Devotional and Practical Messages

Devotional and Practical Messages

6 Good-Looking Young Men Who Said “No” (36 min)

David West preaches on a number of young men in the Bible who wisely and courageously said “No” in situations of temptation to sin or to compromise. Joseph was tested morally, Daniel socially, Moses politically and Daniel’s three companions religiously. Readings: Gen 39:1-15, Dan 1:8-15, 3:16-18, Heb 11:24-26. (Recorded in Northampton, UK, on 23rd Oct 1999)

When the Lord Tests Us (16 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on three tests in Scripture. When Philip was tested on the Lord’s presence, Israel on the Lord’s promises, and Abraham on the Lord’s purposes. Readings: John 6:5-6, Deut 8:2-3, Gen 22:1-3. (Recorded in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA, 2015)

It’s All Christ (17 min)

Henry Dyke preaches on “Christ before us” as our example, “Christ for us” as our substitute advocate and High Priest, “Christ with us” as our companion, and “Christ in us”. Readings: Rom 8:26-27, Matt 18:20, John 14:16, 20, 15:4-7, 17:22-23, Heb 13:5, 1 Pet 2:21-23, 4:1. (Recorded at Roseisle Gospel Hall Conference on 3rd Oct 2021)

What Moses Learned at the Burning Bush (35 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the revelation of the character of God given to Moses at the burning bush. A God who comes close, a God who makes claims, a God who keeps His promises etc. Moses’s God is “the I am that I am”. Reading: Exod 3:1-15. (Message preached at Midland Park Gospel Hall, NJ, USA, 16th Sept 2023)

Plan A or Plan B? (26 min)

Shad Kember preaches on the choice of 2.5 Israelite tribes to stay on the wrong side of Jordan, instead of dwelling in the Promised Land. God had “Plan A” for them, but they wanted “Plan B”. How often in our own lives do we resist God’s plan and try and go our own way? Reading: Numbers 32:1-23, 25, 27, 31-32. (Message preached at Stark Road Gospel Hall, 22nd Oct 2016)

The Church of the Open Door (38 min)

After giving an outline of the 7 churches of Asia, David Vallance expounds the letter to the assembly in Philadelphia which is full of practical ministry for the believer. Reading: Rev 3:7-13. (Message preached in North America, 28th Sept 2019)

The Cost of Staying the Other Side of Jordan (21 min)

David Vallance preaches on the challenging topic of half-hearted Christianity, which he illustrates from the story of the 2.5 tribes who wanted to stay on the “other side of Jordan” (instead of entering the promised land). Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh paid a heavy price for their half-heartedness. Readings: Num 32:1-6, 10-11, 23, Josh 22:1-6, 10-12, 34, 1 Chron 5:23-26. (Message preached in Spring Creek Gospel Hall, Illinois, USA, 2019)

At the Turn of the Year (9 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the biblical expression “at the turn of the year” and draws poignant lessons on the eve of a New Year. Readings: 1 Kings 20:22-23, Psa 121:1-8. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter Gospel Hall, 31st Dec 2023)

What Are You Bringing to Christ? (27 min)

Albert Hull (1936-2015) preaches on “bringing sheaves to Christ” in gospel service, on bringing ourselves to Christ in consecration, and on God bringing sons to glory through it all. Readings: Psa 126.1-6, Rom 12.1-2, Heb 2.8-10. (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel hall, Livonia, Michigan, USA, 21 Oct 1995).

Houses in Mark’s Gospel (35 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on houses in Mark’s gospel, and draws lessons from each one relative to Christian doctrine and practice. Readings: Mark 3:13-19, 7:14-17, 24-26, 9:28, 33-37, 10:5-12. (Message preached at Cork Conference, Ireland, March 2023)

The Call of Christ – “Follow Me” (16 min)

David Herlihy preaches on the challenging call of Christ – “Follow Me”. David highlights the call, the cross and the cost of discipleship from Luke 9.23-25, 57-62 and 14.25-35. (Message preached 30th Sept 2023 in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada, at the annual Sussex Gospel Hall conference).

