St David's Bridge Strict Baptist Chapel

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (Exodus 33:13) **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Moses' prayer in Exodus 33:13—'Show me now thy way, that I may know thee'—as a profound expression of the believer's longing for divine guidance not merely for practical direction, but for intimate communion with God. Rooted in the narrative of Israel's apostasy and God's withdrawal of His presence, the message unfolds the necessity of God's personal presence as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, surpassing even the promise of the land of Canaan. The preacher emphasizes that God's way is revealed through the cross, where justice and mercy meet, and where the true nature of divine glory—seen in Christ's suffering and triumph—is unveiled. This journey of faith, marked by trials and chastening, is not about avoiding hardship but about being sanctified through it to know God more deeply, culminating in worship and eternal fellowship. The sermon calls the hearers to emulate Moses' desire: not just to be led, but to know God, to behold His glory, and to live in the reality of His presence, which is the essence of true salvation and the foundation of eternal life.

And Moses gave the money of **them that were redeemed** unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. (Numbers 3:51) *1/ The Biblical teaching of particular redemption. 2/ The blessings of particular redemption. 3/ The response to particular redemption.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached on a Lord's Day evening at Clifton Strict Baptist Chapel in Bedfordshire. The deacon giving out the hymns is Mr David Lawson. ~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the biblical doctrine of particular redemption—the belief that Christ's atonement was specifically intended for a definite people chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Drawing from Numbers 3:51 and other scriptural passages, it emphasizes that redemption is not a general offer extended to all but a precise, personal, and certain work of Christ, secured by His substitutionary sacrifice and intercession. The blessings of this doctrine include profound assurance of salvation, the certainty of God's eternal love, the unbreakable chain of election and glorification, and the confidence that Christ's work fully saves and secures His people. The response to this truth is not fatalism, but joyful faith, diligent evangelism, and heartfelt worship, grounded in the conviction that God's redemptive plan is certain and will not fail, even when human efforts seem fruitless.

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. (Numbers 23:21) *1/ Balaam and lessons from this account. 2/ Three things said of Jacob - God's people:* *- How God views them in Christ.* *- God is with them.* *- Jesus is their King and Lord.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached Lord's Day afternoon at Zoar Strict Baptist Chapel Ashwell. The deacon giving out the hymns is Mr Brian Northern. ~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of God, who turns human attempts to curse into divine blessings, as illustrated in Balaam's reluctant blessings over Israel. Though Balaam, a man driven by greed and ill intent, was compelled by God to speak words of praise, his motives reveal a dangerous spiritual danger: the separation of outward profession from inward faith, where one may speak truth without true devotion. The passage highlights three profound truths about God's people: **first,** that God sees them not in their sin but through the imputed righteousness of Christ, rendering them faultless; **second,** that the Lord's presence is their constant companion, guiding them through life and into eternity; and **third,** that Jesus Christ is their rightful King, whose authority is acknowledged not in words alone but in willing obedience. The message calls believers to examine their hearts, reject the spirit of Balaam, and embrace a faith marked by genuine submission, where the blessings of God are not merely received but lived out in faithful surrender to Christ's lordship.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, centred on Psalm 139:23–24, unfolds a profound meditation on God's omniscience, omnipresence, and sovereignty, revealing both the terror of divine knowledge for the unrepentant and the deep comfort it offers to the believer. The preacher emphasizes that God's all-knowing nature—knowing every thought, word, and hidden motive—should lead not to despair but to humble self-examination and reliance on Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's righteousness. Drawing from David's prayer to be searched and known, the sermon calls believers to a holy self-awareness, recognizing their inherent sinfulness and the impossibility of self-justification, while pointing to Christ as the only true substitute whose sinless life and atoning death make eternal life possible. The message is both convicting and comforting: while God sees all, He also draws sinners to Himself through grace, and those who are in Christ are securely kept by His power. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life marked by genuine repentance, hatred of sin, and a continual turning to Christ as the only way everlasting, grounded in the assurance that God is too good to be unkind and too wise to be mistaken.

