St David's Bridge Strict Baptist Chapel

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10) *1/ A spirit of prayer precedes a view of Christ - "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: " 2/ A view of Christ suffering because of our sin - "and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced," 3/ The effect of such a view by faith - "and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. "* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Zechariah 12:10, highlighting the prophetic fulfilment. It emphasizes that a prior outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication precedes any true revelation of Christ, underscoring prayer as the essential precursor to divine blessing and personal conversion. The core message is that faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice —viewed not merely as historical fact but as a deeply personal reality—leads to godly sorrow, repentance, and a transformed life characterized by hatred of sin and love for the Saviour. The lasting effect of such a spiritual blessing is not merely emotional but transformative, evidenced by a renewed will, sanctified living, and a deep, abiding sorrow for having pierced the Lord, even as the guilt of sin is removed through His sacrifice.

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. (2 Samuel 24:14) *1/ David's great strait taken out of our hands. 2/ What David knew of the Lord - his mercies are great. 3/ What the Lord accomplished at this time.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on David's profound trust in God's mercy, illustrated by his choice to endure divine judgment rather than human punishment, affirming that even in trial, God's hand is sovereign, merciful, and ultimately redemptive. Drawing from 2 Samuel 24, it emphasizes that God's chastening is not arbitrary but a mark of sonship, designed to lead His people to repentance, deeper faith, and spiritual growth. The passage reveals how God uses even Satan's schemes and human sin to accomplish His eternal purposes—chastening Israel, preparing the site for the Temple, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice, and defeating Satan's designs. The sermon underscores that God's mercy, rooted in His eternal love and covenant faithfulness, is greater than any trial, and that every hardship, when embraced in faith, is shaped by divine wisdom for the believer's eternal good. Ultimately, it calls listeners to emulate David's posture: not seeking to avoid suffering, but to fall into the hands of a loving, sovereign, and redeeming God, trusting that His mercies endure forever.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:11-12) **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Acts 4:11–12, which declares that salvation is found in no other name under heaven, than Jesus Christ. Drawing from the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, it emphasizes that Jesus' authority, divine origin, and resurrection are the foundation of faith, with Peter and John boldly testifying to His resurrection despite opposition. The message underscores the divine sovereignty in salvation, illustrating how God's work, begun in grace, is effectual and will be completed until the day of Christ. Through historical figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and biblical narratives such as the brazen serpent and the lost sheep, the sermon affirms that faith in Christ—rooted in His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection—is the only means of eternal life. The tone is both pastoral and convicting, calling listeners to repentance and trust in Christ's enduring, powerful, and sufficient name.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7) **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative necessity of spiritual rebirth, rooted in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:7, where He declares, 'Ye must be born again.' It emphasizes that this new birth is not a moral reform but a divine miracle of grace, essential for salvation and a living relationship with Christ, who is both the promised Saviour from Eden and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Drawing from Scripture, including Isaiah's invitation to the thirsty, Paul's conversion, and the resurrection as divine confirmation of Christ's completed work, the message underscores that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not human effort, and is secured through faith in Christ alone. The sermon highlights the personal, eternal nature of this transformation, illustrated through Nicodemus's journey from secrecy to public witness, and calls believers to embrace this new life with awe and gratitude, knowing that Christ's sacrifice satisfies divine justice and gives eternal life to all who believe.

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. (Psalms 72:17) *1/ What is said of His name - "his name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun:" 2/ What is done for us through His name - "and men shall be blessed in him:" 3/ What we are called to do in His name - " all nations shall call him blessed."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound significance of the name of Jesus Christ, revealing it as eternal, redemptive, and universally worshiped. It unfolds how His name—revealed throughout Scripture as Saviour, Lord, Redeemer, and Emmanuel—carries divine authority and salvation, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and culminating in His exaltation as the one name above every name. Through His name, believers are blessed with eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual freedom from sin's bondage, reflecting the personal and transformative work of Christ. The sermon calls all nations to call Him blessed, trusting in His name, preaching repentance and forgiveness in His name, and doing all things in His name, affirming that salvation is found in no other. Ultimately, the enduring power and glory of His name are to be celebrated by a redeemed people who live in continual worship and obedience.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13) *1/ The source of hope - "the God of hope." 2/ The power to hope - "through the power of the Holy Ghost. 3/ The blessings of hope - "all joy and peace in believing, abounding in hope."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the biblical foundation of a genuine, eternal hope rooted in God alone, emphasizing that true hope is not derived from human effort, worldly circumstances, or fleeting promises, but from the Triune God, who is the source of all hope. It unfolds through three dimensions: the object of hope—God Himself, particularly in His redemptive work through Christ, the resurrection, and the promise of eternal glory; the power of hope—the Holy Spirit, who imparts joy, peace, and faith through the inspired Word, enabling believers to remember and trust in God's promises even in despair; and the blessings of hope—joy, peace, perseverance, and love, which are not self-generated but are fruits of the Spirit that sustain the believer through trials. The sermon calls for a renewed dependence on God, urging the faithful to anchor their souls in Christ, whose finished work guarantees a hope that is living, enduring, and ultimately fulfilled in heaven.

And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; **for thou art a near kinsman.** (Ruth 3:9) *Lord's Day afternoon Service at Milward house Pilgrim home* *(See pdf hymn sheet)* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the biblical narrative of Ruth and Boaz, illustrating the redemptive relationship between a near kinsman and a widow, symbolizing Christ's redemptive work for humanity. Through the story, the preacher highlights how Ruth, a foreigner and widow, finds hope and restoration not through her own merit but through the grace of Boaz, who, as a kinsman, has the legal right and moral obligation to redeem her. This relationship is presented as a profound type of the Gospel: just as Boaz, though not the closest relative, steps forward to redeem Ruth, so Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer, takes on human flesh, fulfils the Law, and pays the price for sin through His death and resurrection. The sermon emphasizes that, like Ruth, believers—once spiritually destitute and under the condemnation of the Law—find new life and belonging in Christ, becoming part of His eternal family and lineage. The narrative also underscores the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, as seen in Ruth and Rahab's place in Christ's genealogy, affirming the unity of Jew and Gentile in the Church. Ultimately, the message calls the listener to approach Christ in faith, trusting in His redeeming grace and embracing His promise to cover and claim His people as His own.

