Sermons on The Christian Life (Page 2)
Learning From How He Suffered (32 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on the phrase “He suffered” from 1 Pet 2:18-25, a passage that outlines 4 ways in which the Lord suffered: sacrificially, unjustly, submissively and faithfully. The sufferings that Christ endured at the hands of men provide us with an example to follow. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 19th Mar 2023)
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).
How to Discern the Guidance of God (9 min)
Jack Hunter (1916-1994) outlines how to discern the guidance of God in one’s life from the experience of Jacob. Jacob had an inward conviction, plus matching outward circumstances, plus a communication from the Lord, and finally heaven’s confirmation. (From a message preached in Vancouver, Canada).
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)
Earnestly Contending (38 min)
Tom Meekin (1947-2017) preaches on the topic of “earnestly contending for the faith” and looks at the need not only to contend for right things, but not to contend for wrong things. Readings: Jude 1:1-4, Luke 22:24-27. (Message preached in Ballymena, 21st Nov 1981)
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). (Original title: Two Worships)
The Tests of Teenagers (37 min)
Sandy Higgins preaches on the tests faced by John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus in the early chapters of Luke’s gospel. Life is a series of tests: the test of loneliness, expectations, being different, submission, rejection and patience. Readings: Luke 1:32-33, 38, 66, 76-80, 2:19, 39-40, 46-52, 3:21.23. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the…
The Worth of Women (37 min)
John Dennison preaches on “the worth of women” from the lives of Mary, Elizabeth and Anna in the gospel of Luke. Their situation, their status, their specialness, their spirituality, their speech and their spirit. Readings: 1 Cor 7:7, Luke 1:5-7, 24-27, 34-36, 38, 41-43, 46, 60, 2:19, 36-37, 51. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the…
The Wisdom of Worship (32 min)
Sandy Higgins preaches on the topic of worship. “Intelligent worship is occupation with Christ.” The occasions of worship, the object of worship, the occupation of worship, and the outcome of worship. Readings: Luke 1:39-56, 67-69, 76-79, 2:20, 25-38, 41. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the Sovereign: Divine Control of Circumstances – Sandy Higgins The Design…
The Principles of Parenting (38 min)
John Dennison preaches on the biblical principles of parenting from Zacharias and Elizabeth, and Joseph and Mary, from Luke’s gospel. The challenge of the parents’ circumstances, the commentary on their character, the health of their habits, the objectives for their offspring, the duty of their development and the management of their miscues. Readings: Luke 1:5-7, 13-17, 24-27, 30-31, 41, 67, 80, 2:7-12, 21, 40-42, 52. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1…
The Model for Marriage (32 min)
Dr. A.J. Higgins preaches on “the model for marriage” from the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth in Luke’s gospel. Theirs was a “model marriage” marked by piety, unity, consistency, permanency, ministry, difficulty, adversity and prosperity. Readings: Luke 1:5-9, 11-14, 18-20, 23-25, 57-64, 76-79. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the Sovereign: Divine Control of Circumstances –…
The Design for Dating (41 min)
John Dennison preaches on the Bible’s “design for dating”. Looking at Joseph and Mary, he takes up the making of their relationship (guidance from the Lord), the matching of their relationship (commonality, communion, companionship and convictions), the maturity of their relationship, the morals in their relationship and the money in their relationship. Readings: Mark 6:3a, Matt 1:18-24, 2:13-15, 19, Luke 1:26-31, 34-35, 38, 46, 56, 2:4-5, 22, 41. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from…
The Supremacy of the Sovereign (34 min)
Sandy Higgins preaches on the sovereignty of God in the circumstances of life, as illustrated in the incredible providential details recorded in Luke 2:1-7 in connection with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) (Photo: Bethlehem at night) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the Sovereign: Divine Control of Circumstances – Sandy Higgins The Design for…
The Wonder of the Word (38 min)
John Dennison preaches on the wonder and value of the Word of God, the Bible. The making of the Bible, the marvel of the Bible and the mandate of the Bible. Readings: Luke 1:1-4, 37, 70-73, 2:22-24. (Message preached in Tampa, Florida, USA, Jan 2023) Complete series: Learning from Luke Chapters 1 and 2 The Wonder of the Word: Prophecies Fulfilled – John Dennison The Supremacy of the Sovereign: Divine Control of Circumstances – Sandy Higgins The Design for Dating:…
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).
