Devotional and Practical Messages (Page 2)

Devotional and Practical Messages (Page 2)

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…

What is “the World”? (48 min)

Phil Coulson preaches on the neglected subject of “the world” and the believer’s relation to it. After providing some technical information about the various words used in the New Testament for “world”, Phil deals with 4 items. The believer is “out of the world” in salvation; “in the world” in situation; “not of the world” in sanctification, and “into the world” in service. A helpful, practical and challenging word of ministry. Readings: John 17:4-5, Eph 2:1-2, Rev 12:7-9. (Message preached…

3 Dangers When Leaving Home (38 min)

Elton Fairfield addresses the issue of “leaving home” and what young people will face at University and in the workplace. He preaches using 3 headings: “a lesson in immorality” (Joseph, Gen 39), “a lesson in identity” (Esther, Est 2-4), and “a lesson in idolatry” (Daniel, Dan 1:1-8). How will you cope with Fresher’s week, the internet, relationships, meeting attendance and so much more when the time comes to “leave home”? Elton gives helpful, succinct and plain advice that will benefit…

The Influence of One Man (45 min)

Peter Orasuk (1948-2005) preaches a powerful and challenging message on the power of influence to affect others, using the lives and examples of two men: Peter, whose discouragement and departure affected others negatively (John 21:1-3) and Joshua, whose godly desire and determination affected others positively (Josh 24:14-19). As was his habit, Peter Orasuk wove numerous unforgettable stories into his message illustrate his point. He makes use of Rom 14:7 “No man lives to himself” (admittedly out of context) to make…

An Appreciation of Propitiation (30 min)

Jim Allen preaches on the fundamental Bible doctrine of “propitiation”. What is it? How, when and where was propitiation made? He then moves on to discuss the practical issue of sin in the life of a Christian. Do I need a fresh application of Christ’s propitiatory work at the cross each time I sin? No! I need a fresh appreciation of it! A most useful message giving positional and practical teaching relative to a believer’s position before God. Readings: Luke…

Standing for God in the Crises of Life (30 min)

Jack Hay preaches on the stand for God taken by the “three Hebrew children” – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – in Daniel Ch 3. After some introductory remarks about the background of the passage, and a brief excursus drawing a list of interesting comparisons between Daniel 3 and Revelation 13, Jack draws numerous challenging practical lessons from this story. Are you willing to stand for God in the crises of life? You will need to be marked by “purpose of…

Overcoming Temptation: Maintaining Holiness (28 min)

Dan Shutt preaches a vital, helpful and dignified message on the subject of holiness in the face of sexual temptation. Working from the narrative of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, Mr Shutt outlines the danger of moral failure facing all of us – online, in the media, at work – and gives pertinent warnings and exhortations for us to “be holy, for I the Lord am holy”. Readings: Gen 39:1-4, 7-12, 20-23, 41:38-40, 1 Cor 6:18-20 (Message preached at the Toronto…

Bringing Forth Fruit in Old Age (26 min)

Dan Shutt preaches a tender and heart-warming word for older Christians, to encourage them to continue to bring forth fruit into old age. Are you feeling tired after decades of service? Feeling useless after being able-bodied and busy for the Lord for so long? Well, here’s a word from the Psalms to strengthen your faith and steady your soul. After some introductory remarks Dan uses the life story of Mordecai to illustrate his ministry. Readings: Psa 71:5-9, 14, 17-18, 20-21,…

What Is Life All About? (32 min)

In a message directed to the hearts of the young, Michael Penfold preaches on the fundamental question facing us all – “What is life all about?”. What is my life about? He answers this question with three negatives: 1. Life’s not about things, 2. Life’s not about me, and 3. Life’s not about now. Life is about living for Christ and his interests, in the light of eternity! To understand these things and put them into practice is the constant…

Minding Your Mind in the Minefield of Life (48 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches a helpful and challenging message on what the Bible has to say about the neglected subject of “the Christian’s mind”. How do we make it through the minefield of modern culture and keep our minds pure, focussed and uncluttered? How do we handle the negative influence on our minds of world’s music, its impure images and much else that bombards us every day? Listen as Dr Higgins give wise counsel and exhortation about a “minding your mind…

3 Tools for a Successful Christian Life (25 min)

Dan Shutt preaches on three essential tools for a successful Christian life. 1. Living daily in the presence of God (Gen 5:21-24); 2. Having a low view of self (Heb 12:1-2), and 3. Making the Word of God central to one’s life (Psa 119:9-11). (Message preached in Stout, Iowa, 2011)