**Shew me a token for good;** that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. (Psalm 86:17) *1/ Shew me - God's way of teaching. 2/ "A" Token. 3/ Tokens for good - a true token.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached Lord's Day morning at Zoar Strict Baptist Chapel Ashwell. The deacon giving out the hymns is Mr Brian Northern. ~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the heartfelt plea in Psalm 86:17—'Show me a token for good'—as a profound expression of a believer's longing for divine assurance and inward confirmation of God's presence and favour. Rooted in Scripture, it explores how God reveals Himself not merely through abstract doctrine, but through tangible, personal experiences: inward spiritual awakening, providential deliverance, answered prayer, the Spirit's witness, and the chastening of His children as evidence of sonship. The emphasis is on the sufficiency of one true, scriptural token—such as a moment of divine guidance, deliverance from temptation, or a deeply meaningful sermon—rather than a multiplicity of signs, all pointing ultimately to Christ as the source of all grace and the fulfilment of God's covenant. These tokens are not mere coincidences but divine appointments that confirm the believer's identity in Christ, strengthen faith, and direct the heart toward eternal realities, reminding the soul that every blessing flows from the blood of Jesus and the Father's unchanging love.

~~~~~~~ No 14 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 3:1-7** Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; .....Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  *1/ Seven reasons to heed the teaching of these verses. 2/ The directions to a husband. 3/ The directions to a wife.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 3:1–7 and Ephesians 5:21–33, presents a Christ-centred vision of marriage as a sacred, God-ordained relationship reflecting the covenantal love between Christ and His Church. It calls husbands to lead with sacrificial, self-giving love—emulating Christ's care for the Church—while honouring their wives as equal heirs of grace and vulnerable vessels, thereby preserving the integrity of prayer and spiritual unity. Wives are exhorted to submit with a meek and quiet spirit, not as a sign of inferiority but as a living testimony of faith, whose godly conduct may draw even unbelieving husbands to Christ. The sermon emphasizes that both spouses are to live in mutual submission, humility, and holiness, grounded in the Word of God, with the ultimate aim of glorifying God, fostering spiritual growth, and reflecting the eternal mystery of Christ's love for His bride. Through practical application, personal holiness, and a focus on inward transformation, the message calls believers—married or not—to see marriage as a divine type pointing to Christ's redemptive work, and to live in a way that invites others to behold the beauty of God's grace.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from **the hope of the gospel,** which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:23) *1/ Reconciliation through Jesus Christ. 2/ Continuing in the faith. 3/ The hope of the gospel.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Clifton Strict Baptist Chapel in Bedfordshire, England. ~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the enduring hope of the gospel, grounded in Christ's reconciling work and sustained through continual faith, urging believers not to be moved away from this hope amid life's trials. The hope of the gospel is not a static doctrine but a living assurance drawn from God's unchanging promises, the imputed righteousness of Christ, the certainty of eternal life, and the future glory of being with Him forever, all of which are safeguarded by God's preserving power and purpose. The preacher warns that while believers are secure in salvation, they must remain vigilant against spiritual complacency, temptation, and the forgetfulness of divine promises, drawing strength from the conviction that all things—especially trials—work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Ultimately, the gospel is not merely a beginning but a comprehensive, sustaining reality that provides guidance, protection, and spiritual teaching, ensuring that God's people remain anchored in the hope of His faithfulness.

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3) *1/ Who are the righteous? 2/ Foundations that cannot be destroyed. 3/ When the teaching and belief of the foundations is destroyed, what can the righteous do?* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon centers on the enduring security of the righteous in the face of spiritual and ecclesiastical crisis, anchored in four unshakable foundations: God's sovereign rule, the divine and human nature of Christ, the eternal covenant of grace, and the inspired authority of Scripture. Drawing from Psalm 11 and 2 Timothy 3, it emphasizes that while the world may appear to be crumbling—when churches abandon core truths or promote heresies—the righteous are called not to flee in fear but to trust in God's unchanging throne and to hold fast to these foundational realities. The preacher warns that when doctrine is compromised, especially in matters of God's sovereignty, Christ's deity, election, or biblical inerrancy, the faithful must respond with prayer, personal steadfastness, public witness, and, if necessary, separation from such environments. Ultimately, the message is one of profound hope: though institutions may falter, the foundations of salvation are eternal, and those built upon them—through faith in Christ—will endure forever.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7) *1/ Our need. 2/ In whom is this redemption and what is its cost? 3/ Who is the "we" who have redemption?* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound necessity of redemption and forgiveness through Christ, rooted in the sovereign grace of God revealed in Ephesians 1:7. It unfolds with a pastoral emphasis on the universal human condition—alienated from God by sin and under the just condemnation of the law—illustrated through biblical metaphors of captivity, the Passover, and the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth. The message affirms that redemption is not achieved by human effort but is fully accomplished in Jesus Christ, who, as the eternal High Priest, entered heaven once for all by His own blood, securing eternal salvation and reconciliation with God. The sermon underscores that this redemption is preached to all who hear the gospel, as the Holy Spirit works through the Word to awaken in conviction, faith, and repentance, making believers aware of their identity as those who have been chosen, adopted, and sealed by God's grace. Ultimately, the preacher calls the congregation to rest in the finished work of Christ, trusting daily in His atoning blood, which provides both forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life, all according to the boundless riches of God's grace.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (Mark 2:5) **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of faith, illustrated through the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:5, where Jesus responds to the faith of the man's friends by first forgiving his sins—a divine act that underscores Christ's authority over both spiritual and physical realms. Drawing from Hebrews 11, it emphasizes that faith is the foundation of a righteous life, enabling believers to trust in God's promises even when unseen, and to endure trials with hope in the eternal city prepared by God. The preacher highlights the inseparable connection between spiritual healing and physical restoration, showing that sin—root cause of all suffering—must be addressed before true healing can occur, and that Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice and eternal High Priest, possesses divine power to forgive and heal. Through vivid imagery and personal reflection, the message calls listeners to recognize their own need for grace, to persevere in faith, and to witness the awe-inspiring works of Christ that glorify God and confirm His lordship over life and death.

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16) *1/ They that thought upon his name. 2/ Thoughts upon his name. 3/ What the Lord says concerning them that thought upon his name.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon centers on those, who by grace, fear God, speak often with fellow believers, and meditate on His holy name. Drawing from Malachi 3:16 and key passages in Exodus, Isaiah, and the New Testament, it emphasizes that true faith is marked by reverent awe—neither slavish nor careless—evidenced in the lives of Old Testament saints who treasured God's presence, as seen in Moses' encounter with the burning bush and the prophetic names of Christ such as Emmanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The preacher underscores that those who fear the Lord, commune in spiritual fellowship, and dwell on His names are not forgotten by God, but are written in His book of remembrance and will be claimed as His own jewels, spared in the day of judgment. Through a pastoral and deeply encouraging tone, the sermon calls believers to cultivate a life of holy reflection, intimate fellowship, and unwavering trust in Christ's redeeming names, assuring them of divine recognition and eternal security.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (John 10:14) *1/ Our Lord's description of himself. 2/ What he says of his sheep. 3/ What he does for his sheep.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Jesus Christ as the divine Good Shepherd, drawing from Psalm 23 and John 10 to affirm His identity, care, and sacrificial love for His people. It emphasizes that Jesus claims divine authority through the title 'I AM' and the role of Shepherd, which the Jews recognized as blasphemy, underscoring His deity. The sermon unpacks the intimate relationship between Christ and His sheep—His ownership, personal knowledge, and the mutual recognition that marks true believers—rooted in election, redemption, and the Holy Spirit's work. It highlights the Shepherd's actions: laying down His life, granting eternal life, calling by name, leading, protecting, and preserving His sheep securely in His hand and the Father's, ensuring their ultimate salvation and eternal rest.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (John 3:14) ~~~~~~~~ A Lord's day afternoon service in the lounge of Milward Pilgrim Home, Tunbridge Wells Kent. ~~~~~~~~ *1/ A type approximately 1450 years before Christ. 2/ Even so - Christ's application and the great anti-type.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound connection between the Old Testament account of the bronze serpent in the wilderness and Jesus Christ's crucifixion, illustrating how both serve as divine means of salvation through faith. It emphasizes that sin, manifested in rebellion against God and His appointed leaders, brings judgment—symbolized by the deadly serpents—but repentance and faith in God's appointed remedy lead to life. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking upon the lifted serpent, believers are saved by looking to Christ, who was lifted up on the cross as a substitute, bearing the curse of sin and satisfying divine justice. The message underscores that salvation is not found in removing sin's consequences through human effort, but in faith in Christ alone, who is revealed through Scripture and proclaimed in the gospel, drawing sinners to Himself in humility and trust. The tone is both pastoral and convicting, calling listeners to recognize their sin, repent, and fix their eyes on Christ as the only source of eternal life.

