Sermons on Church Truth (Page 2)
Assembly Discipline (36 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the subject of “assembly discipline”. He covers a number of different types of assembly discipline, before concentrating on the two issues that call for excommunication – serious moral evil, and serious doctrinal error. He lists a number of Biblical reasons why assembly discipline is necessary, outlining its role and purpose (Message preached June 2016)
Stewardship and the Local Assembly (44 min)
Leslie Craig preaches on the responsibilities, requirements and the review of the stewardship given to Christians. From Luke 16, 1 Cor 4, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 3, Mr Craig shows that all Christians are stewards – of time, of love, of property and of gift – and will answer to God one day for how we handled the responsibility He put into our hands (Message preached June 2016)
Membership and the Local Assembly (41 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on membership of the local assembly from 1 Corinthians 12. Concepts of necessity, equality, unity and diversity are brought out in connection with the metaphor of the body. The topic is dealt with under three headings: foundation, figure and fruition. Practical teaching is given relative to gift in the assembly (Message preached May 2016)
Lordship and the Local Assembly (37 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the many vital ways in which the “Lordship of Christ” affects the local assembly, all drawn from the first epistle to the Corinthians. He spends the first half of his message distinguishing between the Biblical concepts of “headship” and “lordship”, before expanding on the ramifications of Christ’s lordship over the assembly (Message preached May 2016)
Headship and the Local Assembly (50 min)
“Should women wear head coverings?” is a hugely significant question. It involves, among other things, the great doctrine of headship, the inspiration of Scripture, the distinction between the genders of male and female, and local church order. In this helpful message, David Gilliland sets out to answer what headship is, why women should wear head coverings, and what the head covering symbolises. In the process he answers questions like “Why does Paul seem to contradict himself between 1 Cor 11:5…
How Does an Assembly Function? (38 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches from 1 Corinthians Ch 3 and highlights the three metaphors for the local assembly in the chapter – God’s husbandry, God’s building and God’s temple. After expounding the background to the chapter, Mervyn develops numerous principles essential to the proper, unified and scriptural functioning of a local assembly (Message preached 8th May 2016)
Assembly Fellowship and Reception (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the fact, focus and function of assembly fellowship. He stresses that believers are not “received to the breaking of bread” but rather “to the whole assembly”, with all of its privileges and responsibilities. Being received into an assembly means “continuing stedfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, the breaking of bread, the fellowship and the prayers (Acts 2:42). It’s a matter of conviction, not convenience! (Message preached May 2016)
Governmental Order in the Assembly (44 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on leadership – the role, the appointment, the qualifications and the work of elders/overseers/shepherds in the local assembly. Biblical assembly leadership is always by a plurality of elders, raised up within the assembly by the Holy Spirit, and fitted for their role by their character, attitude, gift and labours, all of which is outlined in this message (Message preached Apr 2016)
7 Purposes for the Local Assembly (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 7 reasons why a local assembly exists. It exists for God’s glory, to manifest His presence, to exhibit divine design, to administer divine authority, to display divine order, to proclaim divine truth and to fulfil the divine commission. Listen for an explanation of why denominational names – Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Lutheran etc. – are both too narrow and too wide at one and the same time (Message preached Apr 2016)
The Local Assembly Overview (38 min)
Tom Armstrong outlines the truth of the “local assembly” from 1 Corinthians. Look out for the 10 C’s from the epistle – community, construction, commemoration, care etc. This is a good introduction to the basics of assembly testimony, its character, function and purpose – vital truth for every believer (Message preached in Bicester 28th Mar 2016)
The Breaking of Bread (37 min)
Sandy Higgins gives an excellent overview of the institution, the purpose, the conduct and the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. This is an ideal message to give a broad understanding of “the breaking of bread” meeting as to how, when, why and where it should be conducted. The significance of the bread and cup are helpfully expounded (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 4th April 2015)
Report on Gospel Work in Brazil (60 min)
Tom Matthews, a veteran missionary from Lurgan, Northern Ireland, who with his wife Dorothy has served the Lord in Brazil for a number of decades, gives a report of his call to the work there and speaks of how the assembly in Novo Hamburgo was formed through labours in the gospel. He recounts a number of interesting cases of conversion (Report given in Bicester, 21st August 2014)
The Assembly and Its Gifts (30 min)
Norman Mellish preaches on spiritual gift in the local assembly (1 Cor 12, Eph 4, Rom 12). He outlines the variety and diversity of gifts and the unity that should mark their use. Gift in the local assembly is given particular attention and practical lessons are drawn from the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians Ch 12. No superiority…no inferiority! (Message preached 15th June 2014)
The Assembly and Its Gatherings (27 min)
