St David's Bridge Strict Baptist Chapel

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19) *1/ The foundation of God and what is said of it - "It standeth sure." 2/ The seal it has - "The Lord knoweth them that are his." 3/ The evidence seen - "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Providence Chapel Gravesend. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the unshakable foundation of God, established in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone of salvation and the fulfilment of all divine promises. It emphasizes that this foundation is secure not only because of Christ's eternal nature and the reliability of Scripture, but also because of God's personal, sovereign knowledge of His people—marked by a divine seal that distinguishes the redeemed. This divine knowledge is not abstract but experiential, revealed through the Holy Spirit's conviction, personal encounters with Christ, and the transformative effect of grace in believers' lives. The evidence of genuine faith is seen in a life marked by repentance, holiness, and a growing desire to honour God, as the believer departs from iniquity and bears fruit consistent with their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for assurance rooted not in self-examination, but in the certainty of God's knowledge and the visible change wrought by His grace.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10) *1/ The person in whom we are to be strong - "The Lord" 2/ Why we need to be strong in the Lord. 3/ How we are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, emphasizing that true strength arises not from human effort or self-reliance, but from recognizing our profound spiritual weakness and dependence on Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10–18, it unfolds the reality of the believer's spiritual warfare against unseen, supernatural forces, underscoring that the conflict is not merely against flesh and blood but against demonic principalities and spiritual wickedness. The exhortation to put on the whole armour of God is unpacked as a call to embrace Christ's person, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all sustained by continual prayer in the Spirit. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, calling believers to abandon self-sufficiency, embrace humility, and rely wholly on divine power, which is demonstrated in Christ's victory at Calvary and made available through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the message affirms that spiritual strength is not found in human resolve, but in abiding in Christ and experiencing His sustaining might daily.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27) *1/ How are we made in the image of God? 2/ The great fall of man. 3/ The greatness of the work of grace making those that believe sons of God.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the sacred dignity of human life as created in the image of God, emphasizing that every person—beginning at conception—bears divine worth and moral significance, regardless of age, condition, or stage of development. Drawing from Genesis 1:26–27, it affirms that humanity's image-bearing includes rationality, moral conscience, relational capacity, free will, and stewardship over creation, all of which reflect God's eternal and holy nature. Despite the fall, which marred this image through sin and introduced death and alienation, the text insists that the image of God remains intact in every person, making the taking of life—whether through abortion or assisted suicide, morally indefensible. The sermon then turns to the redemptive work of Christ, asserting that through grace, believers are restored to God's image in righteousness and holiness, becoming sons and daughters of God, with eternal security assured by divine sovereignty.

**Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD;** and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 58:14) ~~~~~~~ Morning Devotions in the lounge of Milward Pilgrim Home, Tunbridge Wells Kent. The Lord's people in the eventide of their lives. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon, drawn from Isaiah 58, confronts the hypocrisy of performative religion, exposing how outward rituals like fasting and worship can become self-serving rather than genuinely God-centred. It calls for a transformative faith that prioritizes justice, compassion, and humility—loosing the bonds of oppression, feeding the hungry, and caring for the vulnerable—rather than mere religious ritual. The central message pivots on the promise that true delight in the Lord arises not from external observances but from intimate communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and from meditating on His perfections, works, Word, and people. The preacher emphasizes that genuine spiritual joy is cultivated through secret prayer, reflection on divine providence, and fellowship with fellow believers, culminating in a life marked by inner renewal and divine blessing. This delight is not passive but active, rooted in obedience and sustained by a heart that finds its ultimate satisfaction in God alone.

~~~~~~~ No 8 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:1-3** Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. *1/ Tasting that the Lord is gracious.* *2/ Two exhortations for such:* - Things to be laid aside. - That to be desired.* *3/ Two encouragements for those tasting that the Lord is gracious and who heed the exhortations:* - They are born again - as new born babes. - They have the promise of growth through the word. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative experience of tasting that the Lord is gracious, a foundational reality for every believer that arises from a deep awareness of one's sinfulness and deserved judgment, yet met with unmerited divine kindness. It calls believers to two vital responses: first, to lay aside the sinful nature—malice, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speech—by actively rejecting these traits, and second, to earnestly desire the sincere milk of the Word, which nourishes spiritual growth. This longing for Scripture is both a sign and a means of the new birth, affirming that those who taste God's grace are spiritually alive and growing. The message is deeply pastoral and encouraging, assuring believers that such a taste, however small, is evidence of regeneration and that consistent engagement with God's Word leads to measurable spiritual development, not self-righteousness, but a deeper dependence on Christ alone.

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? (Song of Solomon 5:9) *1/ Are we like the daughters of Jerusalem wanting to know what the Lord's people see in Christ? 2/ Are we like the bride who know enough of Christ to love him and want him, missing him. 3/ What the bride the church can say of Christ.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon unfolds a profound meditation on the nature of Christ's unique worth and the transformative power of His personal presence in the life of the believer, drawing from Song of Solomon 5:9–16. The deep longing of the bride who, though initially indifferent, is awakened by His drawing grace and comes to cherish Him above all else. Christ's beauty lies not in external form but in His divine person—fully God and fully man, uniquely worthy as Saviour, Redeemer, and eternal Friend, whose grace, mercy, and faithful presence sustain the soul through seasons of absence and trial. The preacher emphasizes that true love for Christ arises not from human effort but from His prior love, and that His Word, voice, and visits stir the heart, renew faith, and inspire a passionate desire to share His worth with others. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to examine their own hearts: Are we like the daughters of Jerusalem, curious about the joy of the faithful? Or are we like the bride, deeply in love with Christ, missing Him when He seems absent, and eager to declare His surpassing value? The answer lies in recognizing that Christ is not merely one beloved among many, but the only one—unique, eternal, and sufficient for every need of the soul.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) ~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Hope Strict Baptist Chapel, Blackboys. ~~~~~ *1/ Our knowledge of the meaning of "all things" and "good" 2/ Our knowledge of things **working together** for good. 3/ Seven uses of this knowledge.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon centers on the profound truth of Romans 8:28, affirming that all things—afflictions, providences, even human failings and sins—work together for spiritual good in the lives of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. The preacher emphasizes that this good is not material prosperity but eternal, soul-transforming grace: deeper faith, repentance, dependence on Christ, and a growing love for God and His people. Through vivid personal stories and biblical examples—from Joseph and Esther to the life of the preacher himself—the message unfolds as a call to recognize God's sovereign ordering of life's events, not as random occurrences but as part of a divine plan that humbles, teaches, and draws believers closer to Christ. The sermon then applies this truth through seven practical uses: confirming one's calling, seeing the chain of God's redemptive purposes, finding comfort in suffering, actively seeking spiritual blessings, praying for spiritual transformation, trusting in God's favour, and living to glorify Him through testimony and faithful witness.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) *1/ Peace in Christ through the words he has spoken unto us. 2/ What we must expect in the world - Tribulation. 3/ The reason to be of good cheer - "I have overcome the world."* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the paradox of peace amid tribulation, grounded in Christ's promise that though believers will face suffering in the world, they can have lasting peace through His words and victory. It emphasizes that this peace is not a denial of hardship but a spiritual, inward calm rooted in faith, the Holy Spirit's work, and the assurance of Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the world. The preacher underscores that tribulation is inevitable for God's people—not as punishment, but as part of a fallen world and a necessary refining process, yet never without divine purpose or presence. The ultimate reason for joy and courage is Christ's decisive victory at Calvary, which secures the believer's ultimate triumph and assures that no trial can undo God's redemptive plan. Through Scripture, personal experience, and the ongoing ministry of the Spirit, the believer is called to trust in Christ's sovereignty and rest in His promise: 'I have overcome the world.'