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:12) *1/ A people without God's grace cannot be to the praise of his glory. 2/ What God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has done so his people can and will be to the praise of his glory. 3/ How we should be to the praise of his glory.* **Sermon Summary:** The central message of the sermon is that the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive work is to be glorified through His people, who, by grace alone, are transformed into living testimonies of His glory. Rooted in Ephesians 1:12, the sermon emphasizes that believers are not saved for personal gain but to reflect God's praise, a calling grounded in divine election, redemption, and spiritual renewal. It unfolds in three movements: **First,** humanity's natural state is one of spiritual death and independence from God, incapable of glorifying Him; **Second,** God the Father has sovereignly prepared His people through eternal election, predestination, redemption, and the bestowal of spiritual blessings in Christ; **Third,** believers are called to live in continual dependence on God, manifesting His glory through holy conduct, truthful speech, godly character, and obedience to Scripture. The sermon calls the church to a life of intentional discipleship, where every aspect of existence—thought, word, and deed—serves to magnify God's grace, not self, and to reflect the transformative power of the gospel in a world alienated from its Creator.

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6) 1/ Our state by nature - not accepted. 2/ God has made us accepted in Christ, and this acceptance is all to the praise of the glory o his grace. 3/ What the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has done to this end: - Blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: - verse 3 - Chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. - verse 4 - Predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ. - verse 5 - Given us redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. - verse 7 *This sermon was preached at Ebenezer Chapel Ripley.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that believers are accepted by God not by their own merit or works, but solely through the sovereign, gracious work of God in Christ. It begins by confronting the human condition—dead in sin and inherently unacceptable before a holy God. The core of the message is that God, in His eternal grace, has chosen, predestined, and adopted sinners into His family through the substitutionary sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, whose blood provides redemption and forgiveness and is entirely to the praise of His glorious, unmerited grace. The sermon concludes by affirming that this grace is both the foundation and the fulfilment of the believer's life, producing genuine godly fruit as evidence, yet never dependent on it, and culminating in the assurance of eternal acceptance before God's throne.

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. (Psalm 34:5) *This service was taken in the Lounge of the Tunbridge Wells Pilgrim Home, Milward house, with some 10 residents present.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Psalm 34:5, emphasizing the transformative power of turning to the Lord in faith during times of fear and affliction. Drawing from David's flight to and from Gath, Daniel's prayer in the lion's den, Jonah's cry from the whale's belly, Jehoshaphat's desperate plea, and the Shunammite woman's faith, it illustrates how God's people throughout history have looked to Him in desperation and been delivered. The preacher underscores that this act of faith—looking to the Lord, not to self or circumstances—is the essence of true worship. Rooted in the prophetic witness of Scripture and the person of Christ, the message calls believers to a continual posture of dependence, prayer, and trust, assuring that in Christ, even in the darkest trials, deliverance and peace are certain.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:37-39) *Introduction: The prerequisite to being given this message.* 1/ A way forward, a way of hope. 2/ A word of direction. - Repent. - Be baptised. 3/ A word of promise - "Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." 4/ To whom the promise is unto - "To as many as the Lord our God shall call." - To you. - To your children. - To all that are afar off. **Sermon summary:** The sermon presents a powerful message for sinners burdened by guilt, emphasizing that true conviction is not despair but the beginning of hope. The response to the question "what shall we do?" is clear: repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, a public declaration of turning from sin to faith, followed by the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit as a seal of salvation. This promise is not limited to the immediate audience but extends to their children and all who are afar off—anyone whom God calls, underscoring the universal reach of grace and the sovereign work of divine election. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, affirming that no sinner is beyond the reach of God's mercy when they are truly pricked in the heart and turn to Christ.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40) *1/ The source of spiritual life - John 5:26 & Psalm 21:4. 2/ The one to come to for life - Jesus - John 5:40. 3/ The means and evidence of life - believing - John 20:31* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the indispensable necessity of coming to Jesus Christ for spiritual life, emphasizing that humanity is inherently dead in sin and incapable of regenerating itself, a truth rooted in the doctrine of total depravity. It affirms that the source of spiritual life is none other than God the Father and the Son, who alone possess the power to quicken the dead, as demonstrated in Christ's resurrection and His divine authority to grant eternal life. The only proper response to this reality is faith in Christ, which is both the means and the evidence of life—believing in Him, hearing His Word, and coming to Him in prayer, worship, and the gathered assembly, where His presence is promised. The sermon underscores that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work, initiated by God, sustained by faith, and evidenced by a transformed life that bears witness to the reality of new birth. Ultimately, it calls believers to continually return to Christ, especially in seasons of spiritual dryness, trusting that He alone is the fountain of life, and that in believing, they have eternal life now and forever.

