Calvary Chapel

John 13:31-35 - Biblical Discipleship

Series: Disciple Makers

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th January 2025

Passage: John 13:31-35

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Simon’s sermon focuses on the nature of true discipleship, centering on Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as He loved us. He begins by sharing an anecdote about chocolate-covered peanuts, illustrating that not everything is as it appears – including those who claim to be disciples of Jesus.

The pastor then draws attention to the contrast between self-love and Christ-like love, using the examples of Judas and Peter from John 13. He explains that self-love is governed by the flesh, while Christ-like love is powered by the Holy Spirit. Simon provides several examples of self-love, including pride, self-indulgence, envy, and perfectionism, cautioning listeners to be aware of these tendencies in their own lives.

Moving to the heart of his message, Simon unpacks Jesus’ new commandment in John 13:34-35. He emphasises that this love is new in nature and substance, not merely chronologically. The standard for this love is not loving others as we love ourselves, but loving as Christ loved us. Simon describes Christ’s love as forgiving, active, sacrificial, and committed.

The pastor highlights several key characteristics of this Christ-like love:

Simon stresses that this love is the singular identifier of true disciples, quoting Jesus’ words in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” He warns that in the last days, as prophesied in Matthew 24:12, “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” The pastor urges his congregation not to let this happen in their community.

In conclusion, Simon reminds his listeners of the profound nature of Christ’s love for them – a love that died sacrificially, continues to intercede, and will return for them. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what their own love looks like in light of this example. The sermon ends with a call to embody this Christ-like love as a testimony to the world and a fulfilment of their calling as disciples.

Matthew 4:18-22 - Rediscovering Biblical Discipleship Part 2

Series: Disciple Makers

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 5th January 2025

Passage: Matthew 4:18-22

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In this profound exploration of Biblical discipleship, the pastor begins by posing a challenging question: “If we say that we are following Jesus and we love Jesus – how would others know?” This question frames the entire sermon, which focuses on unpacking the church’s mission statement of developing a living faith in Christ.

Drawing from Matthew 4:18-22, the pastor identifies two essential aspects of discipleship. The first, discussed in a previous sermon, involves “leaving their nets” – abandoning old ways, customs, and allegiances to follow the true King, Jesus. The pastor emphasises the difficulty but necessity of this process, quoting John 12:24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

The second aspect, which forms the core of this sermon, is “following Him.” The pastor contrasts Jesus’ approach to discipleship with that of rabbis in first-century Israel. While rabbis focused on teaching information and laws, Jesus invited people into a personal relationship with Him. This relationship is not about improving our old selves but about Christ’s life living within us.

To illustrate this transformative relationship, the pastor cites several scriptures, including Galatians 2:20, John 15:4-5, Romans 8:10-11, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. These passages highlight the exchange that occurs when we follow Christ – our old self is crucified, and Christ’s life becomes our life. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, is the agent of this ongoing transformation.

The sermon then shifts to the relational aspect of discipleship. Following Jesus isn’t just about our individual relationship with Him; it’s also about relationships with others. The pastor points out that Jesus immediately involved His first disciples in calling others, demonstrating that discipleship is inherently communal and multiplicative.

Addressing the modern context, the pastor acknowledges the world’s craving for genuine relationships in an age of isolation and surface-level connections. He challenges the congregation to meet this need not by creating more organisations or clubs, but by offering themselves, filled with the life of Christ, to others.

The sermon concludes with a powerful analogy of the Dead Sea, warning against the danger of receiving Christ’s life without sharing it with others. The pastor exhorts the congregation to let Christ’s life flow through them, emphasising that the degree to which Christ’s life is in us will be reflected in our love for others.

Throughout the sermon, the pastor maintains a conversational yet challenging tone, frequently using rhetorical questions and scripture references to engage the audience and support his points. His message is a call to a discipleship that goes beyond information to transformation, and from individual growth to community impact.

Matthew 4:18-22 - Rediscovering Biblical Discipleship Part 1

Series: Disciple Makers

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 30th December 2024

Passage: Matthew 4:18-22

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This sermon is the first in a series looking at the topic of discipleship. Simon begins his sermon by sharing the two questions that have driven their ministry for 21 years: What would happen if God’s Word became central and authoritative in believers’ lives, and what if God’s Spirit radically transformed them for His mission? He introduces the church’s vision statement, “Every person developing a living faith in Christ,” which will be explored over the next six weeks.

Using Matthew 4:18-22 as a foundation, Simon describes Jesus calling His first disciples and explains the significance of the command “Follow me.” He then outlines three types of disciples found in the New Testament: seekers (the crowds following Jesus), believers (those embracing some of Jesus’ teachings), and transformers (committed followers actively shaped by Jesus and inviting others to meet Him).