Norman Mellish preaches on the gatherings of the local assembly from 1 Corinthians Chs 11-16. He outlines the last few chapters of that epistle as follows: Ch 11 Gatherings, Ch 12-14 Gifts, Ch 15 Gospel and Ch 16 Giving. He explains the reason why head coverings are worn in assembly gatherings and as regards the breaking of bread he outlines “not anyone, not anywhere, not any time and not anyhow” (Message preached 8th June 2014)
Contending for the Faith (41 min)
David Vallance preaches a timely message from the epistle of Jude in which he addresses many of the false teachings that abound in our day. From Jude’s key verse 11, he applies the rebellion of Cain, the greed of Balaam and the pride of Korah to today’s world and makes challenging applications for godly living (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 21st Apr 2014)
Is Matthew 18:20 really about our “Ground of Gathering”? (39 min)
David Vallance preaches on Matthew 18:20 (“For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in My name…”) and defends the view of this verse which takes it to be foundational in relation to the gathering together of the local assembly throughout the church dispensation. This message is deliberately technical in some parts and includes an in depth examination of the Greek text behind the verse (Message preached 19th Apr 2014)
What is Fellowship? (45 min)
David Vallance preaches on the vital Biblical subject of fellowship. He distinguishes between “family fellowship” on the one hand, which all believers enjoy by virtue of being saved and in the family of God, and “assembly fellowship” on the other hand, which can be enjoyed by those who have been baptised and added to a local company of believers (Message preached April 17th Apr 2014)
The Cave of Adullam (49 min)
Robert Plant preaches on the Cave of Adullam from 1 Sam 22 and likens it to the local assembly. He brings many practical and profitable truths out of the Cave narrative to enlighten and instruct his audience relative to local assembly order and practice (Message preached 23rd Jan 2014)
What is our Ground of Gathering? (25 min)
A back to basics message from Michael Penfold on what a local assembly is, how it comes to be and how it functions. From Matthew 18:20 we learn that an assembly is summoned by a divine call, submits to divine authority, and surrounds a divine person (Message given 8th Sept 2013)
Personal Devotion, Prayer and Bible Reading (70 min)
Ian Jackson preaches on the biggest thing in the Christian life – a personal consistent walk with the Lord, through prayer and Bible reading. As well as giving helpful hints on the practical side of prayer and reading, he outlines the vital need for devotion and the importance of the Word in our lives, for instruction, growth, guidance, sanctification and discernment (Message preached 9th Feb 2012)
Male and Female Roles in the Local Assembly (23 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on the different roles of men and women in a local New Testament assembly. He discusses the distinctions in role, remit and responsibility that are outlined in passages such as 1 Corinthians Ch 14 and 1 Timothy Ch 2. The topics of subjection vs authority and silence vs speaking are examined in the light of scripture (Message preached 12th May 2013)
Assembly Work in Nepal and North East India (59 min)
Mr R. Raghu recounts his call to serve the Lord and reports on the progress of the gospel in the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as in eastern Nepal. A number of assemblies have been planted in these areas as Hindus and Buddhists and Roman Catholics have turned from idols to serve the living and true God (Report given in Bicester, April 25th 2013)
Spiritual Gifts (44 min)
David West preaches on the use of spiritual gifts in the assembly. After an introduction, he looks at the nature of spiritual gifts, their diversity and the principles that govern their use. He also deals with the analogy of the human body employed by Paul in 1 Cor 12 (Message preached 24th May 2012)
Assembly Discipline (35 min)
David West preaches on the subject of assembly discipline – the maintenance of order in a local assembly. He outlines the meaning of discipline, its necessity, subjects, forms, aims and recognition. This is a sensitive yet faithful handling of a solemn and oft neglected subject (Message preached 17th May 2012)
Deacons (42 min)
David West preaches on the subject of deacons. He defines what deacons are, before outlining their qualifications, proving, selection, function and compensation. This exposition of 1 Tim 3:8-13 and Acts 6 1-7 highlights the fact that “deacon service” involves much more than just the practical needs of a local assembly (Message preached 10th May 2012)
Elders (44 min)
David West preaches on the subject of assembly leadership – “elders”. After introducing the Biblical concept of “rule”, he speaks on the appointment of elders, their qualifications and rewards, majoring on Titus Ch 1. He also touches on the responsibility of the flock towards its shepherds (Message preached 3rd May 2012)
The Role of Women (36 min)
David West preaches on the subject of “the role of women in a New Testament assembly”. After setting the context, David West works his way through 1 Tim 2:9-15 line by line, and outlines the Bible’s teaching on sisters’ sobriety, silence, subjection and salvation (Message preached 26th Apr 2012)
Baptism and Assembly Reception (41 min)
David West preaches on the subjects of baptism and reception to assembly fellowship. He also deals with the subject of letters of commendation and give some helpful scriptural advice about their use. In his introduction he outlines 9 different baptisms in the Bible (Message preached 19th April 2012)
The Church and the Churches (43 min)
David West preaches on the subject of “the church and the churches”. He takes time to lay out the clear Biblical differences between a local church – composed of those who have been saved, baptised and received into fellowship in a specific locally gathered company – and “the church which is His body”, composed of all believers from Pentecost to the rapture. A vital message on an often misunderstood subject (Message preached 12th Apr 2012)