Sanctification and Social Media (44 min)

Phil Coulson preaches from Gal 1:5 on the purpose of Christ giving Himself for us – “to deliver us from this present evil age”. In other words, we were saved primarily to be set apart to “Himself” from the world and its ways. God’s will for us is sanctification/holiness – “Be ye holy, for I am holy”. Mr Coulson then applies this principle to the issue of screen time, social media and the online distractions and addictions of the digital…

Christianity in the Information Age (30 min)

Dan Shutt speaks on Christianity in the information age. “Is technology good or bad?” is the wrong question: the issue is how we handle the technology that comes our way. Mr Shutt acknowledges that the internet has brought some good possibilities, but he then highlights 5 specific problems. These are: the theological issue, the time issue, the truth issue, the temptation issue, and the too-much-information issue. This is a powerful and relevant message for old and young, parents and children,…

Is It Right? (42 min)

Is it right to dance? Is it right to play cards? Is it right to watch movies, to smoke, or to drink socially? These questions come up repeatedly. So, how do we answer from the Bible? In this message Michael Penfold outlines a 3-part filter through which to run tricky questions: 1. biblical precepts, 2. biblical practices and 3. biblical principles. He then outlines 6 principles by which to come to a decision on such matters before the Lord. A…

Learning to say “No” (30 min)

John Dennison preaches from Genesis Ch 39 on the importance of being able to say “no”. With the world in our pockets, never has there been a time when it’s more important to be able to say “no” to that which dishonours the Lord and is not for His glory. John brings numerous powerful and practical lessons from the life of Joseph and how he overcame in the face of constant and fierce temptation to give in and sin against…

How to Know The Lord Better (35 min)

Colin Hutchison preaches on 4 people in John’s gospel who “knew the Lord”, even though the world did not know Him. Why did they know the Lord and not others? The servants knew because when Christ said “do” they did it (2:9) The nobleman knew because when Christ said “go” he went (4:53) The blind man knew, because when Christ said “wash” he washed (9:25) Martha knew because when Christ said “remove the obstacle” it was removed (11:22) If we…

The Right Thing in the Right Place (37 min)

Frank Sona takes up the truth of the local assembly from Genesis Ch 22, where Abraham goes to “the place” out of “obedience to God’s Word”. He draws out many lessons from this pivotal day in the life of Abraham – a day that began with obedience and ended with worship (Message preached Apr 22nd 2019)

Even So Send I You (48 min)

After showing how the Upper Room appearance of the Lord in John 20 is a picture of the local assembly, Ian Jackson preaches a powerful and challenging message on how to serve God when He sends us…with a “consecrated heart”, with an “undivided loyalty”, within a “separated pathway”, with a “submissive mind”, and with the “strengthening of the assembly” in view (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 22nd April 2019)

I Sought for a Man (32 min)

Frank Sona brings a challenge from Ezekiel 22:30 where God says “I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me.” God is looking for holy, separated, dedicated men and women to stand for him in times of difficulty and danger. Will you be that person? (Message preached 21st April 2019)

Wilt Thou Not Revive Us Again (39 min)

Frank Sona preaches on Psalm 85:6 – “Wilt thou not revive us again?” He highlights the need for revival and revival’s main features – including obedience to the Word of God, repentance, prayer and reliance on the Lord (Message preached Apr 20th 2019)

The “Bema” – Review, Reward and Revelation (49 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on the topic of the judgment seat of Christ under 6 headings: survey, subjects, scope, schema, schedule, and significance. Three issues in connection with the “bema” are: review, reward and revelation. The significance of the event is 4-fold: a caution, a challenge, a commandment and a comfort. Readings: Rom 14:7-14, 1 Cor 3:9-15, 4:1-5, 2 Cor 5:1-15 (Message preached 23rd Dec 2018)

How the Father Disciplines His Children (30 min)

A message on the topic of “chastening” – God the Father’s loving discipline of His sons, designed to correct our faults and develop our character. Three categories of chastening are outlined: verbal, judicial and developmental. Both the nature and purpose of each one are examined, accompanied by examples from Scripture (Readings: 1 Pet 4:17-18, Rev 3:19, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 1 Cor 11:30-32, Heb 12:4-13). (Message preached 2nd Dec 2018)

An Extraordinary Christian Life (25 min)

David Vallance, speaking from Jude v20-23, sets out the Bible’s plan for the believer’s life. He challenges his audience to take responsibility for their Christian life and not treat it as a hobby. His punch line? When it comes to Bible reading, prayer, evangelism, holiness and care for others “Don’t be normal…don’t be mediocre”. A challenging thought-provoking message (Message preached in Bicester, Easter April 1st 2018)

