‘Understanding Elisha and the resurrection at Shunem’ (2 Kings 4:8-37)

The miracle in the story recorded for us in 2 Kings 4:8-37 is probably one of the greatest ever done through the prophet Elisha. After establishing a strong friendship with this couple from Shunem, the prophet was confronted with the unexpected death of their young son – a son that he had prophesied would be born to them. When the news reached him of the boy’s death and after his staff in the hands of Gehazi had failed to revive him, Elisha stretched himself out on the boy – hands to hands, face to face – and the boy lived again. The story is complete with many lessons – perhaps the greatest of all the pointer once again to Jesus and the fundamental nature of faith – clinging to the feet of the One who alone can raise the dead!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:20 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
05:04 Bible reading: 2 Kings 4:8-37
Song: Beautiful Saviour
11:06 Kids’ Talk
Song: Remember the Lord
15:34 Bible reading: Mark 5:21-43
Song: My Worth Is Not in What I Own
19:36 Sermon: 1 Kings 4:8-37
Song: Have Thine Own Way
43:22 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha and the widow’s jars’ (2 Kings 4:1-7)

One again the circumstances for Elisha have changed. From being with and ministering to the Kings of Edom, Israel and Judah in matters that affected the whole nation, we next find Elisha with a poor widow in an unknown location. The widow’s trials were manifold. Not only had she lost her husband, she had also incurred a debt on his passing and her creditor was threatening to take away her sons as slaves (as the law permitted). How the woman came to know of Elisha is not told, but we are told that Elisha not only gave her advice (to collect jars) but also the plan for her to exit her trial (through the multiplication of her sparse oil into greater amounts). Elisha again points us to Jesus who paid our debt by His own blood!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: How Sweet the Name
00:15 Introduction
00:35 Prayer
04:39 Bible reading: 2 Kings 4:1-7
Song: 10,000 Reasons
05:59 Kids’ Talk
Song: Behold our God
10:22 Bible reading: John 7:14-39
Song: Breathe on Me Breath of God
14:01 Sermon: 1 Kings 4:1-7
Song: Amazing Grace
38:17 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha and the dilemma facing the three kings’ (2 Kings 3:1-27)

After Elisha’s initial encounter with the people of Jericho and then some youths of Bethel, the scene changes somewhat in 2 Kings 3:1-27 where we meet Elisha in the company of the Kings of Israel, Judah and Edom. The situation facing these kings and their armies was nothing short of desparate. Having taking the desert route to attack the kingdom of Moab, they soon ran out of water and were facing the prospect of death. How Elisha came to be among these kings and their armies is not told to us, but he was, and when approached, the miracle he performed not only guaranteed the survival of the kings and their armies, but also the defeat of Moab and brought glory to God who can do ‘more than we ask or think’ (Ephesians 3:20).

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: And Can It Be
00:17 Introduction
00:36 Prayer
04:56 Bible reading: 2 Kings 3:1-27
Song: Only A Holy God
10:39 Kids’ Talk
Song: Blessed Be Your Name
14:06 Bible reading: Ephesians 3:7-21
Song: This Life I Live
16:07 Sermon: 1 Kings 3:1-27
Song: Teach Me Thy Way
39:46 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha and those marauding bears’ (2 Kings 2:23-25)

Critics of the Bible might use the text of 2 Kings 2:23-25 to point out how evil the God of the Old Testament is or how uncaring his servants (in this case, Elisha) really are. At first glance of this text, it might appear that they have a point. But with some extra examination and information and perspective, there might be more to this incident than first meets the eye – and it might just turn out to be the exact opposite – something that critics of the Bible (and all of us, for that matter) should take notice of and be warned by! God’s judgement is not something that anyone can take lightly!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Standing On The Promises
00:15 Introduction
00:37 Prayer
04:53 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 36:9-16
Song: Nothing Can I Boast In
06:34 Kids’ Talk
Song: The Power Of The Cross
09:57 Bible reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Song: In Christ Alone
11:45 Sermon: 1 Kings 2:23-25
Song: At The Name of Jesus
35:19 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha’s miracle at the pleasant, yet deathly place’ (2 Kings 2:19-22)

There’s no doubt that there are many, many lovely places to live. Whether it’s in the miountains or by a river or near to the ocean, there are some beautiful places to be. But while all may look good on the outside of these places, not all is always well within. While at Jericho in 2 Kings 2:19-22, the prophet Elisha was told that it was a pleasant place to live, but there was a problem with the water supply. The problem was that it caused death. Elisha’s miracle cure for Jericho was simple and it points us to something worth noting. Man’s greatest problem is not outside on him, but on the inside. Sin (which also causes death) lives within and the gospel of Jesus (like Elisha’s bowl of salt) is the only cure.