You Will Hear a Voice Behind You (31 min)

David Gilliland preaches on people in the Bible who heard the voice of the Lord behind them. From Isaiah 30 “a voice for your ears”, from John 20 “a voice for your tears”, and from Revelation 1 “a voice for your fears”. Readings: Isa 30:18-21, John 20:11-17, Rev 1:9-13, 17-19. (Message preached in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, May 2023)

Three Choices for the Christian (36 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches on three choices for the Christian from 1 Peter 4. The choice to live for the will of God; the choice to live for the welfare of others; and the choice to live for a world to come. Readings: 1 Pet 4:1-13 (Message preached at the Vancouver Thanksgiving Conference, 2014)

Come Near to Christ…Now (8 min)

Frank Sona preaches on the words of Joseph to His brothers, “Come near to me.” After all the failures, regret and difficulties of our lives, the Lord still graciously invites us to come near to Him now. Reading: Gen 44:18-45:8. (Message preached at Blue River Conference, WI, USA, 2023)

The Christian’s Confidence (17 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on Caleb’s confidence in God. He stilled the people, he rent his clothes, but through faith in the person and promises of God he wholly followed the Lord into old age, Readings: Num 13:30-33, 14:6, 24, 30, Josh 14:6-15. (Message preached Lancaster, WI, USA, in 2019)

Beneficial Things (30 min)

David Gilliland preaches on three things described as good or beneficial in Scripture: “It is good to be here” (a summit worth remembering), “It is good to bear the yoke in one’s youth” (a shoulder worth yielding), and “It is good to draw near to the Lord” (a sanctuary worth visiting). Readings: Matt 17:1-5, Lam 3:22-32, Psa 73:1-3, 16-19, 28 (Message preached at Midland Park Gospel Hall, NJ, USA, 15th Sept 2023)

Is Your Life Different? (36 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on the walk of the believers from Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. My walk needs to be consistent with what God has done and is doing in my life. Is your life different to what it was before you were saved, and different to the world around you? (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA, 29th Oct 2017)

Does Grace Mean I Can Live As I Like? (48 min)

Michael Penfold explains from Scripture that what Christians say they believe must be reflected in the way they live. This is what the Bible expects. In Romans, justification leads to sanctification; in Ephesians, grace leads to godliness; in Titus, doctrine leads to duty; in James, faith leads to works, and in 1st John, the new birth leads to new behaviour. (Coleford Gospel Hall, Somerset, 21st Nov 2020)

Are You Satisfied with Christ? (13 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on the tendency of the human heart to be dissatisfied with Christ and to retreat from the presence of the Lord, highlighting Adam and Eve, Cain, Jonah and those asked by the Lord “Will you also go away?” Readings: Gen 3:8, 4:16, Jonah 1:3, 10, 4:2, John 6:66-69. (Message preached in Blue River, Wisconsin, USA, 2009)

Liberty and the Christian Conscience (37 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the topic of Christian liberty, and what to do when your own, or another’s conscience, is troubled by a particular issue, albeit not one related to fundamental doctrine. Readings: Rom 14:1-3, 10-13, 21-23, 15:1-7, Gal 5:13-15, 1 Pet 2:13-16. (Message preached in Northampton, 22nd Sept 2018)

The Character Required of Genuine Disciples (33 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the beatitudes from Matthew’s Gospel, highlighting the attitude, appetites, and actions of a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, Reading: Matt 4:1-5:16. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 10th Sept 2023)

Little Is Much If God Is In It (22 min)

Philip Tinsley preaches on some of the little things in Scripture – a little cake, a little cloud, a little call, a little captive and a little child. The lesson? Little is much if God is in it. 1 Kings 17:1, 8-16, 24, 18:42-46, 19:12, 2 Kings 5:1-5, 13-15, Mark 9:33-37. (Message preached in Winnipeg, MC, Canada, 4th July 2023)

Enjoying and Valuing Our Inheritance (22 min)

Bill Lavery preaches on enjoying and valuing our inheritance, in particular the treasure of truth we have been given in the Word of God. Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-10. (Message preached in Roseisle, Manitoba, Canada, 2017)

Staleness or Freshness in Worship? (23 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on freshness in worship when the church is gathered to break bread. Worship should be marked by preparation, devotion, appreciation, variation, perception and continuation. Reading: Lev 1:1-17, 6:8-13. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 13th Aug 2023)

A Life of Significance (32 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on what we can learn from the Father sending the Son into the world, as we realise that the Son has now sent us into the world. Andrew draws lessons from the perspective of the Father who sent Him, the sphere into which He was sent, and the life He lived as the sent One. Readings: John 17:11, 15-18, 20:19-21. (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Michigan, USA, 24th Oct 2015).

