But Servants

But Servants

By Tim NichollsReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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But Servants episodes

  • Easter Good News: Bold Proclamation or Fearful Silence (Mark 15:40-16:8)

    The way you end a story gives meaning to the story. The way you end a life gives meaning to a life. The way you respond to Easter will determine your eternal future. Mark doesn't end his gospel with “and they lived happily ever after". Rather, his carefully crafted ending forces us to make a personal response to Jesus: Will we respond in bold proclamation or fearful silence? Join us this Easter to hear the greatest news of all, and let it change your life.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 9th April 2023
    Introduction: The Perfect Ending
    1. The Perfect Ending To The Easter Story?
    a. The woman? (15:40-41)
    b. The fear? (16:8)
    c. The alternative endings? (16:9-20)
    2. The Certain Death of Jesus (15:42-47)
    a. Courageous Faith (15:42-43)
    b. Certain Death (15:44-47)
    3. The Meaning of Jesus’ Resurrection (16:1-8)
    a. Hope for the hopeless
    b. King for the nations
    4. Responding to the Resurrection
    a. A willing submission to Jesus’ rule
    b. A fresh start for failures
    c. A message for the world
    d. How will the story end?
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    45 min
  • Soli Deo Gloria: God's Glory Alone (Five Solas #5)

    What is your chief goal in life – the thing that you love and long for? What is the one thing that makes your life meaningful – and worthy of all your time, energy, strength, and care? We’re all living for something – and very often it is about us – our happiness, our success, our satisfaction. But as the climax of the ‘Five Solas’, Soli Deo Gloria reminds us that God alone is worthy of glory. We are to live our lives to God’s Glory Alone.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 10th September 2023.
    Introduction: What is your chief goal in life?
    a. Your glory?
    b. God’s glory?
    1. God alone is supremely worth of glory
    a. What is God’s glory?
    b. Worthy of glory as Creator & Redeemer
    c. The travesty of denying God’s glory
    d. God will not share his glory
    2. God makes salvation depend on his work alone, for his glory alone
    a. The ‘Solas’ secure God’s glory
    b. God actively pursues his own glory
    3. God is good and gracious in seeking his glory alone
    Conclusion: Living Out “God’s glory Alone”
    a. We must seek God’s glory not ours
    b. We must never boast of our own works
    c. We are to give God the glory in all things
    d. We are to glory God by proclaiming Christ
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    50 min
  • Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone (Five Solas #4)

    The issue of authority lay at the heart of the Reformation. Who or what has supreme authority in the Christian life? The Bible, tradition, reason, or experience? Martin Luther famously stood before the Diet of Worms and declared “my conscience is captive to the word of God…here I stand, may God help me”. It was a brave and courageous stand for “Scripture alone”. But why does it matter Scripture alone is our authority? Will we uphold it today?

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 3rd September, 2023.
    Introduction: Four Sources of Authority
    Context: The Five ‘Solas’ so far…
    • Grace Alone: Salvation originates from God’s undeserved gift alone, not human merit.
    • Faith Alone: Salvation is received by faith in Christ alone, not good works
    • Christ alone: Salvation is achieved by Christ alone, not additional mediators or sacrifices.
    1. The Scriptures are authoritative
    a. Divinely Inspired
    b. Infallible & Inerrant
    2. The Scriptures are sufficient
    a. For salvation
    b. For living a godly life
    3. Scripture ALONE
    a. Not Scripture AND Tradition
    i. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees
    ii. The dual authority of Catholicism
    iii. Us?
    b. Not Scripture AND Reason
    i. Not reason over Scripture
    ii. Using our minds to understand Scripture
    c. Not Scripture AND Experience
    i. The danger of reading Scripture in light of experience
    ii. Scripture as interpreter of experience
    Conclusion: Living Out “Scripture Alone”
    • Do you truly value the Scriptures?
    • Will you intentionally keep Scripture central?
    • Will you share Scripture with the lost?
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    53 min
  • Undivided Judgement (James 4:13-5:12)

    It is said that ‘money makes the world go round’. We often pursue money for security and comfort. Making money is often the focus of our plans. But James warns us that there is great danger that our proud planning and pursuit of wealth take us away from God. James wants us to refocus our attention on the sovereign Lord who rules present and will judge us in the future. He wants us to have undivided hearts that seek treasures in heaven, not treasures on earth.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 5th November 2023.
    Introduction: Money makes the world go round
    Context
    1. Against arrogant boasters (4:13–17)
    a. Planning Proudly (13)
    b. We’re not in control of tomorrow (14-15)
    c. We must acknowledge God’s rule (15-16)
    d. God’s will or ours? (17)
    2. Against rich oppressors (5:1–6)
    a. Hoarding (1-3)
    b. Oppression (4)
    c. Self-Indulgence (5-6)
    3. Against Impatient Grumblers (5:7–12)
    a. Be patient (7-8)
    b. Don’t grumble (9)
    c. Persevere (10-11)
    4. Against Dishonest Oath-making (5:12)
    Conclusion: Are you living in light of Jesus’ return to judge?
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    44 min
  • Undivided Speech (James 3:1-12)

    Words are powerful and dangerous. A harsh or misspoken word can cause untold damage and take decades to heal. But changing how we speak is difficult. Even Christians who have received immense grace can sometimes hurt others by what they say. So how can our speech be purified so that our speech reflects a heart that loves God? James tells us that it all begins with a heart transformed by God’s implanted word. Come join us – and allow God’s life-giving words to transform your own.