~~~~~~~ No 13 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:21-25** For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, **leaving us an example,** that ye should follow his steps: ..... the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:21-25) *1/ Christ's person - the one to follow. 2/ Christ's actions - that we are to follow. 3/ Christ's people - who are to follow his example.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon, drawn from 1 Peter 2:21–25, presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers, emphasizing His sinless nature, sacrificial suffering, and faithful submission to God's will. It unfolds three central themes: Christ's person as the spotless Lamb and Shepherd who leads His people; His actions—enduring revilement without retaliation, suffering without threat, and committing Himself to the righteous Judge; and the identity of Christ's people as those once lost and wayward, now returned to Him, called to live dead to sin and alive to righteousness. The preacher calls believers to follow Christ not in their own strength, but through daily dependence on divine grace, reckoning themselves dead to sin and walking in newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit to endure trials and reflect Christ's meekness. The tone is deeply pastoral and convicting, urging a life of continual surrender, sanctification, and faithful imitation of Christ's example in a world marked by sin and suffering.

But **God hath chosen** the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27) *1/ Seven choices God makes for us. 2/ How knowing that God chooses, is a help and comfort to us.* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached into the Australian Churches from England. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the sovereign and comforting truth that God has chosen His people and all aspects of their lives—election, inheritance, the path they walk, their circumstances, afflictions, relationships, and even their instruction—according to His eternal purpose. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 1:27, it emphasizes that God's wisdom is revealed not in human strength or intellect, but in the 'foolishness' of the cross, where the weak are exalted and the humble are lifted. The preacher underscores that this divine choice, far from diminishing human responsibility, brings profound peace, as believers trust that every trial, decision, and appointment is under God's sovereign care. By reflecting on Scripture and personal experience, the message calls for humility, surrender, and reliance on God's guidance, assuring that all things work together for good for those called according to His purpose. Ultimately, the sermon invites the hearer to rest in the unshakable assurance that God's choice is not based on human merit but on His eternal love, leading to a life of worship, dependence, and joy in His sovereign grace.

And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: **all these things are against me.** (Genesis 42:36) *1/ The things we see are against us when God begins with us in grace. 2/ What Jesus has done to turn these things to be for us. 3/ How these things are now for God's people in Christ.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached online for Providence Chapel Northampton. ~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that what appears to be against God's people, is ultimately transformed into spiritual good through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Jacob's anguish over the loss of Joseph, Simeon, and the threat to Benjamin, the preacher illustrates how suffering and hardship, though perceived as adversarial, are part of God's sovereign plan to bring about greater good. The core message unfolds through three movements: **First,** recognizing the overwhelming weight of sin, law, and divine justice that condemn the unregenerate; **Second,** the divine reversal achieved through Christ's perfect life, substitutionary atonement, and resurrection, which satisfies God's holiness, justice, and righteousness; **and Third,** the believer's transformed perspective, where every element of life—law, God, self, enemies, trials, and Scripture—now works for their eternal good because Christ has fulfilled all things. The sermon concludes with a powerful assurance: if God is for us, no force in heaven or earth can prevail against us, and all things, even in their darkest moments, are being orchestrated for the glory of God and the salvation of His people.

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. (Isaiah 51:3) *1/ Eden - The garden of the LORD. 2/ Gethsemane - The garden of the LORD. 3/ The Church of God - The garden of the LORD.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon unfolds a profound theological vision centred on divine restoration, drawing from Isaiah 51 and John 18 to present three interconnected gardens: Eden, Gethsemane, and the Church. It emphasizes that God's promise to comfort Zion—transforming her wilderness into a paradise like Eden—finds its fulfilment not in natural renewal but in the redemptive work of Christ, first in the agony of Gethsemane where He bore the sins of His people, and then in the resurrection that secures eternal life. The Church, portrayed as a divinely planted and enclosed garden, is sustained not by human effort but by God's faithful care, where each believer is nurtured for fruitfulness, joy, and worship. Through the lens of Scripture, the preacher calls the congregation to trust in God's sovereign work, to pray for revival, and to find hope in the promise that the Lord will make His people a place of everlasting gladness, thanksgiving, and melody, rooted in the finished work of Christ.

And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: **yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.** (Amos 4:6) *1/ The whole plan of salvation is to return a people to the LORD. 2/ The work of grace in conversion is a returning to the LORD. 3/ The work of God in keeping and chastening his people is to bring them to return to him.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the divine purpose of restoring humanity to God, rooted in God's eternal covenant through Jesus Christ, who is the only means of reconciliation. Drawing from Amos 4's repeated call to return despite escalating judgments, it emphasizes that afflictions alone cannot bring true repentance, underscoring the necessity of a divine work of grace. The message unfolds in three movements: **First,** the overarching plan of salvation is to bring the lost back to God; **Second,** conversion is a personal return to the Lord, marked by repentance, prayer, and a new allegiance to God's people; **Third,** God's ongoing work of keeping and chastening His people ensures their perseverance, demonstrating His intimate knowledge and faithful care. The sermon affirms that salvation is not a human achievement but a sovereign, gracious work of God, secured by Christ's atonement and sustained by the Holy Spirit, culminating in eternal fellowship with God.

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. (Zephaniah 3:12) *1/ Where God's people are to be found - In the midst of thee - The nations. 2/ The description of God's people - afflicted and poor. 3/ What good is said of them - they shall trust in the name of the LORD.* ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached on Lord's Day afternoon at Zoar Chapel, The Dicker, in Hailsham East Sussex. ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the enduring truth that, amidst a world marked by widespread wickedness and spiritual decline, God preserves a remnant—afflicted and poor in spirit yet trusting in His name. Drawing from Zephaniah's prophecy and biblical examples like Noah, Lot, and the faithful in Israel, it emphasizes that God's people are not defined by worldly success or numbers, but by their dependence on His grace and righteousness. Though they endure suffering, persecution, and inner spiritual conflict, their identity is rooted in Christ alone, who is their refuge, wisdom, righteousness, and salvation. The passage affirms that true faith is not found in religious performance or prosperity, but in humility, repentance, and a daily reliance on Christ's finished work. Ultimately, the message is one of profound encouragement: God sees His people, sustains them in the midst of a hostile world, and will gather them home at the final day, assuring them of eternal security and divine honour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. (John 12:27-30) **Sermon Summary:** The central message of the sermon is that the ultimate purpose of Jesus Christ's incarnation, suffering, and death was the glorification of God the Father, not merely the salvation of sinners. Drawing from John 12:27–28, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus' prayer, 'Father, glorify Thy name,' reveals His deep burden in the hour of His crucifixion, where divine justice and holiness were satisfied through His substitutionary sacrifice. The sermon unfolds how God's glory is revealed in the cross—where righteousness and mercy meet, where the Father's love is most profoundly displayed in sending His Son, and where the Holy Spirit is poured out to continue glorifying Christ and drawing believers into eternal worship. The preacher calls the church to make this same prayer their own: not for personal gain, but for God's glory in every aspect of life, worship, service, and suffering, affirming that the final end of all creation is to see God glorified forever, with no glory shared with another, and that true worship is the soul's response to the awe-inspiring holiness and love of God revealed in Christ.

And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God. What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. (1 Chronicles 17:16-19) *1/ What the Lord does for his people. 2/ The grounds upon which he does it. 3/ The response in the heart of David.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on David's profound response to God's promise of an eternal dynasty through his son Solomon, revealing a deeper spiritual truth: God's salvation is not based on human merit but on His sovereign grace, fulfilled in the eternal Son, Jesus Christ. Through the lens of 1 Chronicles 17, the preacher unpacks three truths—what God does for His people (giving a Saviour, Priest, and King), the grounds for His actions (not human worth, but Christ's atonement and God's eternal love), and the proper human response (worship, prayer, and humble gratitude). The message emphasizes that God's greatness is revealed not in earthly achievements but in redeeming unworthy sinners through Christ, who is both the fulfilment of David's promise and the eternal basis of the believer's hope, calling for a life of worship, dependence, and joyful petition rooted in divine grace.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16) *1/ Perception - A scriptural way of knowing we are the Lord's people. 2/ How God's people are to perceive the love of God towards them. 3/ A further way of assuring our hearts that we are God's people.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the biblical assurance of salvation through a threefold perception of God's love: *First,* recognizing God's favour in the gradual unfolding of providential blessings, answered prayers, and spiritual awakenings that collectively point to His personal care; *Second,* understanding that this love is grounded in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which is perceived not through dramatic experiences but through the quiet, persistent work of the Holy Spirit in drawing the soul to faith and repentance; and *Third,* confirming one's identity as a child of God through a growing, self-sacrificial love for fellow believers, demonstrated in practical acts of compassion and commitment to the church community. Rooted in 1 John 3:16, the message emphasizes that true assurance is not found in emotional highs or external signs, but in the inward, Spirit-led realization of God's grace, evidenced by a transformed heart that desires fellowship with God's people and seeks their good, even at personal cost.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) *1/ God's words. 2/ The needful entrance of the word into our hearts. 3/ The effect of the entrance of God's word.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of God's Word, emphasizing that true spiritual understanding comes not from intellectual knowledge or external rituals, but from the divine entrance of Scripture into the heart. Drawing from the parable of the sower, it distinguishes between superficial hearing and genuine reception, where the Word, when embraced with humility and faith, brings light and understanding to the simple—those who recognize their spiritual need. The preacher underscores the necessity of the Word's divine authority, its dual role in revealing both human sinfulness and the grace of Christ, and the vital work of the Holy Spirit in making the Word effectual. The result is a life marked by conviction, repentance, and joy, as the Word becomes a lamp to the feet and a light to the path, producing lasting fruit in the believer's character and witness.

~~~~~~~ No 12 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:13-20** Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, ......... this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:13-20) *1/ How God commands us to respond to the ordinances of man. 2/ Maintaining a character acceptable to God. 3/ Scriptural examples of maintaining a Christian character.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon presents a theologically grounded call for Christian submission to earthly authority, rooted in Scripture from Romans, 1 Timothy, and 1 Peter, emphasizing that all governing powers are ultimately ordained by God for the maintenance of order in a fallen world. It underscores that obedience to authority is not merely a civic duty but a spiritual act of worship, done 'for the Lord's sake,' and is to be accompanied by a humble, respectful, and Christ-like character marked by love, honour, and patience. The preacher carefully balances this submission with the principle that obedience to God supersedes human authority when the latter demands disobedience to divine commandments, citing biblical examples such as Daniel, the midwives, Esther, and the apostles to illustrate how faithful resistance must be conducted with grace, integrity, and a willingness to suffer without malice. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to live in a way that is not only legally compliant but spiritually acceptable to God, where both obedience and resistance are shaped by a conscience informed by Scripture and a heart devoted to Christ's example of humble submission.

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, **but rather grew worse,** (Mark 5:26) *1/ The realisation of the sickness of sin. 2/ The effect of seeking a remedy apart from Christ alone. 3/ A perfect cure.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of faith in Christ, illustrated through three miraculous healings in Mark 5: the deliverance of the Gadarene demoniac, the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, and the resurrection of Jairus's daughter. It emphasizes that true healing begins with a profound realization of one's spiritual condition—sin's deep and pervasive nature—followed by the futility of seeking salvation through human effort or legalistic religion, which only intensifies spiritual distress. The sermon highlights the woman's journey from desperate, fruitless attempts to find relief through physicians to her decisive act of faith in touching Christ's garment, demonstrating that only through personal, trusting reliance on Christ's atoning work can true healing and peace be found. The preacher underscores that genuine faith, though initially hidden, must be publicly confessed and lived out, as seen in the woman's compelled testimony, which brings full spiritual restoration and divine affirmation. Ultimately, the message calls believers to abandon self-reliance, embrace the grace of Christ alone, and live in joyful, public acknowledgment of His saving work.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14) *1/ Asking in the name of Jesus 2/ The reason the Lord does what we ask - that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 3/ Examples from scripture of the things we need to ask for.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power and necessity of prayer as a vital means of communion with God, emphasizing that prayer is not merely a request for personal gain but a sacred act of worship and dependence that glorifies the Father through the Son. Drawing from key passages in Luke and John, it highlights the importance of praying in Jesus' name—acknowledging His mediation, sacrifice, and authority—while underscoring that God answers prayers not for our convenience, but to manifest His glory and fulfil His sovereign will. The preacher encourages persistent, humble, and faith-filled supplication, illustrated through biblical examples such as the persistent widow, the Canaanite woman, and the Apostle Paul, demonstrating that God honours faithful, persistent prayer even when answers come in divine timing or form. The sermon calls believers to pray for spiritual realities—mercy, grace, the Holy Spirit, wisdom, deliverance, sanctification, and the spread of the gospel—reminding them that prayer unlocks divine blessings, sustains faith, and aligns the heart with God's eternal purposes.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:3-4) *1/ What Christ is to a believer now - our life. 2/ When he shall appear 3/ The prospect - we shall appear with him in glory.* ~~~~~~~ This sermon was preached from the UK into the Churches in Australia ~~~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centres on the profound truth that believers are spiritually dead to sin and alive in Christ, whose life is now their own, secured by grace and maintained through faith. Drawing from Romans 8 and Colossians 3, it emphasizes that the Christian life is not a struggle to earn favour, but a response to a finished work in Christ, where mortification of sin is rooted in the reality of being united with Him. The preacher underscores that believers are hidden with Christ in God, their true life secure in Him, and look forward to the future hope of appearing with Christ in glory when He returns. This hope, grounded in divine sovereignty and the promise of resurrection, sustains the believer through present trials, fosters holy living, and assures eternal fellowship with God, where the conflict between flesh and spirit will be eternally resolved.