Reverencing a Real God (24 min)

How real is God to me? Is He a living reality in my life day by day? Brandon Doll preaches on reverencing a real God and the effect that this should have. He develops his theme from three passages in Deuteronomy about fearing the Lord. Readings: Heb 5:7-9, 12:28-29. (Message preached Stout, Iowa, USA, April 2022)

5 Mentions of “Until” the Lord Comes (47 min)

Tom Armstrong preaches on 5 mentions of “until I come”, or “until the Lord comes” etc. in the New Testament. He speaks about truth and testimony until the Lord returns to receive us and review us. Readings: John 21:21, 1 Cor 11:23-27, Rev 2:25, Luke 19:12-19, 1 Cor 4:5 (Message preached in Ballymena on 7th Jan 2023)

Conformed or Transformed? (11 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on the challenge of Romans 12:1-2 – be not conformed, but be transformed. Israel wanted to be “like the nations”; our temptation is to be “conformed to the world”, but God’s will for us is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. (Message preached in Highland, WI, USA, 2021)

Love Always Hurts (24 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on love as the essential ingredient in an assembly. Love described, love demanded, love desired, love denied and love developed. Readings: John 13:34-35, Rom 5:5, 1 Cor 13:1-14:1, Gal 5:13-18, 22a, Col 3:12-14, 1 Pet 1:22, 1 John 3:17-18, 4:7-8, 18-21. (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA, Nov 2010)

A City Where You Don’t Belong (38 min)

Elton Fairfield preaches on the city built by Cain and named after his son Enoch – a city of manufacturing and music, but a city without God – and draws lessons for us in our relationship to the world. Readings: Gen 4:16-24, 5:18-24, Heb 11:5-6, 11-16, Jude 1:11-17, Rev 21:1-3. (Message preached in Ballymena 20th Oct 2018)

Enjoying What We Have (43 min)

David Gilliland preaches on “possessing our possessions”, Christians enjoying the things “we have”. We have forgiveness, peace, a great high priest, an anchor, access, a more sure Word of prophecy, a treasure in earthen vessels, and a building of God a house not made with hands. Reading: Obadiah 1:17-22. (Message preached in Ballymena, 31st Dec 2019)

Is Christ Enough? (25 min)

Peter, the disciple, asked the Lord one day “What shall we have?”, in return for forsaking everything and following Christ. Brandon Doll takes a look at this narrative and asks “Is Christ enough?” Reading: Matt 19:26-20:16. (Message preached at LaCrosse Conference, Wisconsin, USA, in 2019)

There is Much Rubbish (23 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on the phrase in Nehemiah 4:10 – “There is much rubbish”. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem involved recognising the rubbish, removing the rubbish and reviving the stones out of the rubbish. (Message preached in Ballymena, 31st Dec 2018)

Hindrances to Blessing (15 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on hindrances to blessing, notably 4 sins outlined by the Lord: faithlessness, selfishness, prayerlessness and the desire for greatness. Readings: Matt 17:14-21, Luke 9:44-48 (Message preached at La Crosse Conference, USA, 2016)

Is Your All On The Altar? (51 min)

Ian Jackson challenges his audience with Paul’s call to “present your bodies a living sacrifice to God” (Rom 12:1-2). “All this I did for thee, what hast thou done for me?” (Message preached in Sarnia Gospel Hall, Canada, 18th Nov 2022)

Am I a Soldier of the Cross? (47 min)

Andrew Steele preaches on the Christian soldier’s armour, attitude, attention, assurance and anticipation. Readings: 1 Cor 14:6-9, Eph 6:10-18, Phil 2:24-25, 4:4-7, 1 Thess 4:15-18 and 2 Tim 2:3-4. (Message preached in Ballymena, 4th Feb 2023)

The Danger of Drifting (26 min)

Tom Meekin (1947-2017) preaches on “the danger of drifting”. A man drifting without a sure anchor; a man drifting without a steady aim; a man drifting without a strong arm. Readings: Heb 6:17-20, Phil 3:10-16, 1 John 2:12-17. (Message preached in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, 6th Feb 1982) (Image above used courtesy of Select Insure Group – Boat Insurance)

