The harvest is past, the summer has ended and we are not saved

BALTEAGH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER 2025 - MR GRAHAM ORR

JEREMIAH 8 VERSES 4 - 23

As we come to this familiar text in verse 20 we are asked the question "Are you a Christian? Are you saved?" Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. In chapter 1 verse 1 we read that he came from the priestly line at Anthoth. He was called to be a prophet of the Lord, to bring God's message to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. His message was one of God's judgment because of Judah's sin, their corruption and idolatry as well as the rottenness of society at the time. This led God to judge the people. We know that this is what happened in 587 BC as the Babylonians came in and destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The people were carried into captivity for 70 years. God did bring judgment. Jeremiah suffered for his message. He was mocked, ridiculed and put in prison, even in a well at one point. But "the word of God burned in his bones."(chapter 9 verse 1) This was Jeremiah's heart. He was not bringing a message of joy but he had a burden of judgment. He ministered with tears. There is a reminder here that a day of judgment is coming for all of us. Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem in his day. Think of Jesus on the cross of Calvary when he prayed "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."  There are consequences for those who continue in their sin. The day of the Lord is coming for Judah and for us too when Christ will come again. 

The harvest is past. The harvest has been gathered in already. Scripture reminds us that there will be a spiritual harvest in the last day when Christ comes again. Revelation 14 verse 14

I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Christ will come one day. It will be the day of God's wrath. We read elsewhere of the separation of the wheat and chaff, the sheep and the goats. Matthew 25 verse 34

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

And he will 

separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ... Then he will say to those on his left, 'depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

This passage in Jeremiah 8 has to do with wheat or barley harvests. The barley and wheat harvests in Israel at that time were between April and June. There are many lovely pictures of harvests in our bibles. We think of the illustration in Ruth. Naomi had lost her husband and sons and Ruth the daughter-in-law returns to Bethlehem with Naomi. When Naomi arrives in Bethlehem she tells everyone to call her Marah  which means loss and bitterness. Ruth is now coming into a foreign land. She tells Naomi "I will not let you go. Your God will be my God, where you go I will go." Then we read these wonderful words "It was the beginning of harvest." Ruth encountered Boaz who showed kindness to her. Boaz is a picture of Christ. She receives great grace in the providence of God. She comes into the line of Christ. At the end of Ruth we read she had a son Obed who became the father of Jesse, David's father. Here we see the grace of God. Galatians 6 

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

That is what Ruth knew - grace, life everlasting. She was looking forward to Christ.  Now in Jeremiah we see that the harvest is past. God's judgment has been pronounced on his people. Verses 4 to 7 

Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says:

“‘When people fall down, do they not get up?
    When someone turns away, do they not return?
5 Why then have these people turned away?
    Why does Jerusalem always turn away?
They cling to deceit;
    they refuse to return.
6 I have listened attentively,
    but they do not say what is right.
None of them repent of their wickedness,
    saying, “What have I done?”
Each pursues their own course
    like a horse charging into battle.
7 Even the stork in the sky
    knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
    observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know
    the requirements of the Lord.

Jeremiah is warning the people but no-one was listening. Like horses charging into battle. You would think they would turn but no, they continue their own way. They refuse to return. Continuing on, stubborn in sin, no genuine repentance. What about you? Do you say "I am good enough, I am happy where I am?" Have you heeded the central message of the Lord? Have you repented for the kingdom of heaven is at hand? Have you come to true repentance? Jeremiah 17 verse 9 

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

 They had done things, said things, broken God's holy law. They had transgressed, fallen short of the glory of God. When we examine ourselves before God we all fall short. We continue in this way. Even the birds know their time of migration but this people don't take heed to this opportunity. The time of opportunity is come for you this week. We are wise, we know God's law yet we continue in our own ways.

In verse 9 we read they rejected God's words. Have you rejected God's word? Even the priests and prophets have done it too.

Therefore I will give their wives to other men
    and their fields to new owners.
From the least to the greatest,
    all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
    all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
“Peace, peace,” they say,
when there is no peace.
Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.

They put a cover over the people's sins. But it was no good. They needed a deep change in the heart. Nothing can be done with the multitude of sin. Perilous times would come. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3

There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

The Israelite leaders were full of their own pride and self. There was all manner of evil underneath. Are they ashamed of their conduct? No, they have no shame. They'd don't even known how to blush. Does that not sound like our society today? People engage in the most awful sexual sin possible. The gift of intimacy was given in the marriage relationship and anything outside that is wrong, it is sinful. Our streets are full of sin and there is no blushing, no shame today. We know of all the pornography on our phones at the press of a button. People are living together before marriage and they don't care. But there is one who does care - God. Paul warns people to flee from sexual immorality for it will destroy you. The awful thing is - judgment has been pronounced and no-one cares. Romans 1 verse 24 

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

Genesis 6 verse 3 tells us

My Spirit shall not always strive with man.

Have you spurned previous opportunities to repent? Have you rejected God in times past?

The summer is ended. If the barley harvest failed the people could look forward to the fruit harvest later in the summer but if that failed then it was really disastrous. 

I will take away their harvest declares the Lord. There will be no grapes on the vine. There will be no figs on the tree and their leaves will wither. What I have given them will be taken from them.

A picture of God's judgment. Imagine no fruit or flowers to set before the Lord. In Joel's prophecy we read that there was nothing to bring into the house of the Lord. A great devastation. A great urgency. Is there a fruitfulness in your life? Is there any evidence of grace? Or it is all just leaves?