    Introduction: Underestimating Speech
    Context
    1. Our speech is powerful (1–5a)
    2. Our speech is dangerous (5b–8)
    a. The character of the tongue (5b–6)
    b. The corruption of the tongue (6b)
    c. The consequences of the tongue (6b)
    d. The uncontrollability of the tongue (7–8)
    Grumbling (5:9–10)
    Slander (4:11)
    3. Our speech reflects our hearts (9–12)
    a. Divided speech (9–10)
    b. Divided hearts (11–12)
    Conclusion: Gospel-Transformation
    a. Receive the implanted word (cf. 1:19–21)
    b. Purified speech from a purified heart
    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 22nd October 2023.

    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    37 min
  • Undivided Religion (James 1:19-27)

    It is possible to be a Christian in name, but not in substance. It is possible to attend church but lack a living faith. It is possible to hear God’s word but fail to live it out. But James warns us against being “nominal” in our faith. He knows that if we do not live out God’s word, our religion is worthless. Real Christians are those who not only hear God’s word but live it out in a transformed life.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown Penang on 24th September 2023.
    Introduction: Christian in name or substance?
    Context
    1. Real Christians listen to God’s word (19-21)
    a. Quick to listen to others (19-20)
    b. Quick to listen to God (21)
    2. Real Christians do the word, not just hear it (22-25)
    3. Real Christians practice pure religion in the world (26-27)
    a. Restrained Speech (26)
    b. Social Concern (27)
    c. Holiness (27)
    Conclusion
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    45 min
  • Undivided In Trials (James 1:1-18)

    When hard times come, our faith in Christ is often put to the test. It’s easy to become angry and bitter with God or to doubt God’s goodness. But James wants us to see our suffering differently. He assures us that our suffering is not meaningless, and that God is unchangeably good in the midst of it. With that perspective, we can have a radical new perspective of suffering – and face it with joy and assurance.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 17th September 2024.
    Introduction: What difference does Jesus make to your suffering?
    Context (1)
    a. Why is James writing?
    b. Who is James?
    c. Who is James writing to?
    1. Joy in suffering (2-4)
    2. Wisdom from God (5-8)
    3. An Eternal perspective (9-12)
    4. God’s Unchanging Goodness (13-18)
    a. Trials & Temptations (13-15)
    b. The Father of Lights (16-18)
    Conclusion
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    51 min
  • The Danger of Defiance (1 Kings 13)

    There are many stories in churches, where disobedience and defiance of God's word is exposed, with devastating consequences. 1 Kings 13 is about the certain consequences that we will face if we willingly disobey God, refusing to repent of our evil ways. We're reminded that God's word is certain, and it must always be heeded, whether you’re a king or a prophet. No one is immune. No one is untouchable from God's judgement.

    This sermon was preached at Subang Jaya Gospel Centre on 7th April 2024.
    Introduction: The Danger of Defiance
    Context
    1. When God’s King Defies him (1–10)
    a. Judgement on the altar (1-3, 5)
    b. Judgement on Jeroboam (4, 6)
    c. Bribing God’s prophet (7-10)
    2. When God’s Prophet Defies him (11–32)
    a. The sinister “old” prophet (11-15)
    b. The man of God fails (16–19)
    c. God judges the man of God (20-25)
    d. The certainty of God’s word (26-32)
    3. Hardened in Defiance (33–34)
    Application
    a. God is sovereign and his supreme word must be heeded
    b. Disobedience is serious and carries certain consequences
    c. God’s promise is sure and gives certain hope

    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    48 min
  • Solus Christus: Christ Alone (Five Solas #3)

    In our pluralistic society, we are often told that there are many equally valid paths to God. So long as we are sincere, religious and good, then God will accept us. But It is not just unbelievers who seek salvation apart from Christ. Frequently, so-called Christians doubt the sufficiency of Christ and his sacrifice as well. Instead of Christ alone, we teach Christ AND _______. But our third sola “Solus Christus” reminds us that Christ and Christ alone is able to save, and we must trust solely in him.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 27th August, 2023.
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    48 min
  • Sola Gratia: Grace Alone (Five Solas #1)

    The world around us operates based on merit. We work hard to perform well and earn the things we want. Is it the same with God? The Protestation Reformation began 500 years ago when Martin Luther rediscovered the glorious, good news that salvation is by grace alone. Salvation is not something we merit by our works but depends entirely on God’s gracious gift. If we’ve truly grasped it, that amazing grace ought to stagger us and turn our lives upside down.

    This sermon was preached at Cross & Crown, Penang on 13th August, 2023.
    Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ButServants

    Check out our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcGLBzrqjVIVOus62ejMbg/

    Gospel-centred resources, God gives the growth.
    We are but servants, God gets the glory.

    45 min

About But Servants

From the publisher's feed

But Servants is a Sermon Podcast hosted by Rev. Tim Nicholls for the encouragement of all Christians. We preach the gospel, but we trust God to give the growth. We are but servants, God gets the glory (1 Corinthians 2:5-9).