~~~~~~~ No 11 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:11-12** Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:11-12) *1/ A vital inward preparation for a walk glorifying to God. 2/ A walk glorifying to God. 3/ The day of visitation in which God is glorified.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the Christian life as a pilgrimage marked by spiritual warfare, inward transformation, and outward witness, grounded in the tension between the flesh and the Spirit. Drawing from Galatians 5, Romans 12, and 1 Peter 2, it emphasizes that true godliness begins with a vital inward preparation—abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul—through the daily mortification of sin by the Spirit, not by law but by grace. This inward renewal enables a life of honest, Christ-honouring conduct among the world, where believers, though falsely accused, live in such a way that their good works may lead unbelievers to glorify God in the day of visitation. The ultimate hope is not in this world's approval but in the future glorification of God when His people are vindicated, and even enemies will acknowledge the power of His grace, affirming that the Christian life is a journey of faith, sanctification, and eternal purpose.

And their father Israel said unto them, **If it must be so now,** do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: (Genesis 43:11) *1/ Four things that Jacob was made willing to do. 2/ Three "Musts" concerning our Lord and the apostles. 3/ Two "Musts" for us to remember for our good.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth of divine providence, illustrated through Jacob's reluctant yet obedient decision to send Benjamin to Egypt, recognizing that 'if it must be so now, do this.' It emphasizes that God often places believers in circumstances where they cannot retreat or alter outcomes, compelling submission to His sovereign will, as seen in Jacob's surrender, his willingness to part with his beloved son, his active leadership in directing the journey, and his trust in God's mercy. The message expands to the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection, underscoring that these were not optional but divinely ordained 'musts' fulfilling Scripture, just as the apostles' appointment as witnesses was required for the fulfilment of God's plan. Finally, the sermon calls believers to embrace two enduring 'musts': the inevitability of tribulation as part of the Christian journey and the certainty of death, both of which are not to be feared but faced with faith, knowing that God has already triumphed over both through Christ's resurrection, offering hope and assurance in every trial and toward eternal life.