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: All Creatures Of Our God
00:15 Introduction
00:34 Prayer
04:17 Bible reading: Isaiah 1:1-20
Song: See Him Coming
07:16 Kids’ Talk
Song: By Faith
10:36 Bible reading: Mark 7:1-23
Song: Before The Throne
13:21 Sermon: 1 Kings 2:19-22
Song: Marvellous Grace
37:16 Closing

‘Understanding the sight of Elisha in his new (old) cloak’ (2 Kings 2:1-18)

After Elisha rexperienced a rather compelling and forthright call to succeed Elijah as the Lord’s prophet in Israel, 2 Kings 2:1-18 explores their initial, but temporrary team ministry together which ended when Elijah was swepat away into heaven bu a whirlwind accompanying a chariot and horses made of fire. It must have been a sight to behold! But it wasn’t simply for show. In the process, Elisha gained posession of Elijah’s cloak and was able to repeat the miracle Elijah had just performed before his translation. This reminds us that Jesus also left a succession plan where God’s Spirit came upon all His disciples, equipping them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) wherever they went.

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship The King
00:16 Introduction
00:35 Prayer
06:17 Bible reading: 2 Kings 2:1-18
Song: Come People Of The Risen King
10:57 Mission Spot: Persecuted Church
Song: Christ Is Mine Forevermore
14:06 Bible reading: Acts 1:1-11
Song: He Will Hold Me Fast
16:13 Sermon: 1 Kings 2:1-18
Song: When We Walk With The Lord
41:24 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha’s call to serve the Lord’ (1 Kings 19:19-21)

It’s hard to say what the prophet Elijah thought when God told him to anoint Elisha as his successor. It’s not an easy thing to find out that your work is done. But in 1 Kings 19:19-21, we have the record of the day when Elijah laid his cloak upon Elisha and called him into service of the Lord. Not all of us will have an experience like Elisha in this respect, but all of God’s people are called into the Lord’s service … the challenge before us all the time is to prove faithful to our high calling…

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Christ In Thee
00:15 Introduction
00:35 Prayer
05:35 Bible reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21
Song: My Heart Is Filled
09:38 Mission Spot: Persecuted Church
Song: My Worth Is Not In What I Own
13:14 Bible reading: Luke 9:46-62
Song: O Great God
15:19 Sermon: 1 Kings 19:19-21
Song: O Jesus I Have Promised
38:22 Closing

‘Meeting Jesus’ (John 4:1-42)

Guest preacher, Rev Len Pearce, looks at John 4:1-42 where Jesus has an appointment to pass through Samaria, but the woman he meets needs that meeting. This passage about the woman of Samaria is all about Jesus and his character – he did not see people as others did. How do we see people? Do we offer hope? Jesus asks the women for a drink from the well but offers her living water (compare with John 7). This living water is his Holy Spirit, that Jesus’ saving work at the cross might be applied to our lives. As the passage goes on, we learn more about who Jesus is and the woman – of low standing and bad reputation – realises that Jesus is the Christ, she has received forgiveness and forgets her task at the well to tell the whole town. Be sure that you have met Jesus. Like Jesus, be no respecter of persons (looking up or down on anyone). Drink deeply of that living water that you cannot help but speak of it!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
00:14 Introduction
00:39 Prayer
06:07 Bible reading: John 4:1-26
Song: Grace Unmeasured
09:21 Devotional Spot
Song: Consider Christ
10:57 Bible reading: John 4:27-42
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
13:02 Sermon: John 4:1-42
Song: Have Thine Own Way
41:44 Closing

‘The day the Psalm writer told us what it’s all about’ (Psalm 150:1-6)

Not everyone loves the ‘Hokey Pokey’. I am one of those who doesn’t. Ultimately the Hokey Pokey is noy what it’s all about. Mankind was created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The final Psalm of the book of the Psalms, Psalm 150:1-6, ends the book on a note of great praise to God. He is worthy of all the praise that we could ever muster, and to live a life that praises God is surely one of our highest callings. If all creation is called upon to praise God, then let’s remember this. We have voices. We can communicate. ‘Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!’

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Oh Christ in Thee
00:14 Introduction
00:34 Prayer
06:30 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 5
Song: Meekness and Majesty
09:10 Devotional Spot
Song: O Lord my Rock
10:46 Bible reading: Ephesian 1:1-14
Song: Come Praise And Glorify
12:39 Sermon: Psalm 150
Song: All Creatures Of Our God
35:08 Closing

‘The day the Psalm writer’s prayer was based on a memory’ (Psalm 126)

We all have memories. Some are special. Some we would like to forget. Some that shape us into who we are! The writer of Psalm 126 also had a memory, a very particular one that involved the amazing deliverance that God gave to His people. And based on that memory, the psalm writer prayed what we find in this psalm – bring that memory to mind and letting it chapre his prayer for the now and the for future – that God would show His delivering power all over again!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: At The Name Of Jesus
00:16 Introduction
00:35 Prayer
05:11 Bible reading: Isaiah 35
Song: There Is A Higher Throne
07:06 Kids’ Talk
Song: O The Mercy Of God
10:18 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Song: Amazing Grace
12:23 Sermon: Psalm 126
Song: To God Be The Glory
35:25 Closing