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2) *1/ The marks of a living soul. 2/ What will quench a thirst for God? 3/ How will the Lord's presence be realised and felt?* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, centred on Psalm 42:2, explores the deep longing of a living soul for the felt presence of the living God, emphasizing that true spiritual life is marked by conscious self-awareness, an inward thirst for God Himself rather than His blessings, a desire to appear before Him, and the ability to endure the enemy's taunts and the pain of His absence. It identifies the quenching of this thirst in the soul's experience of God's countenance, His loving-kindness, joyful worship, answered prayer, and the assurance of His remembrance, all of which are realized primarily through the living Word of God and the transformative effect of His Spirit upon the heart. The preacher underscores that while the soul's standing before God is secure in Christ's finished work, the desire for His felt presence here below is a vital sign of spiritual vitality, and the ultimate fulfilment of this longing will be realized in heaven, yet glimpses of it are possible in this life through faith, repentance, and the renewing power of Scripture and prayer.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is **the power of God** unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) 1/ Ministers of the gospel and the power of God. - Not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God - Romans 1:16 - Approved as ministers of God, by the power of God - 2 Corinthians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 13:4 - Enabled to bear the afflictions of the gospel by the power of God - 2 Timothy 1:8. 2/ Their message and its effect upon the hearers. - The preaching of the cross is in the power of God - 1 Corinthians 1:18-24. - Their faith stands in the power of God - 1 Corinthians 2:5. 3/ The hope of God's people stands in the power of God. - They are kept by the power of God - 1 Peter 1:5. - Their hope of the resurrection is in the knowledge of the power of God - Matthew 22:29. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of the Gospel, affirming that its proclamation is not a human endeavour but the sovereign work of God, as declared in Romans 1:16. It emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely a message of moral instruction but the divine power that converts sinners, raises the dead, and sustains believers through faith, drawing from Paul's writings to the Romans, Ephesians, and Corinthians. The preacher underscores that ministers are weak vessels, yet their authority and effectiveness come not from personal strength or eloquence, but from the Holy Spirit's power attending the Word, which is the instrument of spiritual rebirth and divine preservation through faith ensuring their resurrection at the last day.

**Romans 8:1-4** (1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 1/ What the law could not do and why. 2/ What God did through sending his Son, Jesus Christ. 3/ The effect of God's calling - It changes what men walk after. 4/ The blessings on those **that walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.** - They are in Christ Jesus. - There is now no condemnation. - They are free from the law of sin and death. - The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in them. **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of God's grace revealed in Romans 8:1–4, emphasizing that the law, though holy and necessary, could not overcome humanity's sinful nature or deliver from condemnation due to the weakness of the flesh. God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, fulfilled what the law could not by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, who lived a perfect life, bore the penalty of sin, and condemned sin in the flesh through His sacrificial death. This divine act of redemption results in a profound spiritual transformation: those who are called by God no longer walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; **to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.** (Luke 1:17) 1/ A people prepared for the gospel. 2/ A people prepared for the Lord. 3/ A people prepared for the Lord to service in the church. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centres on the divine preparation of a people ready for the Lord, drawing from the prophetic role of John the Baptist as a forerunner who fulfilled Scripture, preached repentance, baptized in anticipation of Christ's work, confronted sin, and pointed directly to Jesus as the Lamb of God. It unfolds in threefold application: First, individuals must be prepared for the Gospel through a deep, personal awareness of their sin and spiritual need, which the Holy Spirit instils through conviction and longing; Second, believers are prepared for the Lord's return through faith in Christ, a life of sanctification, and a growing anticipation of His coming, marked by union with Him and liberation from the law's condemnation; Third, God equips and calls individuals for service—whether in ministry, diaconate, or other roles—through a lifetime of spiritual formation, even in past experiences, so that each may be willing in the day of His power. The overarching truth is that God alone prepares His people, not by human effort, but by grace, through the Word and the Spirit, to receive the Gospel, to be with Christ, and to serve Him faithfully.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; (Hebrews 10:32) *1/ A call to remembrance - "Former days" 2/ When ye were illuminated. 3/ What followed the illumination - "A great fight of afflictions."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the call to remember the transformative moment of spiritual illumination—when God's light pierced the darkness of the heart, revealing both the depth of sin and the grace of Christ—drawing believers back to the foundational experience of conversion. Rooted in Hebrews 10:32, it emphasizes that true faith is marked not only by initial revelation but by a lasting effect: a life changed, marked by affliction, separation from worldly ways, and faithful fellowship with God's people. The Holy Spirit, described as the Remembrancer, renews this memory not for guilt but for encouragement, reinforcing assurance and combating spiritual complacency. The passage warns against wilful apostasy while affirming that genuine believers, though tempted, do not despise the blood of the covenant or the Spirit's work, and thus are called to recall their past faithfulness under light given, as a source of strength and renewal.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with **so great a cloud of witnesses,** let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3) *1/ What is a witness? 2/ Who are these witnesses and what did or do they witness? 3/ The effect that these witnesses should have upon us.* *This sermon was preached at Oakington Baptist Chapel* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound encouragement found in the 'great cloud of witnesses' described in Hebrews 12:1—faithful believers from Scripture and history whose lives testify to the reality of God's faithfulness and the power of Christ's redemptive work. These witnesses, spanning Old Testament saints, prophets, apostles, the Triune God in heaven, and the visible signs of grace on earth such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, collectively affirm the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the sole foundation of salvation. This cloud of witnesses calls believers to lay aside every weight and besetting sin, to run the race of faith with patience, and to fix their eyes on Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith. We are never alone, for we walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before, and in turn, we are called to become living witnesses of God's grace in our own lives.

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (Acts 3:22) *This sermon was preached at West Row - The Barn Chapel.* *1/ A prophet to be raised up - "Like unto me" 2/ To see our Lord's work through Moses - "Like unto me" 3/ The importance of hearing our Lord - "him shall ye hear"* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon presents a profound theological reflection on the prophetic fulfilment of Moses' prediction that God would raise up a prophet like him, fully realized in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Acts 3:22 and Deuteronomy, it emphasizes Christ's identity as the true Messiah—born of Israel, rejected by His people, tested in the wilderness, and validated by miracles and divine communion—paralleling Moses' life and mission. The sermon highlights Christ's work as a liberator from sin's bondage, a lawgiver who fulfils and supersedes the Mosaic covenant, a mediator of the new covenant, and an eternal intercessor, all while underscoring the necessity of hearing Christ in all things, not selectively, but with the full authority of Scripture. Through typology, the sermon affirms that Christ is the ultimate fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, the Word made flesh, and the sole source of salvation, calling believers to a life of obedient listening to His revealed Word.