Stewardship of Truth (43 min)
PART 6 – Andrew Ussher preaches on the stewardship of truth. God has given us a deposit of truth, His Word, the Bible. We are responsible to keep it and obey it and will give account one day for our faithfulness to this stewardship. Readings: John 1:17, 8:31-32, 13:17, 14:6, 17:15, Acts 2:41-42, 1 Tim 1:11-12, 18, 3:14-15, 4:13-16, 2 Tim 2:2, Jude 1:3, 3 John 1:3-4. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship…
Stewardship of our Bodies (37 min)
PART 5 – Andrew Ussher preaches on the stewardship of our bodies, given to us by the Lord. A helpful message majoring on the issue of temptation to immorality and the preservation of holiness. Readings: Gen 39:9-12, Psa 51:3-4, 1 Cor 6:12-20, Gal 6:7-8, 1 Thess 4:1-8. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship of time Stewardship of money Stewardship of giving Stewardship of our bodies Stewardship of truth
Stewardship of Giving (32 min)
PART 4 – Andrew Ussher takes up the topic of giving and expounds what the Scriptures have to say about our responsibility to give from what the Lord has blessed us with. God loves a cheerful giver. Readings: 1 Tim 6:17-19, Eph 4:28, 2 Cor 8:1-9, 9:6-8. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship of time Stewardship of money Stewardship of giving Stewardship of our bodies Stewardship of truth
Stewardship of Money (22 min)
PART 3 – Andrew Ussher takes up the topic of money, lent to us by the Lord as a stewardship. Another very challenging message on a vital topic. Readings: 1 Chron 29:11-12, Prov 22:7, Matt 6:19-21, 24-33, Luke 12:15-21, 1 Tim 6:6-11, 17-19. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship of time Stewardship of money Stewardship of giving Stewardship of our bodies Stewardship of truth
Stewardship of Time (34 min)
PART 2 – Andrew Ussher takes up the topic of time, lent to us by the Lord as a stewardship. A very challenging message on a neglected but vital topic. Readings: Gen 1:1, 5, 8, 13-19, Psa 39:4-5, Eph 5:15-16, Jas 4:14-15, 1Pet 4:1-3. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship of time Stewardship of money Stewardship of giving Stewardship of our bodies Stewardship of truth
Stewardship – Introduction (21 min)
PART 1 – Andrew Ussher introduces a series on “Things that don’t belong to us” by explaining the biblical principle of “stewardship”. Stewardship involves 4 things: 1. Something that doesn’t belong to us; 2. Responsibility in that thing; 3. A limited time period; 4. Accountability to the Lord at the end. (Message preached in Saskatoon, SK, Canada in 2011) Complete Series: Stewardship introduction Stewardship of time Stewardship of money Stewardship of giving Stewardship of our bodies Stewardship of truth
Can God Do Wonders in the Dark? (13 min)
Mervyn Hall preaches on the question in Psalm 88:12, “Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark?” God has worked in the past in creation darkness, cultural darkness, Calvary darkness, and pre-conversion darkness. Can God still do wonders in my current darkness? Readings: Psa 88:6-12, 2 Cor 4:1-6. (Message preached in Midland Park, New Jersey, USA, Sept 2019)
The Temptation in the Wilderness (33 min)
PART 3 – David Gilliland preaches on the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, and explains how Satan works to tempt us today as he did in the past, both with our Lord Jesus and with our first parents in Eden. Readings: Mark 1:1-4a, 12-13, 35-39. (Message preached in Midland Park Gospel Hall, New Jersey, USA, Sept 2019). Complete series: A table in the wilderness A Tabernacle in the wilderness The temptation in the wilderness
A Tabernacle in the Wilderness (37 min)
PART 2 – David Gilliland preaches on the “Tabernacle of testimony” in the wilderness and likens numerous features of that Tabernacle to the local assembly of God in the New Testament. Reading: Acts 7:43-44. (Message preached in Midland Park Gospel Hall, New Jersey, USA, Sept 2019). Complete series: A table in the wilderness A Tabernacle in the wilderness The temptation in the wilderness
A Table in the Wilderness (33 min)
PART 1 – David Gilliland preaches on the question in Psalm 78 “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” He looks at the lives of men like David and Elijah and shows how God always provides for His people in the wilderness experiences of life. Readings: Psa 78:14-16, 19-20, 23-29. (Message preached in Midland Park Gospel Hall, New Jersey, USA, Sept 2019). Complete series: A table in the wilderness A Tabernacle in the wilderness The temptation in the wilderness
