Presbyterian Reformed Church of Stockton-on-Tees (Video)

The sermon centres on Joshua 1:3 and it presents the book of Joshua not as a call to present day physical warfare but as a picture of spiritual realities and encouragements for God's people in the midst of present day spiritual warfare. The conquest of Canaan visually demonstrated God's superior power, the danger of sin in the camp (seen in Ai with Achan), and the need for faith. Canaan itself is a type pointing beyond the physical land to an everlasting heavenly inheritance. Joshua offers encouragements of spiritual victory already secured in Christ and a foretaste of the full rest to come. When Christ returns, even death—the last enemy—will be put under His feet. With Christ there is victory and entrance into the heavenly Canaan; without Him there is only a return to Egypt and exclusion from the blessings of Canaan.

This sermon examines the warning in 1 Timothy 4:1 regarding the departure from the faith in the latter times, identifying this apostasy as a specific and already clearly identified threat, an internal threat within the church rather than an unknown or knowable future event. The message argues that this danger manifests through unfaithfulness, characterized by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and is seen especially by the rise of the Roman Catholic Church and its departure from the gospel of grace. It further explains that such systems, like that of the Roman Church, become undone by hypocrisy and a seared conscience, leading to unlawful oppression through man-made rules that bind the conscience, such as the examples of forbidding marriage or abstaining from foods. The preacher urges believers to reject these legalistic structures while embracing the positive truth that all creation is good when received with thanksgiving and sanctified by the Word of God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balanced response that discerns error through Scripture while maintaining gratitude for God's gifts and avoiding self-righteousness.

This sermon explores the assurance that Christ continues to bless His people through the work of the Holy Spirit, even in the absence of His physical presence, now seated at the right hand of the Father. It examines the theological depth of the unity between the Father and the Son, emphasizing that the divine nature of Christ is not limited by His human flesh or location. The message addresses the disciples' confusion and sorrow regarding impending persecution, reframing these trials as necessary steps toward greater spiritual clarity and joy. By using the analogy of childbirth, the text illustrates how present suffering is but for a season and will be replaced by an enduring joy that no one can take away. The sermon concludes with a pastoral encouragement to trust in God's holiness and the ultimate hope of Christ's return, which will finally remove all sorrow.

This sermon examines King Saul's tragic decline in 1 Samuel 28, contrasting his outward religious appearance with his inward spiritual ruin. The sermon outlines five stages of Saul's fall: mere appearance of righteousness, seeking human approval over divine guidance, abandonment of God for forbidden practices, self-deception through disguise, and ultimate spiritual defeat through the attack of the enemy. By analyzing Saul's consultation with the witch at Endor, the text highlights how sin grows when it is not repented of and it leads to total ruin apart from God. The message warns believers against trusting in external righteousness while harbouring secret sins, emphasizing that true safety lies only in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon urges listeners to mortify the flesh and seek spiritual nourishment through prayer and Scripture rather than succumbing to fear or worldly solutions.

This sermon expounds on Deuteronomy 20, illustrating how believers must rely on God's infinite power rather than their own limited resources when facing spiritual warfare. It emphasizes that true victory comes through faith, which allows Christians to see beyond the overwhelming size and strength of their enemies. The message highlights the role of divine instruction in preparing the church for battle while warning against the destructive impact of sin within the community. Furthermore, it offers pastoral comfort by reminding listeners that God actively fights on behalf of His people, ensuring their ultimate salvation from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. This enduring trust in God's faithfulness provides the courage needed to persevere through trials without fear or retreat.

This sermon explores the multifaceted ministry of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth, emphasizing His essential role in guiding believers and convicting the world. It outlines three primary functions: condemnation of sin and unbelief in the world, illumination of Scripture for understanding, and a singular focus on glorifying Jesus Christ. The message warns against cultural relativism and false spiritual experiences, urging listeners to test all teachings against biblical truth. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a love for truth, remain sensitive to the Spirit's leading, and trust in Christ alone for salvation.

This sermon explores the unity of God's covenant of grace throughout Scripture, demonstrating that the Old and New Testaments share the same substance, that is Jesus Christ. It contrasts the broken covenant of works with Adam against the fulfilled covenant of grace in Christ, the second Adam, who satisfies all divine demands for His people. The preacher emphasizes that this gracious agreement is eternal, extending to a thousand generations and encompassing believers from all nations regardless of background. By examining key passages like Genesis 3:15 and Romans 5, the message highlights how Christ's perfect life and death provide complete salvation by faith alone. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to rest in the sufficiency of Christ and pass this enduring truth to future generations.

The sermon expounds on Galatians 1:6-12 to define the true gospel as a divine revelation that must be preserved against subtle distortions. It warns believers that abandoning grace alone for any mixture of works constitutes a departure from Christ, regardless of the source's popularity or religious appearance. The message emphasizes that the gospel is inherently offensive to fallen humanity and challenges all cultural and political agendas that lack biblical foundation. Believers are urged to reject self-confidence and rely entirely on God's revelation rather than human tradition or moral achievement. Ultimately, the text calls for a passionate defense of the exclusive truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Protestant Truth Society witness at the March for Life 2026.

Please pray for evangelism every Thursday at 11:30 am. This message was preached on the High Street of Stockton: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, emphasising that humanity is naturally an enemy of God due to sin and cannot achieve salvation through religious works or moral effort. It highlights the transformative power of God's grace, using the Apostle Paul's conversion from persecutor to believer as a primary example of divine reconciliation. The central message rests on Romans 5:10, explaining that believers are reconciled to God through Christ's death and saved by His perfect life, which fulfills the law's demands. The preacher urges listeners to abandon self-righteousness and trust solely in the imputed righteousness of Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. Ultimately, the text calls for a response of faith, inviting sinners to find rest and peace with God through the finished work of Christ.