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14) 1/ What Jesus did - "Gave himself for us." 2/ The reasons given in this text. - That he might redeem us from all iniquity. - That he might purify unto himself a peculiar people. - That he might make this people zealous of good works. 3/ Faith in Christ must come first then works. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that Christ gave Himself not merely to secure eternal salvation, but to transform His people into a holy, distinct community zealous for good works. Drawing from Titus 2:14, it emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice was designed to redeem believers from the power and pattern of sin, purify them through the Word and Spirit, and cultivate a life marked by genuine righteousness and devotion. The preacher underscores that while multiple reasons for Christ's death are found in Scripture—reconciliation, atonement, liberation from sin's dominion, and adoption into God's family—the purpose of sanctification and holy living is a vital, visible fruit of redemption. Crucially, the sermon insists that faith in Christ must precede and produce good works, warning against the danger of self-righteousness where moral effort replaces reliance on grace. True holiness, therefore, is not a means to salvation but a grateful response to it, evidenced by a transformed heart that desires to honour God in all things, even amid ongoing struggle with sin.

**Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you,** O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (2 Chronicles 20:17) *A remembrance Sunday Service* 1/ The battle fought for us - Redemption. 2/ Battles we are called to fight. 3/ A victory to see - The salvation of the Lord. *Note: The correct tune to the second hymn is St. Luke 834* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that for God's people, the ultimate battle of salvation is not fought by human effort but is decisively won by the Lord Himself, as illustrated through historical events such as the Red Sea deliverance, David's victory over Goliath, Hezekiah's deliverance from Assyria, and Jehoshaphat's triumph over enemy nations. These Old Testament accounts point forward to the greater spiritual reality: Christ's redemptive work at Calvary, where He alone fought and conquered sin, death, and Satan, securing eternal salvation for His people. While believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare—fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the devil, mortifying the flesh, and striving against sin—these efforts are not to earn salvation but to reflect the reality of a victory already achieved. The believer's role is to stand still in faith, trusting in God's promises, and to see the salvation of the Lord through Scripture, personal experience, transformed lives, and the visible power of grace in the world, all of which testify to the finished work of Christ and call for continual praise and thanksgiving.

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27) *This sermon was preached at Ebenezer Strict Baptist Chapel, Heathfield.* *(Apologies for the poor recording quality)* 1/ The hearers, 2/ The preachers subject, the source of his matter and his sermon. 3/ The effect upon his hearers. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of Scripture and the preaching of Christ, emphasizing that salvation comes through hearing the Word of God, which is made effective by the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the Emmaus road narrative, it highlights how Christ, though unrecognized, expounded on all the Scriptures concerning Himself, revealing His identity as the fulfilment of the Law, Prophets, and Psalms—particularly through types like Abraham's sacrifice, the Passover, and Isaiah's Suffering Servant. The preacher emphasises that true hearing involves not just auditory reception but spiritual awakening, where the heart burns within as the Word is applied, leading to a personal encounter with Christ. The ultimate effect is not merely intellectual understanding but a life-altering revelation, as seen when the disciples recognized Christ in the breaking of bread, prompting immediate return to the disciples with renewed faith. The sermon calls believers to be diligent hearers, seeking Christ in every part of Scripture, and to live in anticipation of His return, knowing that eternal life is found only through the preached Word and the Spirit's work.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) *1/ Why we should trust in the LORD. 2/ Why we should **not** lean to our own understanding. 3/ What are we to trust him for and how is that trust evidenced?* *This sermon was preached via Zoom to Providence Chapel Northampton.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative to trust God completely, as commanded in Proverbs 3:5, emphasizing that true faith involves trusting in the LORD with all our heart, rejecting self-reliance in favour of divine sovereignty. It argues that God is worthy of trust because of His eternal purpose, infinite knowledge, sovereign power, and unchanging love, all of which are demonstrated throughout Scripture—from the covenant with Abraham to the redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ. The sermon warns against relying on human understanding, which is limited, fallible, and prone to deception, using examples like the Gibeonites and the Israelites' misjudgement to illustrate the dangers of self-trust. Ultimately, genuine trust is evidenced not in passive resignation but in active obedience: seeking salvation through Christ, pursuing spiritual growth, engaging in prayer and the means of grace, and making decisions aligned with Scripture, providence, and a willing heart, all while relying on God's guidance in every area of life.

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. (Psalm 38:9) *1/ Notice that it is in desire that the difference between the wicked and godly is clearly shown. 2/ Notice that the psalmist knows that his desires and groans are before the Lord. 3/ The path of our Lord.* *This sermon was preached at Priory Road Chapel Maidstone.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, based on Psalm 38:9, explores the profound reality of the believer's inner life—marked by a deep awareness of sin, a longing for God, and the assurance that all desires and groans are known by the Lord. It contrasts the unregenerate heart, which naturally desires worldly things and resists knowledge of God, with the regenerate heart, whose desires are transformed by divine grace, leading to hunger for holiness, Scripture, and fellowship with Christ. The psalmist's confession reveals that even in suffering and sin, the believer finds comfort in God's intimate knowledge and sovereign care, as seen in the life of David and fulfilled in Christ's suffering in Gethsemane. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual life is marked by a continual struggle between the old and new natures, yet in this tension, believers find fellowship with Christ, assurance of divine awareness, and the promise that the desires of the righteous—rooted in grace—will ultimately be fulfilled.

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. **And there was no harm in the pot.** (2 Kings 4:40-41) *1/ The preparation of the pot of death - verse 39. 2/ Tasting of this pot of death and realising it is so - verse 40. 3/ The divinely appointed remedy - verse 41,* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon draws a profound spiritual parallel from the biblical account of Elisha and the poisoned pot of stew, illustrating how sin, false teaching, and self-reliance prepare a 'pot of death' The realization of this death comes when the soul, awakened by the law or life's trials, cries out in despair, acknowledging its helplessness and the futility of self-righteousness, legalism, or worldly pursuits. The remedy, however, is not found in human effort but in the divine intervention of Christ—cast into the pot like meal, tree, or grace—whose atoning sacrifice, righteousness, and resurrection transform death into life, fulfilling the law and giving eternal salvation. This gospel truth, consistently revealed throughout Scripture—from the bitter waters of Marah to the cross of Christ—affirms that only through faith in Christ, the true bread and living water, can the soul be nourished, delivered from condemnation, and assured of victory over death, making the believer's final passage not into judgment, but into the presence of God.