We are not saved. How many harvest services have you had the privilege of sitting in? God does not see Presbyterian or Baptist or Methodist or Reformed or Muslim or Hindu. He sees those who are either saved or lost and that is it. What category are you in today? Saved by the grace of God? Do you know you are are saved? That you are on your way to heaven? Or are you on the broad road of which many are on? The fields are white unto harvest Jesus says.

Do you not say, Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4 verse 35

If you are under the conviction of sin you must turn, heed the word of God. Maybe you think your life is so messed up, that the catalogue of sins in your life means you have no hope. There is hope. 

Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2 verses 12 and 13

There was a great turn around in Joel. God calls you to give your heart to Christ.

What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Mark 8 verse 36

It is so clear - you can know his mercy. Isn't God kind and patient to us. Jonah went to preach the word of God to the people of Nineveh. They heeded the word of God, fasted and turned. 

Who knows God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish. When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3 verses 9 and 10

Salvation is all of God. God chose a people to draw them to himself, to know the freedom that comes with salvation. To look to the Lord. To be obedient to the Lord. To know his salvation. We are still in a time of grace. Listen to what God says. 

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live  the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1 verses 6 and 7

The people of Judah were deceiving themselves. Jesus Christ, the Son of God loved me and gave himself for me. 

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people. Jeremiah 8 verses 22 and 23

There is a balm in Gilead today - it is the blood of Christ. We step out in the promise of God. We are under the blood. We can know his cleansing. Instead of continuing in our sin God gives us his righteousness. Only then can we have the assurance of eternal life in heaven. 

Remember the sentiments of the saintly Samuel Rutherford writing from his prison cell in the granite city of Aberdeen. he was reflecting on his pastoral charge in Galloway in south-west Scotland when he wrote:

Fair Anwoth by the Solway, to me thou still art dear,

E'en on the verge of heaven, I drop for thee a tear,

oh, if one soul from Anwoth, meet me at God's right hand,

My heaven will be two heavens, in Immanuel's land.

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This is a Great Work

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER 2025 - MR HENRY CASKEY

NEHEMIAH 6 VERSES 1 TO 4

Nehemiah is an interesting character. On many occasions I have been encouraged and challenged as I go through this book. I see something of the great lengths he would go to to serve God. He left a palace behind him in Shushan. As he gazed out from these walls he could see the ruins. He was the man you would go to in time of trouble. He shows tremendous leadership. He comes down to Jerusalem. He united the people. They were discouraged and displeased. The first thing he brings them together and guides them through dark and difficult days. He has left a great legacy. This sets the same example for pastors, elders, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders - not to be scared away from the work of God. There is a stamp on this man's character - verse 3 "I am doing a great work". What had happened? The enemy tried everything in its power to stop this work, to bring this man down. He used threats, violence, to stop him in leading the people to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah says "No I am doing a great work." The enemy came after him with threats and violence. Now they come and say "let's stop and talk about the issues facing us." It might have been a good chance for him to take time off the work. He was about the king's business and it required haste. Nothing would stop him. Doesn't the devil do that with us? He will set up road blocks and try to tell us we need to take a rest. It would be easy to do that. Have you ever looked at the work of God and thought "it's a great work"? We see people coming in through the doors, getting out in the street preaching the word of God but we need to be careful. We can see the enemy coming in as the wolf dressed as a lamb. Nehemiah tells them he is doing a great work. Looking at this great work. Lets stop for a moment. There are people who come around you and do that. They tell you how good a person you are. At the same time they want to pull you down.

The vexing here of the work. The work was being attacked, criticised, despised by all its enemies but Nehemiah did not see that. Imagine coming in from Shushan the palace. He had heard what was happening in Jerusalem chapter 1. He hears of a work that breaks his heart. The walls are broken down, the gates are burned with fire, the people are depressed and scattered. The work was in an awful state. He gets down before God and weeps. He confesses and seeks God about it. Let's not make the excuses today. Let's get down before God and begin to pray. "You will seek for me and find me when you seek for me with all your heart." To pray without ceasing. I am sure in reality it was worse than he heard. Nehemiah saw a great work he was involved in. He was so privileged to be in it. Is that our mind today? Do we feel privileged to do God's work? The gates were burned down, the walls demolished, the people had given up. Today we see churches under attack. Has it ever been any different? In Acts 12 verse 1 we read that Herod the king stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church. Those who were preaching the word of God. The church was being attacked. Men and women were being redeemed. Herod arrested James and killed him. When he seen this pleased the people he decided to arrest Peter also. Nehemiah left Shushan behind and travelled to Jerusalem. God had placed it in his heart to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He was coming with a different spirit. His enemies Sanballat and Tobiah heard about him and it grieved them exceedingly. A man was coming to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Caleb had a different spirit. Remember when the spies were sent out into the land of Canaan and brought back their reports. Caleb followed the Lord with all his heart. He believed that if God was for them they could then take the land. The people rose up to kill Caleb. They were vexing Caleb. "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." Some times we get discouraged. Paul had a different spirit. He was rejected from town to town. Christ had a different spirit when he hung on the cross. We will be opposed as we seek to follow the kingdom of God. Are we holding on today? Have we the intention of building God's work?

