A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.3: The Lord

The angel announces to the shepherds that they would find a baby, who is "the Lord", lying in a manger.  In Jesus Christ, we find the highest authority and the deepest humility, and therefore our greatest hope.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Jesus, Strong and Kind

I was planning to restart Melodic Mondays at the beginning of next year, but decided to do it at the end of this year, instead!  

This song, called "Jesus, Strong and Kind", is from Cityalight and features Colin Buchanan.  The words are simple enough to be understood by children, but deep enough to be meaningful to adults.

A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.2: Christ

The title "Christ" means "anointed one".  We can see different types of people, such as kings, priests and prophets, being anointed with oil in the Old Testament when they are set apart by God for a special purpose.

In this sermon, we see how Jesus, as the Christ, came to be better than all of them.

A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.1: Jesus

In this Christmas series, we will be looking at the different names and titles given to Jesus Christ around the time of his birth, and considering what meaning they have for us today.  We begin with the most obvious choice: the name "Jesus".

A Midweek Message: Unity, Victory and Security (Joshua 12)

In the twelth chapter of the book of Joshua, we are able to see the unity, victory and security that come through faith in the Lord.

A Midweek Message: Facing Opposition (Joshua 11)

In this message, we consider (among other things) how the sovereignty of God should stimulate faith rather than sedate it.  If we trust God for the ends, then we should also trust him for the means - and often, God uses his people as the means.

A Midweek Message: To be or to pretend to be? (Joshua 9)

In this message, based on the Book of Joshua chapter 9, we recognise that faith must be genuine.  The Gibeonites try to deceive Joshua, but ultimately realise that they must be honest and sincerely trust in the Lord God.

A Midweek Message: Gospel Themes in Joshua

In this sermon from the book of Joshua, chapter eight, we recognise the gospel themes found in the Old Testament, and how entrance into the promised land ultimately points us to something greater.

A Midweek Message: The Gravity of Sin (Joshua 7)

In Joshua chapter 7, we read about the sin of a man called Achan.  Through his example, we learn about the gravity of sin; the leaven of sin; and the consequences of sin.

A Midweek Message: Judgment at Jericho (Joshua 6)

In Joshua chapter 6, God passes judgment on Jericho as the Israelites begin to conquer the promised land.  This points us to a future judgment that only Jesus can save us from.

A Midweek Message: What does the Bible say about deacons?

After a few very busy weeks, things are slowing down a bit now and so there's time to update the church blog!  

As a church, we hope to appoint deacons in the future and therefore I preached recently on the topic.

A Midweek Message: Something starts, another thing ends, and one thing never changes (Joshua 5)

Having crossed the river, the people now pause.  In this message, we consider why God reinstated male circumcision; why He stopped providing manna; and what it means for God to be sovereign.

A Midweek Message: Crossing the River (Joshua 3 and 4)

In this message, we recognise the power of God demonstrated at the crossing of the Jordan and consider how, as God's people, we are to prepare to receive our inheritance.

A Midweek Message: An Unexpected Heroine (Joshua 2)

Rahab is the unexpected heroine of Joshua chapter two, and Joshua's response to her faith gives us a glimpse of the light for all nations that would ultimately come into the world through Jesus Christ.

A Midweek Message: Don't be strong and courageous (Joshua 1)

We're beginning a series going through the Book of Joshua, found in the Old Testament.  In this message, we recognise that Joshua is the one chosen by God to lead God's people into their promised home, and thus the book points us to a greater rescuer, Jesus Christ, who is able to lead us into an eternal inheritance.

A Midweek Message: God's Redemptive Ways (Ruth 4)

In this final message based on chapter four of the Book of Ruth, we consider what God is doing for His people through the actions of a redeemer and how that points us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Midweek Message: The Importance of the Gospel (Acts 3)

In this sermon, Roger Davies looks at the Book of Acts chapter three, highlighting the importance that the Apostles gave to the Gospel and encouraging the church to pray for and anticipate "times of refreshing".

A Midweek Message: God's Involving Ways (Ruth 3)

In this message, based on chapter three of the Book of Ruth, we see how God involves imperfect people while bringing about His perfect plans.

A Midweek Message: God's Unseen Ways (Ruth 2)

In this sermon based on chapter two of the Book of Ruth, we look at how Ruth, Naomi and Boaz began to discern God's will through their obedience to what He had made clear.

A Midweek Message: God's Mysterious Ways (Ruth 1)

In the Book of Ruth, we see the different ways God works to save His people.  In chapter one, we consider the mysterious ways of God.  In the wake of great loss, Ruth puts her trust in God and begins an unexpected journey from sorrow into joy.

A Midweek Message: Humility and the Kingdom of God (Matthew 18)

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, Jesus says: "Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever humbles himself like this child will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  

In this message, Brandon Oram explains why humility is such a necessary part of life in God's kingdom.

A Midweek Message: Reasonable Differences (Matthew 17)

In this sermon, we consider why there are sometimes differences between the gospel's accounts of the same event.  We also look at why, in the life of a church community, it can be better to submit than to resist.

The Midweek Message: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17)

In chapter 17 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus ascends a mountain with three of his disciples, and suddenly begins to shine brightly in front of them.  In this sermon, we consider what the disciples witnessed and what it means for us today.

Another Midweek Message: The Price of Admission to the Table (Matthew 16)

Salvation is offered freely to all - there is nothing we can do to earn it.  But there is a cost to following Jesus Christ.  In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him.  

In this sermon, preached before we shared bread and wine in Communion, we consider what we may have to sacrifice in order to sit at Christ's table.

