St John's Wishart Sermons

We love insider knowledge - the secret scoop. But what if the greatest mystery in history isn’t hidden? In Mark 4, Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God has been made known and it’s growing. Through the parables of the sower and the mustard seed, we see a Kingdom that is both knowable and unstoppable. The question is not whether God is at work, but how we are listening. Will our hearts be hard, shallow, distracted, or receptive?

In this sermon from St John’s Wishart, we explore the heart of one of the Bible’s most confronting questions: Who do you say Jesus is? As the religious leaders accuse him of working with evil and even his own family misunderstand him, Jesus declares that he is the Stronger Man—binding Satan, driving out evil, and calling people into a new family under his lordship. This answer isn’t just theological; it’s life-changing now, and eternity-shaping forever.

What do we really need most? In Mark 2:1–12, Jesus shows that our deepest problem isn’t physical weakness but sin. As a paralysed man is lowered through a roof by faithful friends, Jesus does the unexpected—he forgives sins. In doing so, Jesus claims divine authority, provoking outrage and awe. When he then heals the man, it proves what his words already declared: Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins. This sermon explores our deepest need and the forgiving Lord who alone can meet it—fully, freely, and forever.

In Mark 1:14–45, Jesus announces astonishing news: the Kingdom of God has drawn near. In a world longing for stability, peace, and something better, Jesus comes as the true King who brings a Kingdom that lasts forever. This sermon traces the King’s command to repent and believe, the King’s authority over teaching, sickness, and evil, and the King’s compassionate character toward the outcast and broken. Far from nostalgic dreams of a better past, Mark shows us a greater hope—life under God’s good rule, entered through repentance and faith in Jesus, the gracious and powerful King.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ launches us into Mark 1:1–13, a fast-paced, unfiltered introduction to Jesus. Mark wastes no time declaring his headline: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and his arrival is truly good news. This episode explores what “gospel” really means—not good advice, but news of what God has already done for us. We meet John the Baptist preparing the way, witness Jesus’ baptism and divine affirmation, and see him stand firm where Israel failed. This is the beginning of a life-changing story: Jesus, our Saviour, has come.

This is the second sermon from our New Year series looking at Hebrews 10:19-22. Preacher: Daniel Elvery

This is our first sermon for 2025 where Mark Calder encourages us to draw near to God.

After the fullness of Christmas fades, what truly satisfies? In Luke 2:22–38, we meet Simeon and Anna—ordinary people who are finally, deeply content because they have seen God’s salvation. This sermon explores who Jesus is: the promised Messiah, the Saviour for all nations, the One who divides hearts, and the Redeemer long awaited. Jesus brings comfort and peace to those who receive him, yet becomes a stumbling block to those who reject him. Come and see how true satisfaction is found not in things, but in meeting Christ himself.

This is the sermon from Christmas 2025 where we explored the real hope that the birth of Jesus gives us. Preacher: Michael Calder

In Romans 5:12–21, Paul invites us to “compare the pair”: Adam and Jesus. Through Adam, sin entered the world and death spread to all. Through Jesus, grace overwhelms sin and life is restored. In this sermon from St John’s Wishart, we see humanity’s problem laid bare—dead in sin—and God’s astonishing solution revealed. Jesus comes as the second and greater Adam, whose obedience brings justification, righteousness, and life. Grace does not merely compete with sin; it triumphs completely.