Present Your Bodies (40 min)

David Vallance takes a look at Paul’s challenge in Romans 12 to “present your bodies a living sacrifice”. His challenge? Don’t be conformed to a world that says the material is more important than the spiritual; that the present is more important than the future, and that emotion is more important than truth (Message preached in Bicester, 31st Mar 2018)

John The Baptist’s Preaching Points (38 min)

Mervyn Hall brings a challenging message from three of John the Baptist’s “preaching points”. He outlines John’s purpose in the wilderness, his perspective at Bethabara (“the house of the ford”) and his persistence in the Palace, when preaching to Herod. Pertinent and poignant lessons are drawn from these narratives that guide us in our own 21st century gospel endeavour (Message preached June 1st 2017)

Lessons from Paul’s Voyage (36 min)

Jack Hay preaches from Acts 27 and the narrative of Paul’s voyage to Rome that was shipwrecked along the way. Mr Hay draws lessons about the journey of life with its frictions, frustrations and foolishness – all of which can so easily rock our little boat and threaten to sink us beneath life’s complications. A salutary message containing many practical lessons (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 17th Apr 2017)

Paul on Malta (43 min)

Jack Hay preaches from Acts 28:1-3, drawing many pertinent and practical lessons from Paul’s arrival on the Mediterranean island of Malta (Melita – KJV). Issues touched on include assurance of salvation, unlimited atonement, humility in service and preservation in temptation (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 17th Apr 2017)

The Rest of Our Time (38 min)

Dan Shutt preaches a stirring message on the topic of “the rest of our time” and challenges his audience to dedicate the remainder of their lives to the Lord, using illustrations from the lives of Caleb, Mordecai, Moses, Paul and David. He closes his message with a look at the life of Christ and the perfect way in which He lived for His God (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 28th Mar 2016)

Why This Waste? (34 min)

Dan Shutt challenges his audience not to waste their lives on self, but to “waste their lives” for Christ. Others thought that breaking the box of costly ointment on Christ (in Mark Ch 14) was “a waste” – but any sacrifice for Christ is highly valued and eternally significant. “What the world calls waste, God values highly”. How will you spend the life God has given you? (Message preached 27th Mar 2016)

Hold Thou Me Up (39 min)

A searching message for every Christian – and a reminder of our great need of divine help – from John Fleck as he preaches on the text “Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe” (Psa 119:117). He outlines the various provisions of the Lord for “the safety that saved people need” amid the many perils that abound in an evil world without God (Message preached 26th Mar 2016).

Love, Lapse and Loyalty (30 min)

Sandy Higgins takes a challenging look at three New Testament characters. John the apostle, marked by love for Christ. Peter, marked by a sad lapse in devotion, as he followed at a distance. Joseph of Arimathea who was marked by loyalty to Christ in the hour of His death. Following Christ might mean burying your future…but a resurrected present will more than compensate (Message preached April 6th 2015)

The Possibilities of One Meeting (34 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches on the Lord’s encounter with the disciples in John 20 and all that came about through that one significant meeting. Joy, guidance, unity and devotion resulted from seeing Him and listening to His words. Such are the possibilities of one meeting, once conference, one encounter with the Lord (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 2nd April 2015)

Lessons from the Feeding of the 5,000 (47 min)

Dan Rudge preaches on the feeding of the 5,000 from the Gospel of John. He works through John 6:1-13 drawing out numerous spiritual truths and practical lessons for his audience. Faced with an overwhelming need and a scant supply, take encouragement from what the Lord is able to do! (Message preached 26th June 2014)

His Will – Your Sanctification (42 min)

Ian Jackson preaches on “His Will, Your Sanctification”, and gives a timely and challenging exposition of 1 Thess 4:1-8, highlighting the need for holiness in the life of the believer. He addresses matters of importance amid a climate of moral change in Western culture (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 21st Apr 2014)

Failure Doesn’t Need to be Final (46 min)

Ian Jackson delivers a warning about the danger of moral failure in the life of a believer. If David can fall (1 Kings 15:1-5), as he did “in the matter of Uriah the Hittite”, none of us can afford to be complacent. Ian also gives an explanation of Christ’s work as “the advocate” who works for the restoration of erring believers. (Message preached 21st April 2014)

John’s Three Tests of Salvation (25 min)