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 Lesson of the Leftovers (26 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “the lesson of the leftovers”. Why did the disciples panic in the storm on the lake? Because they “considered not the miracle of the loaves”. The 12 leftover basket-fulls that they had on hand should have been all they needed to rest in the Lord in the new trial, but they hadn’t learnt “the lesson of the leftovers”. Readings: John 6:5-13, Mark 6:45-52. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 20th Nov 2022)
Bird Watching: “O That I Had the Wings of a Dove” (50 min)
PART 5 – David Gilliland closes his series looking at “Lessons for living from the birds of the air” by preaching on the sentiments of David in Psalm 55 “O that I had the wings of a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest.” Reading: Psalm 55 (Message preached in Portrush Gospel Hall, 2002) Complete series: Lessons from birds’ nests Lessons from birds’ character Lessons from birds’ wings Birds in the ministry of Christ “O that…
Bird Watching: Birds in the Ministry of Christ (61 min)
PART 4 – David Gilliland continues his series on “Lessons for living from the birds of the air” by looking at the birds that the Lord Jesus spoke about and that featured in his life, drawing practical teaching therefrom. (Message preached in Portrush Gospel Hall, 2002) Complete series: Lessons from birds’ nests Lessons from birds’ character Lessons from birds’ wings Birds in the ministry of Christ “O that I had the wings of a dove”
Bird Watching: The Wings of Birds (59 min)
PART 3 – David Gilliland continues his series on “Lessons for living from the birds of the air” by looking at the wings of various birds in the Bible, drawing practical teaching therefrom. (Message preached in Portrush Gospel Hall, 2002) Complete series: Lessons from birds’ nests Lessons from birds’ character Lessons from birds’ wings Birds in the ministry of Christ “O that I had the wings of a dove”
Bird Watching: The Character of Birds (58 min)
PART 2 – David Gilliland continues his series on “Lessons for living from the birds of the air” by looking at the character of various birds in the Bible; the unclean birds of Leviticus 11, and other individual birds mentioned in Job and Psalms (owl, pelican, sparrow, cuckoo etc), drawing practical teaching therefrom. (Message preached in Portrush Gospel Hall, 2002) Complete series: Lessons from birds’ nests Lessons from birds’ character Lessons from birds’ wings Birds in the ministry of Christ…
Bird Watching: The Nests of Birds (52 min)
PART 1 – David Gilliland opens a series on “Lessons for living from the birds of the air” by looking at a number of references in Scripture to birds’ nests, and drawing practical teaching therefrom. Readings: Job 12:7-9, Gen 8:6-12, Psa 84:1-4, Prov 7:8 (Message preached in Portrush Gospel Hall, 2002) Complete series: Lessons from birds’ nests Lessons from birds’ character Lessons from birds’ wings Birds in the ministry of Christ “O that I had the wings of a dove”
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)
Resources When Trials Come (17 min)
Sandy Higgins draws lessons from the trials of the assembly at Jerusalem to expound the resources available to us when trials come upon the people of God. Reading: Acts 11:27-12:25. (Message preached at he Vancouver Thanksgiving Conference, 2014)
I’ll Tell You When We Get Home (24 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “I’ll tell you when we get home”, highlighting “Someone who lives forever”, “something that lasts forever”, and “somewhere to dwell forever” from the Hebrew epistle. Readings: Heb 7:25, 10:32, 34, 13:10-14. (Message preached in Newtownstewart, Northern Ireland, 1st Jan 2015)
How Did We Get Here? (61 min)
David Vallance asks “How did we get here?” in reference to the morally corrupt state of affairs in Western culture. He traces history from pre-modern, through modern, to the postmodern/woke era, examining the lives and philosophies of Rousseau, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche and Freud along the way. He covers issues such as tolerance, identity politics, intersectionality, gender dysphoria, homosexuality and transgenderism, bringing biblical teaching to bear on each. Reading: Gen 1:26-28 (Message given 13th July 2022 in Stark Road Gospel Hall,…
How I Learned to Pray (5 min)
Mr Robert McPheat (1933-1990) was converted at the age of 14 in 1947. Baptised and received into the assembly in Plains, Scotland, young Robert was greatly helped in his early days by his spiritual father, Mr John King. In a message on the life of Abraham’s wife Sarah, given in Crowle Gospel Hall in April 1984, Mr McPheat told the story of how he learned to pray in the days soon after he was saved, while working as a coal…
Never, Never, Never Give Up (50 min)
David Gilliland preaches on the need for perseverance in the Christian life and the need for believers in Christ to press on rather than give in. Readings: Heb 1:10-12, 6:18-20, 12:2, 12-13, 27-29, 13:7-9. (Message preached in Northern Ireland).
