A Midweek Christmas Message: From Riches to Poverty

In this sermon, we look at 2 Corinthians chapter eight, verse nine: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."

What kind of poverty did Jesus experience?  What kind of riches are we able to receive through him?  And how should we be affected by an experience of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ"?  These are some of the questions that will be tackled in this sermon.

Just Another Christmas Melodic Monday - Noel

Christmas Day is almost here!  So, here's another song that draws our attention to the birth of Christ and its meaning.  "Noel" is written by Chris Tomlin and performed here by Mark Rasmussen and family.  Here are the words from the second verse:

Son of God and Son of man

There before the world began

Born to suffer, born to save

Born to raise us from the grave

Christ the everlasting Lord 

He shall reign forevermore

Just Another Melodic Christmas Monday - Immanuel (From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable)

We're definitely now in the Christmas season, so I thought it was time to share some Christmas songs and hymns on the Melodic Monday blog post, not only for you to enjoy listening to but also to consider sharing with your church if the song is new to you.

"Immanuel (From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable)" is a Christmas hymn by Stuart Townend and is here performed acapella by David Wesley.  

The song begins at the birth of Jesus Christ, the Immanuel (meaning "God with us"), but then guides us through his life, death, resurrection and promised return, reminding us of the hope and peace we find when we trust in him.

A Midweek Christmas Message: From Heaven to Earth

This is the first of a series of Christmas sermons in which we'll consider why the birth of Jesus Christ is still celebrated around the world. In this message, we find Jesus described as the Immanuel, meaning "God with us". Why did so many people who knew Jesus come to believe that? What convinced that first generation of Christians - who didn't read about Jesus but actually saw and heard him - to give their lives to him?

Just Another Melodic Christmas Monday - God Made Low

Christmas is coming!  So, I thought it was time to share some Christmas songs and hymns on the Melodic Monday blog post, not only for you to enjoy listening to but also to consider sharing with your church if the song is new to you.

"God made low" is written Jason Hansen and Bob Kauflin from Sovereign Grace Music.  It focuses our attention on Jesus Christ being the Immanuel, "God with us", which was the theme of the message preached last Sunday morning (which will be posted on the blog on Wednesday).

Just Another Melodic Monday - Joy has dawned

Christmas is coming!  So, I thought it was time to start sharing some Christmas songs and hymns on the Melodic Monday blog post, not only for you to enjoy listening to but also to consider sharing with your church if the song is new to you.

This is "Joy has dawned" by Keith and Kristyn Getty from their album "Joy: An Irish Christmas".

A Midweek Message - The Armour of God (Ephesians 6)

We're approaching the end of the letter to the Christians in Ephesus, and the Apostle Paul encourages them to rely on the Lord's strength in order to stand against spiritual opposition to the gospel. Where do we find this strength? Paul describes it as God's armour and tells us how to wear each part.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Yield Not To Temptation

Wow - I haven't heard this hymn in a long time!  "Yield not to temptation" is a hymn that calls us to obedience to and reliance upon Jesus Christ.  It was written by Horatio Palmer in the nineteenth century and is performed here by Hasan Green.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Abide With Me

Having taught about "the armour of God" from Ephesians 6 on Remembrance Sunday, it seems right to share a hymn today that reminds us of the faithfulness of the Lord and the security we find only in Him.  "Abide with me" was written in 1847 by Henry Francis Lyte but this version, performed by Ross Martin and David Niemi, features the updated tune by Indelible Grace.

1. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
   What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
   Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
   Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

A Midweek Message - Submission and Sacrifice (Ephesians 5)

In this message, we continue to examine the topic of marriage from Ephesians chapter 5, looking at the roles of the wife and the husband, and how they are to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church.

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Just Another Melodic Monday - Ten Thousand Reasons

Last Saturday, we celebrated as we baptised three people, including one of my sons, Ethan.  He chose this song for us to sing during the service: "Ten Thousand Reasons" by Matt Redman, performed here by David Wesley.

A Midweek Message - Worship and Service (John 12)

Paul Crowe, an elder at Newtown Evangelical Church, recently visited us and preached from the Gospel of John, chapter 12, examining the themes of worship and service.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Lord, You Are My Song

Here is a live recording of "Lord, you are my song" by Charity Gayle and Kevin Jones, a song of adoration for Jesus Christ.  The opening words are:

Lord, you are my song when I don't have a melody

Lord, you are my strength when life's troubles make me weak

The Midweek Message: The Mystery of Marriage (Ephesians 5)

In this message, we explore what the Bible teaches about marriage, and how the Gospel helps us understand the meaning of marriage.

Just Another Melodic Monday - My Jesus, I love thee

"My Jesus, I love thee" is performed here by Red Mountain Church, from their album "Depth of Mercy".  This hymn was written by William R. Featherston about 150 years ago and proclaims the love that Christians have for their Saviour, Jesus Christ, through all the seasons of life and into eternity.