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, **The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.** (2 Chronicles 25:9) *1/ The sin of joining with the ungodly as if we were one with them. 2/ A needful loss, not a waste. 3/ A victory gained by obedience to God. 4/ The solemn evidence of a heart not fully with the Lord.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that true obedience to God often requires costly surrender, as illustrated through the story of King Amaziah, who, though initially righteous, failed to maintain a wholehearted devotion to the Lord. It emphasizes the danger of compromising with the ungodly—whether through alliances, shared ventures, or spiritual compromise—highlighting that such unions, even when seemingly practical, undermine spiritual integrity and invite divine judgment. The message affirms that apparent losses, such as Amaziah's wasted payment to Israel's army, are not true waste but divine opportunities for growth, as God promises to provide far more than what is sacrificed for His sake. Even in partial obedience, God grants victory, yet the ultimate test lies in the heart's allegiance; when Amaziah brought the gods of Seir into Judah, he revealed a heart not fully committed, demonstrating that outward success without inward faith is hollow. True gain is found not in worldly possessions, but in eternal blessings, spiritual obedience, and the assurance of divine provision for those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1) *1/ A safe ministry is one that rejoices in the Lord. 2/ A safe ministry is one that keeps to the same things, the same doctrines, the old paths. 3/ A safe ministry is one that has a goal, an end in view that is scriptural.* *This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel in East Sussex.* **Sermon Summary:** A safe ministry is defined by its unwavering joy in the Lord, its faithful adherence to the unchanging gospel message, and its clear, heavenward aim rooted in Scripture. The preacher emphasizes that true spiritual health is marked by a continual rejoicing in Christ, not in human achievement or worldly success, as exemplified by Paul's personal devotion and his repeated focus on Christ throughout his epistles. Such a ministry remains steadfast in the historic, scriptural faith, resisting novel teachings and cultural compromises, and instead upholds the timeless truths of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Ultimately, a safe ministry is one that keeps its eyes fixed on eternal glory, with the believer's citizenship in heaven as the driving purpose, ensuring that all teaching and preaching are oriented toward the final goal of being with Christ, where His glory is fully revealed.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (Daniel 6:10) *1/ Preparation for days of persecution. 2/ Where we are to look and continue looking. 3/ Giving thanks in dark days - "And gave thanks"* *This sermon was preached at Hope Chapel Redhill Thanksgiving services in the evening.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Daniel's unwavering devotion to God, exemplified by his consistent practice of prayer and thanksgiving even in the face of imminent death. It emphasizes that true preparation for persecution involves daily disciplines—self-denial, reverence for God, intimate knowledge of Scripture, and the cultivation of godly habits—so that when trials come, one continues faithfully in the same practices as before. The preacher underscores that the believer's ultimate focus must be on Christ, the fulfilment of the temple and the hope of salvation, calling all to seek a personal, saving knowledge of Jesus, for only in Him is the soul secure. In the midst of tribulation, thanksgiving is not a denial of pain but a response to God's unchanging character, His sovereign grace, and the spiritual blessings found in suffering, as seen in the lives of martyrs and saints who rejoiced in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. The message calls the hearer to examine their spiritual condition, to cry out for salvation, and to walk in continual dependence on God, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His presence is the true source of strength and joy in every season.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11) 1/ The fruits of righteousness that the apostle prays they might be filled with till the day of Jesus Christ. 2/ How these fruits come - "By Jesus Christ". 3/ To what end are these fruits by Jesus Christ - "Unto the glory and praise of God". *This sermon was preached at Hope Chapel Redhill Thanksgiving services in the afternoon.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the apostle Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:11 that the believers be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are not self-generated but solely sourced in Jesus Christ, and are ultimately directed toward the glory and praise of God. It emphasizes that these fruits—evidences of genuine sanctification such as love, holiness, truth, and godly conduct—are not merely moral improvements but transformative signs of a life renewed by grace, visible in daily behaviour, speech, and relationships. The preacher states that these fruits originate entirely from Christ, not human effort, and are sustained by His indwelling Spirit, illustrated through biblical contrasts between the old and new nature, and the necessity of dependence on Christ's work rather than self-righteousness. The ultimate purpose of such fruitfulness is not personal achievement or human recognition, but the exaltation of God, who is glorified when His people live in humble, Christ-centered dependence, drawing attention to His grace rather than their own merit. The sermon calls for continual prayer, self-examination, and a life marked by Christ-centered witness.

I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:18-20) 1/ The cause of Ephraim bemoaning himself - Only chastisement but no more than that. 2/ Ephraim's prayer arising from his concern - turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. 3/ Prayer answered and the effect felt by Ephraim. (v19) 4/ The LORD's word concerning turned Ephraim. (v20) **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Jeremiah 31:18–20, The passage unfolds a divine progression: from the painful awareness of rebellion under God's discipline, to a humble plea for divine turning, to the transformative effects of repentance, shame, and instruction, culminating in the sovereign promise of mercy. The preacher teaches that God's chastening, though grievous, is never arbitrary but rooted in covenant love, and that the ultimate assurance is not in human merit, but in God's unchanging mercy—revealed most fully in Christ, who bears the cost of sin and grants repentance and salvation. God's mercy is sure, not earned, but freely given to those who, like Ephraim, are brought to the end of themselves.

