Woolwich Evangelical Church

This sermon examines the interconnected marks of true believers in 1 John 5, emphasizing that genuine faith involves belief in Jesus as the Christ, love for God and fellow believers, and obedience to His commandments. The exposition highlights that these marks are not isolated but interwoven, demonstrating that authentic Christianity requires both doctrinal conviction and practical devotion. The central focus shifts to the testimony of the water, blood, and Spirit, which serve as divine witnesses to the deity and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. By drawing on the analogy of a courtroom trial, the message argues that God provides sufficient evidence through Christ's baptism, crucifixion, and the Holy Spirit's work to persuade believers of His identity. This objective testimony, confirmed by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, grants believers inward assurance of eternal life and a secure foundation for their faith.

How can we get to God and find acceptance with Him? How can we get to heaven? Here is the only road to God, not in a method but in a Person, Jesus Christ.

Here is the daring faith of Jonathan contrasted with the passive indecision of his father, Saul. Here too, is Saul's increasing religious observance without genuine repentance, highlighting that outward piety without a changed heart leads to a worse spiritual state.

This sermon explores the biblical declaration that God is love, distinguishing it from a sentimental or permissive view by emphasizing that God's love is inseparable from His holiness and justice. The central argument is that the love of God, demonstrated supremely in the sending of Christ as a propitiation for sin, is the source of the believer's capacity to love other Christians. This mutual love among believers serves as a tangible witness to the world, revealing the character of God who is otherwise unseen. Furthermore, the text argues that cultivating this Christ-like love is essential for spiritual assurance, as it perfects the believer's faith and casts out the fear of judgment. The sermon concludes by urging believers to actively appropriate and dwell upon God's love, allowing it to drive their daily interactions and secure their confidence in the life to come.

This sermon examines the failure of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13, highlighting his disobedience in offering a burnt offering without waiting for the prophet Samuel as commanded. The preacher contrasts Saul's carnal confidence and impatience with the faith-driven initiative of Jonathan, using this narrative to illustrate the church's calling to actively engage in evangelism rather than remaining passive. The central message urges believers to wait patiently for divine guidance in major life decisions and to contend for the faith with spiritual weapons rather than relying on fleshly methods.

This sermon examines the account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob as a profound illustration of the danger of casting away salvation. The central message warns against prioritizing temporary, sensual pleasures over the eternal spiritual blessings offered by God in Christ. The tone is urgent and convicting, calling listeners to make a deliberate, thoughtful decision to accept Christ rather than dismissing His offer with a fleeting thought.

This sermon examines Samuel's final public address to Israel as he transitions leadership to King Saul, highlighting the people's sin in rejecting God's direct rule for an earthly monarch. The message contrasts Samuel's impeccable integrity and personal connection with God against the potential for corruption in new leadership, urging believers to maintain holy conduct regardless of their circumstances. It emphasizes that true repentance and obedience to God remain essential even when societal structures change, warning against shallow faith that relies on external signs rather than wholehearted devotion. The preacher encourages the congregation to view intercessory prayer as a vital privilege and a means of spiritual vitality, asserting that ceasing to pray for others is a sin against the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of reverent service and truth, reminding listeners that God's blessings are contingent upon their continued faithfulness.

This sermon examines the profound gap between human reasoning and divine truth, urging listeners to align their minds with God's perspective. It challenges common misconceptions about God's nature, arguing that He is neither indifferent nor merely indulgent, but a holy and personal God who demands repentance. The message contrasts human self-righteousness with the biblical reality of total depravity, emphasizing that salvation is a free gift received through faith in Christ rather than earned by works. By illustrating the futility of living apart from God, the preacher highlights that true happiness is found in close relationship with the Lord. The central call is to abandon sinful thoughts and return to God, who abundantly pardons those who trust in the atoning work of Jesus.