The sermon centers on the sacred significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacrament instituted by Christ, emphasizing its role as a means of grace through which believers spiritually commune with Christ and one another. It underscores the necessity of self-examination and repentance before partaking, warning that approaching the table unworthily—while harboring unconfessed sin—invites divine judgment and spiritual harm. Drawing from Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church, the message highlights the danger of treating the Lord's Table as a mere social gathering or indulgence, stressing that true participation requires humility, faith, and a heart turned toward Christ. The sermon affirms the Reformed understanding of the Supper as a spiritual encounter, not a physical transformation, where believers by faith partake of Christ's body and blood, receiving nourishment, assurance, and renewal. Ultimately, the Lord's Table is portrayed as a solemn yet comforting sanctuary—a moment of rededication, unity, and divine communion that challenges believers to examine their hearts and live in faithful response to Christ's sacrifice.

Title: Living Testimonies to Christ's Power Date: 03/05/2026 Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Service: Morning Worship

Living Testimonies - The Backslider Restored Speaker: Norman McElroy

The sermon draws from Isaiah 40 to reveal the dual nature of God as both infinitely majestic and profoundly gentle, emphasizing His sovereign power over creation and history while highlighting His intimate, pastoral care for individuals. Through the metaphor of the shepherd, it portrays God not only as the Almighty who measures oceans and weighs mountains but also as a loving caregiver who gathers lambs in His arms, carries them in His bosom, and gently leads the vulnerable. This divine gentleness is most fully revealed in Christ, who became incarnate, empathized with human suffering, and laid down His life for His flock, embodying the ultimate expression of compassionate strength. The message calls listeners to recognize their need for such a shepherd, inviting them to come into the fold of Christ's care and find rest in His personal, sustaining presence. The tone is both reverent and deeply pastoral, balancing awe at God's greatness with comfort in His tender mercy.

The sermon presents a theological defense of the biblical practice of women wearing head coverings in public worship, rooted in 1 Corinthians 11 and grounded in the created order, gender distinctions, and apostolic tradition. It argues that the head covering symbolizese the divine hierarchy of authority—Christ over man, man over woman, both under God—while affirming the equal dignity of men and women in Christ. The passage is presented not as a mere cultural custom but as a counter-cultural witness to God's design, especially in contrast to modern feminist and gender-critical ideologies that undermine biblical distinctions. The preacher emphasises humility, caution against pride in outward practices, and the need to prioritize self-examination over judging others, urging the church to uphold biblical standards without becoming legalistic or divisive. Ultimately, the practice is framed as a spiritual act of submission and reverence, calling believers to worship God with hearts and lives aligned to His Word, not cultural trends.

The sermon presents Apollos as a gifted yet incomplete believer whose eloquence and deep knowledge of Scripture were transformed by humble discipleship under Aquila and Priscilla, who corrected his incomplete understanding of Christ's redemptive work. Though well-versed in the teachings of John the Baptist and skilled in rhetoric and biblical scholarship, Apollos lacked personal faith in Christ until he was taught the full gospel of salvation through the Spirit. His subsequent ministry in Corinth, marked by powerful public defense of Christ from the Scriptures, demonstrates how God uses even flawed individuals when they are open to correction and growth. The narrative underscores the vital roles of encouragement, humility, and partnership in the body of Christ, illustrating how every believer—regardless of background or gifting—contributes to the advancement of God's kingdom. Ultimately, Apollos' journey calls the congregation to examine their own faith: are they merely knowledgeable in religious matters, or do they truly know Christ personally and live with fervent devotion?

The sermon presents a compelling call to live out genuine Christianity beyond the confines of the church building, emphasising that true faith must be evident in the everyday world—the 'street'—where believers engage in commerce, face temptation, and journey toward eternity. Drawing from Proverbs, it underscores the necessity of 'buying the truth' through humble submission to Scripture, resisting the world's lies, and holding fast to divine wisdom. The street symbolises both moral peril—illustrated by Sodom, the temptations of immorality, and persecution—and divine opportunity, as God's Word is proclaimed in public spaces, echoing wisdom's cry in the streets and reflecting Christ's incarnational mission. Ultimately, the sermon points to the future glory of heaven, where the golden streets of eternity bear the fruit of eternal life and healing, calling all to repent and be prepared for the final journey, ensuring that faith is not confined to sanctuary but lived out in every aspect of life.

The sermon centres on Job's profound transformation after encountering God's sovereign power and majesty through divine revelation, culminating in his humble recognition of God's infinite wisdom and his own finite, sinful condition. By reflecting on God's creation—exemplified in the awe-inspiring creatures Behemoth and Leviathan, and extended to modern wonders like the blue whale—the preacher illustrates how the natural world reveals God's design, power, and glory, calling humanity to a biblical worldview. This encounter with divine greatness leads to self-abasement, as Job confesses his ignorance and repents in dust and ashes, underscoring the necessity of recognising human limitation in light of God's holiness. Yet the message does not end in despair; it pivots to the redemptive truth of God's grace and mercy, revealed most fully in the sacrifice of Christ, offering forgiveness and new life to those who repent and trust in Him. The sermon concludes with a compelling call to embrace Christ as the ultimate expression of God's love, inviting listeners to experience salvation and hope through faith in His atoning work.

This sermon, as part of a wider series of contemporary lessons from the Church at Corinth, focuses on the principle of Christian liberty and love in the context of non-essential differences within the church, drawing from 1 Corinthians 8 to address how believers should navigate disagreements over cultural practices such as eating meat offered to idols. It teaches that while knowledge can lead to pride, true spiritual maturity is marked by charity and humility, recognising that not all believers have the same level of spiritual understanding or conscience. Peter McIntyre underscores that liberty in non-essential matters must never be exercised at the expense of weaker believers, advocating for self-denial and sacrifice to preserve unity and protect the gospel's witness. By applying Paul's example of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel, the message calls for an open, grace-filled spirit that prioritises love over opinion, unity over division, and the eternal over the temporary. Ultimately, the church's integrity and effectiveness in reaching a lost world depend on its ability to embody Christ's love in the midst of diversity.

Title: The God with Whom we have to do Speaker: Rev. Peter McIntyre Date: 19 April 2026 Bible: Hebrews 4:13