The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. (Psalm 115:12) 1/ That which is essential to be able to speak this verse. 2/ Helps to discerning the LORD **Has** been mindful of us. 3/ The language of faith - "he will bless us." **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that God has been mindful of His people, a reality rooted in His sovereign grace and eternal knowledge, as affirmed in Psalm 115:12. It emphasizes that this mindfulness is not merely a past event but a foundation for confident faith, as God's sovereign will, His personal knowledge of each individual, and His redemptive acts throughout Scripture all point to His faithful character. The preacher guides the congregation to reflect on biblical examples—Noah, Rachel, Joseph, Cornelius—where God's remembrance led to deliverance, and to recognize His hand in their own lives, even in times of unbelief or hardship. This reflection is not for self-congratulation but for faith-filled expectation: because God has been mindful of His people, He will bless them, fulfilling His promises with grace, glory, and peace. The call is to live in the language of faith, trusting that God's past faithfulness guarantees future blessing.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) 1/ The need of armour. 2/ The key to interpreting the armour in a spiritual way. 3/ The six parts of the armour of God, joined with prayer. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Ephesians 6:11, calling believers to put on the whole armour of God to stand against the spiritual warfare waged by Satan, who operates through principalities, powers, and the wickedness of this age. It emphasizes that this armour is not self-generated but divinely provided, with each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—rooted in God's grace and dependent on His strength, not human effort. The preacher underscores that true spiritual defence requires constant reliance on prayer, vigilance, and a life shaped by Scripture, rejecting worldly wisdom and self-reliance. Ultimately, the armour is not a static shield but a dynamic, God-centred posture of faith, where every element points to Christ as the source of victory, and the believer's strength lies not in self but in the living God who empowers through His Word and Spirit.

And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. (2 Chronicles 33:13) *This service was taken in the Lounge of the Tunbridge Wells Pilgrim Home, Milward house, with some 20 residents present.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound transformation of Manasseh, a king whose early reign was marked by extreme wickedness, including idolatry and bloodshed, yet who experienced genuine repentance after being captured and brought to Babylon in affliction. Through divine sovereignty and mercy, God used suffering to humble Manasseh, leading him to earnestly pray, repent, and return to Jerusalem, where he dismantled pagan altars, restored the worship of the true God, and reversed his former abominations. The narrative underscores the reality of true repentance—evidenced not by fleeting emotion but by lasting, visible change in actions and priorities—contrasting with superficial conversions, as illustrated by the tragic example of his unrepentant son Amon. The preacher emphasizes that God's grace is sufficient even for the most hardened, offering hope to those who despair over past sins, while warning against the danger of forgetting God after deliverance. Ultimately, Manasseh's story points to the necessity of repentance before God and faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, not human effort, as the foundation of salvation.

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39) 1/ The Lord arising for his peoples help - "and he arose" 2/ Our Lord's use of his word - "and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still." 3/ The effect of his word - "and there was a great calm. " **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Christ's sovereign power over nature, as demonstrated in Mark 4:35–39, where Jesus calms a storm with a word, revealing His divine authority and compassion. Through this narrative, the preacher emphasizes that Christ is not only present in trials but actively works through prayer, His Word, and providence to bring peace and spiritual awakening. The storm symbolizes life's many trials—sin, temptation, suffering, and spiritual darkness—yet Christ's response is always one of grace: He arises at the cry of faith, speaks with commanding authority, and brings a profound, lasting calm. The disciples' awe—'What manner of man is this?'—points to the deeper truth that every trial, when met with Christ, magnifies His glory and deepens the believer's faith. The sermon calls listeners to recognize Christ's presence even in silence, to persist in prayer, and to trust that His Word, spoken in heaven and on earth, stills every storm and transforms hearts.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalms 51:6) 1/ The inward parts or hidden part of man. 2/ The truth that God desires there. 3/ The gospel provision of truth and wisdom in the inward parts. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on Psalm 51:6, highlighting God's desire for truth and wisdom in the inward parts of the human heart—a heart that, though deceitful and sinful by nature, is the true seat of one's being. It emphasizes that genuine repentance begins with a heartfelt recognition of sin, not as a mere moral failing but as a deep, abiding reality that only God can reveal and transform. The sermon underscores that God does not demand perfection from fallen humanity but instead provides grace through Christ, who alone can cleanse, renew, and restore the sinner by creating a clean heart and renewing a right spirit. This gospel provision is not based on human effort or self-improvement, but on divine action—God's sovereign work of conviction, pardon, and spiritual renewal, which produces a life marked by genuine faith, love, prayer, and a growing apprehension of Christ's worth. Ultimately, the message calls for a heart religion rooted in humility, dependence on grace, and the joyful assurance that salvation is not of works, but of God's mercy, made known through the wisdom and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8) 1/ Jesus Christ - Jesus of Nazareth. 2/ What is said of him - " He is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. " 3/ How this is a comfort to the believer. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on Hebrews 13:8, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and forever,' presenting Christ as the unchanging foundation of faith, whose eternal nature unites all of Scripture, history, and divine purpose. It emphasizes that Christ's identity—both divine and human, incarnate and glorified—remains constant across time, from eternity past to the final fulfilment of all things, anchoring believers in the reliability of God's promises. The message is pastoral and comforting, affirming that despite human change, doubt, or failure, God's love, presence, and power endure without alteration, offering assurance through Christ's unchanging character. The sermon calls believers to live in light of this truth, imitating faithful teachers whose lives pointed to Christ, and to find hope in His perpetual faithfulness, especially in trials and uncertainty, as He remains the same, ever-present, and eternally sufficient.

**Harvest Thanksgiving Afternoon Service.** Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10) *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the enduring promise of God's presence and faithfulness, drawn from Isaiah 41:10, where God declares, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee:' It unfolds a theological narrative tracing God's covenantal relationship with His people—from Abraham to the exiled Israelites in Babylon—emphasizing that divine strength, mercy, and sovereignty remain constant despite human frailty, rebellion, and fear. The message contrasts the emptiness of idolatry with the living God who is both transcendent—sovereign over nations and creation—and intimately present, knowing each believer by name. Through historical and personal examples, it illustrates how fear arises from sin and separation from God, yet is overcome by faith in Christ, who fulfils the covenant and empowers believers to face life's storms with courage. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God's unchanging character, His provision through every season, and His ultimate victory, inviting the hearers to find comfort, strength, and hope in His enduring presence.

