Sermons on The Christian Life (Page 3)
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 (Recorded 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. 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. Reading: 1 Cor 6:19-20. (Recorded in Nov 2018 at Stark Road Gospel Hall Conference, USA)
The Shepherd of Psalm 23 (39 min)
Robert McIlwaine (1925-2021) preaches an encouraging and practical word of exhortation on the Shepherd of Psalm 23 (Recorded in Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, Michigan, USA, Feb 28, 1997)
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)
Believing the Impossible (40 min)
Michael Penfold preaches a message to encourage the weary Christian. He highlights three Bible characters: one who believed the impossible, another who saw the invisible, and a third who understood the inscrutable. Despite their internal frailties and external difficulties, these exemplary men lived by faith and overcame. May God give us help in our weariness to do the same (Recorded May 25th 2017)
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. (Recorded 2nd Dec 2018)
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…
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)
At Evening Time It Shall Be Light (34 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the glorious prospect of the Lord’s coming from Zech 14:7 “At evening time it shall be light”. In the midst of the darkness, sorrow and perplexities of this present era, the Christian has a sure and certain hope that all will one day be well – when He comes! A message to encourage, uplift and strengthen. (Recorded at the Sussex Gospel Hall Bible Conference, New Brunswick, Canada, in Oct 2016)
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 (Recorded in Barrington Gospel…
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 (Recorded 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…
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,…
A God Who Is Able (28 min)
Faced with being thrown alive into a “burning fiery furnace”, the three Hebrews in Daniel Ch 3 told King Nebuchadnezzar that “God is able to deliver us”. What kind of faith is it that believes in a “God who is able” even in such extreme circumstances? Andrew Ussher passes on an encouraging word to remind us that in every difficult, trying and worrying situation in which we find ourselves, God is always able. Readings: Dan 3:8-18, Heb 11:17-19, 2 Tim…
When Life Doesn’t Seem Fair (30 min)
Eric Parmenter passes on a word of encouragement from John Ch 11, a chapter in which two sisters, Mary and Martha, are mourning the death of their brother. Their experience highlights 4 problems believers often face in life: the problem of suffering, the problem of delayed answers to prayer, the problem of ‘inequalities’ (perceived unfairness), and finally, the problem of the silence of God. Reading: John 20:30-31 (Message preached at the Vancouver Thanksgiving Conference 2007)
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). (Recorded 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;…
Robert McIlwaine – Have You Lost Your Joy? (21 min)
Robert McIlwaine (1925-2021) preaches on the joy of salvation, and the oft-felt reality of discouragement in the Christian life. Have you lost your joy? Are you feeling down and disheartened? Robert takes up the prayer of David in Psalm 51:12-13 “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation” in a message that will lift your soul and point you to the fount of living waters. (Message preached at Pugwash Junction conference in Nova Scotia, Canada, 2014)
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 covetousness (Ahab), and 2. the duty of commitment (Naboth). Mr Procopio applies challenging lessons from each aspect of the story. Readings: 1 Kings 21:1-7, 14-15 (Recorded 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,…
Albert Ramsay – Have You Lost Your Song? (18 min)
Asaph was a singer, but in Psalm 73 he seems to have lost his song. Have you lost yours? Albert Ramsay (1913-1993) takes up the Psalm in three sections: “out of the sanctuary”, “in the sanctuary” and “after the sanctuary”, and concludes that “sanctuary men are singing men”. Reading: Psalm 73 (Message preached in Larne in the late 1980’s)
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)
Fear Not (31 min)
Struggling with discouragement, anxiety, despair or worry? Feel like throwing in the towel? Are the mountains huge, the skies dark, and the rivers deep? Andrew Ussher preaches on the expression “fear not” and expounds 7 simple clear reasons why we do not need to give into despair and anxiety. Reading: Isaiah 43.1-5 (Message given in Sussex Gospel Hall conference, New Brunswick, Canada, 2019)
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…
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…
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.…
Depression – Its Causes and Its Cure (40 min)
David West speaks on some of the causes for, and also the cure for, depression. After looking at a number of relevant proverbs of Solomon, Mr West traces numerous cases of pain, loss and depression in the Bible. Gleaning helpful lessons from the experiences of others, Mr West then looks at the cure for depression as he discusses what the Bible has to say about the Christian mind, especially from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. Readings: Prov 3:7, 4:23, 5:8-12,…
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…
The Assembly Prayer Meeting (44 min)
You will go a long way before you hear a more practical message than this! Peter Orasuk preaches on the local assembly prayer meeting under 5 headings: the conviction of it, the conditions of it, the care found in it, the consideration needed in it, and the contribution to it by the sisters. Stirring stuff! Readings: 1 Cor 1:2, 1 Tim 2:1-12 (Message given in Ontario, Canada)
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…
Peter Orasuk – Restoration (35 min)
Peter Orasuk (1948-2005) is best known for his testimony, but he was also a gifted encourager in ministry! Murray McCandless wrote of him: “After conversion, Peter became an avid student of the Word and continued until his health started to steal his ability to concentrate. He spent hours in it, enjoyed it, shared it, and became a channel of blessing to those who listened to his ministry. I understand the Word of God reveals itself to our hearts, but I…
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…
The Recovery of a Lost Smile (41 min)
David Gilliland preaches on Psalm 39:13 which, he explains, carries the sense of “O spare me, that I may smile again”. After some introductory remarks about people who are always smiling, some who never smile, and others who smile on the outside but whose heart isn’t smiling, David focuses his attention on two questions: “What makes Christians lose their smile?” and “How can Christians get their smile back”? He draws answers to these questions from Psalm 39 and 40. Reading:…
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…
The Landmark of the Prayer Meeting (18 min)
Jon Procopio preaches a rousing message about the importance of the assembly prayer meeting. In the first 8 minutes of his message he speaks about the prohibitions in Prov 22:28 and 23:10 against “removing the landmarks” and makes the point that the first landmark many Christians remove in their lives is attendance at the assembly prayer meeting. The vital part that the assembly prayer meeting plays in the life of the Christian and the local assembly is highlighted powerfully in…
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,…