Michael Penfold preaches on the subject of the apostle John’s “three tests”. In his epistles John outlines a moral test, a social test and a doctrinal test. These tests provide assurance to true believers, but sound an alarm to “false believers”, in particular the false teachers who were denying that Jesus is the Christ come in flesh (Message preached 23rd Mar 2014)

Take Care with your Spiritual Diet (28 min)

Mervyn Hall preaches on 5 of the metaphors for the Word of God, given in the Bible. The 5 are “milk” (versatility), “bread” (energy), “water” (purity), “meat” (quality) and “honey” (remedy). He urges his audience to take care with their “spiritual diet” (Message preached 15th Sept 2013)

The Hazard of Spiritual Hypothermia (45 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the danger of spiritual coldness. He outlines the reasons and results of “spiritual hypothermia” before giving the Biblical remedy for this debilitating condition from the narrative of the Shunammite’s son in 2 Kings 4, who was warmed by the ministry of godly Elisha (Message preached 1st April 2013)

Victory Over Human Wisdom (40 min)

John Grant preaches on overcoming the enslaving and oppressive power of human wisdom. From the narrative of Deborah’s victory over Jabin in Judges 4 and 5, which includes Jael’s deadly dealing with the scourge of Sisera, Mr Grant applies powerful and necessary lessons about progress and victory in the lives of God’s people (Message preached in Bicester 1st Apr 2013)

The Four Seasons of the Christian Life (43 min)

David Gilliland preaches on the winter, spring, summer and autumn of the Christian life. The cold of our godless past, melted by the gospel’s warmth (Psa 147:18); the spring of early Christian experience with its freshness, beauty and growth (Song of Songs 2:11-13); the summer of fruitfulness, stability and blessing (Amos 8:1), and the autumn of maturity and richness of colour with its legacy passed to the next generation (Job 5:26, 1 Chron 29:29). A wise and discerning message that…

Adorning the Doctrine of God our Saviour (35 min)

David Gilliland explains what it means to “adorn the doctrine” from Titus 2:10. He highlights 4 major doctrines – justification, sanctification, redemption and reconciliation – and urges his audience to frame these great doctrines within lives of practical righteousness, holiness, freedom and forgiveness, thus “adorning the doctrine”. (Message preached 30th Mar 2013)

Doing Three Things at Once (29 min)

Bert Cargill preaches from the epistle to the Ephesians on three things a Christian can do at once – sit in heavenly places; walk in love and stand against the evil one. A practical and helpful word of ministry bringing needed truth to remembrance – 29 min (Message preached 9th Sept 2012)

Heavens, House and Heart (40 min)

Elton Fairfield preaches on a trilogy of Psalms – 46, 47 and 48 – from which he develops an encouraging and uplifting word of ministry on the eternal heavens, the earthly house and the established heart (Message preached 9th April 2012)

Abstain From Fleshly Lusts (31 min)

Elton Farifield issues a much needed warning about fleshly lusts that war against the soul and the danger of seeking pleasures in the wrong way and the wrong places. A stirring and vital message to preserve us in a day of evil (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 8th April 2012)

Going for Gold (22 min)

John McCann preaches on “going for gold”. He gives a challenging word on “gold and our worship” (Matt 2), “gold and our work” (1 Cor 3) and “gold and our wealth” (Rev 2). He emphasises the need for quality, not quantity, in service for God (Message preached 25th March 2012)

The Deadly Sin of Jealousy (49 min)

Philip Kaye preaches on the sin of Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12. Behind their complaint against Moses in connection with marriage lay a deeper issue – a jealous and critical spirit, bent on bringing him down from the position that God had given him. A challenging message on how jealousy and bitterness can hinder an assembly’s progress (Message preached 16th Feb 2012)

Lessons from the Road to Emmaus (38 min)

Alan Barber preaches on the “Road to Emmaus” journey recorded in Luke 24. Likening this walk to the Christian’s “daily walk with the Lord”, Alan draws numerous challenging practical lessons for his audience (Message preached 10th Nov 2011).

Excuses and Compromises (42 min)

Norman Mellish preaches a stirring and powerful message on the challenge of Christian service, separation and consecration, drawn from the narrative of the ‘Exodus from Egypt’ and highlighting the “excuses of Moses” and the “compromises of Pharoah” as recorded in the early chapters of book of Exodus, as a battle raged for the destiny of God’s people Israel (Message preached 29th Oct 2011).

7 Tests of Genuine Salvation (31 min)

Norman Mellish preaches on “Seven tests of genuineness” from the 1st epistle of John. He challenges his audience to be sure that their talk (“If we say”) is commensurate with their walk (Message preached 28th Oct 2011).