**Harvest Thanksgiving Evening Service.** When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the profound significance of Jesus' final words, 'It is finished,' at the moment of His death, declaring the complete and perfect fulfilment of God's redemptive plan. Drawing from John 19:30 and the symbolism of the torn temple veil, it emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice on the cross abolished the need for the Old Testament sacrificial system, opening a new and living way into God's presence through His substitutionary atonement. The sermon underscores the depth of Christ's suffering—not only physical but spiritual, as He bore the eternal wrath of God for sin in a brief, three-hour darkness, making possible eternal reconciliation for all who believe. It contrasts the eternal destiny of those who trust in Christ—eternal life, joy, and communion with God—with the eternal separation and torment of those who reject Him, echoing the cry of abandonment from the cross. The sermon concludes with a sobering call to faith and repentance, urging listeners to recognize that time is finite, the world is temporary, and only those sheltered under Christ's blood will endure the final judgment, when Jesus will return to consummate history and declare, 'It is finished,' not in death, but in victory.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (1 Peter 4:1) 1/ Christ suffered for us in the flesh. 2/ Armed with the same mind as Christ. 3/ A great statement: - "He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the transformative power of Christ's suffering in the flesh, calling believers to embrace a mindset aligned with His sacrificial life. Drawing from 1 Peter 4:1, it emphasizes that Christ's suffering was both necessary and redemptive, fulfilling God's righteous plan by bearing the wrath of sin in place of His people. Believers are exhorted to 'arm themselves with the same mind'—a willing, determined, and holy resolve to follow Christ, endure persecution, resist temptation, and live distinct from the world, all rooted in the reality of Christ's finished work. The key insight is that while sin remains a persistent struggle, those who have suffered in the flesh through faith in Christ have ceased from its guilt, dominion, and eternal penalty, finding freedom in grace and hope for eternal deliverance. This present reality of spiritual warfare and sanctification points forward to the ultimate victory in resurrection, where sin and suffering will be no more.

Isaiah 53 *Sermon summary:* This sermon presents Isaiah 53 as a profound revelation of Christ's suffering and its redemptive blessings, emphasizing that every aspect of His agony—endured at the hands of men and by the Father's will—was purposeful and necessary for the salvation of God's people. The passage reveals Christ as the suffering Servant, despised and rejected, yet willingly bearing the sins of His chosen ones, not as a mere substitute but as a willing sacrifice whose death was both foreordained and freely embraced. The theological heart lies in the substitutionary atonement: Christ's wounds bring healing, His chastisement brings peace, and His imputed righteousness justifies those who believe. The sermon underscores that this salvation is not arbitrary but rooted in God's eternal knowledge and election, with believers recognized by their reception of His Word and their faith in Him. Ultimately, the suffering and glory of Christ are inseparable, demonstrating that His death was not defeat but the means by which He secures the eternal redemption and spiritual inheritance of His people.

His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (Psalms 21:5) 1/ Thy Salvation. 2/ The greatness of Christ's glory in Salvation. 3/ The honour and majesty laid upon him. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the exalted glory of Jesus Christ as the sole architect and beneficiary of God's salvation, drawing from Psalm 21, Philippians 2, and Revelation 5 to affirm that Christ's majesty is not derived from human effort or historical figures, but is divinely ordained and revealed through Scripture. It emphasizes that salvation is a sovereign, triune work—predestined before creation, accomplished through Christ's humiliation and exaltation, and applied by the Holy Spirit—ensuring that all glory belongs to Christ alone. The preacher contrasts Christ's unmatched glory with the temporary and sinful roles of human instruments, affirming that even the most significant figures in salvation history, like Moses, John the Baptist, or the apostles, are overshadowed by Christ's eternal preeminence. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to a personal, transformative faith in Christ, where His glory is seen as the heart of salvation, leading to worship, obedience, and a life devoted to His supremacy, with the assurance that His honour and majesty are eternally secured by God the Father and fully realized in the redeemed community.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1) *Five lessons from this parable:* 1/ Prayer is the antidote for fainting - v1. 2/ Continuing in prayer is a mark of election - v7a. 3/ The Lord is mindful of our sins and faults bearing long with us - v7b. 4/ The Lord will answer our prayers - v8a. 5/ Continuing in prayer is the exercise of faith - v8b. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing that prayer is the antidote to spiritual fainting and a vital expression of faith, not merely a ritual. It highlights five key truths: prayer sustains believers in discouragement, continual prayer is a mark of God's elect, God patiently bears with His people's imperfections, He answers prayers in His perfect timing—often better than requested—and persistent prayer is an act of faith that deepens trust in Christ's finished work. The preacher states that true prayer flows from a heart aware of grace, rooted in Christ's atonement, and aimed not only at temporal needs but at spiritual transformation, including victory over sin and the world. Ultimately, the parable calls believers to persevere in prayer, knowing that God, unlike the unjust judge, is both willing and able to answer with justice and mercy, and that faithfulness in prayer is a sign of a living relationship with God.