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3) *1/ Many infallible proofs of the resurrection of Jesus. 2/ Things that the resurrection of Jesus is proof of. 3/ Are we part of the proof? Living witnesses.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundational truth of the Christian faith, affirmed through numerous infallible proofs—such as the empty tomb, multiple physical appearances, the transformation of the disciples, the conversion of sceptics like James and Paul, and the establishment of the Church—each demonstrating the reality of Christ's bodily resurrection. These proofs are not merely historical facts but serve as conclusive evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that His victory over death secures the believer's own resurrection, validates the Christian faith, and confirms the acceptance of His sacrificial atonement. The preacher emphasizes that the risen Lord continues to reveal Himself today not through visions or images, but through the living Word of God, which transforms hearts, kindles faith, and produces spiritual renewal in believers. The ultimate call is for personal reflection: to recognize the inward change wrought by the risen Saviour, to trace one's spiritual rebirth to Christ's resurrection, and to live as a living witness to His life-giving power, knowing that because He lives, believers too shall live.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20) ~~~~~~~~ A Lord's day afternoon service in the lounge of Milward Pilgrim Home, Tunbridge Wells Kent. ~~~~~~~~ *1/ The lead-up to the "Then" 2/ Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord 3/ How we now see the Lord - by faith through the word.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative joy experienced by the disciples upon encountering the risen Christ, tracing their journey from sorrow to gladness through the resurrection's undeniable evidence—the empty tomb, the linen wrappings, and the personal appearances of Jesus. It emphasizes how the disciples' initial grief, rooted in the crucifixion's fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy and the physical suffering of Christ, gave way to profound relief and joy when Jesus appeared to them, proving His victory over death, fear, and the powers of darkness. The preacher highlights that this joy, though initially met with disbelief and fear, was confirmed through Christ's physical presence and the testimony of Scripture, culminating in the disciples' heartfelt gladness. Finally, the sermon turns to the present reality of faith, affirming that while believers no longer see Christ with physical eyes, they encounter Him through the Word, where the Holy Spirit kindles spiritual recognition, warmth, and longing—just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced joy through Scripture alone. This faith, though unseen, is blessed and enduring, producing a joy that no earthly power can take away.