How to Know the Will of God (50 min)
John Fleck concludes his series of helpful messages for new believers by taking up the matter of the Christian and the will of God – knowing the will of God and doing the will of God. Readings: Mark 3:31-33, Rom 12:1-2, 1 Pet 3:17, 4:1-4a, 19, 1 Thess 4:2-3, 8, 5:17-18 (Message preached in Ballymena, 2017)
Gender Distinctives in Scripture (60 min)
John Fleck continues his series of messages for new believers with a look at what the Bible says about gender distinctives: in present day culture, in creation, in constitution, in characteristics, in contributions in the home and the assembly. Readings: Gen 1:26-28, 2:8, 18-24a. (Message preached in Ballymena, 2017)
Fellowship in a Church of God (55 min)
John Fleck continues his series of messages for new believers with a look at the truth of the local assembly – what it is, how it functions and helpful associated themes. Readings: 1 Cor 1:1-10, 10:16-22, 31, 14:16-19, 23a. (Message preached in Ballymena, 2017)
The New Believer (52 min)
John Fleck begins a series of helpful messages for new believers by taking up the themes of assurance, sanctification, the flesh and the spirit, the old and the new man, and the need to set our affections on things above. Readings: Rom 4:24b-5:1, 6:3-5, 11, Gal 2:20, 5:16-18, 24, Eph 4:20-30, Col,3:1-4. (Message preached in Ballymena, 2017)
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)
God’s Answer for Stress (61 min)
David Gilliland preaches on “God’s answer for stress”. He takes up the subject under various headings: the commonness of stress, the causes of stress, the complexity of stress, the categories of stress and the control of stress. Readings: John 16:33, Psa 4:1-8 (Message preached in Northern Ireland).
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)
“Fear Not I am With You” (51 min)
“Fear not, for I am with you” is a favourite verse of many from Isaiah 43:5. There are 5 people in the Bible to whom this promise was given – people who experienced the presence of the Lord in a special way due to the trials through which they passed. Learn in this sermon why there are more “fear nots” in Isaiah than any other Old Testament book and learn too how the presence of Christ is the greatest comfort…
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)
Help for Depressed and Discouraged Christians (44 min)
Jim Allen preaches helpfully on the twin issues of depression and discouragement in the Christian life. He gives ministry to address these needs from the epistle to the Philippians, where Paul has much to say concerning the mind. Readings: Phil 1:19-24, 27-30, 2:1-11, 17-25 (Message preached Fortwilliam Gospel Hall, Northern Ireland, 1984)
What is your life? (54 min)
PART 3 of 4 – In the third of a series of 4 messages on big Bible questions, David Gilliland preaches on the question “What is your life?” In a challenging message he urges his audience to assess what they are really living for. “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Reading: James 5:13-17 (Message preached in Dundonald, 2006) Complete series: 1. What is man? – The question of identity 2. What is…
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)
When You Feel Overwhelmed (24 min)
Peter Scarsbrook preaches on Psalm 61 (see below) and follows the journey of the Psalmist from his “being overwhelmed” to “being preserved”. Much practical and wise teaching is extracted from this Psalm for the encouragement of the saint who is passing through difficult circumstances (Message preached at the Belfast Christmas conference 2009) Psalm 61 “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead…
Growing Old Gracefully (37 min)
David West preaches a weighty and encouraging message on the value, virtue and veneration of old age. He reminds his audience that how we grow old is more important than how old we grow. Readings: Prov 4:18, 16:31, 20:29, 23:22, Ecc 11:7-12:7. (Message preached at the Lurgan Conference 2016)
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…
Fruit Selfward: Faith, Meekness and Self-control (53 min)
PART 4 of 4 – Dan Rudge preaches on the third triad of fruits in the list of the fruits of the Spirit: faith, meekness and self control. He explains what these fruits are, and then traces these fruits in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, before finally applying the practical import of these fruits in our lives as believers. Readings: Gal 5:22-23, Isa 42:1-4, Heb 4:14-16 (Message preached at Wallingford Gospel Hall, Nov 2015)
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…
Fruit Manward: Long-suffering, Gentleness and Goodness (51 min)
PART 3 of 4 – Dan Rudge preaches on the second triad of fruits in the list of the fruits of the Spirit: long-suffering, gentleness and goodness. He explains what these fruits are, and then traces these fruits in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, before finally applying the practical import of these fruits in our lives as believers. Readings: Gal 5, 1 Tim 1:15-Acts 10:38 (Message preached at Wallingford Gospel Hall, Nov 2015)
The Heavens Do Rule (13 min)
The financial crisis; climate change; Brexit; US riots and elections; big-tech domination; Coronavirus. The list of stressful issues and crises just keeps growing. How should a Christian react to a “world out of control”? Michael Penfold reminds us of the words of Dan 4:26, “The heavens do rule”. We worship a God who is sovereign over all and who delights to make even the wrath of man to praise Him (Message preached in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, Jan 1st 2017).