A Midweek Message: Show Not Tell (Matthew 16)

In this sermon, we consider how Jesus was able to show (rather than just tell) his disciples that he would suffer, die and rise on the third day.  We explore the Old Testament Scriptures and see some of the evidence for God's plan of salvation.

Another Midweek Message: Guess Who? (Matthew 16)

The crowds that followed Jesus were playing a game of "Guess Who?" as they tried to work out his identity. His disciples, though, had gradually come to understand who Jesus really was. 

But how can people today become convinced about the identity of Jesus?  Tom Magness explores the answers to that and other questions in this sermon based on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16.

A Midweek Message: Degrees of Faith (Matthew 15-16)

In this message, Roger Davies looks at some of the different examples and degrees of faith we find in the Gospel of Matthew.

A Midweek Message: Truth or Tradition?

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 15, Jesus challenges us to decide which is more important: the Word of God or the commandments of people? Truth or tradition?

He then teaches that sin begins with the heart, and so the heart must be changed if we want to be right with God. Tradition tries to change us from the outside-in, but truth changes us from the inside-out. In other words, it is truth, not tradition, that changes the heart.

A Midweek Message: My soul will be satisfied (Psalm 63)

In Psalm 63, David describes his search for God during a time of trouble.  In this sermon, we look at how David finds God, and how we can apply David's experience to our own lives today.

A Midweek Message: Who is Jesus?

In this sermon, based on the Gospel of Matthew chapter 14, we consider the confusion that Herod experiences; the confirmation that Jesus gives; and finally the confession that the disciples make: "Truly, you are the Son of God!"

A Midweek Message: More Than a Makeover (Matthew 12)

In this message based on Matthew 12:43-50, we learn that a person needs more than a makeover in order to know God - they need Christ to live in their heart. 

Through him, they are adopted into God's family.  This is a blessing that they are not only meant to enjoy, but also to encourage.

Just A Final Melodic Monday - How Deep The Father's Love

Having posted Melodic Monday songs regularly for the last three years, I've decided to take a break for a while.  This is partly because the days I work are changing from next week, but also because my responsibilities in the church have changed as the church has grown, and I feel I need to focus my attention elsewhere for now.

As I wondered what song to finish with, I found this post in my "draft" folder, and it seemed an appropriate choice of song and song-writer.

"How deep the Father's love for us" is written by Stuart Townend, and helps us to focus our minds on what it meant for Jesus Christ to be obedient to his Father "even unto death" (Philippians 2:8) and how much God must love us if He gave His only Son to save us.

A Midweek Message: King or Liar (Matthew 12)

As Jesus continues to carry out public miracles, the crowds ask: "Is this the Son of David?"  The Pharisees, on the other hand, claim that they are being deceived.  Is Jesus the promised king or a liar?

In this message, based on the Gospel of Matthew chapter 12, we consider how to answer that question and what that means for us today.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Before the throne of God above

It's funny - I was just looking back over the Melodic Monday blog posts since I began them in October 2015, looking for inspiration for a song for this week, and I realised that there is a classic hymn that we haven't featured but one that has become popular over the last couple of decades.

"Before the throne of God above" was written by Charitie Lees Smith in 1863.  It's original title was "The Advocate" as the song expresses the role of Jesus Christ "who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34).  It was given a new melody in 1997 by Vikki Cook from Sovereign Grace Music, and this acoustic version is performed by Mark Rasmussen and friend.

A Midweek Message: Justice and Hope (Matthew 12)

If God punishes sinners, what hope do we have?  But if God overlooks sin, where is justice?  In chapter 12 of the Gospel of Matthew, we learn that, in Jesus Christ, we find both justice and hope.  Through the death of Christ, God is able to punish sin but show mercy to sinners.

A Midweek Message: A Statement of Faith: The Future

We come to the end of our series going through the FIEC Statement of Faith and explore (briefly!) what the Bible teaches about the future.  We focus our attention particularly on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24.

A Midweek Message: Greater Than The Temple (Matthew 12)

In this message, we look at the beginning of chapter 12 in the Gospel of Matthew.  Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees, who want to undermine his ministry.  In his response, Jesus teaches us about the Sabbath and also about his own identity.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Over Jordan, Across the Sea

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing Inc.) helps churches by providing copyright licenses for the songs that are sung during church services and meetings.  They also provide many other helpful resources and other types of licenses, making it simpler for churches to use copyrighted material in accordance with copyright laws.

CCLI also regularly shares new songs on its Youtube channel and here is the latest upload, called "Over Jordan, Across the Sea" and performed by Kaden Slay, Melanie Tierce-Slay and Ryan Kennedy.

Just Another Melodic Monday - How Can I Keep From Singing?

Here is a hymn that I haven't heard in a long time!  "How can I keep from singing" was first published in 1868, with music written by Robert Lowry.  However, it's unknown who originally wrote the words.  

The hymn expresses how the hope of future glory and the eternal security we have in Christ give us a joy that is able to withstand the griefs of this present world. The words of the first verse are:

My life flows on in endless song;

Above earth's lamentation,

I hear the sweet though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation;

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear the music ringing;

It finds an echo in my soul—

How can I keep from singing?

The Midweek Message: From Beginning to End (Romans 8)

In this final part of our Christmas series of sermons, we consider how far back and how far forward God's plan of salvation reaches.

"For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)

Just Another Melodic Monday - Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Happy New Year!  Here's a new song from CityAlight that we'll be singing together for the first time this Sunday, called "Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me".  

The song expresses the glory and sufficiency of Jesus Christ - he is "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2) - and so (as the last verse states) "when the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: yet not I, but through Christ in me."