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:11-12) *1/ A way pointed to by figures. 2/ A way now made clear in Christ. 3/ A way of blessing for those called.* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Providence Strict Baptist Chapel, Northampton. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Christ as the ultimate High Priest who, through His own blood and a heavenly tabernacle not made with hands, has secured eternal redemption and opened direct access to God's presence in heaven. It contrasts the Old Testament system of repeated sacrifices and a veiled holy place—symbolizing a temporary, incomplete way—with the finished, once-for-all work of Christ, which fulfils all types and shadows, making the way into God's presence fully manifest. The Holy Spirit is highlighted as the divine agent who inspired the Old Testament figures, now applies Christ's redemption to believers, and seals them in faith, ensuring that the blessings of calling—eternal redemption, an incorruptible inheritance, a purified conscience, and continual intercession—are not only promised but already obtained. The message emphasizes that these blessings are particular, personal, and eternal, grounded in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice and secured by the Father's will, inviting believers to rest in the completeness of His work and to live in the assurance of His ongoing presence and advocacy.

Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. (Job 36:24) ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Swavesey Particular Baptist Chapel. More full length online services from this chapel can be found on their website: https://swaveseychapel.uk/Sermons ~~~~~~ *1/ His work which men behold. 2/ How we are to magnify it. 3/ An exhortation liable to be forgotten.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the divine exhortation to magnify God's works as they are visibly evident in creation, providence, and the transformative power of grace, calling believers to recognize and proclaim these works not as mere coincidences or human achievements, but as deliberate, sustaining acts of God. Drawing from Job 36:24 and Psalm 145:9–10, it emphasizes that God's glory is revealed in the natural world, in the remarkable ordering of life's circumstances, and especially in the radical change brought about by salvation, which others can observe but often misattribute to chance or personal strength. The preacher instructs that magnifying God's work means highlighting what is already present—using testimony, prayer, and faithful witness to reveal divine purpose in creation, providence, and personal transformation with clarity and humility. The call is urgent and pastoral: believers must remember this duty, for it is easy to forget in the face of fear, distraction, or the world's tendency to ascribe divine wonders to evolution, luck, or human wisdom. Ultimately, the most profound work to magnify is the grace that renews the heart, making believers living testimonies of God's mercy, so that others may see, question, and ultimately glorify the Lord through their changed lives.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30) *1/ Jesus' yoke 2/ Jesus' meek and lowly heart 3/ The rest of soul that shall be found in Jesus* **Sermon summary:** The sermon presents Christ's invitation to the weary and burdened to take His yoke, not as a return to the oppressive demands of the law, but as a joyful surrender to His meek and lowly heart, where obedience becomes a light burden because His work is complete. Drawing on the imagery of a yoke—both as a shared burden and a bond of close fellowship—the preacher contrasts the crushing weight of legalistic striving with the liberating grace of the gospel, where faith in Christ's finished work replaces self-effort. Central to this rest is the revelation of Christ's character: not a harsh taskmaster, but a compassionate, faithful, and eternally loving Saviour whose understanding, presence, and covenantal faithfulness bring deep soul-rest. This rest is experienced through spiritual insight into Scripture and the plan of salvation through Christ, the assurance of God's unchanging love, the confidence in His faithfulness through trials, and the personal, life-giving power of His Word, all grounded in the eternal covenant secured by Christ's blood. Ultimately, the invitation is not to earn rest, but to receive it by embracing Christ's yoke, learning from Him, and finding peace in His finished work.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) *1/ The inviter and giver of rest - Jesus Christ. 2/ Those invited to come - "all ye that labour and are heavy laden" 3/ The promise and its fulfilment - "I will give you rest"* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Christ's profound invitation in Matthew 11:28—'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'—presenting Jesus as the divine, empathetic, and sovereign Saviour who alone can give true rest. It emphasizes that this rest is not earned but graciously given, rooted in Christ's identification with human suffering, His perfect obedience, and His role as a sympathetic high priest who understands our infirmities. The sermon unpacks the condition of those invited—those burdened by soul-trouble, sin, trials, and the weight of the law—highlighting that only those who recognize their spiritual need are drawn to Christ's promise. It then outlines how God fulfils this promise through sustaining grace, the assurance of His promises, the peace of His knowledge, the liberating power of forgiveness, the quiet confidence of faith, the restoration of physical rest, and the unshakable security of His everlasting love, all of which point the weary soul to Christ as the only true source of rest.

~~~~~~~ No 7 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:22-25** Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: ......... *1/ A soul made ready to love the brethren. 2/ An exhortation to consciously love the brethren. 3/ Three considerations to help love one another according to the truth of the word.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative of genuine, heartfelt brotherly love among believers, grounded in the transformative work of sanctification through the Word of God and the Spirit. It emphasizes that true love is not merely an external duty but a fruit of a soul purified by obedience to divine truth, made possible only through spiritual rebirth by the enduring Word of God. The exhortation to love one another with a pure and fervent heart is both a call to conscious effort and a reminder that such love must be unfeigned, free from ulterior motives, and sustained by the eternal nature of God's Word, which outlasts the fleeting glory of humanity. Practical guidance is drawn from Scripture, highlighting the necessity of speaking truth in love, bearing with one another in humility, forgiving as Christ forgave, and maintaining unity through patience and grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to view one another through the lens of shared regeneration, mutual frailty, and the eternal permanence of God's Word, fostering a love that reflects the very character of Christ and endures beyond this life.

