04.05.2025 - Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The Lighthouse in the Storm

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/TY2nEuM3Y5w

Big Idea: Jeremiah will preach the majesty of God, the misery of sin and the mystery of the gospel.

Aim: Through this series come to understand the horror of sin before a majestic God and be better prepared to rejoice in the gospel.

1. The majesty of God (v. 32a)

2. The misery of sin (v. 32b)

3. The mystery of the gospel (vv. 33-34)

27.04.2025 - Nehemiah 9:1-8 – We Believe in One God, the Father Almighty

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/S3djn9DokrA

Big Idea: The LORD is to be praise for his glory, creative power and righteous covenant.

Aim: Praise the LORD, the glorious, righteous, creator God.

1. Bless the LORD for his everlasting glory (v. 5)

2. Bless the LORD for his creative power (v. 6)

3. Bless the LORD for he is the righteous covenant keeper (v. 7-8)

Questions for us: What do you think of when you hear the word ‘glory’? How would you define it? What is the first reason given to praise God? How should this impact the way we think of God and the way we think of ourselves? Why is God glorious? Do we find it easy or difficult to praise God simply for who he is? How might we fuel our praise of God? What should reflection on the world around us cause us to do? Do we often stop and praise God for the things he has made? This week have you noticed anything that caused you to praise God for his creative power? How often do we stop and praise God for his work throughout history to save his people? Do we marvel at the drama of redemption and praise God? Do we imagine that the story of Bible has little to do with us or are we so familiar with it we fail to praise God? How can we encourage each other to hold on in hope to the God who keeps his promises? Considering the first lines of the Creed - take each of the phrases in turn (One God, Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth) and discuss the following overlapping questions: a. Where do we see these truths in Nehemiah 9? b. Where is this challenged/ forgotten today? c. Why is it important to remind ourselves of it regularly? What can I celebrate this week that we see in the first section of the Creed?

20.04.2025 - Matthew 28:1-10 – Investigating Easter

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/PRWVdvov8WU

Big Idea: Jesus has risen so fear becomes proclamation.

Aim: Believe that Jesus is risen and go and tell others.

1. What happened to Jesus?

2. What happened to the witnesses?

13.04.2025 - Matthew 21:1-11 – Couplets Out of Rhythm, People Out of Line

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XnQTONb5Cho

Big Idea: Jesus comes deliberately fulfilling two prophecies: the humble and the saviour king.

Aim: Don’t reject the humble king who came to save.

1. Worship the humble king (vv. 1-6)

2. Welcome our saviour king (vv. 7-11)

06.04.2025 - Ruth 4 – For Unto Us a Child is Born

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/NSE3-U0-mik

Big Idea: Joy, blessing and future hope are won through redemption.

Aim: Rejoice that we have joy, blessing and future hope through Jesus our redeemer.

1. The sacrificial loyalty of the redeemer (vv. 1-12)

2. The life-giving power of the redeemer (vv. 13-17)

3. The future hope of a redeemer (vv. 18-22)

Questions for us: How do you know someone loves you? What’s the difference between Mr So and So and Boaz’s attitudes to Ruth and Naomi? How does Boaz’s love point us to Jesus’ love for us? How should we respond having seen Jesus sacrificial love for us? The birth of Obed transformed Naomi from bitterness to joy. How does Jesus, as our redeemer, bring new joy to us? How might knowing Jesus better bring us joy even when our bitterness is deep rooted? The genealogy at the end of Ruth connects Boaz and Obed to King David and ultimately to Jesus. How does this show God’s sovereignty in history? How can we live with confidence knowing that God is orchestrating our story for his glory and our good? How can that be a comfort in difficult times?

30.03.2025 - Ruth 3 - Guardian-Redeemer

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/V2iySuq68NE

Big Idea: God’s people can boldly rest in him our redeemer.

Aim: Come to the Lord, seeking refuge under his wing, and he will redeem you.

1. Boldly seek rest in our redeemer (vv. 1-9)

2. The valour of Ruth and Boaz (vv. 9-14)

3. Waiting on the redeemer’s word (vv. 15-18)

Questions for us: What do you think of when you hear the word rest? In what ways do you long for rest? What is Naomi seeking for Ruth in verse 1? Where does Naomi hope to find rest for Ruth and what does that say about our attempts to find rest? What does it look like to find rest in relationship with Jesus? What do we learn about Ruth’s character in verses 9-14? How does Ruth set us an example of a godly woman? How should we follow her example? How does it feel when we have to wait on someone to keep their word (vv. 15-18)? In what ways are we waiting on Jesus’ word as Christians? What did Boaz do to prove his intention, and how do we see God guarantee his intention to us? How will we think differently about resting and waiting after having read Ruth 3?