Simon challenges the common misconception that there are different levels of Christianity, asserting that true Christians are true disciples. He quotes Acts 11:26 to support this claim, emphasizing that “disciples” and “Christians” refer to the same group of people. The sermon then addresses the concerning trend in Western Christianity of being content with church attendance without transformation.

The first essential component of Biblical discipleship, according to Simon, is leaving what is behind. He examines Matthew 4:20, where the disciples immediately left their nets to follow Jesus, as an example of repentance. Simon explains that repentance involves abandoning old customs, ways of thinking, and allegiances to embrace the kingdom of heaven.

Throughout the sermon, Simon provides numerous Biblical references to illustrate the radical nature of discipleship, including Matthew 5:3, 13:44-46, 19:27-29, Luke 9:23-25, and 9:57-60. He emphasizes that Jesus calls disciples to reorient their lives, bringing family, relationships, career, and possessions under God’s authority.

Simon challenges the cultural emphasis on self-promotion and self-preservation, contrasting it with Jesus’ call to “deny himself” (Luke 9:23). He encourages listeners to consider what it means to leave behind all they know, including their focus on self, to follow Jesus as true disciples.

The sermon concludes with a powerful quote from C.S. Lewis about repentance and a thought-provoking question for the congregation: If someone new came to their church, what would they observe about each individual that would indicate they are part of a community of disciples? Simon’s message serves as a call to action, urging believers to move beyond surface-level faith to become transformative disciples of Jesus Christ.

Mark 13:28-37 - Living Awake to the End Times

Series: The Final Chapter

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 24th November 2024

Passage: Mark 13:28-37

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This sermon focuses on Mark 13:28-37, a passage from the Olivet Discourse where Jesus teaches about His second coming and the importance of spiritual readiness. The pastor begins by explaining the parable of the fig tree, clarifying that in this context, Jesus is not referring to Israel (as the fig tree often does in Scripture) but is using it as an illustration of recognising signs. Just as one can tell summer is near when the fig tree’s branches become tender and put out leaves, so too can believers recognise the approach of Christ’s return by the signs He describes.

The sermon then moves to the importance of trusting in God’s unchanging word. The pastor quotes Mark 13:31, where Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” This truth is reinforced with references to Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8, emphasising the eternal nature of God’s word in contrast to the temporary nature of the world.

A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to Jesus’ call to “stay awake” spiritually. The pastor notes that this phrase is repeated four times in the passage, underscoring its importance. He relates this to Peter’s experience, as recorded in Luke 9:32 and Matthew 26:40-41, where Peter struggled to stay awake at crucial moments.

The sermon then explores what it means to live life awake, breaking it down into three main aspects:

Throughout the sermon, the pastor weaves in additional Scripture references to support his points, such as James 2:26 on the importance of works as evidence of faith. He also addresses the tension in the text regarding Jesus not knowing the day or hour of His return, acknowledging it as one of the mysteries surrounding Christ’s divine and human natures.

The sermon concludes by reiterating the main message: believers are called to live in a state of spiritual readiness, actively working for the Lord while avoiding apathy, misplaced priorities, and distractions. This readiness is crucial because, as Jesus states, we do not know when He will return. The pastor’s final challenge to the congregation is to consider what they are working at in light of this teaching.

Mark 13:24-27 - The Great Tribulation

Series: The Final Chapter

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 17th November 2024

Passage: Mark 13:24-27

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This sermon provides an in-depth examination of Mark 13:24-27, focusing on the events surrounding Christ’s second coming. We begin by setting the context, explaining that these verses follow Jesus’ discussion of the Final Chapter and the Great Tribulation and the abomination of desolation. We then emphasise that these events are not spread apart by thousands of years but occur in close succession.

The sermon then explores three main views on interpreting the cosmic signs mentioned in the passage:

We then argue for the poetic literal interpretation, citing examples from Scripture where similar language is used to describe actual events. He draws parallels to the darkness at Christ’s crucifixion (Mark 15:33) and Peter’s description of the day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10-12).

A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to emphasising the literal, visible nature of Christ’s return. We refute the idea that this event already occurred in 70 AD, pointing to Jesus’ use of the term “Son of Man” and its connection to Daniel 7. He also cites Acts 1:6-11, where angels declare that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended.

The role of angels in the end times is discussed, and we explain their function in gathering the elect and participating in judgment. He references several passages, including Mark 8:38, Matthew 13:41, and Matthew 25:31-46, to support this understanding.