The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. (Psalms 147:2-3) *1/ The Lord building his church - "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem:" 2/ The Lord gathering the outcasts - "he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel." 3/ The Lord healing and binding up wounds - "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Psalm 147:2–3, highlighting God's sovereign and personal work in building His church, gathering His outcast people, and healing their broken hearts. It emphasizes that the Lord's actions—whether through the restoration of Jerusalem, the spiritual gathering of believers from every nation, or the healing of wounded souls—are not the result of chance or human effort, but of divine sovereignty and grace. The church is portrayed as both a visible community and a spiritual body, continually built by Christ through the proclamation of His Word, with each believer shaped like a living stone in His eternal temple. The sermon underscores that God's work in salvation is personal and purposeful: He draws the outcast, wounds the conscience through the law to reveal sin, and then heals through the gospel, giving redemption in Christ alone. Ultimately, the message is one of profound comfort and assurance—God knows His people, heals their wounds, and will bring them home, fulfilling His promise to gather and restore all who are His.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (John 10:14) **Six ways the Lord, the Good Shepherd, cares for his people.** ~~~~~~~ A Lord's day afternoon service in the lounge of Milward Pilgrim Home, Tunbridge Wells Kent. Present were 19 dear aged Pilgrims, one heard singing is 102 years of age. The Lord's people in the eventide of their lives, several have been missionaries in far off lands. I love these people in the Lord. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is portrayed as the sole and sovereign means of salvation, uniquely identifying with His sheep through intimate knowledge, faithful guidance, and sacrificial love. He is the door to the sheepfold, the only way to safety and abundant life, distinguishing Himself from false teachers and thieves who seek to destroy. His care is evident in His voice, which His sheep hear and follow; in His personal calling by name; in His leading ahead of them through life's trials; and in His presence with them even in suffering. He lays down His life willingly, not taken from Him, as the ultimate sacrifice for His flock, demonstrating a love that predates their existence and extends beyond death. His mutual knowledge with His sheep—where both He and they know one another—reveals a deeply personal relationship marked by divine awareness, intimate revelation, and enduring fellowship, assuring believers of His constant, faithful care throughout life and into eternity. ~~~~~~ A PDF hymn sheet can be downloaded below.... ~~~~~~

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15) *1/ What is meant by contrite and humble. 2/ The blessings of being such. 3/ The way the Lord revives the soul.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that God, who dwells in eternity and holiness, chooses to dwell with those who are contrite and humble, reviving their spirits and hearts in a work of grace. It emphasizes that true contrition involves deep sorrow for sin and a genuine humility that acknowledges one's dependence on God, not self-righteousness, and that this state is not self-achieved but divinely wrought through conviction and providence. The passage reveals God's compassionate limitation in His dealings—He does not contend forever or crush His people, but uses trials to humble and prepare them for His presence and renewal. The ultimate blessing is God's intimate dwelling with the humble, not merely as a visitor but as a life-giving presence, fulfilled through Christ's atonement, resurrection, and the indwelling Spirit, which revives the deadened soul and offers hope beyond death. This divine revival is both a present reality and a future promise, grounding the believer's confidence in God's faithfulness and the eternal life secured in Christ.

~~~~~~~ No 6 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:17-21** And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as....... that your faith and hope might be in God. *1/ Our Father, God. 2/ How we are to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear. 3/ Five reasons to live in Godly fear.* - We were not redeemed with corruptible things - (1 Peter 1:18) - We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ - (1 Peter 1:19) - Christ was foreordained for us before the foundation of the world - (1 Peter 1:20) - It is by Christ that we believe in God - (1 Peter 1:21) - That our faith and hope might be in God - (1 Peter 1:21) **Sermon Summary:** The sermon presents a profound call to live in godly fear before God, grounded in the reality of divine judgment, redemption, and eternal purpose. It emphasizes that believers, having been redeemed not by perishable things like silver and gold but by the precious blood of Christ—a lamb without blemish—must recognize the weight of God's holiness and justice. This fear is not rooted in terror but in reverent awe, shaped by the knowledge that Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world and manifested in the last times for their salvation. Ultimately, this godly fear is not a burden but a mark of genuine spiritual life, reflecting a heart transformed by the grace of God and sustained by the assurance of His eternal covenant.

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21) *1/ The Lord's affirming the way for us - "This is the way" 2/ The exhortation / command - "walk ye in it." 3/ The grace promised - "he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee." (Isaiah 30:19)* ~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Zoar Chapel, the Dicker on a Lord's Day afternoon. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon summary:**  The sermon centers on the divine assurance that God Himself reveals and confirms the path of faith, even when believers stray or doubt, declaring, 'This is the way, walk ye in it.' Rooted in Scripture, particularly Isaiah 13:21 and John 14:6, it emphasizes that the way is none other than Jesus Christ—truth, life, and the embodiment of grace—through whom salvation is found and sustained. The message unfolds through the lens of God's covenantal faithfulness, highlighting that the path of faith is marked by affliction, holiness, truth, obedience, and providence, all of which are validated not by human reasoning but by divine confirmation. The exhortation to walk in this way is inseparable from the promise of grace: God, who has appointed the path, also provides the strength to walk it, especially in times of trial, sorrow, or spiritual weariness. Ultimately, the sermon offers profound comfort, assuring believers that even in their rebellion or confusion, God's voice echoes behind them, calling them back to the way of Christ, where grace is ever available and faithfulness is secured by His unmerited favour.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28) *1/ Where do we stand? 2/ Cases to consider. 3/ A Christian.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the danger of being 'almost' a Christian, using King Agrippa's response to Paul's testimony—'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian'—as a pivotal moment to examine spiritual earnestness. It argues that true Christianity is not a state of near-conviction but a definitive transformation marked by spiritual eyes opened, a turning from darkness to light, deliverance from Satan's power, and reception of forgiveness and eternal inheritance through faith in Christ. The preacher warns against the peril of outward religiosity without inward reality, illustrating this through biblical figures like Judas, Saul, and the foolish virgins, who appeared close to salvation yet lacked genuine conversion. True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience, joy in affliction, love for God and His people, and a longing for Christ's return, all grounded in the Holy Spirit's witness and the transformative power of Scripture. The call is to move beyond the illusion of nearness and embrace the full assurance of being altogether a Christian, rooted in Christ's righteousness and blood alone.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:25) *1/ The word we need to receive. 2/ A doer of the work - Not a forgetful hearer. 3/ A promised blessing.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of truly receiving and obeying the gospel as the 'perfect law of liberty,' emphasizing that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, Spirit-enabled obedience. It contrasts the law's bondage with the gospel's freedom, illustrating how the believer, like the publican, finds justification not through self-effort but through humble reliance on Christ's atoning work. The preacher underscores that true spirituality involves continual reflection on the gospel, resisting the temptation to revert to legalistic works or self-reliance, and instead walking in daily dependence on God's grace. The result is a life marked by consistent obedience, spiritual renewal, and the promised blessing of divine favour, assurance, and joy that comes from abiding in Christ's finished work.