23.03.2025 - Ruth 2:14-23 – Safe in Everlasting Arms

Preacher: Adam Johnston

Also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4s7igqGMtGg

Big Idea: Jesus is our guardian-redeemer who generously provides for his destitute family.

Aim: Cling to Jesus our redeemer and live lives of generosity like him.

1. A picnic and an invitation (vv. 14-17)

2. A feast and a revelation (vv. 18-23)

Questions for us: George Muller never received a salary for the word he did spreading the gospel. Could you live like Muller, trusting God completely for what you need? Why not? Has there been a time where you have had to rely on God financially or materially? In these verses how do we see God abundantly provide for Ruth through Boaz? In what ways does Jesus abundantly provide for us? Do we truly value what Jesus has done for us? How should these verses motivate us to greater joyful, sacrificial generosity? Who did Naomi reveal Boaz to be and what does that mean? How are we redeemed? How might we respond to someone who says God hasn’t treated them with generosity? How can we as a group keep encouraging each other that we are safe in everlasting arms?

16.02.2025 - Ruth 2:1-13 – The Non-Stop Kindness of the Lord

Preacher: Adam Johnston

You can also watch online at: https://youtu.be/5hrxQQB4dTg

Big Idea: The non-stop kindness of the Lord to those who entrust themselves to him.

Aim: Entrust yourself to God’s kindness and give thanks for it.

1. God’s Kindness through circumstances (vv. 2-3)

2. God’s kindness through his people (vv. 1, 4-9)

3. God’s kindness to those who take refuge in him (vv. 10-13)

Questions for us: ‘As it turned out’, Ruth happened to glean in Boaz’s field. Can you think of a time in your life where what seemed to be a chance occurrence, turned out to be God’s kindness to you? How should we respond to those situations when they happen to us? In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God is in control of your circumstances?

Ruth went out to glean alone and vulnerable, but Boaz protected and provided for her. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt alone or vulnerable, like Ruth? How did God provide for you? How does this chapter portray Boaz’s character? Who are the male role models in our lives? Are they those who use their strength to provide for and protect others?

Why has Boaz noticed Ruth? What does it mean to take refuge under God’s wings? Who is Boaz a picture of and what does this teach us about the Christian life?

09.03.2025 - Ruth 1:8-22 - Bitterness and Bread

Preacher: Scott McKay

You can also watch online at: https://youtu.be/B7vgLYsP5tQ

Introduction - How emotional are you?

The Dark Clouds of Naomi’s Mind

The Silver Lining of Ruth’s Heart

The Ray of Sunshine of God’s Grace

Questions: 1) Both Naomi and Ruth were open about their emotions. How do you typically express your thoughts and feelings? Do you tend to bottle them up, or are you more like Naomi and wear your heart on your sleeve? How can you be honest with yourself and God about your emotional state? 2) Naomi’s bitterness led her to ‘point the finger’ at God in her difficulties. In this she is a picture of Israel at the time who ‘point the finger’ at God for their current circumstances. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, where you felt disappointed or blamed God for your pain? How can you shift from blaming God to trusting Him with your difficulties? 3) Naomi was so consumed with her burden that she failed to see the blessing right in front of her—Ruth’s love. Are there blessings in your life that you might be overlooking because you’re focused on your troubles? How can you become more aware of God’s good gifts in your life? 4) Naomi’s return to Bethlehem marked a moment of repentance. This is a challenge to the people of God at the time who have wandered far from Him. Are there areas of your life where you need to turn back to God? What steps can you take to return to Him with a humble heart, seeking His forgiveness and restoration? 5) Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was costly and concrete. Ruth stands as a model of what God’s people should be like. What does true loyalty look like in your life—especially toward God? How can you deepen your commitment to follow God, no matter the cost? 6) Naomi’s journey ends with the promise of a harvest in Bethlehem. It anticipates that God is the one who fills the empty with good things. How does this foreshadow the Gospel? How can you hold on to hope in God’s promises, even when your circumstances feel empty or hopeless?

Ruth 1:1-7 - Empty Cupboards in the House of Bread

Preacher: Tom Hallett

You can also watch online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PwJ2nyEMXI&list=PLvkEGFYh96Ama18BWe9jxY0axE9lQTgQe