Bible Basics for Beginners – How Can I Know? (38 min)
PART 6 of 6 – Sandy Higgins preaches on one of the most important questions facing young believers as they start out in their new life in Christ: how can I know what the will of God is for my life? What should I do? Where should I live? Who should I marry? Do I go on feelings, or on some kind of “spiritual hunch”? An excellent message giving much needed scriptural guidance. Readings: Num 9:19-20, 10:1-2, 12-16, 33-35a, Psa…
The Everlasting God (50 min)
David Gilliland preaches on the three mentions of the expression “the everlasting God” in our English Bible. The everlasting God of the Patriarch (Gen 21:31-34), of the Prophet (Isa 40:27-31) and of the Preacher (Rom 16:25-27). An encouraging and strengthening message that focuses our hearts on the greatness and glory of the One who is from everlasting to everlasting (Message originally preached in Curzon Street, Derby).
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)
Fruit Godward: Love, Joy and Peace (51 min)
PART 2 of 4 – Dan Rudge preaches on the first triad of fruits in the list of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy and peace. He explains what these fruits are, and then traces these fruits in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, before finally applying the practical import of these fruits in our lives as believers. Readings: Gal 5:22-23. John 13:1, 14:1, 27, 15:1, 5, 1 Pet 1:8, 1 John 2:7-8 (Message preached at Wallingford Gospel…
Bible Basics for Beginners – What can I do? (38 min)
PART 5 of 6 – Sandy Higgins give guidance from the Word of God to help the Christian understand “what should I be doing for God?” Each believer has a gift and a sphere of service. No one is useless: everyone is vital. Sandy speaks on the privilege of serving God, the power for serving God, the pathway of serving God, the purpose of serving God and the peril of serving God. Listen out for Sandy’s advice on “How do…
Bible Basics for Beginners – What about my Struggles? (43 min)
PART 4 of 6 – Sandy Higgins opens up the subject of the struggles of the new Christian as he or she faces “the enemy”, which comes in three forms – the world, the flesh and the devil. It comes as a shock to some newly saved people to discover that the Christian life is marked by constant struggle! Mr Higgins works through a number of issues that can come into our life and pose a great danger, and also…
The Fruit of the Spirit – Introduction (52 min)
PART 1 of 4 – Dan Rudge introduces a series of messages on the fruit of the Spirit from Gal 5:22-23. This is a crucial subject, sitting at the heart of the Christian’s daily experience of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Dan works his way through the passage pointing out two contrasts, two catalogues, and more. A valuable study. (Message preached at Wallingford Gospel Hall, Nov 2015)
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,…
Bible Basics for Beginners – Is It OK? (43 min)
PART 3 of 6 – Now that I am saved, what is permissible? Can I still do this or that, can I go here or there? What is allowed and what isn’t? Sandy Higgins preaches on the subject of sanctification and separation under the following headings: separation’s spheres, scope, standard, sequel and strength. A faithful and wise setting forth of vital truth. Readings: Gen 2:1-3, 2 Cor 6:14-7:1. 1 Thess 4:1-2, Heb 10:9-10, 12:14, 1 Pet 1:14-16. 1 John 1:5-7…
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)
Bible Basics for Beginners – Can I Trust My Bible? (37 min)
PART 2 of 6 – Sandy Higgins preaches on the vital relationship between the new believer and the Word of God. He does so by asking a series of questions about the Bible: 1. Is the Bible a revelation? 2. Is it reliable? 3. Is it relevant? 4. Is it reasonable? 5. Is it rational? and, 6. Is it rewarding? Readings: Prov 2:1-5, 1 Cor 2:10-16, 2 Tim 3:14-17, 1 Pet 1:10-12, 2:1-3, 2 Pet 1:19-21 (Message preached in Barrington,…
Bible Basics for Beginners – What Did I Get? (37 min)
PART 1 of 6 – Sandy Higgins gives one of the best introductions you’ll hear to “what happens when a person gets saved”. This is an ideal message for a new believer (and a refresher for the rest of us). His three sections are “What’s in a name (salvation)?” “What are God’s claims?” and “What is God’s aim?” Listen up for his powerful answer to the objection “If ‘once saved always saved’ is true, then I can live as I…
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…
It Was Dark, and Jesus Had Not Come to Them (39 min)
Phil Coulson speaks on half a verse in John’s gospel (John 6:17b) – “It was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them”. Why does the Lord allow us to go through dark times? Why, when we can’t see the right way – when we feel lost – does He sometimes leave us alone and not come to us? Why do some believers who don’t seem very keen in spiritual matters seem to fare all right, while others who…
