Sermons from November 2020
“I wanted to know I was saved before I was saved”! (8 min)
Dave Bagnall grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, attending the West End Gospel Hall and knowing the gospel from a child. Moving to Vancouver at age 10, he lost his mother at 14. Attending gospel meetings by Albert Joyce and David Adams, one of Dave’s friends got saved. That shook him and he began seeking salvation himself, but he struggled as to how he could know for sure that he was saved. Listen to hear how Dave was saved and knew…
Theology 101 – Justification (38 min)
PART 2 of 6 – In the second part of a 6-part series on the fundamentals of the gospel, Mr Jim Allen speaks on the essential biblical topic of justification. Justification is not the ‘making’ of a person righteous: it is the ‘declaring’ of a person righteous. How can this be done? By grace. The condemned guilty sinner has nothing to plead; but God has set forth Christ as the propitiation for our sins. Every charge has been met and…
Creation Part 4 – Ape Men and a Young Earth (40 min)
PART 4 of 5 – In Part 4, Norman Crawford speaks on numerous subjects surrounding the first man Adam, and also the age of the earth. Adam was the first man; there was no race of men, nor was there death, before him. The fossilized remains of humans around the globe, among which so-called ‘Neanderthals’ are to be included, were mostly buried during Noah’s flood. The earth was created a few thousand years ago as a mature creation by a…
I Took the Gift and Thanked the Giver (12 min)
Redmond Blair (Vancouver, Canada) was brought up hearing the gospel and memorising Scripture, but in later years grew careless and lived for the enjoyments of the world. Shaken by the salvation of a friend, Reddie spend months searching for salvation, but found he was much darker than he had realised. Listen to discover how Reddie Blair was saved on 24th June 1952. (Recorded 27th Dec 2015 in Fairview Gospel Hall, Vancouver, Canada).
Theology 101 – Human Depravity (38 min)
PART 1 of 6 – In the first part of a 6-part series on the fundamentals of the gospel, Mr Jim Allen speaks clearly and powerfully on the little understood and oft-avoided topic of human depravity. Rarely taken up in ministry as a stand-alone subject, this is a solid, essential and wide-ranging setting forth of biblical truth. Not only for gospel preachers, but also for elders, parents, Sunday School teachers – indeed, all of us – this message will prove…
“I never thought I’d be an adult and not saved” (24 min)
Seth McKinley, from Vancouver, Canada, grew up in a Christian family, knowing the gospel and memorizing Scripture. He was soft towards the gospel as a child, and at one point thought he was saved, but as the teenage years came he rebelled against the gospel and decided he would just “do his own thing”. University took him further away, but the prayers of his parents followed him and the Holy Spirit began to work in his heart. Listen to the…
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…
Creation Part 3 – Fossils and the Flood (34 min)
PART 3 of 5 – In part 3, Norman Crawford speaks on one of the main predictions of Darwin’s theory of evolution: that the ground beneath our feet should contain millions of ‘transitional fossils’. There’s only one problem: it doesn’t! But what about fossils? How did they come to be? Mr Crawford explains that the flood of Noah is the reason why there are billions of fossils all over the world, including on the top of mountains. Mr Crawford explains…
Gospel Hymn Singing – Toronto Conference 1989 (19 min)
Hymns include one or more verses of “Just as I am”, “I will sing of my Redeemer”, “At the Cross”, “Out of my bondage, sorrow and night”, “He’ll come and tarry not”, “There’s a story ever new”, “By faith in a glorified Christ”, “I’m praying for you”, and “One there is who loves thee”.
Bert Joyce – The Early Days in Newfoundland and Labrador (33 min)
Bert Joyce (1927-2017) was saved on 16th April 1939 as a 12 year old boy, sitting at the back of a Hall observing the breaking of bread meeting. As he listened to the singing of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross he pondered its deep significance to the believers sitting in the circle. Opening his Bible to Isaiah 53:6, he was saved as he understood for the first time that he was the stray sheep whose sins the Lord had…
Harold Paisley – What Shall I Do With Jesus? (34 min)
Harold Paisley (1924-2015) preaches on the haunting question of Pontius Pilate: “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (The photo above is of The Pilate Stone, held in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem). This is a question you cannot avoid: what will you do – receive or reject the Son of God? Preaching in a Gospel Tent many years ago, this is Mr Paisley in full flow, telling out the same gospel that so radically changed his…
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)
Part 2 – The Temptation of Christ (45 min)
PART 2 – David Vallance continues on the theme of the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, but in this second message, after examining the character of each of the three temptations, he shows how Satan uses these same temptations with us. Satan tempts us to be something, to do something and to gain something. He works with the lust of the flesh, the pride of life and the lust of the eyes. This insightful message will open your understanding…
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…
Part 1 – The Temptation of Christ (26 min)
PART 1 – David Vallance preaches a most interesting and instructive message on the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. He explains the three temptations of Christ by Satan and traces their character through Scripture. He tackles the difficult questions of 1. Could Christ have sinned? and 2. If not, in what way was the temptation real? Although only 26 minutes long, this message is packed full of sound and weighty doctrinal content, and will repay repeated listening. Reading: Matthew…
Creation Part 2 – The Origin of the Universe and Life (41 min)
PART 2 of 5 – In part 2, Norman Crawford speaks on a wide range of topics, including the origin of the universe, the origin of life, the laws of thermodynamics and the complexity of the human body. He discusses the lives and influence of three men: Charles Darwin, Charles Lyell and James Hutton, all of whom were pivotal in making evolution the reigning paradigm in our culture, all of which contradicts the teaching of Scripture relative to the beginning…
Dealing with Darts of Doubts (14 min)