Precious to the Lord (42 min)

Alan Barber brings a devotional message about four of the Bible’s widows, whose service and character were precious to the Lord. The welcoming widow of Zarephath who looked after Elijah in 1 Kings 17; the witnessing widow, Anna the prophetess, in Luke 2; the weeping widow of Nain in Luke 7: and the worshipping widow of Mark 12 who gave all that she had. (Message preached September 2011)

The Lily on the Mountain (47 min)

Robert Plant introduces the Messianic Psalms, before preaching through the glorious Psalm 45, the Maschil Psalm of the lily on the mountain. He draws out the various Messianic themes in this glorious Psalm about our glorious King, the Lord Jesus Christ (Message preached in 2011).

4 Essential Looks (37 min)

Ian Jackson preaches on 4 essential looks which are the means to a holy life that pleases God: “looking back and reckoning – identification” (Rom 6:11), “looking in and mortifying – mortification” (Rom 8:13), “looking up and minding – sanctification” (John 17:19) and “looking on and anticipating – purification” (1 John 3:3) (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 25th April 2011)

Christ the Regulator of the Believer’s Life (34 min)

Wesley Martin delivers a challenging practical word of ministry on the blood of Christ which demands our sanctification; the reproach of Christ that declares our calculation; and the love of Christ that directs our consecration (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 24th April 2011)

Standing for God (36 min)

Peter Scarsbrook gives an encouraging word on “standing for God”. Standing for the faith, standing in the fight and standing in the field. He challenges his audience to “stand in the gap”, from Ezek 22:30 (Message preached at Bicester, Easter 23rd April 2011)

Devotion to the Will of God (33 min)

John Dennison preaches a challenging message on the devotion of Christ to God, seen in picture in the Hebrew servant of Exodus 21, and the need for us to be devoted to Him too (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 5th April 2010)

The Power of Influence (25 min)

Stan Wells brings a challenging insightful word of ministry on the power of influence. How are we influencing others and how are others influencing us – in the home, the family, the assembly and the world (Ministry given on Aug 30th 2009)

Only One Life: Christ and His Claims (40 min)

Albert Hull (1936-2015) had a unique delivery, full of earnestness and warmth. Speaking on the life and testimony of Enoch as he presses “Christ and His claims” upon his hearers. We have only one life, it will soon be passed; only what’s done for Christ will last. (Message preached 13th April 2009)

Whose Image and Superscription? (43 min)

David Gilliland preaches on “Whose image and superscription” we bear as Christians – Christ’s or the world’s? During the course of his wide-ranging remarks he dealt with the much debated issue of casual dress (Message preached 11th April 2009)

“Lord: Send Revival” (44 min)

Albert Hull (1936-2015) from Canada, preaches on a restoring, reviving and rejoicing God who can bring the refreshing dew of heaven to our hearts, our homes and to our nation. Mr Hull delivers a stirring call for revival that will warm and challenge your soul (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 9th April 2009).

Separation from the World (54 min)

John Grant preaches on “Separation from the world” from Romans 12:1-2. A weighty and inspiring call to sanctification in the Christian life from an experienced and esteemed servant of the Lord who proved the value of his ministry over many decades. (Preached in Bicester, Easter 24th March 2008)

Walking in the Fear of God (40 min)

Marcus Hall preaches on the meaning of the Biblical concept of “fearing the Lord”. This is a vital subject and one that is subject to widespread misunderstanding (Message preached Dec 6th 2007)

Overcoming the World (42 min)

Peter Scarsbrook preaches on the vital subject of “overcoming the world” from the first epistle of John. Helpful guidance is given on this important topic (Message preached Nov 22nd 2007)

Help Lord, for the Godly Man Ceaseth (50 min)

Ian Jackson preaches on ‘the godly man’ and how to live a godly life from the text, “Help Lord, for the godly man ceaseth” – Psalm 12:1. Only one life ’twill soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last. (Ministry preached 9th April 2007)

The Christian Life Looks Different (45 min)

Sandy Higgins preaches on the importance of developing a true ‘Christian worldview’. It’s vital to understand that the world looks at life totally differently from the way in which a Christian should (Ministry given 8th April 2007)

Christian Service from Romans 12 (24 min)

Norman Mellish preaches on Romans ch 12. He compares the three sections of the chapter with the levitical service of Gershon, Kohath and Merari at the tabernacle altar (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 28th March 2005)
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