The sermon concludes with five practical applications for Christian living in light of Christ’s imminent return:

Throughout the sermon, we are encouraged to reorient our lives around these principles, challenging the worldly priorities of accumulating wealth, status, and material possessions. He urges Christians to invest in eternal pursuits, prioritise spiritual disciplines, reconcile broken relationships, and view their work as a mission field.

The overall message emphasises the importance of living with an eternal perspective, recognising that Christ’s return is not just a future event to be studied, but a reality that should transform how we live each day.

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd

Series: Psalms Storyline

Preacher: Mark Walsh

Sunday Morning

Date: 10th November 2024

Passage: Psalm 23:1-6

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Pastor Mark Walsh, from Poimen Ministries, delivers a comprehensive sermon on Psalm 23, beginning with a reflection on Remembrance Day and the emotions it stirs. He introduces the psalm as addressing three fundamental human concerns: our desires, fears, and future.

The sermon starts by examining the significance of the phrase “The Lord is my shepherd.” Mark explains that “Lord” in capital letters refers to God’s personal name, revealed to Moses as “I AM.” He emphasises the present tense of “is,” indicating an ongoing, personal relationship between God and His people.

Mark then explores Jesus’ choice to call Himself the Good Shepherd, noting that out of all the titles used for Him in the New Testament, this was one He specifically chose for Himself. The pastor draws a parallel between the word “shepherd” and “friend,” as used in the Song of Solomon and Proverbs, highlighting the intimate nature of this relationship.

The sermon breaks down Psalm 23 into three main sections:

Throughout the sermon, Mark weaves in personal anecdotes, Biblical cross-references, and quotes from other theologians to support his points. He contrasts the psalm’s message of hope with Caesar’s quote about the fear of the future and regret of the past being “twin enemies of the soul.”

The sermon concludes by connecting Psalm 23 to Psalm 22 and the broader narrative of Christ’s sacrifice. Mark encourages listeners to consider their own relationship with Jesus, the Great Shepherd, emphasising that all the benefits described in the psalm come from yielding to and being close to the Shepherd.

Finally, the pastor closes with a prayer, thanking God for His goodness and mercy, and asking for His blessing on those present, whether they are familiar with faith or exploring it for the first time.

Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation

Series: The Final Chapter

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 9th November 2024

Passage: Mark 13:14

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In this sermon, we delved into the intricate and often debated topic of the “abomination of desolation” as mentioned in Mark 13:14. This verse is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in the New Testament, filled with profound prophetic significance. We began by examining the phrase itself, which likely refers to an idol or object of false worship placed in the temple, desecrating it and causing spiritual devastation.

To provide context, we explored several historical events that some scholars argue may partially fulfil this prophecy:

Emperor Caligula’s decree to place his statue in the temple (40 AD).

For Christians, the implications of this passage are profound. We face two primary challenges: the lure of worldly pleasures and the pressures of persecution. Both can lead us away from faithfulness. Jesus’ warning calls us to remain vigilant, discerning the signs of the times while living boldly for Him.

Our response to the “final chapter” of history is not fear but faith—grounded in Christ’s victory. We are called to stand firm, resist compromise, and courageously proclaim the gospel, no matter the cost. The abomination of desolation reminds us that history is moving toward its divine conclusion, where Christ reigns victorious over all.

Haggai 2:1-9 - Seasons of Change

Preacher: Mark Walsh

Sunday Morning

Date: 21st September 2024

Passage: Haggai 2:1-9

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In this powerful message, we dive into Haggai 2:1-9, where the prophet Haggai speaks to the people of Israel during a time of transition and rebuilding. In the midst of change, uncertainty, and rebuilding efforts, God speaks words of encouragement, promise, and hope. Haggai reminds us that though seasons of change can be difficult, God is always present, at work, and has a purpose for every season.

Through this passage, we learn that God's plans are greater than any moment of change, and His presence brings peace and assurance. He promises that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former, and His Spirit will empower us to face the challenges of transition with hope and confidence.

Join us as we reflect on how God moves in seasons of change, providing strength, purpose, and the confidence that His best is always ahead. No matter the changes we face, we can trust that God is working out His plan for us, and His presence will fill us with greater glory.

Revelation 22:6-21 – How to respond to the Book of Revelation

Series: War of the Worlds - Revelation

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 25th June 2023

Passage: Revelation 22:6-21

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In our final sermon in the series through Revelation we look at two ways we should respond to the book of Revelation

Revelation 21:1-22:5 – Earth Cannot Compare

Series: War of the Worlds - Revelation

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 18th June 2023

Passage: Revelation 21:1-22:5

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As we continue our verse by verse study through the book of Revelation we come to Chapter 21 where see a vision of the New Heaven and Earth.