Colin Hutchison preaches on how to deal with “darts of doubt”. He highlights 4 men in the Bible who, through various experiences in life sovereignly allowed by the Lord, came into a place of doubt: a prophet (John the Baptist), a disciple (Peter), a judge (Gideon) and a priest (Jeremiah). A short but most helpful message. (Message preached in Belfast 2013)
Staying Close to Christ (18 min)
Clark Logan preaches on the fact that “there is nothing more important on the pathway home to heaven than staying close to Christ”. From the Gospel of John he looks at 5 pictures of close fellowship with the Lord: “In His hand” (security), “on His breast” (intimacy), “at His feet” (dignity), “by His side” (loyalty), and “in His steps” (responsibility). In His hand we trust; on His breast we lean; at His feet we worship; by His side we stand;…
Creation Part 1 – Introduction (34 min)
PART 1 of 5 – In his opening message in a series on the topic of creation vvs evolution, Norman Crawford challenges some of the basic assumptions and presuppositions of the secular scientific community (uniformitarianism etc.) and gives reasons why it is so wedded to a naturalistic explanation of the origin of life and the universe. Mr Crawford defends the use of apologetics and urges parents to make sure they have answers for their children when they come home from…
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 covetouness (Ahab), and 2. the duty of commitment (Naboth). Jonathan makes weighty and challenging practical applications from each aspect of the story. Readings: 1 Kings 21:1-7, 14-15 (Message preached in Pope Road Gospel hall, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 2016)
Norman Crawford – On 66 Years in Assembly Fellowship (27 min)
Norman Crawford (1927-2013) stood up at the Stark Road conference (Livonia, Michigan, USA) in 2008 and spoke on the preciousness of the local assembly, after 66 years in assembly fellowship. Mr Crawford had seen a number of assemblies planted during his long life of gospel preaching and Bible teaching and held assembly truth very close to his heart. Even on a big conference occasion, and after having spoken on it for many years, Mr Crawford never missed an opportunity to…
Jim Burnett – The House of God (41 min)
Jim Burnett (1935-2005) was born and brought up in Fife, Scotland. Sent to Egypt on national service, he met a young man who witnessed to him and soon after took him to his first gospel meeting. Jim sat with 200 other servicemen and listened to the gospel. He was saved that very evening. Back in Scotland, Jim was baptised and received into fellowship with the believers in Hospital Hill Gospel Hall in Dunfermline. Jim went on to become a mighty…
Robert McIlwaine – “What is your life?” (24 min)
When a man, who has been saved for 81 years, stands to his feet at the age of 90 to speak softly and solemnly on the powerful question “What is your life?”, one has to sit up and listen. Robert McIlwaine (1925-2021) takes up this searching question from James 4:14 as he reminisces about his long life; its challenges, triumphs, discouragements and regrets. This is a touching message that will speak to your heart and cause you to reassess your…
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…
Him that Cometh to Me, I Will in no Wise Cast Out (23 min)
After some helpful comments about John 6:37, including details of how this verse was pivotal in no less than John Bunyan’s conversion, Allen McCandless (Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada) relates the story of his own conversion to Christ on July 29th 1979 – in which God again used this powerful verse: “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). (Testimony given at Pugwash Junction conference, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2016)
The King is Coming! (29 min)
John Fleck sets out the course of events that precede the Millennial Kingdom – the rapture, the tribulation and the second advent of Christ – after which the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our God and His Christ. From Psalm 72, John preaches on the standard, the scope and the splendour of Christ’s kingdom. (Message preached at Sussex Conference, Canada, 2017)
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 Dangers of the Media and Entertainment Industry (44 min)
John Grant (1942-2020) preaches a fearless and powerful message on the dangers posed to the Christian by the multi-billion pound media and entertainment industry. After a brief history lesson on the origins of the industry, Mr Grant discusses the dangers to my stewardship, my separation and my service posed by films, rock music, soap operas, the internet, and computer games etc. This is a much needed and challenging message, rarely heard in our day. Readings: 1 Cor 9:24-27, Rom 12:1-2…
Jim Allen – Questions and Answers about Creation (55 min)
Jim Allen answers questions on the topic of creation and evolution. On a Saturday evening in February 1999 a large crowd gathered to hear Mr Allen speak for 20 minutes on the foundation of the earth, the fall upon the earth, and the flood that engulfed the earth. Mr Allen then fielded written and verbal questions for 35 minutes on a variety of subjects including the age of the earth, where Cain got his wife, the ice age, dinosaurs, and…
Gender Roles and Distinctions (43 min)
Jack Hay expounds the Bible’s teaching on the issue of gender, addressing in particular the world’s attempt to blur the distinctions between the sexes. Jack shows that the Bible expects to see a distinction between the male and female genders in appearance, dress and function. From the unisex explosion in the 1960’s to the “gender neutral” culture of the 21st century, this continues to be an issue of huge significance for believers who desire to maintain godly order in the…
Part 4 – How to Communicate the Gospel (52 min)
In the last of a 4-part series of messages on gospel communication, Michael Penfold speaks on how to present a gospel message. Preachers should preach with authority, dignity, sensitivity, simplicity, clarity, cogency, authenticity, solemnity, intensity and fervency. Michael gives practical advice on how to maintain attention throughout; opening and closing in prayer; the use of notes; gestures; eye contact and the use of the human voice. Reading: Ecc 12:10-11 (Message given in Northampton, UK, 2018)
The 7 Days of Creation (44 min)
Ian Jackson preaches on “the 7 days of creation”. After reading Genesis 1, he explains how the chapter is foundational to all of Scripture. It is narrative, not poetry, giving a literal history of the 7 literal days of creation. Ian discusses various theories (gap theory, day age theory etc) and gives various weighty reasons why they ought not to be believed. He shows how Genesis 1 reveals the true nature of both God and man. Finally he points out…
