Ballynahinch Congregational Church

This evening’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In this seventh message in his series on Zechariah, the Reverend George Speers explores chapter two’s vision of the measuring line, reading it through Augustine’s famous contrast between the city of man and the city of God. Drawing on Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities for his title, Rev Speers traces God’s coming judgment on Babylon, the promised salvation and indwelling presence for Zion, and the identity of the angel of the Lord as the pre-incarnate Christ, before closing with three commands for God’s people: flee the wrath to come, sing and rejoice, and be silent before the Lord.

Bible passages referenced:

• Zechariah 2:1-13

This morning’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In this sermon on Hebrews 2, the Reverend George Speers explores why salvation depends entirely on Jesus Christ being both fully man and fully God. He sets out six reasons Christ had to be truly human — to obey in our place, to be a substitute sacrifice, to mediate between God and man, to rule over creation, to pattern godly living, and to be a sympathetic high priest — before turning to three reasons he had to be truly God, since only a divine Saviour can give life to the dead, bear an infinite penalty, and serve as a suitable mediator. Rev Speers closes with a direct appeal to anyone not yet trusting in Christ to turn from sin and believe in him alone for salvation.

Bible passages referenced:

• Hebrews 2:1-18

This evening’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In this study of Zechariah chapter 2, the Reverend George Speers explores the prophet’s third vision, in which an angel measures Jerusalem only to be told that God’s city will be far greater than any human yardstick could capture. Rev Speers draws out four truths: that our view of the church must come from God’s perspective rather than the world’s, that God’s vision for His church is one of unwalled, ever expanding growth, that God Himself is our true protection and glory, and that all are urgently invited to leave the fading city of this world for the everlasting city of God. Along the way he brings in historical examples from the persecuted church in Sudan and the failed boasts of Voltaire to show that God preserves His people through every age.

Bible passages referenced:

• Zechariah 2:1-13

This morning’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In the third sermon of a series on the wonder of salvation, the Reverend George Speers examines the sinlessness of Christ, tracing its origin in the virgin conception, the biblical evidence for it throughout the Gospels, Acts and Epistles, and the theological certainty that the God-man could not have sinned. Preaching from Luke 4:1-13, Rev Speers argues that only a truly sinless Saviour is equipped to rescue sinners who are themselves dead in Adam. The sermon wrestles honestly with the mystery of Christ’s temptation and impeccability, while pressing home the gospel call to repent and believe.

Bible passages referenced:

• Luke 4:1-13

This evening’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In this sermon on Zechariah 1:18-21, the Reverend George Speers explores the second of Zechariah’s night visions, contrasting the four horns that symbolise every assault on God’s people with the four craftsmen God raises up to defend them. Rev Speers applies this to the pressures facing the Western church today, from cultural hostility and legislation to persecution abroad, urging Christians not to be surprised by opposition but to take courage in Christ’s finished victory. He calls the congregation to guard their hearts, pray for the suffering church, and rest in the sovereignty of God amid rising cultural and spiritual attack.

Bible passages referenced:

• Zechariah 1:1-21

This morning’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In the second sermon of a series on the wonder of salvation, the Reverend George Speers turns from the deity of Christ to his true humanity. Preaching from Luke 1 and 2, Rev Speers explores Christ’s human birth, human body and human soul, showing how each equips him to be a complete and sympathetic Saviour. The sermon closes with a direct appeal to trust in the God-man who alone can bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful people.

Bible passages referenced:

• Luke 1:26-38

The B.B. Officers Dedication Service is led by the Reverend George Speers.

Preaching at a Boys’ Brigade officers’ dedication service, the Reverend George Speers turns to Psalm 78:4-7 to set out a “multigenerational mandate” for those who serve boys across the age sections. He identifies three duties for officers: to not hide the Lord’s deeds, to teach his word, and to labour for the Lord’s glory, drawing on writers such as Tim Keller, Sinclair Ferguson, Kevin DeYoung and Alistair Begg along the way. The sermon closes with a direct evangelistic appeal, urging officers themselves to have genuinely trusted in Christ before they can pass on that faith to the next generation.

Bible passages referenced:

• Psalm 78:4-7

This morning’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

In the first sermon of a new series on Hebrews 2:3, “Exploring a Great Salvation”, the Reverend George Speers examines the identity of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the gospel. Preaching from Hebrews 1 and drawing on John’s Gospel, Colossians and Luke, Rev Speers argues that Christ’s divine names and divine perfections - his eternity, omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence - show him to be fully God, and that only a truly divine Saviour can truly save. Along the way he takes aim at Jehovah’s Witness and other translations that undermine Christ’s deity.

Bible passages referenced:

• Hebrews 1:1-14

This evening’s sermon is delivered by the Reverend George Speers.

Preaching from 1 Peter 1:1-17, the Reverend George Speers explores what it means to “conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile”. Rev Speers unpacks four dimensions of holy fear: freedom from the fear of man, freedom from unbelief and distrust of God’s word, freedom from slavish dread in favour of filial fear as adopted children, and a vigilant, healthy caution towards sin. Drawing on figures from Daniel’s three friends and Esther to Calvin, Matthew Henry, John Owen and Spurgeon, he calls Christians to live as pilgrims who fear God rather than man, trust his promises, and pursue holiness with joyful reverence rather than dread.

Bible passages referenced:

• 1 Peter 1:1-17

This morning's sermon is delivered by Rev. George Speers.

Preaching from Psalm 5, the Reverend George Speers explores why Scripture so often shows God's people meeting Him at dawn. He traces two voices in David's morning prayer — praise that looks back with thanksgiving for the night's mercies, and prayer that looks forward with dependence for the day ahead — drawing on examples from Abraham, Moses, Job, Peter and Jesus Himself. Rev Speers closes with a direct appeal to anyone who has not yet turned to Christ, urging them to seek mercy without delay.

Bible passages referenced: