Romans 1:13-32

The Apostle Paul's heart was that he might come to preach the gospel to those at Rome.  Whilst many today desire to draw in a crowd, Paul was not interested in doctoring the gospel to accomplish such means.  Whilst many today are ashamed of the foolishness of preaching, Paul desired to preach nothing less for he knew that the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ was the power of God unto salvation to all who would believe.

Just as the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, so also is the terrifying wrath of God revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.  When a people decides to cast off the knowledge of God and to give the worship and glory owing to God, to another, God gives man over to his own wicked lustful heart and in removing His restraint, man begins a horrifying downward spiral into moral depravity.  This sermon is awake up call to a nation under the wrath of God!!

Romans 1:1-12

Though the book of Romans was not the first epistle to be written, yet it finds itself first among the New Testament epistles.  When we consider the great depth of its theological content and practical application, it’s hardly any surprise why we find it first in position among the epistles.  By all accounts, this epistle stands as a giant!  If all the epistles can be rightly called mountains, the book of Romans stands as Mount Everest among them. 

In this first part of a sermon series working through the book of Romans, we explore Paul’s mighty calling and the awesome possibilities of the grace of God working though his yielded life.  We look too at the power of prayer and the desperate need in our generation for prayer to be revived in the lives of God’s people for the spiritual well-being and prosperity of the Saints. 

Genesis 3:1-7

There seems to be within some sectors of the Christian Church, two opposing views when it comes to spiritual warfare.  On one extreme there exists those who deny that there is such a devil at work in the earth today and on the other, those who blame the devil for absolutely everything!  Surely the Bible presents a middle ground, not overstating his power whilst at the same time not minimising his potential influence in the life of the believer. 

Through the account given of the fall of man, this message seeks to shed light on the nature of Satan and his approach in seeking to ensnare the souls of men.  This sermon is a sober warning and a caution to Christians not to spend too long in talk with the devil for one does so to the peril of his own soul!!    

Luke 8:7

Never in the history of mankind have we ever been able to achieve more in in a single 24 hour day than we do in the age in which we live.  What previous generations would have taken a week to accomplish, we can accomplish in mere hours.  Yet, though man has much time free, he has no time free, for the time he would have free he fills with the pursuit of obtaining more.  With the more come much anxiety!!

Anxiety is a foe of any man but in particular it is a foe of the Christian which if embraced will render one’s life unfruitful and barren!  This sermon looks at the parable of the sower and in particular the application of the parable as it relates the peril of anxiety.  A strong exhortation is given via a very practical message that we as Christians might break through in the area of faith and prayer to lay hold on the peace of God in the midst of the temptation to worry.

Hebrews 12:1-13

Is there any among you that is without the pain and sorrow that accompany trials and afflictions?  What is your response when such trials and afflictions come to press you out of measure?  For many, their immediate response is why me?  If God loves me, why would He allow such affliction to come into my life?  Oh!  Dear Brethren, don’t tarry long in conversation with that old serpent; well our Lord did say of him “he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44).  Nay, in such moments of doubt, we must bring underneath that sinking sand, the sure foundation of God’s Word which cries aloud; it’s because God loves me why he allows trials and afflictions to come into my life!!

In this sermon, three key aspects of God’s chastening are brought out.  Firstly, God chastens His children in retributive disciple in order that they might turn back to Him.  Secondly, God chastens His children in corrective discipline that they might resemble more His image and character.  Thirdly, God chastens His children in preventative discipline lest we should turn aside out of the way.  The overriding message coming through in each case is the same…whom God loves He chastens!!

David through the Scriptures shows that everyone who God calls to be His children have to follow the journey of the chosen.  All who God calls to labour in His work must undergo a series of episodes, without which there can be no hope of service in the work of the Kingdom.  Through the life of four men – Joseph, Moses, David and Paul – David shows that all were mightily used of God because all went through God’s pattern!  They were called, had a preview of ministry, were then demoted, and went through a wilderness before then being promoted.  This message is a great encouragement for all who perhaps felt that they were once called, but have not seen the full fruit of that calling.

In this sermon teaching, David seeks to bring out the truth contained in the parable of the ten virgins.  At first glance, one may think that the five foolish virgins were ignorant of their required responsibility to ensure that they brought oil in their vessels.  However, as you will see, their ignorance was a purposeful ignorance, based on a slothfulness and disobedience, resulting in their entrance into the marriage feast being denied!!

David expounds on a topic that is very dear to his heart concerning the gospel of the Kingdom.  David is clear to point out that the gospel of the Kingdom is not the gospel of the Church, nor is it the gospel of salvation. Prepare to have your minds stretched as David digs into the Word of God.  As all good Bereans, the ownness is on us after we have heard, to then search the Holy Scriptures!!

David expounds on two very important parables; the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.  The exhortation that David brings is delivered in grace and compassion, yet is clear and absolute...if we don't forgive those who have sinned against us, then God will not forgive us who have sinned against Him!!

1 Kings 17:1-16

We are living in incredibly difficult times and difficult times call for times of encouragement!! Biblical encouragement is not airy fairy sentimentalism but rather is rooted and grounded on the steadfast faithfulness of a God who is able to sustain and provide for His people in times of great need!! You don’t need me to tell you that we are living in times of great famine. The preaching and teaching of truth is seldom to be heard in our land. Yet…the same God who was able to keep His people in the wilderness for 40 years, providing them fresh manna morning by morning is able to also feed His people! The same God who commanded the ravens to feed His faithful servant Elijah is the same God who will also feed us in the time of famine!!

This sermon is an exhortation to God’s Saints and a testimonial to the faithful mercies of a covenant keeping God who though He leads us into the wilderness, is able to sustain His beloved children.