The vocation of the work. This was God's work. This is the work God has called me to do. Never lose sight that this is God's work. Never lose sight of God's calling on your heart. God has placed it there. You are responsible for it. One day we will give an account of what God has given to us. We are not here for riches and prosperity but to see God honoured. God has called Nehemiah to do this work. He was following God's plan. God's work done in God's place. Wouldn't it have been lovely to see into Nehemiah's mind. He was in the palace, a responsible job, number 2 to the king. No-one could come in to see the king without Nehemiah's say so. He was there working. Then he went to Jerusalem. He sees the rubble, the dirt, stones and ashes. People could neither lead them or drive them yet he says "it is a wonderful work." Nehemiah tells us in chapter 2 verse 12 "I arose in the night." Many a time we will waken in the night. God stirs you with the responsibility of his work. The burden he carried. "Neither told I any man what God had told me in my heart what to do in Jerusalem." That is why he is there. That is why he could say to the enemy "I cannot stop, I am going to make sure I will do it to the end." They tried to stop him with threats, blackmail, by deception. "I am not stopping, this is a great work." Nehemiah was where God would have him to be. That is important - that we realise that God has us in his place, right where he could use us. Elijah had called down the fire from heaven. Next he is fleeing from Jezebel. She threatened to put him to death. He went out into the wilderness. Sitting in a cave God comes to him "Elijah what doest thou here?" He was not where God would have him to be. Not in a cave feeling sorry for himself. Nehemiah was here because God sent him there.  That makes the different. An old pastor once said to me "make sure wherever you go that you have the word of God to back it up because there will be many a time you have to prove God in that situation." Nehemiah was in this place Jerusalem because God had sent him there. This was his vocation. The calling of God for his life. He had a meeting with God. He got down before God praying and pleading. The right man was chosen for the task. "God does not promise you an easy life, sometimes there will be temptations, tests and tears." The old preachers used to refer to it as stickability, sticking at the work. It is very easy to give up but Nehemiah was not for giving up. In Acts 13 in the little church in Antioch there were in the church certain teachers and prophets. Each was doing their own task and as they ministered to the Lord and fasted the Holy Ghost said "separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." This little church was working for God, doing all sorts for the Lord but also listening to the Holy Spirit. Maybe today God has a task for you today do. God can use you if you are willing today.

The value of the work. In chapter 2 Nehemiah goes out by night to assess the work. He sees the walls in ruins and the gates burned. He is on a donkey surveying the work. He has to get off at a certain place because the donkey cannot walk through it. The old devil says you will never see that person saved, come into church, see the work revived. Sometimes it is hard. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. He looks at the rubble and ruins. He says it is a great work. There must have been mountains of broken down stones, awful dust and ashes yet he did not look at that but rather at the work of God. He saw so much to discourage them. Those he thought who would stand behind him and encourage him didn't do it. Nehemiah says it is a great work. How do you value the work of God today? How do you value that little task God has given you? "I am only a Sunday school teacher." It is a great work to instil and nurture someone. They could be saved from their sins, they could know that God loves them. Maybe you are saying "I don't have any job except being a door keeper." Some of us couldn't even do that. Maybe you are a cleaner - wouldn't it be awful to see cobwebs when we come into God's house? Forget about the enemy telling you it is no work - it is a great work. No matter what you are asked to do, do it for the Lord. Have you taken time to ask the Lord for a task? Have you shared it out with everyone else?

The victory of the work. Nehemiah kept at it after he made his inspection. He knew it would not be easy. Nehemiah 2 verse 18 "then I told them of the hand of my God." He was starting to speak to them now. God has told me the way to go. When the people heard him they said "let us rise up and build and they strengthened and the work began." The enemy tried all along to stop this work but they couldn't. Nehemiah 6 verse 13 "the wall was finished in 52 days." The enemy had to concede for they perceived this work was wrought of God. What a blessing. Nehemiah was. What a blessing you could be in this work. 

The story was told of an evangelist in Wales many years ago. He went into a village to do a gospel mission and preached for 3 weeks night after night. The sad thing was no-one came. Night after night he went through the same thing. On the last night he put out the lights and locked the doors. Six months later he was passing through the village. He stopped in one of the shops. A lady standing at the counter said to him "you are so and so, you came about 6 months ago to the little hall down the street. You went in every night and preached but no one turned up." He said "that is right". The lady said "I got saved after you left. When I thought that you would do that then you must have some God. I cried out to the Lord for forgiveness of sins. He saved my precious soul." Don't give up. You are doing a great work. God's blessing will come.

A Robber Redeemed

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 pm - MR GARETH McINTYRE

LUKE 23 VERSES 27 TO 46

The verses I want to draw your attention to are verses 42 and 43 "And he said unto him, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee, Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." Throughout the Saviour's earthly ministry we are told many times that great crowds followed him because of his many miracles and his preaching of the word of God. People were captivated by his preaching, people were completely astounded by his preaching. He preached truth and righteousness and about sure and coming judgment. John 7 verse 46 "never man spake like this man."  Now after 33 years the day of his earthly ministry was coming to a close. The time had come for Jesus to finish the work his Father had sent him to do. The Lord Jesus was faithful in life and in death. Luke 9 "And it came to pass when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem." The Lord came to this earth for a purpose. Nothing would stop or hinder him going to the cruel cross. John 6 "I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but to do the will of him who sent me." It was God the Father's will that his darling Son would leave the ivory palaces of heaven and stoop down into this sin cursed world and die on the cross at calvary. And it was because of his love for you and me. John 3 verse 16. The most well known verse in all of scripture - "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Now we read for a final time a great crowd followed him as he was led from Pilate's hall to Golgotha's hill, the place of execution - verse 27 "And there followed him a great company of people and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him." As the Lord was making his way to his death he gently turned to those woman with compassion and said "Daughters of Jerusalem weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children." He was reminding them that judgment was coming. Do you realise judgment is coming? Do you ever pause in the busyness of life to consider that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment? The Lord had been judged and sentenced to death for being an evil doer. He was not alone as he walked this road of shame. In verse 32 we read of 2 other malefactors who were led with him to be put to death. "2 other malefactors." That is how Jesus was regarded by this crowd of people. As an malefactor, an evildoer. Can you imagine that the sinless, spotless Son of God was considered as such? There was a great prophecy in Isaiah 53 verse 12 being fulfilled"he was numbered with the transgressors." The Lord Jesus, the one holy, undefiled, separate from sinners - they regarded him as an evil doer and nailed him to a wooden cross. According to Matthew's gospel he was crucified first. It was as if they couldn't wait to put him to death. Verse 33 "there they crucified him and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left." A malefactor was a criminal, a thief, a robber, a vile person, maybe even a murderer, a robber of life.  If this book is so holy why do we read of such a vile person? Why did this writer write about this thief and robber? Why do we read of this criminal? Because Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. Mark 2 verse 17 "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." The righteous think they can get to heaven their own way, on their own ticket, they think they are ok, they trust in their own works, they trust in their false religion but the bible says "it is by grace we are saved through faith that not of ourselves it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast." It is all of grace. Matthew Henry said "Grace is the free undeserved goodness and favour of God to mankind." Christ came to save sinners. To save the down and outs. Maybe you feel like that tonight. You have made a mess of your life and you have reached the point of no return. If so - Christ came to save you. Those who recognise and realise without God they are without hope. Without God they are lost. He saves murderers, adulterers, drug addicts and alcoholics. He saves great sinners. Whatever reason it is -  it is by divine appointment that you are reading this. Whatever sin it is, whatever circumstances it doesn't matter. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son can cleanse you from all sin. You can walk out saved, born again forgiven ready for heaven and home. The bible says he is able to save to the uttermost. No-one is excluded. God promised to take you in - "him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Matthew 27 verse 44 says "these thieves cast the same in their teeth."  They both went to the cross with the same attitude to the Saviour. They both went insulting Christ in the same way. They both blasphemed him, mocked and insulted and reject him. The Jewish leaders and crowds and Roman soldiers all bitterly mocked the Saviour. But then something wonderful happened. All of a sudden one of the thieves had a change of heart. He gets graciously saved as he hung on wooden cross. This robber is redeemed. He found Christ, salvation, pardon and freedom, forgiveness of sins. Now accepted Christ as his own personal Saviour. He died in Christ and went straight to paradise. Not saved by going to church. Or by being baptised. Or by good works. Not by turning over a new leaf. Saved by the same way as anyone else. By turning his life to Christ. This man in the midst of his agony and pain he lifted up his struggling voice and in verse 42 he prayed "Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." In verse 43 there is a wonderful promise "The Lord Jesus said Verily I say unto you Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." 

Look at this converted thief. He was a dying man. There he hung, nailed to a cross from which he would never come down alive. His hours were numbered. His grave was ready. Like King David in 1 Samuel 20 verse 3 "there was but a step between him and death." J C Ryle said "if ever there was a soul hovering over the brink of hell it was the soul of this thief." Some would have thought him too wicked to be saved but it was not so. Have you ever saw a more hopeless case? As every drop of blood fell from him he became weaker and weaker. He was a dying man. He was powerless, hopeless and helpless in and of himself. Do you know you are a dying man or woman? There is but a step between us and death. You must think about death. It is a reality. It is coming closer every day. "The soul that sinneth it shall die." James 1 "sin when finished bringeth forth death." Death not a possibility but a certainty. The hymn writer said Where will you spend eternity? You don't know the day or hour when the Lord calls. Remember the rich farmer Luke 12. He had great prosperity, produce and plans for the future. "I will pull down my barns and I will build greater, I will take my ease. I will eat and drink and be merry. I will take my ease." He had great plans but God was not in his plans. He said "thou fool this night thy soul shall be required of thee." There was a step between him and death. This thief was a dying man. The Saviour was so close. He could look over and hear him. He could hear the Saviour praying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." These words were words of compassion, of love and forgiveness. Do you realise the Saviour is so close? Do you hear his word as he says "come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." There was a time when Jesus looked over Jerusalem and wept "how often I would have gathered they children together as a hen doth gather her chicks but ye would not." They rejected the Lord. Is that you tonight? You have continually rejected God's offer of salvation. Can you once again hear his invitation? Remember some day your opportunity will end. You will close the line and it will be too late. "My spirit shall not always strive with man." If God is speaking there is no guarantee he will ever speak to you again. He not only could hear his words but he could read his title - verse 38 "a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew. This is the King of the Jews." One commentator said "perhaps we could say it was the first gospel tract ever written." It told him who Christ was. He was the Saviour, the promised Messiah, the one despised and rejected of men. At the cross the gospel was so clearly and perfectly presented. He could witness Christ's mockery - verse 35 "The rulers derided him saying He saved others, let him save himself if he be Christ the chosen of God."  In verse 36 we read "the soldiers mocked him." Then in verse 39 the other thief said "If thou be Christ save thyself and us." God used the words Christ spoke, the title Christ had, the mockery he endured to bring a lost soul from death to life. What is the Lord using to challenge you of your sin? What will it take to awaken you of your need of him? A trial or a trouble? Maybe he is using a praying wife or a husband? Inside you long for that peace. Maybe you are so close but you cannot take that step because you fear the judgement of others. Cast it away and trust Jesus Christ. Do not lose your soul for anyone. We can see a dying man.