~~~~~~~ No 5 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:13-16** Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. *1/ A right mindset for sanctification. 2/ The obedience called for to not return to our past sinful life. 3/ Exhortation to holiness.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative of holy living as a natural outflow of God's redemptive work, grounded in the believer's identity in Christ and the ongoing process of sanctification. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:13–16, it emphasizes a right mindset—girding the mind with truth, maintaining sobriety, and fixing hope on the grace to be revealed at Christ's return—as the foundation for spiritual discipline. It distinguishes between the believer's positional holiness in Christ and the progressive sanctification that demands daily obedience, resisting the former lusts of ignorance, and embracing a transformed life in all areas of conduct. The exhortation to holiness is not a call to earn salvation through perfection, but a response to divine calling, rooted in God's own holiness and sustained by grace. The message calls believers to vigilance, repentance, and reliance on divine strength, warning against complacency while affirming that true holiness is both a gift and a lifelong pursuit.

~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at the 33rd Anniversary Service of the Barn Chapel, West Row. - The 189th of when the Barn was first licensed as a place of worship. ~~~~~~~~ This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32) *1/ Christ's headship of the church - (Ephesians 5:23) 2/ The church's subjection unto Christ - (Ephesians 5:24) 3/ Christ's love to the church - (Ephesians 5:25) 4/ Christ's preparation of the church to present it to himself - (Ephesians 5:26-27)* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon unfolds the profound mystery of Christ and the Church as a divine, covenantal union rooted in Scripture, emphasizing four interwoven truths: Christ's sovereign headship over the Church, which is not merely hierarchical but life-giving and sacrificial; the Church's necessary subjection to Christ, grounded in reverence for His Word and sovereignty; Christ's self-giving love, demonstrated in His death for the Church and sustained by an everlasting, unbreakable affection; and the ongoing process of Christ's sanctification of the Church through the Word and trials, preparing believers for eternal glory. The message is both pastoral and convicting, calling believers to recognize the Church not as a human institution but as God's redeemed people, united by grace, cleansed by truth, and destined for eternal union with Christ, all while urging humility, submission, and a deep reliance on Scripture as the foundation of faith and practice.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) *1/ What Paul calls "light affliction" 2/ What Paul says of it for us to consider. 3/ How we will be able, under God's blessing, to call our afflictions light, and it work for good for us.* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Providence Chapel Gravesend. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of viewing trials through the lens of eternal perspective, drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 to affirm that afflictions, though severe and prolonged, are 'light' and 'but for a moment' when measured against the eternal weight of glory they produce. It emphasizes that true faith does not seek to avoid suffering but to see it as divinely ordained for spiritual refinement, with the ultimate purpose of conforming believers to Christ's image and securing their eternal destiny. The preacher underscores that this perspective is cultivated not by ignoring present realities, but by fixing one's gaze on unseen, eternal truths—God's promises, Christ's resurrection, and the heavenly inheritance—thereby resisting the natural tendency to despair in the face of temporal trials. The message is both pastoral and convicting, calling believers to trust God's sovereignty, endure with patience, and find assurance in the fact that suffering, when embraced in faith, is never wasted but is actively working for eternal good in the life of the believer.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47) *1/ Who are to come unto Jesus. 2/ Where they come from. 3/ How they are to come in these Gospel days. 4/ What they are brought to see in Jesus.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that Jesus personally knows and welcomes all who come to Him, drawing from the encounter with Nathanael as a model for every believer. It emphasizes that all—regardless of age, moral standing, background, or even enmity toward God—may come to Christ, as He invites the weary, the thirsty, and the lost, affirming that no one is beyond His reach. The message unfolds how believers today come to Christ through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with His people, not by physical presence but by faith and spiritual longing. Ultimately, those who come are brought to see in Jesus the suffering Saviour, His perfect righteousness, the only hope of salvation, and the abundant grace that transforms lives. The sermon concludes with a call to genuine faith, echoing Nathanael's honest heart, as believers are reminded that Jesus sees them, knows them, and welcomes them with open arms.

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. (Isaiah 41:17) *1/ A poor and needy people. 2/ A people the LORD will hear. 3/ A people God will not forsake.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, drawn from Isaiah 41:17, presents a profound theological portrait of the spiritually poor and needy—those who recognize their utter dependence on God, not in material scarcity but in spiritual bankruptcy, where they lack righteousness, faith, and understanding. It emphasizes that such individuals, though burdened by their sinfulness and feeling abandoned, are not forsaken by God, for the Lord promises to hear their cries, not merely as a passive listener but as an active provider who opens rivers in the desert and satisfies the soul with living water. The message is deeply pastoral and comforting, affirming that God's faithfulness is rooted in His eternal covenant, His personal identification with His people, and His unbreakable commitment to redeem and preserve them, even when they doubt His presence. The sermon calls believers to embrace their spiritual poverty not as a sign of rejection but as the very condition that draws God's mercy, urging them to persist in prayer, knowing that their need is the basis of God's grace and that Christ, as the source of all life, is the only true fulfilment of their deepest longings.