Outward Conformity, But Something’s Missing (22 min)

Phil Coulson preaches on the danger of mechanical formality in worship and service. The Lord neither needs nor wants what we can give Him unless it comes from a heart of devotion. God wants our devotion, our diligence and our dependence. Reading: Psalm 50:5. (Message preached in Belfast 2009)

How Are You Waiting for the Lord? (22 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on 4 people in the gospel of Luke who were waiting for the Kingdom – Simeon, Anna, John the Baptist and Joseph of Arimathea. They were waiting justly, patiently, reverently etc. How are you waiting for the Lord? Readings: Luke 2:25-32, 36-38, 7:20-23, 23:50-54. (Message preached in Highland, WI, USA, 2022)

What Field Are You In? (12 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on Naomi’s move from the fields of Moab to the fields of Bethlehem, described in Scripture as, “She went forth from the place where she was” (Ruth 1:7): from the fields of Moab, a luxurious place of ease and distance from the Lord – to the fields of Bethlehem, the house of bread. Readings: Ruth 1:6-7, 2:3, 15-17, 19a. (Message preached in Saugus Gospel Hall, Boston, USA, June 2015)

The Pressure to Go with the Flow (29 min)

Shad Kember preaches on the “pressure to go with the flow” from three examples in the book of Numbers: Caleb and Joshua, the sons of Korah, and Phinehas, all of whom wisely and courageously resisted peer pressure and group think. Readings: Num 14:36-39, 16:31-34, 25:6-9, 26:11. (Message preached at Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA, 23rd Oct 2016)

Is the Lord Receiving Fruit from My Life? (45 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on the question of fruitfulness for God in the Christian life, presenting his material under 3 headings: desiring fruit, defining fruit and developing fruit. Readings: Luke 13:6-9, Rom 7:4, Gal 5:19-26, John 15:1-9, 16-17. (Message preached at Stark Road Gospel Hall Conference, Livonia, Michigan, USA, 4th Nov 2013)

Alone with Thee, O Master (50 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on the effects of being “along with Christ”, using 4 examples from the New Testament. Spending time alone with Christ leads to an appreciation of the greatness of His knowledge, the power of His Word, the brightness of His glory, and the full understanding He has of Scripture. Readings: John 4:1-8, 28, 46-53, Matt 17:1-5, Luke 24:27. (Message preached at the annual conference at Bracknell Gospel Hall, 2017)

The Christian’s Journey (51 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on the journey of the Christian, drawing lessons from 4 journeys recorded in the Bible: the journey of a nation (Deut 1:1-3a), the journey of a judge (Judg 4:1-2), the journey of a King (1 Sam 15:16-19) and the journey of a prophet (1 Kings 19:1-5). (Message preached at Bracknell Gospel Hall conference 2017)

The Biggest Thing in the Christian Life (42 min)

Ian Jackson preaches on the importance of “daily devotions” (reading the Bible and prayer), and reminds his audience that what God does in us is more important than what God does through us. Ian gives advice and suggestions as to how to have meaningful daily “quiet times”. Reading: 2 Tim 3:14-17.

How Should We Then Live? (23 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the question in Ezekiel 33:10, “How should we then live?” He answers it from three verses in the New Testament: we should live “unto righteousness”, “unto the will of God” and “unto Him”. Readings: 1 Pet 2:24-25, 4:1-4, 2 Cor 5:10, 14-15, Titus 2:11-13, Eze 33:10. (Message preached in North America).

