Christians on SermonAudio

This sermon explores the concept of a living, vibrant faith rooted in the 'engrafted Word' described in James 1:21. It argues that genuine Christianity requires the Word of God to move beyond intellectual understanding into the heart, producing new life and fruitfulness rather than mere endurance or religious performance. The message emphasises the necessity of meekness and submission as the proper attitude for receiving God's Word, illustrating this through examples of David, Joseph, and Christ. It further challenges believers to actively tend to their spiritual lives by removing the 'stones' of sin and hardness, ensuring that their souls remain well-watered gardens where God can dwell and fellowship. Ultimately, the sermon presents salvation not only as an eternal hope but as a present deliverance from the dominion of sin, enabling believers to serve God with joy and effectiveness.

"Behold I am coming suddenly, and My reward is with me!" Rev. 22:12. True believers are totally forgiven of all sin – past present and future. But every work of ours as Christians will be "judged". There are two kinds of judgments: criminal punishment and performance reward.

The sermon addresses the command in Ephesians 4:28 for believers to cease stealing and instead labor with their hands to provide for those in need. It reconciles the apparent contradiction between the new creation status of Christians and the ongoing struggle with sin by explaining the doctrine of progressive sanctification, where God continually works to conform believers to the image of Christ. The text broadens the definition of stealing to include various forms of dishonesty and self-centeredness, emphasizing that such behaviors stem from the heart and require a spiritual cure through the gospel. The preacher highlights the biblical mandate for diligent work not merely for personal accumulation, but as a means to bless others, reflecting the selfless life of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the message calls for repentance from all forms of theft and a commitment to honest labor that honors God and serves the community.

Ephesians 6:10–13 is significant because it reveals that the Christian life involves a spiritual battle that is far greater than merely the visible struggles, conflicts, and temptations we experience. Paul calls believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, emphasizing that victory does not come from human strength but from God. The believer's true struggle is against spiritual forces of evil, making the battle ultimately about remaining faithful to Christ and resisting Satan's schemes. In the context of "It's Much Bigger Than You Think," this passage broadens our perspective: what appears to be an ordinary earthly conflict may have a deeper spiritual dimension, and therefore Christians must put on the full armor of God and stand firm. The emphasis is not on fear, but on dependence upon God, spiritual readiness, perseverance, and confidence that God equips His people to withstand evil.

God promised the Church. But he didn't promise a singular institution.

This sermon examines the prophetic call for Judah and surrounding nations to submit to Babylonian rule as an act of obedience to God's sovereign will. It contrasts the false assurance of immediate restoration offered by false prophets with Jeremiah's warning that a seventy-year exile is necessary for spiritual formation and eventual blessing. The message emphasizes that while the yoke of foreign domination is harsh, it is ultimately life-giving because it aligns with God's purpose to discipline His people and fulfill His promises. The preacher connects this historical context to the Christian life, urging believers to reject false hope and instead submit to the easy and light yoke of Jesus Christ. This submission leads not to defeat, but to true rest, joy, and participation in the eternal kingdom of God.

What does the Bible say about Yom Kippur, how do Jews celebrate it today, and what should Christians think about it?

Preaching: Tim Shaw "True Christian Marriage" XX. Colossians Colossians 3:18-19