Sermons

The Olivet Discourse (part 5) ‘Coming! Ready or not!’ (Matthew 24:45-51)

AudioPhilip

There’s a line in the heading that you might recognise from the children’s game ‘hide and seek’. The plain facts are that Jesus hasn’t told us the exact date of His return, which means that all of us need to be ready at any time. To illustrate what is required to make one ‘ready’, Jesus told a mini-parable in Matthew 24:45-51 about two servants set over a household under the charge of their master. In the master’s absence, both servants displayed something that would either commend or condemn them uin their master’s eyes. The question comes down to faithfulness and doing what you have been told. In our case, our Master!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship the King
00:16 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
04:14 Bible reading: Luke 12:22-40
Song: Behold Our God
07:21 Kids’ Talk
Song: Global Warning
11:01 Bible reading: Luke 17:1-10
Song: O the Mercy of God
Sermon: Matthew 24:45-51
Song: O Jesus I Have Promised
13:08 Closing

Outline

  • Where we are in Matthew 24…
  • He is coming…but we are not told when.
  • A mini-parable that makes a point!
  • See how Jesus spoke about…
  1. A faithful (and so, prepared) servant (v.45-47)
  2. An unfaithful (and so, unprepared) servant (v.48-51)

Make a sober assessment…
Make some necessary changes…
Make some needed preparation!

The Olivet Discourse (part 4) ‘No-one knows the day or the hour’ (Matthew 24:36-44)

AudioPhilip

When Jesus spoke further about his expected return in Matthew 24:36-44, he gave us some information about it, while keeping some other aspects hidden. While all would like to know the day and the hour of His return, clearly, this is notsomething we are told. But what we are told is that the day of His return will be like the days before the flood of Noah’s time when Noah was building the ark. Jesus said of those days that people were busy doing ordinary, good things such as ‘eating, drinking and being married’, but were oblivious to the coming of the flood that would bring God’s judgement upon them. By telling us these things, Jesus urges us not to be found unprepared and therefore, not ready, for Him.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
00:19 Introduction
00:44 Prayer
05:22 Bible reading: Genesis 7:1-16
Song: We Are His People
07:53 Kids’ Talk
Song: Everybody Get Ready
12:32 Bible reading: 2 Peter 3:1-13
Song: Jesus Strong and Kind
Sermon: Matthew 24:36-44
Song: See Him Coming
14:37 Closing

Outline

  • Where we are in Matthew 24…
  • Some wrong approaches we have missed
  • Another mistake to avoid – being unprepared!
  • See how Jesus taught…
  1. The timing of His coming was uncertain (v.36)
  2. The indifference to His coming was nothing new (v.37-39)
  3. The separation caused by His coming will be eternal (v.40-41)
  4. The preparation needed for his coming must be
    watchfulness (v.42-44)

What not to do with what He said!

The Olivet Discourse (part 3) ‘Signs, fig trees & guarantees’ (Matthew 24:29-35)

AudioPhilip

In trying to work out the timing of Jesus’ return, many people turn to Old Testament prophecy, the book of Revelation or even world events. Perhaps an easier approach would be to refer to the things that Jesus said about the topic. However, in Matthew 24:29-35, it has to be said that a wide variety of views abound. Some of what Jesus said requires careful thought. He was not one to contradict Himself! Even more than that, it’s good to remember that just as Jesus has proved right with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., so His words can be taken as being rock-solid. Through the confusion of various interpretations and theories, it is good to know that the guarantee of His return is His own promise!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Crown Him With Many Crowns
00:18 Introduction
00:44 Prayer
04:46 Bible reading: Daniel 7:9-14
Song: Be Unto Your Name
06:10 Kids’ Talk
Song: Hooley Dooley Wap Bam Boom!
11:19 Bible reading: Matthew 24:29-35
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love
Sermon: Matthew 24:29-35
Song: Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending
12:32 Closing

Outline

  • Where we are in Matthew 24…
  • Nothing (so far) about millennial views
  • Those two questions of the disciples!
  • See here…
  1. The signs Jesus spoke of that would precede His coming (v.29-31)
  2. The illustration Jesus spoke of that would identify His coming (v.32-33)
  3. The certainty Jesus spoke of that would guarantee His coming (v.34-35)

Uncertainty ahead… except for Him and His promise!

The Olivet Discourse (part 2) ‘The fall of Jerusalem and you’ (Matthew 24:15-28)

AudioPhilip

One of the keys to understanding all that Jesus said in Matthew 24 and 25, is to carefully locate the time reference that Jesus is referring to. In Matthew 24:15-28, it’s faily clear that the bulk of what Jesus said relates to the fall of Jerusalem in 70A.D. – something that the disciples of Jesus would need to be prepared for. But, it’s not all just in the past. The scenes that Jesus describes around those events, can be understood as being predictive of the events that will also usher in the end of the age and Jesus’ return!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:17 Introduction
00:43 Prayer
04:41 Bible reading: Daniel 11:20-35
Song: Worthy of All Praise
07:48 Kids’ Talk
Song: Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (John 14:1-4)
11:28 Bible reading: Matthew 24:29-35
Song: Yet Not I
Sermon: Matthew 24:29-35
Song: At the Name of Jesus
13:17 Closing

Outline

  • Where we are in Matthew 24…
  • Thinking about eschatology – study of the end (times)
  • Learn to submit your thinking to Jesus
  • Note how Jesus warned His disciples…
  1. To be prepared for an overwhelming time of trial (v.15-22)
  2. Not to be deceived by a continual parade of false Christs (v.23-28)

What does all this mean for you?
Forewarned is forearmed… be ready by praying, remembering, watching…

The Olivet Discourse (part 1) ‘The end is near…but not yet’ (Matthew 24:1-14)

AudioPhilip

When the disciples of Jesus once asked Him some questions as they stood near the Temple, they could never have known that the answers Jesus gave them were answers that would echo down the corridors of time for thousands of years. But this is the case with the ‘Olivet Discourse’ recorded for us in Matthew’s gospel chapters 24 and 25. And so, in Matthew 24:1-14, the scene is set. The disciples are there. Jesus is there. And the questions focus upon the end of the age and the signs of His coming. But the answers are a little more complex, reminding us that the Lord Jesus is also our great Prophet who declares to us the truth that we might not fear but be busy with His gospel.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: And Can It Be
00:16 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
05:34 Bible reading: Matthew 24:1-14
Song: See Him Coming
07:41 Kids’ Talk
Song: Hooley Dooley Wap Bam Boom!
11:23 Bible reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Song: By Faith We See the Hand of God
Sermon: Matthew 24:1-14
Song: We’ve a Story to Tell
14:55 Closing

Outline

  • A new series!
  • Matthew’s fifth ‘discourse’ from the mouth of Jesus
  • Eschatology – study of the end (times)
  • Note these things in relation to the end…
  1. How mistaken the disciples were in their thinking (v.1-3)
  2. How certain Jesus was about a delay in His coming (v.4-12)
  3. How urgent Jesus was about a challenge for the believing (v.13-14)

History proved Him right (of course!)
Some ‘don’ts’ and ‘do’s’ for His people…!

‘Keeping your eyes on the (heavenly) prize’ (Philippians 3:12-21)

AudioPhilip

It’s worth remembering that the name of the month of January comes from the Roman god, Janus, who is often pictured as having two faces – one looking back to the past and the other looking ahead to the future. At the start of a new year it’s always good to start off with that kind of attitude. Paul certainly had that attitude during his life and it’s nowhere as clear as in Philippians 3:12-21. The apostle was single-minded about purusing a goal of ‘knowing Christ’ and he certainly had his eyes set on a future prize in relation to that prize, constantly checking himself so that he did not live for lesser things and miss out. At the start of the new year, take a leaf from the Apostle’s book!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Standing on the Promises
00:18 Introduction
00:45 Prayer
05:22 Bible reading: Philippians 3:12-21
Song: Behold the Lamb of God
06:40 Kids’ Talk
Song: People Change (But God Don’t Change)
09:53 Bible reading: Hebrews 11:32-12:2
Song: Before the Throne of God
Sermon: Philippians 3:12-21
Song: Be Thou My Vision
11:39 Closing

Outline

• A new year!
• Janus: looking back and looking forward
• The context of his words
• Paul’s forward and direct focus on his goal – the heavenly prize
• Paul wants us to consider…

  1. The attitude required to reach the goal (v.12-16)
  2. The obstacles encountered on the path to that goal (v.17-19)
  3. The complete transformation that was his goal (v.20-21)

The danger in taking your eyes off the goal
What will you be striving for in the year ahead?

‘Christmas explained by the words of Peter’ (2 Peter 1:16-21)

AudioPhilip

‘There’s no Christmas without Christ!’ If only that were so. Sadly, there’s lots of Christmases without Christ, and as Christmas comes and goes again, it’s possible that many fall for the trap of living as though, the trimmings count more than the reality. The Apostle Peter knew little about the Christmas story, but what he did know about Jesus he learned through first hand experience – and in the text of 2 Peter 1:16-21, Peter reflects on his time on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus. It must have been amazing to see and witness. A place where Peter saw the majesty and glory of Jesus. But even then, after having that experience, Peter said there was something even ‘more sure’ than what he’d seen and heard. It was the Scriptures. These testify to the One who came for us to be our Saviour.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
00:18 Introduction
00:54 Prayer
06:46 Bible reading: Luke 9:18-36
Song: What Child Is This
09:50 PresAID Appeal
13:10 Bible reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21
Song: Good Christians All Rejoice
14:45 Barnabas Fund appeal
Sermon: 2 Peter 1:16-21
Song: Joy to the World
19:29 Closing