3 Things That Need Bringing Back (18 min)

Andrew Bergsma (1930-2013) preaches on “bring back the book”, “bring back the ark” and “speak ye not a word of bringing the King back”. Readings: 2 Sam 19:9-10,  1 Chron 13:1-3, Neh 8:1-6. (Message preached in Winnipeg, Canada. 28th April 2001)

The Lord is Able to Give You Much More Than This (21 min)

Brandon Doll preaches on the story of Amaziah’s unequal yoke: the logic behind it, the Lord denied, the lessons to be learned and the loss sustained. Unequal yokes are always costly. Before it goes too far, back out, and remember: “The Lord is able to give you much more than this”. Readings: 2 Chron 25:5-11, 2 Cor 6:14-18. (Message preached at Manchester, Iowa, 2021)

Fellowship – Personal and Corporate (47 min)

Elton Fairfield preaches on the topic of “fellowship”. What does fellowship with God look like? It includes Bible reading, prayer, walking in the light, and the confession of sin. Corporate fellowship, with other believers in a local assembly, has its privileges and responsibilities too. Readings: 1 John 1:1-10, 2 Cor 6:14-18, 1 Cor 10:14-22. (Message preached in Ahoghill Gospel Hall, 2019)

What We Revere, We Resemble (42 min)

Michael Penfold expounds the biblical principle that people tend to become like the object of their worship. If you hold something in esteem, you will tend to imitate it. Worship breeds likeness: what we revere we will eventually resemble. Readings: Psa 115:4-8, 2 Kings 17:15, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached in the Gospel Hall, Blackburn, 21st Jan 2023).

Being a Consistent Christian (53 min)

Jack Hunter (1916-1994) preaches on the consistency of God, and how this should be reflected in those who belong to God by redemption. Mr Hunter deals with issues like the unequal yoke and dishonesty in business as examples of inconsistent Christianity. Readings: Matt 5:48, Rom 14:22b. (Message preached in Ballymena 10th Oct 1981)

Never Cut Corners, Never Look Back, Never Give Up (42 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on 3 biblical exhortations for the believer running the marathon of the Christian life: “Never cut corners, never look back, never give up.” Readings: 1 Cor 9:24-26a, 2 Tim 2:5, Phil 3:13-14, Heb 12:1-3, 2 Tim 4:6-8. (Message preached in the Gospel Hall, Newbury, 14th Jan 2023)

The Peril of Partiality (35 min)

Mervyn Hall expounds the context, character and content of James 2:1-7, a passage dealing with partiality amongst Christians. This is the well-known passage that mentions “a man with a gold ring”. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 1st Jan 2023)

Are You A Door Opener or a Door Shutter? (39 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on two types of people in God’s assembly – door openers and door shutters. Ahaz was a door shutter (2 Chron 28:24): Hezekiah was a door opener (2 Chron 29:3). Which one are you, in terms of attendance, attitude and attractiveness? (Message preached in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, 2018)

Calvary Affects Everything (29 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on the wide reach of the cross. Not just getting me to heaven, but affecting my marriage, my relationships, my wallet, my struggles, my all. Calvary affects everything. Readings: Eph 5:24-25, Phil 4:2, 2:5-8, 2 Cor 8:9-11a, Heb 12:1-3, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached at Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA, Nov 2014)

There is a Way Back (28 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches an encouraging message on the topic of restoration, for believers away from the Lord. Readings: Luke 15:11-24, 2 Sam 11:27b-12:13, Psa 51:1-10 (Message preached in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA).

The Liberating Power of Obedience (41 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the “perfect law of liberty” from James 1:22-27 and expounds the “liberating power of obedience” based on both hearing and doing the Word of God. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 27th Nov 2022)

The Nature and Characteristics of Righteousness (30 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the vital but seldom expounded topic of “righteousness” – what it is and what marks it in its various manifestations in Scripture, and its practical implications. Reading: Psalm 11:4-7 (Message preached at the Belfast Christmas Conference 2004)

Which World Are You Living For? – Part 2 (32 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on the world’s desire to make us love it and be like it. 1. The Egypt world – the world of intelligence that wants to dazzle us. It says “Be like us”. 2. The Babylon world – the world of idolatry that wants to delude us. It says “Think like us”. 3. The Sodom world – the world of immorality that wants to defile us. It says “Act like us”. In each world there was an overcomer:…

Which World Are You Living For? – Part 1 (32 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on “this world” under 4 headings: 1. The identity of the world – what the world is; 2. The mentality of the world – how the world thinks; 3. The destiny of the world – where the world’s headed; and 4. The strategy of the world – what the world wants. Readings: Gen 4:12b, 16-25, 1 John 2:15–17, John 12:31-32, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached at the Stark Road Gospel Hall Conference, Livonia, Michigan, USA, 27th Oct 2010)

Regaining Your First Love (33 min)