~~~~~~~ No 4 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:10-12** Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, ...... which things the angels desire to look into. *1/ A salvation prophesied by the Prophets. 2/ A salvation centring in the Cross. 3/ A salvation preached with the Holy Ghost. 4/ A salvation looked into by angels.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon presents a profound meditation on the nature and significance of salvation, emphasizing its divine origin, historical depth, and eternal importance. Centred on 1 Peter 1:10–12, it unfolds the truth that salvation is not a mere human idea but a grand, preordained plan of grace revealed through prophets, fulfilled in Christ's atoning sacrifice, and proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. The message highlights how the prophets, though living in shadow and type, diligently searched the Scriptures, longing to understand the coming Messiah, whose sufferings and glory were foretold. Salvation is shown to be rooted in the cross—where God's justice and mercy meet—and is not of human making but of divine power, made effective through the Holy Spirit's work in preaching and regeneration. Even angels, though not in need of salvation, are deeply interested in its unfolding, underscoring its cosmic significance. The sermon calls believers to cherish this salvation as a matter of immense spiritual value, not as a passing notion, but as a divine reality that has been centuries in preparation, personally experienced through grace, and eternally secured by Christ's work.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:8) *1/ Our Lord teaching by showing what we should **not** be like. 2/ Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of. 3/ An encouragement to **ask** in our prayers.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the comforting truth that God, as our Father, already knows our deepest needs before we ask, encouraging believers to approach Him with confident, heartfelt prayer rather than relying on lengthy or performative rituals. Drawing from Matthew 6:8, it contrasts vain, repetitive prayers with the authentic, simple petitions of the faithful, using biblical examples like the publican's humble cry and the Lord's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount to emphasize genuine dependence on God. The message underscores that true prayer is not about eloquence or quantity, but about recognizing our spiritual poverty and seeking divine provision—especially for eternal things like grace, faith, and the Holy Spirit—while trusting that God's answers often precede our requests. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to ask boldly, to watch for God's answers as tokens of His presence, and to find joy and assurance in the knowledge that their Father, through Christ's atonement, is both willing and able to meet every need.

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42) ~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel. ~~~~~~~ *1/ Chosen by God. 2/ That good part chosen by Mary. 3/ That which shall not be taken away.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that in the midst of life's many demands, one thing is truly needful: sitting at the feet of Christ to hear His Word, as Mary did, a choice that reflects divine election, a teachable and faithful spirit, and a life rooted in discipleship, love, and submission. Though Martha's service was commendable, her distraction by worldly concerns illustrates how even good works can become idols when they eclipse the priority of communion with Christ, who is the eternal source of spiritual nourishment and the fulfilment of God's covenantal promise. The passage affirms that this choice—rooted in God's sovereign grace and sustained by His faithfulness—is not only the foundation of true discipleship but also a gift that will never be taken away, even in the frailty of old age or the fog of memory, because God remains constant and His people are securely held in His eternal purpose.

*Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)* For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) *1/ An example of obedience - Our Lord Jesus Christ. 2/ A word to obey - Employ yourself in things which accompany salvation. 3/ An encouraging truth - It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the biblical call to obedient living, grounded in the truth that God Himself works in believers to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Drawing from Philippians 2:12–13, it emphasizes that while believers are to 'work out their salvation with fear and trembling,' this effort is not self-reliant but empowered by divine grace, which enables both the desire and the ability to obey. The example of Christ's humble, obedient life—marked by submission to the Father's will even unto death—serves as the ultimate model, calling believers to a life of humility, focus on God's purposes, and practical righteousness. The sermon warns against self-deception, urging a life of godly fear, reverence for God's commands, and obedience in all areas of life, including worship, relationships, and daily conduct, all rooted in Scripture. Ultimately, it offers profound encouragement: when believers seek to follow God's will, they are not left to their own strength, but are sustained and strengthened by the very presence and power of God, who works in them to fulfil His eternal purposes.

~~~~~~~ No 3 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:6-9** ....... That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ...... *1/ The value of our faith - "much more precious than of gold that perisheth," 2/ A needs be for seasons of the trial of our faith. 3/ What is used to test our faith - "manifold temptations" 4/ The end in view - "Might be found unto ....the salvation of our souls.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 1:6–9, presents a profound meditation on the purpose and value of trials in the life of a believer, framing them not as random suffering but as divinely ordained tests that refine and confirm genuine faith. It emphasizes that faith—though unseen—is more precious than gold, a divine gift essential for pleasing God, justification, and perseverance, and is continually tested through manifold temptations to reveal its authenticity and deepen dependence on Christ. The trials, though heavy and painful, are necessary for spiritual humility, sanctification, and the ultimate glorification of God, as they prepare believers for the final revelation of Jesus Christ, where their tested faith will be rewarded with praise, honour, and glory. The ultimate end in view is the salvation of the soul, secured not by human strength but by God's sustaining grace, and the believer's joy, though now mixed with sorrow, is rooted in the unshakable hope of eternal redemption.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14) *1/ Briefly consider our belief in the Trinity as taught in the Word of God. 2/ Consider the blessing from each person of the Trinity.* ~~~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bethel Chapel Guildford. ~~~~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound benediction from 2 Corinthians 13:14, presenting a Trinitarian framework of divine blessing—grace from Christ, love from the Father, and communion with the Holy Spirit—as the ultimate spiritual inheritance for believers. It emphasizes that these blessings are not abstract attributes but living, experiential realities: grace as unmerited favour enabling endurance and transformation, love as an everlasting, personal affection that renews the soul, and communion as intimate fellowship with God that restores the broken relationship between humanity and the divine. The preacher calls the congregation to recognize these blessings in daily life, to respond with gratitude and faith, and to cultivate a vibrant, Spirit-led walk marked by humility, love, and spiritual intimacy, warning against spiritual complacency in worship and urging a deeper, conscious awareness of God's presence and provision.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; **that in all things he might have the preeminence.** (Colossians 1:18) ~~~~~~~ This service was taken on Lord's Day Afternoon in the lounge of Milward House Pilgrim Home. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The central message of the sermon is that Jesus Christ must have preeminence in every aspect of life and creation, as affirmed throughout Colossians 1. The passage highlights Christ's divine role as Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler—establishing His supremacy in all things, from the foundation of the universe to the redemption of humanity. The preacher emphasizes that Christ's preeminence is rooted in His eternal existence, His redemptive work through the cross, and His ongoing spiritual sustenance of believers. Through vivid imagery—such as Christ as the head of the Church, the firstborn from the dead, and the fullness of God dwelling in Him—the sermon calls for a personal and corporate commitment to exalt Christ above all else. The tone is both reverent and pastoral, urging believers to align their lives with Christ's supremacy, recognizing that true life, hope, and identity are found only in Him.