Here was a discerning man. At first he mocked the Lord but now something happened. Verse 40 and 41 "But the other answering rebuked him saying Dost not thou fear God seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss." What has happening? He confessed his own sinfulness. He came to realise his standing before almighty God. He came to realise whenever he was weighed in the balances of God he was found wanting. Having wasted his life living for sin. He had lived his life without Christ. Now he hung in the judgment of God. Without Christ that is how we all stand. It doesn't matter how good we think we are. The bible says all your righteousnesses are as filthy rags. It doesn't matter our popularity or how successful we are in business, or respectable in our family, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He confessed he was a sinner. Simply you must confess you are a sinner before God 1 John 1 verse 9 "if we confess our sin he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He confessed his own sinfulness but he also confessed Christ sinlessness - verse 41" But this man has done nothing amiss." His eyes had been opened to the truth that Christ was the sinless spotless Son of God."He came to realise that Christ was the one who knew no sin, did not sin and could not sin. The one of whom the bible said is of purer of eyes to behold iniquity who is God, very God and very man." He realised Christ was dying for sin that was not his own. Warren Wiersbe said "The Lord Jesus was dying for sin, the other thief was dying in sin and this thief was dying to sin." He did not ask the Lord to save his life and heal his body. He asked Christ to save his soul and heal him from his sin. This thief realised sin was his ultimate problem, he confessed his own sinfulness. He confessed Christ's sinlessness. He also confessed that he believed there was life beyond the grave - "Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom." Do you believe in life after death? The bible says "prepare to meet thy God." One day you will meet him either as your Saviour or your judge. You will either hear those words "come enter into the joy of the Lord" or "depart from me you cursed, I never knew you." Have you prepared to meet God? He cast himself on the mercy of God. He cried "Lord remember me." Can you sing O 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love, the love of God to me. That brought a Saviour from above, to die on Calvary." We see a dying man but also a discerning man.

Thirdly we see a delivered man. When this poor sinner cried "Lord remember me" he was saved. The Lord said "today thou wilt be with me in paradise". Was he saved by good works? No he was nailed to a crrss Did his money save him? This man was absolutely penniless. He was not saved by baptism or by being a church member. He realised that he could do nothing for his salvation. God did not require him to do anything for his salvation. God had done everything for his salvation. Salvation is not about doing this or doing that but it is done. Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man. The only door that leads to heaven. "There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin. He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in." When there was no other good enough God commissioned the Son to go forward.Job 33 verse 24 "I have found a ransom."  God the Father could have searched heaven amidst the heavenly host, he could have looked through humanity from Adam to the end of eternity and could not find one good enough. To qualify to be the ransom. In Jesus God found a ransom, one good enough. He sent him forth on the great mission to go to the cross and die for our sins. John 19 verse 30 Jesus cried from the cross "It is finished, he bowed his head and gave up the ghost." The work was completed and so perfectly. Now the Lord says "come". For this thief salvation was instant. The Lord said "today." The man was saved immediately. Salvation is instant. "The vilest offender who truly believes that moment from Jesus a pardon receives." You are saved instantly for time and for eternity. "As far as the east is from the west he will remove your sin from you." He will cast your sin into the sea of his forgetfulness. You can claim the promise of the book that "He will never leave you nor forsake you." He will stick closer than a brother. When the time comes to close your eyes in death you will immediately be with Christ which is far better. It was definite. The Lord said "today thou shalt be." Not maybe, wait and see, we will weigh things up. "Thou shalt be with me in paradise." There is absolutely no doubt salvation is instant, definite but also resident - "in paradise". Not soul sleep, not purgatory, it is heaven. It is "absent from body and present with the Lord." The immediate presence of Christ waits his blood bought children. We see the cross of reception. He received Christ. Between 5 and 6 o'clock that afternoon the Roman soldiers put a cruel end to the life of this dying thief. They launched his soul out into eternity and he was met on eternity shores by Christ himself. You can only imagine that nail scarred hand clasping nail scarred hand as this dying thief was dying no more. He was at home with the Lord. With Christ there is a sure hope beyond the grave. The solemn reality for the other thief is that he lived without Christ and he died without Christ. When we look at his cross we see the cross of rejection. 2000 years later he is still in hell. Eternity has not begun for him. He had the same opportunity as his companion but he chose to die in his sin. Turn your eyes to the middle tree, see the cross of redemption. The place where he took our sin and sorrow, he made it his very own, he bore our burden to Calvary and he suffered and died alone. In verse 45 we notice "and the sun was darkened". Why was there darkness? Because Christ was dying, suffering and enduring the wrath of God's judgment alone. In 1966 in a little Welsh village there was a disaster. Many children were killed after a coal mine fell on a little school. The television crew followed the Queen as she visited the families and the distressed and the bereaved. As she neared the end of her journey a man came up to the camera "that is enough". The question was asked "why" and the reply came back "the monarch is weeping." My friend when God put darkness on the cross, to look upon it would be too horrific. Christ was bleeding, suffering and enduring the flames of hell, God's punishment against sin, against vileness and crime, against every evil word, thought and deed.  He was being exhausted for sin. In verse 45 tells us the veil was ripped. There was a veil between God and man because of sin. There was a barrier. Now because of the death and resurrection of Christ there is a way back to God from the dark paths of sin. "There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's vein and sinners plunge beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains." Will you accept him tonight? Do you know you need him? Without him you will die in your sin. Without him you will go to hell, that you have no hope and one day you will lift up your eyes and wish you had trusted him. That you had clung to him. Took him at his word. Will you acknowledge him tonight? Will you confess him tonight?