...... and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: (Ruth 2:18) 1/ Ruth - Gleaning in time of harvest. 2/ What the Bible has to say about harvest in a spiritual sense. 3/ What we may glean when the Lord is gathering his people home. Harvest Thanksgiving Service Preaching at Bodle Street Baptist Chapel, England. *Sermon summary:* The sermon draws a profound spiritual parallel between the natural act of gleaning in harvest time and the deeper, divine purposes of God in moments of spiritual harvest—particularly at the time of death and the final judgment. Centred on Ruth's faithful gleaning in Bethlehem, it illustrates how God providentially places His people in times of grace, where even small acts of obedience and dependence reveal His sustaining care and hidden blessings. The preacher emphasizes three spiritual harvests: the ongoing gospel call, the moment of death when believers are gathered to Christ, and the final judgment, each demanding urgent spiritual attention. From these times, believers are called to glean vital truths—such as the certainty and solemnity of death, the hope of eternal life, the preciousness of Christ, the comfort of resurrection, the diversity of God's saving work, and the urgent need for personal preparation. The ultimate aim is not mere reflection, but transformation: that the grace seen in others' departures should awaken deeper faith, repentance, and longing for Christ in the hearers themselves.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) 1/ Humbling under the mighty hand of God: - The mighty hand of God. - Humbling under it. - Exalted in due time - God's time. 2/ Casting upon God: - Our Care - all our care. - Casting it upon him. - He careth for you. *Sermon summary:* The message emphasizes the vital interplay of humility and trust in navigating life's challenges, drawing heavily from 1 Peter 5. It calls believers to actively submit themselves to God's sovereignty, recognizing His power and providence through examples from Scripture, while simultaneously urging them to release their anxieties and burdens through prayer, assured of God's unwavering care. The message underscores that even painful experiences and persistent trials can be opportunities for spiritual growth and ultimately, divine exaltation, reinforcing the importance of dependence on God's grace and loving kindness.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 1/ What the LORD gives to the faint and those who have no might. 2/ The way to receiving from the LORD - wait upon him. 3/ The effect - Their affections rise upwards - They run in the way of the LORD with delight and pleasure. - They continue in the ways of the LORD - an abiding effect. *Sermon summary:* The sermon emphasizes the Lord's provision of strength and renewal for the faint and powerless, drawing heavily from Isaiah 40. It highlights the importance of recognising God as the Creator and eternal source of power, It explores the nature of spiritual weakness—stemming from sin, chastening, and the ongoing fight of faith—and highlights the importance of waiting upon the Lord through prayer, embracing the means of grace, and persevering in service. Ultimately, it promises a transformative experience of renewed vigour, raising affections above, enabling them to run in the way of the Lord's commands and continue in the Christian walk.

My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. (Psalms 119:25) 1/ The Psalmist's soul. 2/ The Psalmist's confession. 3/ The Psalmist's prayer. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon explores the human experience of spiritual dryness and the need for divine intervention, drawing from Psalm 119 to illustrate how even those deeply rooted in faith can feel disconnected from God. It emphasizes that this sense of cleaving to earthly concerns is a natural consequence of human nature, but not an insurmountable barrier. The message underscores the importance of acknowledging this condition through honest confession and seeking renewal through prayer, trusting in God's word as the source of life and strength. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to recognize that spiritual vitality is a gift from God, not a product of self-effort, and to continually seek His grace to maintain a living connection with Him.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. (Hebrews 11:14) 1/ The things said - "that say such things." 2/ What they that say such things are plainly declaring - "that they seek a country." 3/ What it is to be seeking an heavenly country - "a better country, that is, an heavenly:" *The context: - Hebrews 11:13-16* These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon explores the profound significance of words, arguing that speech reveals the condition of the heart and ultimately testifies to one's deepest desires. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and passages in John, it emphasizes that those who confess their status as strangers and pilgrims on earth are plainly declaring their pursuit of a heavenly country, a longing that transcends earthly concerns and reflects a faith rooted in Christ. The message encourages self-examination, urging listeners to discern whether their words and actions genuinely reflect a pursuit of eternal realities or merely a preoccupation with the temporal world, ultimately calling for a life aligned with the promise of a prepared city and a future with God.

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (Jonah 2:9) *Sermon summary:* The sermon explores the narrative of Jonah and Nineveh to emphasize God's sovereign power and mercy in salvation. Drawing connections to Isaiah and the Old Testament anticipation of Christ, the message highlights God's ability to work through disobedience and to extend grace to entire cities, even those steeped in wickedness. Through Jonah's journey, the sermon underscores the importance of obedience, the potential for repentance, and the assurance that God's compassion extends to all, ultimately affirming that salvation is solely of the Lord, a truth reflected in God's willingness to spare Nineveh and demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; (Genesis 28:13) 1/ God's purpose. 2/ God's presence. 3/ God's promise. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon explores the enduring significance of God's covenant and presence, tracing its roots from Abraham through Isaac to Jacob, ultimately pointing towards the fulfilment of divine promises in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Genesis 28, the message emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness, highlighting how He actively works through human history, even amidst personal failings and challenging circumstances, to establish His kingdom of grace. The speaker underscores the revelation of God's presence and power, manifested through dreams, blessings, and ultimately, the revelation of Shiloh, demonstrating that God stands above all things, giving salvation and eternal life to those who believe.

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (Mark 6:31) 1/ The invitation - "Come ye yourselves apart". 2/ The place chosen - "a desert place". 3/ The reason for coming apart - "rest awhile". *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on Christ's invitation to His disciples to withdraw into a desert place for rest, emphasizing the divine necessity of intentional separation from busyness to renew spiritual vitality. Drawing from Mark 6:31, it highlights three key elements: Christ's profound sympathy, His sovereign initiative in calling for rest, and the personal, holistic nature of the call to come 'yourselves' apart—leaving behind all burdens, distractions, and self-reliance. The desert place symbolizes a sacred space of divine encounter, where God works miraculously not human effort, and where true rest is not escape but reorientation toward Him. The sermon underscores that rest is not optional but divinely ordained, rooted in creation, fulfilled in Christ, and pointing to eternal rest, while warning against the temptation to carry worldly cares into times of renewal. Ultimately, it calls believers to trust God's timing, lay aside all weight, and fix their eyes on Jesus, knowing that every temporary rest is a foretaste of the eternal Sabbath to come.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3:12-14) 1/ A soul brought to be with the Lord here below. 2/ That which leads to departing from him. 3/ The three preventatives to departing from him, as found in the text. *Sermon summary:* The sermon cautions against spiritual backsliding, emphasizing the dangers of unbelief, the hardening influence of sin, and the erosion of confidence in Christ. Drawing parallels to the history of Israel, it highlights the importance of vigilance against these pitfalls, urging believers to actively take heed, exhort one another daily, and steadfastly hold onto the assurance of God's work in their lives. Ultimately, the message underscores the need to maintain a firm grip on the initial joy and conviction of faith, recognizing that consistent engagement with the Word and mutual encouragement are essential safeguards against departing from the Lord's grace and fellowship.