19-26

This sermon is titled You've Got a Friend in Me Derek takes us through Acts 9:26-31  

Malcolm brings us the word as we continue on in our new Evangelism series. Acts 9:19-25 is our passage for this sermon and it follows Saul/Paul as he leans into the new heart Christ has given him for mission. We learn that our past does not define us, but the present creation God has made us into is what counts. We discover that for mission, humbly starting off from where we are is a good thing, because God will grow us as we go!

Dave starts a new series on Mission, focussing today on Saul's journey in Acts 9

James concludes the Set on Jerusalem series with a sermon on 7 stages in Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem.

Cheri delivers a sermon focused on Luke 13:31-35, discussing Jesus's journey to Jerusalem, his encounter with Herod, and his message to the city. The sermon emphasizes the contrast between earthly power and God's eternal perspective, and the importance of choosing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits.

We have Vijay preaching us

We have Florence preaching us 

We have Vijay preaching on a section of lukes Gospal which David prepared for us