And I will shake all nations, and **the desire of all nations shall come:** and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. (Haggai 2:7) *1/ The desire of all nations - Jesus Christ. 2/ Shall Come. 3/ The mark of God's people - they are brought by God's grace to desire him.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the prophetic promise that 'the desire of all nations shall come,' revealing Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfilment of God's redemptive plan, not only in His first coming but in His ongoing work of grace and future return. Through the lens of Haggai's prophecy and the contrast between the humble second temple and the glory of Christ's presence, the preacher emphasizes that true spiritual beauty lies not in outward grandeur but in the inward reality of Christ's glory, which draws people from every nation into faith. The central theme is that the mark of genuine faith is a divinely instilled desire for Christ—a longing that begins in grace, persists through life's trials, and culminates in eternal fellowship with Him. This desire, though weak and faint at times, is a sure sign of God's work in the soul, transforming hearts from indifference to deep yearning, and it reflects the universal call of the gospel that transcends all ethnic, cultural, and national boundaries. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to examine their hearts, recognizing that the very desire for Christ is a gift of grace and a foretaste of the eternal joy to come when He returns in glory.

**But he giveth more grace.** Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6) *1/ The common grace of God. 2/ More grace given in conversion - Saving grace. 3/ More grace given to believers to live their lives to the glory of God.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that God, in His infinite grace, continually bestows more grace upon those who humble themselves, especially in the midst of sin, struggle, and spiritual warfare. It unfolds through three dimensions of grace: common grace, which sustains all people with natural blessings and moral order; saving grace, which regenerates the soul, imputes Christ's righteousness, and brings eternal life; and sustaining grace, which empowers believers to resist temptation, persevere in holiness, and grow in godliness. The preacher emphasizes that grace is not earned but freely given, particularly to the humble, and that true spiritual growth involves active submission to God, resistance to the devil, heartfelt repentance, and a life marked by sobriety, mourning over sin, and continual dependence on divine strength. Ultimately, the message calls believers to embrace their weakness, trust in God's sufficiency, and live in joyful gratitude, knowing that every spiritual blessing flows from the unmerited favour of a gracious God.

~~~~~~~ No 2 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:5** Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5) *1/ Who are kept - The people described in 1 Peter 1:2-4 2/ How they are kept - "by the power of God through faith." 3/ To what are they kept - "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, rooted in 1 Peter 1:5, affirms that believers are securely kept by the almighty power of God through faith, not by human effort or circumstance, but by divine grace from election to final salvation. It emphasizes that God's people—those chosen before the foundation of the world, sanctified by the Spirit, and quickened by Christ's resurrection—are preserved through faith, which is itself a gift from God and sustained by the faithful preaching and reading of Scripture. The sermon underscores that this spiritual keeping is not merely preservation from physical harm, but a continual defence against error, temptation, and apostasy, with the Word of God serving as the primary instrument of guidance and protection. The ultimate purpose of this keeping is the full revelation of salvation at Christ's return, when believers will inherit an eternal, incorruptible glory, confirming their status as strangers and pilgrims on earth, eagerly awaiting their heavenly home. The message is one of profound comfort and encouragement, assuring the faithful that their perseverance is not due to their strength, but to God's unyielding power and covenant faithfulness.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17) ~~~~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached online for Providence Chapel Northampton. ~~~~~~~~~~~ *1/ A vital prerequisite to our text. 2/ Doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus. 3/ Giving thanks to God by the Lord Jesus.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative to live all aspects of life—words, deeds, and prayers—under the lordship of Christ, grounded in the reality of being spiritually risen with Him. It emphasizes that true Christian living begins with a personal, transformative union with Christ, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and not merely by outward imitation of godly behaviour. The believer's daily actions, whether in work, relationships, or public life, must be done in Christ's name, reflecting His character, guided by Scripture, and motivated by love and humility rather than self-glory. This outward witness is inseparable from an inward posture of continual gratitude, where all blessings are acknowledged as flowing from the Father through the Son, and every act of service is offered as worship. Ultimately, the passage calls for a holistic life of submission, dependence, and thanksgiving, where Christ's preeminence is not confined to worship but permeates every sphere of existence.

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. (2 Samuel 23:5) *1/ David's house not so with God. 2/ Yet: An everlasting covenant made with him. 3/ What this covenant meant to David.* ~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Priory Chapel Maidstone. ~~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** David's final words in 2 Samuel 23:5 reveal a profound truth: despite the imperfections of his life and the turmoil within his household, he finds his entire salvation and deepest desire in an everlasting covenant made by God—secure, ordered in all things, and unshakable. This covenant, rooted in God's grace and established before the world began, transcends human failure and spiritual struggle, offering assurance not because of personal merit but because of divine faithfulness. It is a covenant that encompasses all of God's redemptive work—from the promise to Adam, through Noah, Abraham, and David, to its fulfilment in Christ and the new covenant written on the heart. David's personal confession—though his house is not as it should be, and though his spiritual growth may seem stagnant—affirms that this covenant is sufficient, complete, and the sole foundation of his hope. The sermon underscores that true faith rests not in human progress or perfection, but in the unchanging, sovereign grace of God, which sustains the believer through sin, sorrow, and uncertainty, and which remains the source of all salvation and desire.

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. (Luke 24:29) ~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Foresters Hall, Uckfield, East Sussex, England. ~~~~~~~~ *Constrained = Prevailed upon him to go with them by a pressing invitation, urging him and not taking no for an answer.* *1/ Why they constrained him. 2/ How they constrained him. 3/ The blessing that followed.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative encounter of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, illustrating how genuine spiritual longing arises not from initial understanding but from being drawn near by Christ in sorrow and silence. Through patient listening, gentle rebuke, and the opening of Scripture, the Lord meets them in their despair, igniting a deep desire to keep Him with them, not merely for teaching but for His presence. The disciples' act of constraining Him—urging Him to stay—symbolizes the vital role of intentional, verbal petition in spiritual life, where faith is expressed not in passive waiting but in bold, heartfelt requests. The climax comes at the breaking of bread, where Christ's identity is revealed, transforming grief into joy and ignorance into knowing Him as the risen Lord. This moment underscores the promise that Christ is always with His people, and that true discipleship involves both being drawn by Him and actively seeking His abiding presence through prayer, testimony, and worship.