The Power of God in your Christian Service

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 – MR GARETH McINTYRE

2 Kings 6 verses 1 to 7

The Power of God in your Christian Service

Here in 2 Kings 6 we have the story and the miracle of the swimming axe head. It was performed by Elisha the prophet of God through the power of God. He helps this distressed student recover the lost axe head as it flew off the shaft and sinks into the muddy waters of the Jordan river whilst he was cutting down a tree. This young man lost his power and effectiveness in his work. This axe head speaks of the power of God that is essential in the work of God and in the life of every true Christian. Without the axe head firmly fitted on the shaft to continue working we would only have been beating the tree. Yes we would still feel tired being engaged in the work but the result would be utter failure. It is very possible for us to be working tirelessly but at the same time we could be working powerlessly. Remember what Jesus said in John 15 verse 5 “For without me ye can do nothing.” Dr Wilbert Chapman was once asked the secret of his power. He replied “I find that I have power just in proportion as my soul is saturated through and through with the word of God.” Another wrote “the power in the Christian life depends on our communication with the source of that power.” 2 Kings confronts us with the question “have we lost our power?” Or it could confront us with the warning “be careful not to lose your axe head.” Warren Wiersbe puts it “Have you lose your cutting edge?”  

In verse 1 we see the people involved. This was a young man, a student, one of the sons of the prophets. Not referring to his ancestry but the nature of his calling. He was called by God, into the ministry and trained in one of the schools of the prophets. There were 3 schools – Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho. There were many more. This one probably was in Gilgal. They were taught and trained in the things of God. They sat before Elisha their principle. Chapter 4 verse 38 “and Elisha came again to Gilgal and there was a dearth in the land and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him.” He was not just a mighty miracle worker but had a concern for these young men. He would have poured into these young men. He would have shared his knowledge and experiences. He nurtured them with love and patience. He set before them a pattern of godliness. He was onto them an example. He would have exhorted them to “go through with God their vows to pay and their lives upon the altar lay.”  The little poem “I would rather see a sermon” says

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.”

It is amazing how one person can have an impact on so many lives. D L Moody “the world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him.” It is not what man can do, it is what God can do with one man or one woman. God can use you to impact one family. He can use your godly example and he can turn this town upside down for Christ. One faithful witness the Lord can use mightily. I recently read of a sociology class in the 1920’s at a John Hopkins university that did a study of children in deprived neighbours in Baltimore. They identified 200 children who appeared doomed to spend years in prison. After 25 years another study was done to see what had happened to these 200 children – surprisingly only 2 were incarcerated. As they were interviewed the name of their teacher came up over and over again - Mrs Smyth. The sociologists were correct by their predictions but there was an intervention - a Christian school teacher who loved them. She had an influence on these children, she left a mark on their life and her example had a lasting influence. Sunday School teachers, godly grandparents and parents be encouraged - your example will leave a mark that God can use in later years for his glory. Elisha had an influence on these young men called to the ministry. Like Paul who referred to his son in the faith, Timothy. He came alongside him, he took him under his wing. Isn’t that what it is needed today in this world of sin and wickedness out there willing to influence our young people today? Teaching them falsehood, seeking to sift them as wheat but we can have a greater influence, be that fine example. Elisha was a fine example. He left all, he burnt his bridges and followed after Elijah. He served Elijah for 10 years. He was known as the man who poured hands on Elijah. Speaks of his humility. A humble man willing to allow him to be first. That speaks of commitment. In 2 Kings 2 before Elijah’s departure, Elijah said to him “Tarry ye here I pray you, the Lord has sent me to Bethel” and Elisha said “I will not leave you.” At Bethel again “Tarry ye here for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” Elisha replied “I will not leave you.” At Jericho Elijah said a third time “tarry ye here for the Lord has sent me to Jordan.” Elisha said “I will not leave you.” A man of commitment. Elisha would not leave his master. How committed are we to our master? Will we go the extra mile for God? Can we sing “I love my master, I will not go out free, He is my Redeemer and He paid the price for me.” When it came to his departure Elijah asked him “ask what I should do for thee.” Elisha said “Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” He knew he needed the power of God to do the work of God. When Elijah rose up his mantle fell. Elisha picked it up and smote the waters and cried “where is the Lord God of Elijah?” The waters parted hither and thither. Unbeknown to him the sons of prophets saw him and said of him "the spirit of the Lord doth rest on Elisha." They said he was the real deal. What an example he was. What do people say when they watch us? When our unsaved family watch us what do they say? They might never read a bible or attend a church but they read your life and you can be sure they arebwatching from a distance.

“You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day.
By the deeds that you do and by the words that you say
Men read what you write whether faithless or true
Say what is the gospel according to you?”