David Vallance preaches on regaining your first love. Step one: stop loving yourself. Step two: stop loving the world. Step three: stop trying to manufacture love for God by concentrating on “my love for God”, but rather dwell on God’s love for me. Reading: Rev 1:9-2:7. (Message preached in the USA)

You Are Not Your Own (31 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on “You are not your own”, and the implications of this Bible statement on the Christian’s life. To understand this verse is to have one’s life totally, radically and permanently revolutionised. If Christ has bought me with a price, He owns me. He’s sovereign over me. I cannot just do as I like with my body and my life. Everything is now no longer about me but about Him. Christ bought me for a purpose – to…

Following in the Footsteps of the Saviour (33 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on “following in the footsteps of the Saviour”. The life of Christ is the example (for people who are saved) of how to live on earth before their God. A challenging message highlighting three resources we need in living for God. Readings: 1 Pet 2:20-23, Heb 12:1-3. (Message preached at the Vancouver Thanksgiving Conference, 2018)

5 Dangers: 5 Resources (53 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on 1 Cor 10:1-11 where the apostle Paul highlights 5 dangers facing the Christian, and 5 resources God has given us to enable us to overcome, all sourced in the Old Testament record of the dealings of God with the children of Israel (Message preached 2nd Oct 2021)

The Cost of Loyalty to the Captain in the Cave (53 min)

Peter Orasuk preaches on David in the cave Adullam as a picture of Christ among His people in the present dispensation. He draws numerous helpful and practical lessons from the narrative, adding in some pertinent Orasuk illustrations. Readings: 1 Sam 16:12-13, 17:8-11, 17, 25, 34-36, 40-51, 22:1-2, 2 Sam 2:1-4, Matt 18:20, Heb 13: (Message preached in Dunmurry, 2000)

The Teaching in the Trees (52 min)

David Gilliland preaches on 4 Bible trees and draws a wealth of teaching from them. The fruit tree and the separated life; the palm tree and the serviceable life; the cedar tree and the steadfast life: and the olive tree and the spiritual life. Readings: Psa 1:1-4, 52:2, 7-9, 92:7, 12-15 (Message preached at the Lurgan Conference 2018)

How to Listen to Ministry (10 min)

Dan Shutt opened a conference some years ago with a sobering word of ministry on “how we should listen to ministry”. When the Word of God is opened and expounded, we need God to speak to us; and our attitude when listening can be summed up in the question in Matt 26:22, “Lord, is it I?” Dan was saved under the preaching of Archie Stewart, and he references him in this helpful message on listening to the voice of God…

How Long Has It Been Since You Talked with the Lord? (26 min)

Andrew Ussher delivers an exhortation on prayer. To whom whom should we pray and how should we pray? Reverently, intimately, thankfully, specifically, honestly, deliberately, persistently, urgently and consistently. Readings: 1 Tim 2:1-2, Luke 11:1-4, John 14:12b-14, 16:23-24, Phil 4:6-7 (Message preached at the Thanksgiving Conference, Vancouver, Canada, 2018)

“Three cheers for the attempt” (3 min)

In September 1981, David Morgan, and evangelist who has served the Lord in the country of Wales for many years, rose to his feet at the Larne conference and gave a report of gospel work in Pembrokeshire (West Wales). Going from village to village and from town to town, preaching and putting up tents, the work can sometimes be hard and lonely. At the end of his report he told a touching and memorable lifeboat story that no one present…

The Challenge of the Unmanned Gap (37 min)

David Gilliland preaches on God’s word to Israel in Ezekiel Ch 22, a chapter in which God speaks about the state of the land, the sins of the land, and finally the search in the land: God’s search for a man to “stand in the gap”. Along life’s journey there is a need for boundaries and hedges with no gaps. Personal hedges, family hedges, marriage hedges, business hedges, and assembly hedges. Mr Gilliland speaks on the hedge of separation, of…

You Did Run Well… (9 min)

Peter Orasuk (1948-2005) preaches on the words in Gal 5:7 “You did run well”. How many Christians start well, but issues like legalism, licentiousness and lethargy cross their path and their progress is hindered. This short message from Peter is a reminder of the need to persevere in the Christian race and not be side-tracked. (Message preached in the Maritimes, Canada)

Assembly Personalities (16 min)