Church update - New Meeting Place!

Having spent several weeks looking for a venue with more space to meet on Sundays, it happened very suddenly this week! From tomorrow, we'll be meeting at the Ann Holloway Centre (SY217EA by the hospital car park) on Sunday mornings, our worship service beginning at 10:30 am. 

I'll share more next week (with some pics, hopefully!) and confirm whether or not we'll also use this venue for our monthly Sunday evening service. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us - God is good!

A Midweek Message: The wisdom, generosity and kindness of God (Psalm 104)

We had a Harvest Thanksgiving Family Service last Sunday in which we considered the amazing world that God has made.  We looked with the children at Psalm 104 and thought about the amazing animals that God has created and the amazing food that He has provided. 

As it was a family service, the message I then shared was shorter than usual.  I focused on the wisdom, generosity and kindness of God displayed both in His creation and in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Be Still, My Soul (Acapella)

The hymn "Be still, my soul" was written by Katharina von Schlegel in the 1700's, then translated into English by Jane Borthwick in the 1800's.  This acapella version contains an additional chorus.  The words of the final verse are:

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Come, Lord Jesus

With the Sovereign Grace UK Leader's Conference coming up in less than 3 weeks, "Come, Lord Jesus" is a simple song from their album "Prayers of the Saints" expressing the prayer of Christians that Jesus Christ would return and take all of his people to be with him in the glory of heaven.  One of the passages that the song is based on is Romans 8:18-23:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 

A Midweek Message: Looking Back and Looking Forward (Exodus 14-16)

Last Sunday, we gave thanks as we celebrated our third anniversary as a church.  It was wonderful to gather together and to see the diverse group of believers that has committed to each other over the last three years.  

Lloyd Pritchard, Assistant Pastor at Newtown Evangelical Church (the church that has planted us), preached from Exodus, reminding us of the faithfulness of God.  We can see God's faithfulness in the past, experience it in the present, and trust it for the future.

A Midweek Message: Out of Darkness and into Light (Ephesians 5)

In this message, Roger Davies teaches from Ephesians 5, focusing particularly on the words in verse eight: "...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light..."

Just Another Melodic Monday - This is Amazing Grace

Written by Phil Wickham, Josh Farro and Jeremy Riddle, "This is Amazing Grace" is a song of praise to Jesus Christ for his life-giving grace and is sung here by Lauren Daigle.  

Who brings our chaos back into order?

Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?

The King of glory!  The King of glory!

Who rules the nations with truth and justice?

Shines like the sun in all its brilliance?

The King of glory, the King above all kings!

Just Another Melodic Monday - May The Peoples Praise You

Written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, "May The Peoples Praise You" is a call to praise God for the blessings that we experience each day through Jesus Christ.

You have called us out of darkest night into Your glorious light
That we may sing the wonders of the risen Christ

May our every breath retell the grace that broke into our strife
With boundless love and deepest joy, with endless life

A Midweek Message: The invisible change that can be seen (Ephesians 4)

In this message, we consider how a person is changed when they believe the gospel. An invisible change takes place which has visible results!

Just Another Melodic Monday - I stand amazed

I know, I know - we featured the Norton Hall Band only a couple of weeks ago!  However, they've just released a new EP called "Crown Him" and this live version of "I stand amazed" has been uploaded onto Youtube only this week.  Since we've had more modern songs recently on the blog, I wanted to balance that out with a classic hymn, and this therefore seemed an appropriate choice.

This hymn was written in 1905 by Charles Gabriel, recognising the amazing love of Jesus for sinners, a love demonstrated in history through his death on the cross.  Here are the words from the last verse:

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see

'Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me

The Midweek Message: Growing up in every way (Ephesians 4)

In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul lists teaching roles within the New Testament church.  What does the Bible teach us about Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists?  

Paul also tells us that one of the main roles of a pastor is to equip believers with the truth, which will then enable them to serve others.  The church community grows up as people lovingly minister to each other.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Death Was Arrested

"I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." (Revelation 1:18)

Today's song, "Death Was Arrested", was written by the band North Point InsideOut, but is performed here by Destiny Church Worship.  The lyrics convey the victory that Christ had over death and that we share in his victory if we trust our lives to him.  The third verse of the song says:

Released from my chains, I'm a prisoner no more

My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore

He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend

When death was arrested and my life began

A Midweek Message: The Character and Common Beliefs of a Charismatic Community (Ephesians 4)

In Ephesians 4, we begin to see what doctrine looks like when applied to life. The Apostle Paul describes the character and common beliefs of a charismatic community - a church that believes that all Christians have received gifts from the Holy Spirit which they are to use to serve others.  
How do we discern the presence of the Spirit in a church?  It will be evident in the way the believers behave towards each other.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Be A Lamp

"Be a lamp" by Kha Do is a hymn that expresses the Christian's prayer for light in a dark world.  The song is performed by the Norton Hall Band.