Verse 1 “ And the sons of the prophets said into Elisha. "

The expansion of this work - verse 1 "Behold now the place where we dwell with the is too strait or us." They said it was too straight, too small. The work was growing, progressing, advancing. God was at work here. He was extending his kingdom, he was calling young men into the ministry despite what was happening around them. Even though there was much opposition without. They were surrounded by sin of every kind. God said “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This took place in the northern kingdom of Israel. The northern kingdom never had a godly king after they split north and south. Their king was Jehoram, son of wicked king Ahab. It is said of him “he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord.” He was a wicked king. It is said of him “they cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat which made Israel to sin." This land was over flowing with idolatry. Sin of every kind. But God was at work. These were young men not prepared to bow the knee, to conform to the wickedness around them. That should bring hope today . Sometimes we can look back and become discouraged when we remember days of blessing from the Lord. Remember the Lord will continue to build his church. You must remain faithful. Each one is called to the kingdom for such a time as this. This is a time of opportunity. The Lord has us for this time, for his sovereign will. This expansion came after sin was rooted out within. Remember Elisha’s servant  Gehazi. He coveted the gifts brought by Naaman the leper. He took them and sinned against the Lord.  He abused the privileged position, having set his affections on earthly treasure. Elisha punished him and the Lord did too. Cast out as a leper, as white as snow. When sin is rooted out it is then that God will bless and give the increase. The college expanded.

A desire for this work – verse 2 "Let us go we pray there into Jordan and take thence every man a beam and let us make us a place there where we may dwell. And he answered Go ye." Their numbers were swelling. This place of training became too small. It was time to expand. They had a desire to work firstly because they saw the need. Their desire was in the work, their motives were pure.  These were industrious young men, they were burdened about the need. They were prepared to do whatever they needed to do. They were young man called by God. They did not use their position to shy from hard manual work. They saw the need. Do you see the need around you? Have you a mind to work today? Is our mind too occupied on the temporal needs that we fail to recognise the spiritual needs around us? They acted upon the need. Every man a beam. Not one was excluded. Everyone had his part to see the work extended. They had a work to do. It involved sacrifice, an effort when all are united. Matthew 21 verse 28 “my son go work in my vineyard”. There was urgency here. Time was short and the clock was ticking. What am I doing for the Lord? They had a desire to work. They saw the need, they shared the load but they also sought the prophet – “let us go.” They sought his permission. Elisha was the prophet of God, if they had his approval then they had God’s approval. It was important to seek the Lord before they went forward. Psalm 40 “I waited patiently for the Lord.” “He who waits on God wastes no time.” Psalm 37 “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” “Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain who build it.” They sought his permission. They were careful to know the mind and will of God first. They sought Elisha’s presence as well as his provision. Verse 3 " And one said He content I pray they and go with they servants. And he answered I will go." They desired his presence, his advice, his guidance. They wanted his wisdom. They wanted to be under the watchful eye of their master. Matthew Henry said “good disciples always desire to be under good discipline.” How much do we desire God’s presence? Do we crave it? Psalm 16 “Thou wilt show me the path of life, in thy presence is fulness of joy.” The hymn writer said

“I must have the Saviour with me
For I dare not walk alone
I must feel his presence near me
And his arms around me
Then my soul will fear no ill
Let him lead me where he will
And I will go without a murmur
And his footsteps follow still.”

They sought his permission - verse 2 “go ye”. They sought his presence - verse 3 “I will go”. Not only was there an expansion and a desire.

There was a hindrance in this work – verse 5 "But as one was felling a beam the axe head fell into the water and he cried and said Alas master! for it was borrowed." Picture this scene in these 7 verses. These young men were working hard together. They were cutting down trees on the bank of Jordan river. Everything was going well until one of the students raises his axe and the head flew off and fell into the muddy water. This young man was hindered in the work. He lost that thing that was vital, that thing that made him effective in his work. He didn’t lose it by sitting down but while he was engaged in the Lord’s work. We could say it was not really his fault, unfortunately these things just happen. We could say although he was working eagerly he wasn’t working watchfully. He was not careful in checking the axe head was not firmly fitted. He was not being watchful to know the axe head was slipping. We can as believers be busy in the Lord’s work and fail to examine our lives. Sometimes we can neglect God’s word. We can neglect the place of prayer. We can go through the motions, attending meeting after meeting. We do not lack activity but do we lack power? The enemy of our soul knows full well that our salvation cannot be lost. The Lord said in John 10 “I give unto my sheep eternal life and they will never perish.” But the devil knows how to tempt us, to trip us up and to set before our eyes those things that feed the flesh and starve the spirit. His chief objective is to make us an ineffective witness for God that we would be a powerless people. Perhaps we could use Samson as an example. The most remarkable man of his day.  He began his service for God in the power of Holy Ghost. He had so much potential, he had so many doors of opportunity of service open to him. Time and time again we read the Spirit came mightily on Samson. It was victory after victory but then he became careless. He told the deceiver Delilah the secret of where his strength really lay. Those locks of hair that were a sign of separation unto God. As they shaved off his hair as he slept on the lap of the world, he was rendered powerless by his enemy. Samson arose as at other times and said “I will go out as before.” Then you read Judges 16 verse 20 “and he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” The  axe head in Samson’s life had slipped off.  Could that describe anyone? Maybe you can look back to one time when you walked close with God, when you knew the power of God in your life, when you enjoyed sweet fellowship with your Master, when you had a vision for lost souls, when you worked for souls and did it effectively? This man was conscious of his loss. He was concerned about his loss. He was poor, he didn’t even own an axe but he so much wanted to be involved in this work that he went out and borrowed one. He did not use any of the excuses he could have. That reminds us that everything you have is borrowed. 1 Corinthians 4 “what has thou that thou didst not receive?” Our bodies, our time, our gifts, our abilities but most of all the power of God that enables us is a borrowed power. It reminds us of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. 3 servants each given money according to their ability. This money represented the opportunity of service available to them. At the end they were considered either faithful or unfaithful, either going to hear those words “well down thou good and faithful servant” or else they would hear “thou slothful servant.” These students were distressed knowing this axe head was borrowed it must be returned as he was accountable for it. The Old Testament law stated that something borrowed needs to be returned. This young man did not want to be unjust to the owner. We are no different as servants of God. The Lord has given us all we need to serve him in the manner he has chosen. We will be accountable too. Daniel Webster was asked “what is the greatest thought that could occupy a man’s mind?” He replied “his accountability to God.” Romans 14 verse 12 reminds us “so that every one of us should give an account to God.” It is a personal accountability. Leonard Ravenhill said “the most shattering thought is my personal accountability to God.” Oh that we will work for him while it is day remembering that the night cometh when no man shall work. That we must do something for the son of God who loved us and gave himself for us. That we would do the will of God and do it in the power of God. For that is all that will last in eternity. 