How I Found the Assembly (43 min)
Frank Sona relates his journey from one church to another until he eventually found, through his own study of the Bible, the pattern of New Testament assembly order and practice, and took his place in such a gathering in Iowa, USA. An interesting and helpful message (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 7th April 2012)
Opening and Contributing to Bible Readings (31 min)
Ian Jackson give guidance as to opening and contributing in local assembly conversational Bible Readings. He explains the need to prepare by studing the context, the verses and the words of the chosen passage. Any brother “leading the Reading” should read distinctly, give a short opening, move the conversation steadily through the verses and ensure with the Lord’s help that everyone goes home helped and edified (Message preached 12th Feb 2012)
Hints on Conduct in Meetings (53 min)
Ian Jackson preaches on conduct and order in connection with gospel meetings. He touches on practical issues in connection with preaching, such as the use of the human voice and intelligent interaction with one’s audience. In a wide-ranging message, he deals with the need for punctuality, dignity in delivery and dress, avoidance of long public prayers, what kind of hymns are useful, and the impact of sincere welcomes and handshakes. A most practical message. (Message preached 11th Feb 2012)
Preparation and Preaching (51 min)
Ian Jackson gives wise and challenging counsel on how to prepare for handling the word of God, and how to publicly preach it. He speaks of the essential preparation of both the soul of the preacher, and the sermon itself. He distinguishes between “speaking” and “preaching”. Included is advice on how to structure a message, the use of notes, the need for eye contact, a hearty spirit, clarity, humility and other vital ingredients (Message preached 11th Feb 2012)
How to Study the Bible (67 min)
Ian Jackson exhorts his audience to diligently and reverently read and study the Bible to be fitted to worship and serve the Lord for His glory. He outlines a helpful system of study that involves repeated reading, note taking, word studies, the use of Bible dictionaries and concordances and other helps. “There is no short cut to gaining a thorough grasp of scripture” (Message preached 10th Feb 2012)
When God Calls He Makes a Way (67 min)
James Armstrong recounts the providential dealings of the Lord in his call to leave the UK and go and serve the Lord and preach the gospel in Brazil. When God calls, He makes a way. He opens and no man can shut; he shuts and no man can open. What is impossible with men is possible with God! (Recorded 17th Jan 2012) (Photo above: Porto Alegre, Brazil)
Lessons for the Assembly from Philippians (41 min)
Wesley Martin preaches on lessons for the assembly from Philippians Ch. 1 “Fellowship in the gospel enjoyed”; Ch 2. “friction in the gathering exposed”; Ch 3. “focus on the goal encouraged”; and Ch. 4 “fragrance of giving exercised” (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 25th April 2011)
The Bible’s Cure for Disharmony (42 min)
The Bible’s remedy for strife is totally counter-intuitive. Ian Jackson explains how it works, in an insightful and penetrating message on the cure for disharmony in an assembly. He takes up the example of the humility of Christ in surrendering His rights as outlined in Philippians Ch. 2 (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 25th April 2011)
Pillar and Ground of the Truth (24 min)
Crawford Brown teaches the New Testament truth of the local assembly as the “pillar” and ground of the truth. He deals with it under the headings of foundation, function, firmness and fall (Message preached Sun 23rd Jan 2011)
God at Work in Mexico (54 min)
John Dennison gives an account the planting of 3 assemblies through gospel work in Mexico, recounting the Lord’s working in salvation through the preaching of the gospel. (Report given 5th April 2010)
Assembly Commitment (37 min)
Are you committed to your local assembly? That’s the subject of this important message from David Gilliland based on the ancient story of Joshua and the Gibeonites in Joshua 9. (Message preached 13th April 2009)
Teaching on NT Assembly Elders (48 min)
John Salisbury preaches a comprehensive message on the calling, character, conduct and compensation of local assembly elders (Message given 11th Sept 2008)
Godly Assembly Leadership (47 min)
John Grant preaches a powerful message on “Godly assembly Leadership” from Paul’s message in Acts 20, using Moses, Jacob and David as examples of how to lead and feed the flock of God (Message preached in Bicester, Easter 24th March 2008)
Elders and the Flock (50 min)
Marcus Hall outlines the Bible’s teaching on the relationship between assembly elders and the flock over which then Holy Spirit has made them overseers. A vital, warm and discerning message from an experienced elder (Message given in 2007)
Distinctive Assembly Principles (38 min)
Sandy Higgins gives clear and comprehensive teaching on the distinctive principles of a New Testament assembly, outlining all of its basic essential features and functions (Ministry given in Bicester, Easter 9th April 2007)
Difficulties in Building for God (26 min)
Sandy Higgins preaches on ‘difficulties in building for God’ from the book of Nehemiah. He draws parallels between the problems Nehemiah faced and those we face today in building up local assemblies (Ministry given on 7th April 2007)
That They May Be One (40 min)
Ian Jackson preaches on the meaning of the statement ‘That they may be one’ (from John 17) and gives a much-needed warning against the Ecumenical Movement, which misuses this statement of Christ (Ministry given in Bicester, Easter 7th April 2007)
Zion: A Picture of the Local Assembly (37 min)
Colin Hutchinson preaches on the subject of Zion, likening it to the local assembly. Referencing “sinners in Zion” he warns against false profession (Message preached at Bicester, Easter 15th April 2006)
- 1
- 2