Albert Hull sets out the problem of personalities in an assembly. How can we cope with all the other personalities, and how do we need to adjust our own? The critical, the cold, the contagious, the commanding, the calm and the colourful; Mr Hull analyses them all! He urges us to all have “Christ-like” personalities, and thus bring glory to God in local testimony. A challenging and often amusing message, full of insight, warmth and conviction. Readings: 1 Cor 1:12-16,…

The Private Life of the Believer (24 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches on “the private life of the believer”. He begins with a quote from Robert Murray McCheyne: “What a man is when he is alone in the presence of God, he is, and nothing more.” A challenging message, exhorting us to be transparent, consistent and faithful in private as well as in public, even in the internet age. Readings: Psa 19:7-14, 139: Prov 4:23-24, 23:26 (Message preached at the Thanksgiving Conference, Vancouver, Canada, 2011)

What is God’s Will for My Life? (25 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on the vital subject of how to know the will of God for one’s life. This is a basic fundamental question that should exercise the heart of every Christian. From various scripture texts about the will of God, Colin reminds us that we need to “prove it”, “know it”, “live it”, and “do it”. Readings: Rom 12:1-2, Eph 1:7-10, 1 Pet 4:1-3 1 John 2:15-17 (Message preached at the Belfast Easter Conference, 2013)

“We’re only playing at church” (54 min)

Albert Hull (1936-2015) preaches an urgent message on the character and cost of discipleship, taking up the subject under 7 headings: the meaning of it, the magnetism of it, the molding of it, the making of it, the mandate of it, the marks of it, and the manifestation of it. Mr Hull presses home the concept of following, pursuing and imitating Christ in a message that will stir your soul and refocus your mind. At the time this message was…

Who Is Willing? (23 min)

Eugene Higgins preaches a message on King David’s question “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” (1 Chron 29:5). Consecration is like signing a blank piece of paper and giving it to God to fill in as He will, but will you sign it? (Message preached at the Toronto Easter Conference 1990).

WYSIWYG Christianity (51 min)

David Gilliland preaches a message he entitled “WYSIWYG Christianity”. WYSIWYG stands for “What You See Is What You Get”. We project an image, we create an impression, but does that correspond to what we really are? The Pharisees were “expert performers” but the Lord exposed them as hypocrites. David Gilliland looks at a number of people in the Bible who pretended to be someone they were not. The challenge is to be real, genuine and transparent, in a world of…

Making the Best Use of Your Life (16 min)

Andrew Ussher preaches “making the best use of your time and life” from Eph 5:1 and 1 Cor 14:12. As we face choices and options in life, the standard should not be “I could be doing worse things with my time” but “What is the best use of my time”. Are we striving for excellence in the Christian life, or just frittering away our days with trivia and inconsequential pursuits? A challenging message (Message preached at the Vancouver Thanksgiving Conference…

How Can I Know the Will of God for My Life? (30 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches on the need, the desire and the way to know the will of God in one’s life. He discusses the discipline of delay, and says that the process of getting to know the will of God is more important than the product. Then he outlines 6 principles from Psalm 25 to guide us in knowing the will of God. First, confidence in character of God; second, a consciousness of grace as the basis for guidance; third, carefulness…

Sitting Exams in God’s School (28 min)

When we were saved, we not only became sons in God’s family, but students in God’s school. Every so often throughout our lives there’s a test – an exam – and through these various tests and trials, God proves us and refines us, to be more like His Son. David Gilliland looks at 6 tests in the history of God’s people in the Old Testament and draws lessons for us today. The tests are: the Moriah test, the Marah test,…

What Time Is It? (44 min)

David Gilliland asks “What time is it?” Are you aware exactly what kind of age we live in and where we are in the purposes and counsels of God? We are in an age unique in its moral guilt in that, due to the crucifixion of Christ, it is the “present evil age”, or as David translates it “the now age”. How should we live in “the now age”? A challenging message full of insight and interest. Readings: 1 Tim…

Dealing with Darts of Doubts (14 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on how to deal with “darts of doubt”. He highlights 4 men in the Bible who, through various experiences in life sovereignly allowed by the Lord, came into a place of doubt: a prophet (John the Baptist), a disciple (Peter), a judge (Gideon) and a priest (Jeremiah). A short but most helpful message. (Message preached in Belfast 2013)

