St David's Bridge Strict Baptist Chapel

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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