St John's Wishart Sermons

What does it mean to be a truly gospel-shaped church? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul shows us that the church’s message and mission must remain centred on Jesus Christ as Lord. We don’t manipulate the message, promote ourselves, or lose heart when people reject it. Instead, we proclaim Christ with integrity, patience and humility, trusting God to shine the light of the gospel into people’s hearts.

This is the tenth and final sermon in our series on Galatians. Preacher: Chris Boyce

This is the ninth sermon in our series on Galatians. Preacher: Chris Boyce

Christ has set us free—but what are we free for? In Galatians 5, Paul shows us that Christian freedom isn’t an excuse to live however we want. We have been set free to love and serve one another. And we don’t do that through sheer willpower: as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, he transforms us and grows his fruit in our lives.

What does it really mean to be free? In Galatians 5, Paul declares that “for freedom Christ has set us free.” The Christian life isn’t about earning God’s approval through rules, performance or religious achievement. Jesus has already done what we could never do. So stand firm, watch out for anything that draws you away from the gospel, and use your freedom not for yourself, but to love and serve others.

The gospel doesn’t merely rescue us from slavery—it brings us into God’s family. In Galatians 4, Paul reminds us that through Jesus we have been redeemed, adopted as God’s children, given his Spirit, and made heirs of his promises. So why would we ever turn back? This week we’re reminded to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us and live as sons and daughters, not slaves.

What makes someone right with God? Is faith in Jesus really enough—or do we need to add something more? In Galatians 3:1–14, Paul confronts a church in danger of moving on from the gospel. Through the example of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit, we discover again the freedom of grace: Christ has taken the curse, secured the blessing, and calls us simply to receive God’s gift by faith.

Can you be certain you're saved? Galatians 2:11–21 answers with a resounding yes—not because of what you've done, but because of what Jesus has done. Discover the freedom, assurance, and grace of being justified by faith alone. There are no exclusions. Christ is enough.

To help us get ready for our series in Galatians, Michael had a chat with the Rev'd Dr Wes Redgen who completed his PhD on the book of Galatians. In this interview we hear about some of the context of the book and then the implications for the church today.

In Galatians 1:11–2:10, Paul presents the evidence that the gospel he preached did not originate with people but was revealed by Jesus Christ himself. Through his dramatic conversion, his limited consultation with Peter, and the affirmation of the other apostles, Paul demonstrates that the message of salvation by grace is truly from God. This sermon explores why we can have complete confidence in the gospel, resist false teaching, and stand firm in the good news that Christ died and rose again to bring forgiveness, assurance, and eternal life to all who trust in him.