I know thy works: **behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:** for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8) **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Revelation 3:8, where Christ declares, 'Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it,' presenting a message of divine opportunity, spiritual protection, and unwavering hope. Drawing from the context of the church in Philadelphia, it emphasizes that this open door is granted not because of human strength, but due to faithfulness—having little strength, keeping God's word, and not denying His name. The sermon unfolds the multifaceted nature of this open door: the door of salvation, the door of providence, the door of repentance, the door of gospel proclamation, and ultimately the door to heaven, all secured by Christ's authority and never closed by any earthly or demonic power. Through vivid illustrations—from the prison of Paul and Silas to the life-changing moment of a newspaper ad—preaching underscores that God opens doors in unexpected ways, often through trials and delays, to lead His people into His purpose. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, calling believers to recognize God's hand in their lives, to persevere in faith, and to trust that every closed door is not the end, but a redirection toward a greater, divinely ordained path.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; **but let us watch and be sober.** For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8) *1/ The CHRISTIAN on watch. 2/ The Christian WATCHING.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon calls believers to a life of vigilant sobriety, rooted in their identity as children of light and heirs of salvation, warning against spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of worldly distractions. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8, it emphasizes that true watchfulness involves both a transformed character—marked by faith, love, and the hope of eternal life—and active spiritual discernment in prayer, providence, and personal conduct. The Christian on watch is not merely defensive but actively attentive to God's blessings, the subtle workings of temptation, the deceitfulness of the heart, and the signs of Christ's return, all while relying on divine grace to remain steadfast. The message underscores that spiritual readiness is cultivated through self-examination, godly community, faithful ministry, and a heart attuned to the Lord's voice, so that believers may neither be caught unprepared nor miss the divine tokens of grace, but remain ever watchful in both joy and warning.

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. (John 6:6) ~~~~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Broad Oak Chapel, Heathfield. ~~~~~~~~~~~ *1/ A God that proves his people - "And this he said to prove him." 2/ A God that knows and purposes - "He himself knew." 3/ A God that does - "What he would do."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the divine sovereignty and faithfulness of God, illustrated through Jesus' testing of Philip and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which served as a foundation for deeper spiritual teaching. It emphasizes that God proves His people not to expose their weakness, but to confirm the reality of His grace and the authenticity of their faith, as seen in trials like Peter's denial and the testing of Abraham's obedience. The sermon affirms that God, who knows all things and purposes all things, acts with perfect foreknowledge and power, fulfilling His promises from the Old Testament through Christ's incarnation, miracles, and redemptive death, demonstrating that He is not like lifeless idols but the living God who does what He says He will do. Ultimately, the message is one of profound comfort and assurance: God's plans are certain, His purposes are fulfilled, and His people can trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He will bring them safely to glory, just as He has already done through Christ's resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~ No 1 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 1:1-4** In these verses Peter seeks to strengthen the brethren though discerning the fruits of their election, life through Christ, and having an eternal home. *1/ Election known by what is connected with it - (1 Peter 1:2) 2/ Life from the dead through Christ's resurrection - (1 Peter 1:3) 3/ The end in view - an incorruptible inheritance - (1 Peter 1:4)* **Sermon Summary:** Rooted in the sovereign grace of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, election is not based on human merit but on divine foreknowledge and mercy, evidenced through holy separation, obedience, and faith in Christ's sacrifice. The resurrection of Christ is presented as the foundation of a living hope, sustaining believers through spiritual dryness and doubt, and affirming their union with a living Saviour who intercedes for them in heaven. This hope is anchored in an incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance—securely reserved in heaven—offering comfort and assurance to God's people as they journey through a world marked by decay and impermanence. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, inviting believers to discern their election not through speculation but through the transformative marks of sanctification, obedience, and reliance on Christ's finished work.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) *1/ A monumental truth - "We must **be** saved". 2/ The name under heaven given among men **whereby** we must be saved. 3/ The exclusivity of Jesus Christ - **"Neither is there salvation in any other:"*** ~~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Providence Baptist Chapel Gravesend, Kent. ~~~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the exclusive salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, emphasizing that no other name under heaven offers redemption, as declared in Acts 4:12. It unfolds with a sobering call to recognize humanity's universal need for salvation, rooted in the reality of sin, divine judgment, and eternal condemnation, yet affirms that believers can know their salvation in this life through faith in Christ. The message highlights the historical and theological significance of Jesus' incarnation—His name given among men, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and embodied in His life, death, and resurrection—making Him the sole mediator of grace and the only source of true righteousness. The sermon confronts the cultural illusion of religious pluralism, defending the biblical exclusivity of Christ with pastoral urgency, while affirming that genuine faith involves not only belief but obedience and a transformed life. Ultimately, it calls listeners to treasure Christ above all, to live in the assurance of His saving work, and to proclaim Him with boldness, knowing that in Him alone is eternal life and peace.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6) *1/ Grounds for confidence. 2/ A good work begun in a sinner. 3/ A work performed until the day of Jesus Christ.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the unshakable assurance found in Philippians 1:6: that God, who has begun a good work in every believer, will faithfully complete it until the day of Christ's return. Grounded in divine sovereignty and personal experience, the preacher emphasizes that this confidence is not based on fleeting emotions or human effort, but on the clear evidence of God's hand in salvation—seen in the transformative work of grace, the conviction of sin, the opening of hearts, and the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit. The inward, spiritual nature of this work is revealed through changed affections, moral decisions, and a growing love for God and His people, all of which point to a divine initiation and sustenance. The sermon affirms that God's work is both personal and progressive, tailored to each individual yet consistent in its purpose, and it culminates in the believer's final glorification, where God's faithfulness is fully revealed. Ultimately, the message is one of profound hope: the same Lord who began the work will carry it through to completion, sustaining His people through every trial, doubt, and season of growth until they stand before Him in glory.