Be a lamp for all my days, Lord, bear a torch that I might see

Through the fog of bitter pain and know your purpose lies beneath

Oh, to taste and see the gospel as I never have before!

Be a lamp for all my days and I shall walk in endless joy

Another Midweek Message: The Importance of Learning How to Fall (Ephesians 3)

In this message, we consider how Paul's example in Ephesians 3 teaches us about the importance of prayer and of seeking God's help so that we can live faithful lives.

A Midweek Message: The Mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3)

In Ephesians 3, Paul writes about his role as an Apostle and his responsibility to proclaim "the mystery of Christ".

Just Another Melodic Monday - Matchless One

There's something about the simplicity of this song and its performance that I find really engaging.  "Matchless One" is by Family Church Worship and leads us from our sin to the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Hope is here, there's mercy for the taking

Trust His cross, your sins have been erased

Welcome home, be seated at the table

Look upon His face

Just Another Melodic Monday - God So Loved

"God so loved" by Matt Crocker and Marty Sampson reminds us of the promise of eternal life found only in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The Midweek Message: The Church in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Where is the best place for a church community to gather? Paul's answer in Ephesians 2 is simple: we gather together "in Christ"! The gospel not only reconciles us to God, but it also reconciles us to each other. In this message, we consider 6 characteristics of the church that is united in Christ.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Hope Has A Name

Having just got back from holiday, I found the CCLI Newsletter directing my attention towards River Valley Worship.  Here's one of their songs, called "Hope has a name".

There is a song, I know it well

A melody that's never failed

On mountains high, in valleys low,

My soul will rest,

My confidence in You alone

Another Midweek Message: A Statement of Faith: Salvation

In this message, we focus on 2 Timothy 1:8-14 as we reach the fifth point of the FIEC Statement of Faith, "Salvation".

The Midweek Message - An Apostolic Prayer (Ephesians 1:15-23)

We continue our series exploring Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus.  In his prayer for these believers, he is grateful for the evidence of grace; he wants their relationship with God to deepen; and he proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Good and Faithful Shepherd

The school holidays have just started!  It seemed appropriate, therefore, to have a children's song for this week's Melodic Monday tune.  Here is "Good and Faithful Shepherd" from the album "Listen Up!" by Sovereign Grace Music.

Yet Another Midweek Message: A Statement of Faith: Jesus Christ

Catching up with sermon uploads, here is last month's message from our Sunday evening service.  We look at the fourth point of the FIEC Statement of Faith, covering the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Another Midweek Message: Every Spiritual Blessing (Ephesians 1:3-14)

In this message, we take a whistle-stop tour of the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ, described in Ephesians 1:3-14.  There's a lot of ground to cover!  So, I've added the table below that I filled on-screen while preaching to help everyone see what the blessings are; where we find them; and why we receive them.

What is the blessing?	Where is it found?	Why do we receive it?
Innocence (v4)	In Christ (v4)	God’s Choice (v4)
Adoption (v5)	Through Christ (v5)	God’s Blessing (v5)
Unceasing Mercy (v6)	In Christ (v6)	God’s Navigation (v6)
Freedom (v7)	In Christ (v7)	God’s Grace (v7)
Forgiveness (v7)	In Christ (v7)	God’s Grace (v7)
Understanding (v9)	In Christ (v9)	God’s Purpose (v9)
An Inheritance (v11)	In Christ (v11)	God’s Will (v11)
Hope (v12)	In Christ (v12)	God’s Glory (v12)
Security (v13)	In Christ (v13)	Heard + Believed (v13)
Eternity (v14)	With Christ (v3-14)	God’s Glory (v14)

The Midweek Message: The Church at Ephesus (Acts 19-20)

As part of our series going through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Roger Davies preached from Acts 19 and 20, exploring Paul's time with the Christians at Ephesus.

Just Another Melodic Monday - O Praise The Name

We recently gathered together as a church for a "song evening", when we learned new songs together.  One of those was "O Praise the Name" by Hillsong.  Here is a version of the song performed by This Hope, from their album "Stay".

Just Another Melodic Monday - More Than Anything

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) provides the pathway and resources for churches to legally use Christian songs and videos for church worship.  Here's a song they shared this month through their newsletter - "More Than Anything" by Natalie Grant.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  (Philippians 3:8)

The Midweek Message: Grace and Peace (Ephesians 1)

We're beginning to explore the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians.  Why is this letter important?  It gives us foundational teaching for the New Testament church, and describes the spiritual blessings provided through the witnessed death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted

In this video, which combines song lyrics with verses from the Bible, Thomas Kelly's hymn "Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted" is performed by Fernando Ortega.