Outline

  • It’s Boxing Day…the cricket is on!
  • Imagine cricket without the ball? Imagine Christmas without Christ!
  • How do we know if this is all true?
  • Consider Peter’s reasons… He says, trust…
  1. The testimony of the Apostles (v.16-18)
  2. The testimony of the Scriptures (v.19-21)

The rescue mission…
One other Apostle’s trustworthy saying.…

‘Applying right theology to living life before the Lord comes’ (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

AudioPhilip

One of the strong emphases of Scripture when it comes to the return of Jesus, is the important question of ‘how we live’ in the light of His coming. As Paul concludes his letter to the Church at Thesalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, this emphasis can be clearly seen. While Paul has established the fact of Jesus’ return, especially the unknown hour of that return, he does not finish the letter without calling God’s people back to living in the world, with their feet on earth, so to speak. And as he closes the letter, he does so with some practical instructions, so that the time we have while we wait for Jesus to come in spent the right way – in living for Him and not for lesser things.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Hark the Herald Angels
00:18 Introduction
00:43 Prayer
04:29 Bible reading: Philippians 1:1-11
Song: Tell Out My Soul
05:48 Kids’ Talk
Song: You Can Tell the Lord That You Love Him
09:45 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Song: Who Is He in Yonder Stall
Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Song: Amazing Grace
11:23 Closing

Outline

  • Soren Kierkegaard and his duck story
  • Theology – to be applied!
  • How Paul wants us to live as we wait for the return of our Lord…
  1. The way we are to respond to our leaders (v.12-13)
  2. The way we are to respect one another (v.14-15)
  3. The way we are to react to our circumstances (v.16-18)
  4. The way we are to receive the Word of God (v.19-22)

Being the people of Jesus, because of Jesus.
Paul’s apt benediction – grace at the start and the finish.

‘God’s people have got talent!’ (or, the call to ‘multiply your minas’) (Luke 19:11-27)

AudioPhilip

This message was preached for the occasion of the celebration of the contribution of our organist, Mrs Jean Spicer, for nearly 70 years, something that is a great witness to the faithfulness of the Lord and the faithfulness He calls His people to. The central message of the parable Jesus told in Luke 19:11-27, is just that – faithfulness. Each of us are given gifts of grace by God that he exepcts us to use in the furthering of His Kingdom. Even Jesus was called upon to be faithful and it is by His faithfulness that we are richly rewarded. (The hymns chosen today are Jean’s favourites!)

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Immortal Invisible
00:20 Introduction
00:49 Prayer
06:59 Bible reading: Exodus 35-36
Song: To God Be the Glory
10:13 Interview With Jean
14:42 Bible reading: Luke 19:11-27
Song: The Day Thou Gavest
Sermon: Luke 19:11-27
Song: Take My Life
17:00 Closing

Outline

  • What to preach?
  • Trumpets, flutes and harps… but no organs?
  • A parable that applies to all of us
  • See in these verses…
  1. The setting of the parable (v.11)
  2. The characters of the parable (v.12-14)
  3. The conclusions of the parable (v.15-27)

What this means for the one who hears the parable…
What this meant for the one who told the parable…

‘Are you ready for the return of the Lord?’ (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

AudioPhilip

There are certain events in life that we must all get ready for. As I write this, Christmas isn’t too far away – and we all know what that means! Some events, like Christmas, are expected. Others are not. The return of Jesus certainly fits into this second category. His return will not be announced beforehand, but like a ‘thief in the night’ He will come unexpectedly. What should we do then, in response to this? In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 we find what the Apostle Paul encourage us to do in the light of Christ’s return – so that we will not be caught unaware and we can be ‘be prepared’ for the inevitable.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: All Creatures of Our God and King
00:20 Introduction
00:44 Prayer
03:33 Bible reading: Romans 13:1-14
Song: Consider Christ
05:54 Kids’ Talk
Song: Hooley Dooley Wap Bam Boom!
10:31 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Song: Christ Is Mine Forevermore
Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Song: Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending
11:56 Closing

Outline

  • Ernest Shackleton and his men
  • The Thessalonians were troubled by the date of Jesus’ return!
  • Just when will Jesus come back anyway?
  • Consider Paul’s answer…
  1. The time and date are unknown (v.1-3)
  2. The way we live while we wait is vital (v.4-11)

Think biblically, watch daily, encourage constantly
The story of William Miller