Staying Close to Christ (18 min)

Clark Logan preaches on the fact that “there is nothing more important on the pathway home to heaven than staying close to Christ”. From the Gospel of John he looks at 5 pictures of close fellowship with the Lord: “In His hand” (security), “on His breast” (intimacy), “at His feet” (dignity), “by His side” (loyalty), and “in His steps” (responsibility). In His hand we trust; on His breast we lean; at His feet we worship; by His side we stand;…

Not for Sale (31 min)

Jonathan Procopio preaches on the story of Ahab’s violent theft of a vineyard whose owner, Naboth, said was “not for sale”. Two lessons stand out in the passage: 1. The danger of covetouness (Ahab), and 2. the duty of commitment (Naboth). Jonathan makes weighty and challenging practical applications from each aspect of the story. Readings: 1 Kings 21:1-7, 14-15 (Message preached in Pope Road Gospel hall, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 2016)

Faith That Works (43 min)

Jonathan Procopio preaches on the life of a major character in the book of Joshua: the wall-dwelling woman of Jericho, Rahab. Rarely taken up as a subject for ministry, Rahab’s life contains many lessons in faith – “faith that works”. She even gets a few mentions in the New Testament! Jonathan brings out numerous helpful practical lessons from the story of her life for our benefit. Readings: Matt 1:5-6a, Heb 11:31, Jas 2:25, Josh 2:1-3, 8-11 (Message preached on Prince…

The Growth of a Soul (33 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the 7 comings in the book of Ruth that plot what he calls “the growth of a soul”. Are you growing in your soul? Are you making progress? This message will challenge you to press on and develop in character and testimony for God, as you see Ruth coming to the field, the fold, the feast, the floor etc. Readings: Ruth 1:19-22, 2:2-3, 7, 11-2, 14, 3:1-3, 6-7, 14-18, 4:11-12 (Message preached at Sussex Conference, Canada,…

The Circuit of the Sun (20 min)

Preaching from the 19th Psalm, David Gilliland compares God’s revelation in the sky with God’s revelation in the Bible: as to its vastness, its variety, its voice, its value, and its verity. Mr Gilliland makes a second comparison: he compares the daily circuit of the sun with the journey of the One, our Lord Jesus Christ, who came from God and went to God (Message given at Sussex Gospel Hall conference, Canada, 2017)

Why Some Christians Don’t Make It (27 min)

Looking back over many years of Christian experience, John Grant (1942-2020) ponders why so many Christians he knew in his youth “didn’t make it”. So, why didn’t they become useful, fruitful, effective Christians? From the book of Exodus Mr Grant speaks on 4 things the devil wants every Christian to do, before turning to Acts 2 and contrasting that with 4 things God wants every Christian to do. This is a very challenging and helpful message, full of practical exhortation…

No More Mediocre Christianity (33 min)

Be sure to take 32 minutes of your day now to listen intently to John Grant preaching a powerful, challenging and stirring message on the urgent need for all of us to be done with shallow, mediocre Christianity and give our lives wholeheartedly to the Lord. It’s time to stop going down the slippery slope of conformity to the world and to be, instead,  transformed to be like Christ. Our bodies should be presented to God (Rom 12.1-3), and pressed…

God Wants your Heart (29 min)

In 2011 at the age of 74, 54 years saved, Albert Hull (1936-2015) preached at the Toronto Easter Conference on “God wants your heart”. In a world of deception, darkness and division, God has called us in salvation to be dedicated and devoted to him for the rest of our lives. Mr Hull used selfless, sacrificial actions of the mighty men who brought water for David to drink to illustrate his point. A challenging message from a warm-hearted earnest preacher.…

Friendship with the World is Enmity with God (40 min)

Jim Wishart preaches an earnest and faithful message on the believer’s relationship with “the world”. He defines what the Bible means when it speaks of “the world” in a moral and dispensational sense. He takes a brief tour from Eden to the cross, before outlining the Bible’s teaching on how the believer should be separate from the world and devoted to Christ. Readings: John 17:6, 11, 14-21, 1 John 2:15-17, Jas 4:1-4, Gal 6:12-14, 2 Pet 3:10-14, 17-18 (Message preached…
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