**And the scripture was fulfilled**, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. (Mark 15:28) ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bethel Chapel Guildford ~~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound significance of Scripture being fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, affirming both the divine authority of the Bible and the identity of Christ as the promised Messiah. Through seven key prophecies fulfilled at Calvary—His silent submission, bearing of sin, imputed righteousness, intercession for sinners, enduring God's wrath, preservation of His bones, and the outpouring of blood—the sermon reveals the spiritual blessings available to believers. Each fulfilled prophecy not only confirms Christ's divine mission but also demonstrates the redemptive work of God, securing forgiveness, righteousness, eternal security, and access to God. The preacher emphasizes that these fulfilments are not incidental but purposeful, revealing the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the reliability of God's Word, calling the audience to trust in Scripture, embrace Christ's finished work, and live in the assurance of salvation grounded in divine faithfulness.

~~~~~~~ No 10 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:9-10** But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10) **Seven Descriptions of God's People:** *1/ A chosen generation 2/ A royal priesthood 3/ An holy nation 4/ A peculiar people 5/ A people called out of darkness into his marvellous light 6/ A people which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God 7/ A people which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon presents a profound and comforting exploration of seven divine descriptions of God's people drawn from 1 Peter 2:9–10, emphasizing their identity as a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, and peculiar people—titles rooted in Old Testament promises yet fulfilled in Christ and extended to all believers, Jew and Gentile alike. The final three descriptions—called out of darkness into light, once not a people but now God's people, and formerly without mercy yet now recipients of grace—highlight the transformative work of salvation. A radical spiritual reversal that defines the believer's new identity. Through these truths, the sermon offers pastoral encouragement, affirming that every Christian bears the marks of divine transformation, and calls the church to live as witnesses, proclaiming the praises of the One who has drawn them from darkness into His marvellous light.

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (Psalm 62:5) *1/ What David charged himself to do - "wait thou only upon God." 2/ The reason for waiting upon God - "for my expectation is from him." 3/ Examples from the lives of those in scripture.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative to wait solely on God, drawing from Psalm 62:5, as the foundation of a faithful life marked by expectation rooted in divine promise rather than human effort or timing. It emphasizes that true hope is not derived from personal ambition or fleeting circumstances, but from God's sovereign word and covenant, illustrated through biblical figures like David, Abraham, Joseph, and the disciples, who endured trials, disappointments, and opposition while holding fast to God's promises. The message underscores that God's expectations—whether for deliverance, salvation, or personal purpose—are not thwarted by human failure, Satan's schemes, or prolonged waiting, but are fulfilled in His time and way, often through suffering and refinement. The preacher calls believers to cultivate a patient, submissive spirit, trusting in God's faithfulness even when outcomes seem contrary, and to recognize that Scripture's purpose is to kindle hope, comfort, and perseverance through the trials of faith. Ultimately, the call is to live as sojourners, serving God faithfully in the present while awaiting His promised fulfilment, knowing that He who began a good work will complete it.

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4) *1/ Darkness a symbol of separation and difference. 2/ Darkness that the Lord overcame at Calvary. 3/ Darkness felt by the Lord's people.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Psalm 112:4, revealing that in the midst of fourfold darkness—spiritual, moral, satanic, and natural—light arises for the upright, who is none other than Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfilment of the psalm. Through His work at Calvary, Christ overcame the darkness of sin, judgment, and demonic power, triumphing in the very moment of His crucifixion when darkness covered the land, yet light emerged in the form of redemption, grace, and eternal life. This light is not merely after darkness, but within it, as God sovereignly uses trials, spiritual blindness, and suffering to awaken His people to their need, deepen their dependence on Him, and reveal His glory. The preacher emphasizes that true spiritual understanding comes not from human wisdom, but from the Holy Spirit's illumination, and that even in the deepest darkness, God promises to guide, restore, and magnify His grace, making the believer's path one of trust, surrender, and hope in Christ's righteousness, compassion, and eternal victory.

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. (Isaiah 43:21) 1/ A people formed **by** the LORD. 2/ A people formed **for** the LORD. 3/ A people that shall shew forth his praise. ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel. ~~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Isaiah 43:21, emphasizing that God has formed His people not by chance but through sovereign, purposeful design, both in history and in individual lives. It unfolds three interconnected truths: **First,** God forms His people through patient, often painful providences, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and David, demonstrating that His timing and methods are always for ultimate good. **Second,** These people are formed not for themselves or for any earthly purpose, but exclusively for God's own glory and eternal possession, reflecting a relationship where believers are His inheritance and He is theirs. **Third,** The ultimate purpose of this divine formation is that His people will continually glorify and proclaim His praise, both in trials and triumphs, as their transformed lives bear witness to His grace, as exemplified by Job, Paul, and countless others who, in suffering, magnify God's faithfulness. The message is one of profound comfort and calling: God's work in us is not only certain but deeply personal, designed to reflect His character and draw others to Him.

~~~~~~~ No 9 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 1 Peter 2:4-8** To whom coming, as unto **a living stone**, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, **as lively stones**, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ...... (1 Peter 2:4-8) *1/ Four descriptions of Christ **The Stone**.* - A living stone - 1 Peter 2:4 - A chief corner stone - 1 Peter 2:6 - The stone which the builders disallowed - 1 Peter 2:7 - A stone of stumbling - 1 Peter 2:8 *2/ A description of God's people as **lively stones**.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Christ as the living, chosen, and precious cornerstone, revealed through 1 Peter 2:4–8, where He is portrayed not only as the foundation of God's spiritual house but also as the head of the corner, exalted despite human rejection. The passage contrasts the world's disdain for Christ—seen in the Jews' refusal of Him as the cornerstone—with God's sovereign appointment of Him as the ultimate, unifying, and eternal foundation, securing the believer's hope and assurance. Believers, described as living stones, are spiritually built into a holy priesthood, united in Christ and called to offer spiritual sacrifices through Him, reflecting a transformed life marked by worship, service, and unity. The sermon emphasizes that while unbelief leads to stumbling and spiritual ruin, the elect are preserved by grace, their identity rooted not in human approval but in Christ's eternal, life-giving work, culminating in a glorious, divinely designed temple where God dwells through the Spirit.

Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. (Psalms 28:1) 1/ A reason to cry unto the LORD. 2/ The great difference between the saved and the lost. 3/ Answer two questions: - How does the LORD speak? - Why is he silent to his people? ~~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Ebenezer Chapel Ripley ~~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** This sermon centers on the profound longing of the believer to hear God's voice, drawing from Psalm 28:1 as a cry of dependence and faith in the midst of divine silence. It emphasizes that the psalm points not only to David but ultimately to Christ, who, in His humanity, experienced the agony of feeling forsaken, yet remained faithful in prayer. The central message is that the distinguishing mark of the saved is their ability to hear God's voice—through Scripture, preaching, providence, and the inner witness of the Spirit—while the lost remain spiritually deaf. The sermon explores why God may seem silent: as a test of faith, a call to repentance, or a consequence of unhearing, urging believers to persist in prayer, trust in God's timing, and recognize that true spiritual life is marked by the ability to discern His voice, even in silence.

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.