Prayer on SermonAudio

A mother comes to Jesus with a desperate need. Here we have an example of great faith and a model of effective, fervent prayer.

As we enter the fourth message in this series we encounter a truth that is truly amazing and mind blowing. The truth of regeneration brings into focus the true grace and mercy of God that He would take this old corrupt, and vile person and save Him. And in saving him he gives him a brand new life. With the world we have heard about getting a new lease on life; but with Christ we don't just get a new lease on life, we get a new life all together. Physically, spiritually, and everything in between is born anew and as it said about the creation of man, God breathed into His nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. When we get saved He breathes in us the breath of eternal life and we become a new creature in Christ.

The sermon explores the central theme that the greatest fulfillment in life is found in a personal relationship with God, a truth rooted in Jeremiah and illustrated through the Gospel of John. It addresses Philip's request to see the Father by clarifying that Jesus is the exclusive path to knowing God, asserting His divine nature as God in the flesh. The message presents Jesus' words and works as definitive evidence of His deity, calling for a response of wholehearted belief rather than mere intellectual assent. It further outlines the promises for those who know God, including the empowerment to do greater works through the Holy Spirit and the assurance of answered prayer when asked in Jesus' name. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging believers to examine their personal relationship with Christ and to actively engage in the mission and privileges of the Christian life.

This sermon introduces a series on Ephesians by examining the opening verses to define the identity and sustenance of God's people. It argues that Christians are defined not by moral perfection or self-ownership, but as saints and believers who are savingly united to Christ. The sermon confronts the temptations of self-sufficiency and self-ownership, asserting that true spiritual maturity involves a deepening dependence on God rather than an attempt to sustain oneself through effort or knowledge. The preacher emphasizes that grace and peace are the essential gifts received from the Father and the Son, which sustain the believer's life and standing. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to rest in their identity in Christ, recognizing that their salvation and daily strength flow entirely from the Triune God.

Hosea 14:7 "They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon." This sermon explores the biblical imagery of revival found in Hosea 14, using the metaphor of corn reviving after a shower to illustrate God's sovereign work in restoring His people. The message emphasises that true revival is not a human effort but a divine act where God reveals Himself in holiness and power, causing the church to stand upright in grace. It identifies the necessary conditions for this blessing: dwelling under God's shadow through intimate prayer and seeking His face, coupled with a genuine, complete return from sin rather than a fleeting desire for change. The preacher highlights the historical context of revivals, such as the 1859 awakening in Ulster, to show that periods of moral decline often precede divine intervention. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a sweet savour of Christ to permeate the community, urging believers to rely on God's promise to heal backsliding and spread the gospel with irresistible power.