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The Midweek Message - Data Processing (Psalm 77)

In Psalm 77, we learn how the Psalmist reacted to a "day of trouble", beginning in distress but then determining to work things out.  He expresses his doubts and then overcomes them by going back to the data.  When things are unclear, start with what you know.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Whiter Than Snow

Have mercy on me, O God, 

According to your steadfast love;

According to your abundant mercy,

Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin!

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

(Psalm 51:1-2, 7)

"Whiter than Snow" is performed by Randall Nunn.  It's a simple song reminding us of the power of Jesus Christ to take away our sins and bring us to God.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Trust and Obey

The hymn "Trust and Obey" by John Sammis, performed by Chelsea Moon and the Franz Brothers.

Trust and obey

For there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey

The Midweek Message - A Blessing That Lasts (Psalm 1)

Our entrance into the Psalms begins with the word "blessed"!  Only by listening to the Lord can we find a lasting happiness - a blessedness that will endure even after death.  However, we will not be saved by our imperfect obedience to God's Word.  Instead, we must trust in the Righteous One, Jesus Christ.  He is the Saviour that God has provided and the one in whom we will find a happiness that lasts forever.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Be Thou My Vision

This is the hymn "Be thou my vision" performed by Kenta Dedachi and Yuyu, with an additional bridge that goes:

O God, be my everything! Be my delight!

Be, Jesus, my glory! My soul satisfied!

The Midweek Message - Taste and See (Psalm 34)

In Psalm 34, David writes about a time when he was a desperate man and in serious trouble.  He recognises that God helped him and turned his life around, and so he invites others to trust God - to "taste and see that the Lord is good!"

The Midweek Message: The Voice of the Lord (Psalm 29)

On the Sunday morning when I'd planned to preach from Psalm 29 - a psalm about storms and floods - we experienced a tremendous storm and flooding!  We still managed to meet together as a church, but were unable to make a recording of the message.  Here, then, is a recording I made later at home, so the sound quality and atmosphere will be different to usual.

In this psalm, David recognises the character of God's voice witnessed in the natural world.  The Lord speaks with authority, and thus He is able to give us guidance we can trust.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Abide with me

A gentle start to the week with "Abide with me", a testimony of - and prayer for - God's ongoing help and guidance.  Words by Henry Lyte, music by Justin Smith and performed by Indelible Grace Music.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Holy Father, Rich in Mercy

We recently had what we call a "song evening", a time when we gather together as a church to learn new songs.  As it was a sunny day, we all sat outside in the garden, singing along to the accompanying guitar, ukelele and banjolele!  

One of the songs we learned was "Holy Father, Rich in Mercy" by Phil Moore and Colin Webster.  It's a trinitarian song, giving praise to and seeking help from God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Just Another Midweek Message - A Statement of Faith: The Human Race

We reach the third part of our series going through the FIEC's Statement of Faith.  In this message, we consider the Bible's teaching on the human race, focusing particularly on what the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2.

The Midweek Message - Four Priorities for the New Testament Church (Acts 2)

Last Sunday morning, we were visited by retired Pastor Graham Trice.  He taught from Acts 2, reminding us of the 4 priorities of the New Testament church and challenging us to consider our own priorities in the light of Scripture.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Wonderful, Merciful Saviour

Selah perform a more modern hymn called "Wonderful, Merciful Saviour" which reminds us of the incredible God - Father, Son and Spirit - whom we encounter when we believe the gospel.

The Midweek Message - Saviour or Judge? (Matthew 13)

We've reached the end of our series exploring the parables that Jesus shares in Matthew 13.  He has taught about what we will experience between now and the day of Christ as the kingdom of heaven grows and develops.  In this last message, we focus on that final day, when we will all stand before the Christ.  Will we face him as our Saviour or as our Judge?

Just Another Melodic Monday - Jesus shall reign

"Jesus shall reign" is a hymn by Isaac Watts about the return of Christ when "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:11).  The hymn was written about 300 years ago, but has recently had a chorus added by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

The Midweek Message - Don't Give Up (Hebrews 9)

In this message based on Hebrews 9:26-28, we're encouraged to remember the truth about Jesus Christ - he came to die for our sins; he ascended and now intercedes for us; and he will one day appear again "to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" - so don't give up!

Just Another Melodic Monday - My God Fights For Me

Wow - here's a song to set you off for the week!  "My God fights for me" relates some of the experiences of God's people in the Bible as they discover His blessing when they respond to Him in faith.  The song is performed by Charity Gayle, Jeff Mathena and Micah Tyler.

"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4)