O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. (Jeremiah 15:15) *1/ Jeremiah's comfort - O LORD, thou knowest: 2/ Jeremiah's prayer. 3/ In whose service Jeremiah had suffered.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound comfort and assurance found in the declaration, 'O Lord, Thou knowest,' as exemplified in Jeremiah's cry amid suffering and persecution. It emphasizes that God's omniscience is not merely knowledge of events, but a reflection of His sovereign purposes, revealed throughout Scripture—from Joseph and Abraham to the suffering and triumph of Christ—demonstrating that God's foreknowledge is inseparable from His redemptive plan. The preacher highlights how this truth sustains believers in trials, not only through divine awareness but through Christ's personal experience of suffering, making Him a sympathetic high priest who knows our struggles from within. Jeremiah's specific prayers—remember me, visit me, revenge me, and take me not away in long-suffering—illustrate the biblical pattern of bringing our burdens before God, not out of ignorance, but as an act of faith that honours God's role in answering and fulfilling His purposes. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that suffering for God's sake is not a sign of abandonment, but a mark of faithful service, echoing Christ's own sacrifice, and pointing to the hope of resurrection and eternal fellowship with Him.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17) *1/ Our Lord's lambs and sheep. 2/ The food to be fed them. 3/ The means by which God's people are fed.* ~~~~~~~ Peter was commissioned by the Lord to do two things in his ministry. 1/ Strengthen his brethren - Luke 22:32 2/ Feed my Sheep, Feed my Lambs. - John 21:15-17 Last week we considered the first, this Thursday the second, then, if the Lord will, on following Thursdays consecutively go through the epistles of Peter tracing out how he fulfils what the Lord commissioned him to do. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Jesus' restoration of Peter through a threefold commission to 'feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Christ as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and gives His life for them, portraying believers as dependent, vulnerable lambs and mature sheep in need of spiritual nourishment. The core of this nourishment is the gospel of Christ—His person, sacrifice, and resurrection. The primary means of feeding God's people is the preaching of the Word,

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. (Psalm 132:13-15) *1/ What is Zion spiritually and what the LORD says of it. 2/ Zion's provision. 3/ Zion's provision abundantly blessed.* ~~~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at The Brixton Tabernacle London. ~~~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** This sermon unfolds Psalm 132 as a messianic prophecy pointing to Christ as the ultimate fulfilment of Zion, the chosen dwelling place of God. Spiritually, Zion is not a physical location but the Church of God—a gathered people of believers, sanctified, called, and united in Christ, as revealed in the New Testament through images like the heavenly Jerusalem and the body of Christ. The provision for Zion is Christ Himself, who is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, along with the Word of God, faithful ministers, and the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, all flowing from His atoning work. The sermon emphasizes that these provisions are not effective apart from God's sovereign blessing, which satisfies the spiritually poor with spiritual nourishment, transforming hearts and uniting believers in Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, the Lord's promise to dwell with His people, to bless them abundantly, and to make them holy and glorious reflects His eternal desire to dwell among His redeemed.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) For those like the Corinthians who are called, separated unto the Lord and call upon him in prayer. (1 Corinthians 1:2) *1/ God has put us in Christ Jesus. 2/ God has made Christ Jesus to us all that we need. 3/ God has done all to the Glory of his Son.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that believers are securely positioned in Christ Jesus, not by their own merit but by God's sovereign grace, as revealed in 1 Corinthians 1:30–31. It emphasizes that Christ is made to believers all that they need—wisdom to perceive spiritual realities, righteousness to stand before God, sanctification to live holy lives, and redemption to be freed from sin's bondage—each gift flowing exclusively from His finished work. The passage underscores that this divine provision is not for human boasting but to ensure that all glory is given to the Lord alone, as the ultimate source of salvation and sanctification. The preacher calls the audience to recognize their identity in Christ, to embrace the transformative power of His work, and to live in continual dependence on Him, rejecting all forms of self-glory in favour of Christ-centered worship.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21) ~~~~~~~~~~ This service was taken at Bells Yew Green Chapel, East Sussex, England. ~~~~~~~~~~ *1/ That to be purged. 2/ A work of intention. 3/ Direction to purging.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the call to personal sanctification, drawing from 2 Timothy 2:20–21, where believers are urged to be 'vessels unto honour' by purging themselves from impurity, worldly influences, and sinful habits. It emphasizes that true spiritual usefulness requires intentional, daily discipline—fleeing youthful lusts, avoiding vain disputes, and shunning false doctrine—while actively pursuing righteousness, faith, and peace with godly companions. The preacher underscores the balance between divine grace and human responsibility, illustrating that sanctification is both a work of God and a deliberate choice to align one's life with Christ's will. The ultimate goal is to be prepared for every good work, reflecting the holiness of God in all aspects of life, whether in ministry or daily relationships. The message challenges every believer to examine their inner vessel, ensuring that their conduct, speech, and thoughts do not defile the sacred truth they are called to uphold.

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47) *1/ A people needing forgiveness. 2/ A God ready to forgive. 3/ God's conditions for forgiveness that are also evidences of being forgiven.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the divine commission to proclaim repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true forgiveness is not merely a human gesture of leniency but a divine act rooted in Christ's atoning sacrifice. It unfolds three essential truths: First, all humanity stands in desperate need of forgiveness due to sin's guilt and condemnation, a reality revealed through the law and experienced in genuine repentance; Second, God is inherently ready to forgive—gracious, merciful, and slow to anger—yet His forgiveness is not unconditional but flows through Christ alone, who paid the debt of sin through His blood; Third, the conditions for receiving forgiveness are repentance, faith in Christ, and a willingness to forgive others, all of which are not merely requirements but evidences of a heart transformed by grace. The sermon warns against confusing readiness to forgive with actual forgiveness, stressing that biblical pardon requires genuine sorrow, turning from sin, and faith in Christ, and that the gospel must be preached with authority and clarity to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, as a testimony to God's saving work through His Son.

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and **when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.** (Luke 22:32) *1/ God's willingness to strengthen sinners. 2/ In what way God's people need strength. 3/ How Peter was prepared by God to strengthen his brethren.* ~~~~~~~ Peter was commissioned by the Lord to do two things in his ministry. 1/ Strengthen his brethren - Luke 22:32 2/ Feed my Sheep, Feed my Lambs. - John 21:15-17 This evening we consider the first, next Thursday the second, then, if the Lord will, on following Thursdays consecutively go through the epistles of Peter tracing out how he fulfils what the Lord commissioned him to do. ~~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Christ's commission to Peter to strengthen his brethren after his restoration, emphasizing that true spiritual strength is not self-generated but divinely imparted through the work of Christ and the Word of God. It underscores that God is willing to strengthen His people in every way—spiritually, mentally, and physically—drawing from Scripture to show how He uplifts the weak, sustains the fearful, and empowers believers through prayer, faith, and divine promises. The sermon highlights that Peter's preparation to fulfil this charge came through first-hand witness of Christ, personal failure and restoration, divine deliverance from death, and key prophetic experiences, all of which equipped him to encourage others with authentic, God-centered authority. Ultimately, the call is for all believers to recognize their responsibility to strengthen one another through the Word, prayer, and shared faith, reflecting the same grace that first quickened and sustained them.