Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days (audio)

Join Pastor Derek as he expounds the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 23:37 - 24:31, Luke 21:20-24) focusing on the place Israel plays in the end time events leading up to the 2nd Coming of Christ, exploring her central role in Bible Prophecy. He points to the everlasting covenants God made with Israel, their prophetic implications, and the exciting order of events leading up to the 2nd Coming of Christ. Discover how both the Old and New Testaments highlight Israel's pivotal place in God's Plan for the end times, and why the 2-stage Regathering of Israel is a major fulfilment of Prophecy.

Join Pastor Derek as he explores the centrality of praise and worship in a Christian's life. He emphasises that worship is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. We were created to glorify God, through (1) worship and (2) service. God seeks true worshippers. Romans 1:18-32 reveals that when we stop worshipping God, we fall into idolatry, and then immorality. Learn how regular worship can strengthen your spiritual life, helping you to prioritise God above all else. Discover practical advice on incorporating worship into your daily life, and understand the consequences of neglecting this vital spiritual discipline.

Learn how to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:17-18). The exalted Christ has poured out His Spirit upon His people. When we were born again, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and is ready to help and empower us, but we must ask Him to fill us (Ephesians 5:18). He is continuously available to fill believers, and empower them to live in alignment with God's will. Discover practical steps for inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and the transformative power it brings to overcome sin and produce the fruits of the Spirit.

Based on Ephesians 5:18, this series explores how believers can live a Spirit-filled life, and discover the keys to spiritual growth. Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live according to God's will. This message emphasises developing a hunger for God's Word and a thirst for God's Spirit, as He imparts His righteous life to us through His Word & Spirit. These teachings are designed for those seeking to deepen their faith and live a more fulfilling Christian life.

Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST for righteousness, for they shall be FILLED.” God's righteousness comes to us through His WORD (our spiritual BREAD) and His SPIRIT (our spiritual WATER). How much we are filled depends on our spiritual HUNGER for His WORD (Matthew 4:4), and our spiritual THIRST for the living water of His HOLY SPIRIT. The more we hunger and thirst for righteousness the more we will be filled. We are FILLED with the SPIRIT through DRINKING, but we can only DRINK as much as we are THIRSTY (John 7:37-38, Rev 21:6, 22:17). To be FILLED with His Spirit requires a spiritual THIRST. A major key to growing spiritually is being HUNGRY for more of God’s WORD, and THIRSTY for more of God’s SPIRIT. This is the KEY of spiritual DESIRE, which is determined by the VALUE we put on spiritual things. Our heart is made to desire, focus on and pursue that which it perceives as having the most value: “For where your TREASURE is, there your HEART (focus, attention) will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, the more we value spiritual things, the more they will occupy our heart and the more we will DESIRE and pursue them. The more we HUNGER and THIRST for God, the more we will be FILLED with His SPIRIT and His WORD. So, our desire for God determines how much of Him we will receive, and therefore how much we will GROW spiritually: “As new-born babes, DESIRE the pure milk of the WORD, that you may GROW thereby” (1Peter 2:2). Spiritual DESIRE determines how much our soul is filled with His Spirit, which determines our spiritual growth. If our soul is filled up and satisfied with natural things, there is no room in our heart for God. So, we will not have a hunger & thirst for God, and we will stop growing spiritually. One of the most important things you can do is to put God’s Word first and value spiritual things above natural things (a mark of spiritual maturity). Keep hungry for God’s Word and thirsty for God’s Spirit Our capacity for drinking (receiving) the Holy Spirit, is determined by how thirsty we are for Him.

(1) Our HOLINESS is determined by how much the HOLY SPIRIT fills and possesses our heart, setting us apart to God, as we give our heart to Him (our vertical relationship with God). As the Spirit fills us, (2) He motivates and empowers us to live a life of RIGHTEOUSNESS in this world (righteousness is the outworking of holiness). So, we should DESIRE to be FILLED with His SPIRIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

In this enlightening talk, discover how faith can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and spiritual development. Learn how to maintain a positive attitude and trust in God's plan during difficult times. Pastor Derek discusses the importance of perseverance and character building, emphasising that every setback can become a stepping stone to spiritual growth and a better future in God. Tests, trials and tribulations are opportunities for rapid spiritual growth, as we continue to love and trust God through the trial, thanking Him for working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Learn how to turn trials into triumphs through faith and thanksgiving.

Join Pastor Derek as he delves into the theme of overcoming worry through faith in God. Discover how to shift from anxiety to peace by trusting in God's love and provision. Learn practical ways to humble yourself before God, cast your burdens on Him, and embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding. This inspirational talk is filled with biblical insights and encouragement for living a worry-free life. We can overcome worry in our life by believing in God’s love for us, and casting all our burdens on the Lord (1Peter 5:7), trusting Him to provide for us, protect us, and lead us through the situation.

Learn how to protect your heart from bitterness, when opportunities to be offended come to you, and how to identify a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), and how to cast it out of your heart (Luke 17:6). Forgiveness is a major key to spiritual freedom and happiness. Pastor Derek provides guidance on how to guard against bitterness and maintain a pure heart. Learn how faith and grace can help uproot bitterness from your life, ensuring peace and harmony in your relationships.

Pastor Derek explores the true nature of humanity, tracing the lineage of mankind from Adam, and our transformed identity when we are united to Christ. Discover how this understanding is central to the Christian Gospel and challenges modern views of evolution. With references to Genesis and the teachings of Jesus, this video is a powerful message on spiritual identity and salvation. All people are descended from Adam (Acts 17:26), so when he sinned, sin and death came upon us all. But all who receive Christ (the 2nd Adam) as their Head receive His righteousness and life (Romans 5:12-21).

In this Series, we unveil the keys to be filled with the Holy Spirit, revealed in the Beatitudes. In this message, we focus on developing the important heart attitude of meekness, which is having a humble, submissive attitude to God's Word and His Holy Spirit in our lives. Discover how these truths will lead to your spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Join Pastor Derek as he shares the key heart attitudes that are necessary to be blessed by God through filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and so be transformed by His power. These are described by the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which help us cultivate the attitudes that open our heart for the Holy Spirit (God's Presence) to fill and empower our souls. Learn the importance of true repentance, which is the basis for receiving the comfort of His Spirit (Matthew 5:4).