This young man was restored back to the work. He was conscious of his lost. He wasted no time in seeking restitution. Look at the steps of recovery. Firstly we see the person he called out to - verse 5 “alas master”. He cried out to his master. If you feel you have lost out with God, if you are conscious of your loss, the Lord is the only one who can restore you back to effective service. Just as this axe head was raised to effectiveness again, the Lord can do the same to anyone. Not only see the person he called to but we see the place he pointed to - verse 6 “And the man of God said where fell it? And he showed him the place.” Elisha drew alongside him lovingly and tenderly and asked the question. When we lose our power we are the only ones who can answer that question. We must look back and retrace our steps, point to the exact place. Do we lose it in bitterness towards someone? Galatians 5 verse 7 “You did run well who did hinder you?” Did you return to the well of impurity? Was it greed, pride or disobedience? Did you yield to the lusts of flesh? Did you return to that place where the Lord called you out of? Has the business and pressures of life overtaken you? You know you have lost out with God. Call out to the Master and point to the place. In verse 6 we are told he cut down a stick and cast it in. This young man was taken to the tree where they cut down a stick. That takes us to a tree - the cross of Calvary. The only place we can find restitution. Where the son of God bore our own sins on the body, where we were lifted out of the mire and brought back to God. The miracle - the iron did swim. This iron that had sunk in the mire was lifted and restored. Verse 7 that young man got down on his knees and by faith he reached out his hand and took it. The Jordan river speaks to us of death. If we are ever going to live for Christ we must die to self. Galatians 2 “I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Paul died to self. Oh that we would all die to self today. Oh that we would be a people set on fire for God, a people full of the Holy Ghost and power. A people willing, a people working effectively for our master keeping before us the brevity of life. Because there is only one thing that is done for Jesus that will last.

How to Make a Difference in this World

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2025 – MR PHILIP GRAHAM

ISAIAH 6 VERSES 1 TO 9

How to make a difference in this world. I often think about my life and my sphere of working – what difference am I making in this world? “Everyone has the ability to brighten a room. Some folks brighten a room when they enter in it, others brighten it when they leave it.” I want to be a person who knows God personally. I know many of you feel that way. One day Jesus was preaching a sermon “you are the salt of the earth” and “you are to be the light in the darkness”. He commands us to let our light shine before others so that they may see your good works. A testimony of what Christ is doing in our lives. Centuries ago on a very dark day in Israel most of the people had turned their backs on Yahweh. God was judging his people. God called in the midst of that darkness. He called a man to shine a light in the darkness. How God prepared that man to do exactly that, to make a difference. We have to be able to see God prepared that man to do exactly that. To make a difference we have to be able to see God. Verse 1 “I saw the Lord.” I wonder are you able to see God? Some people can’t see God today. Some people believe there is a God out there some where, a million miles away. Some people cannot see God, cannot rely on God for help. They will manage life their way. There are a few reasons why they cannot see God – firstly we don’t know God. Maybe know about God but have never been born again, born by the Spirit of God. Maybe secondly we have been Christians for years and never applied ourselves to growing in God’s word. Maybe spiritually lazy and know we should make more effort but we don’t invest enough time in our relationship with God. How much time do we spend getting to know God? Time with God means you have a proper relationship with God. 3 minutes devotional and a quick prayer at night is not enough. Maybe we have sin in our lives. It will keep us from knowing God better. Sin is all the things we think about. We tend to think of lust, greed, anger, bitterness. Really bad things. Things we hear on the news or from people. Sin is also doing those things God has asked us to do and we don’t do them. God commands us to love our neighbour, love those around you. If we don’t do that we ae sinning against God. If we cannot be bothered, if he has told us to read his word and pray and we don’t do it we are sinning. We have never indulged in some heinous sins, classified as deep sin. We have to examine ourselves today in the light of God’s word. Sin stops us from seeing God. It is good to identify that some times. We cannot see God working in our lives, not moving we wonder does God really care? Is he able to? We begin to drift from God. We stop communicating with God because we don’t see him and the vicious circle keeps going around. How big is your God today? God is magnificent, awesome regardless whether or not we believe that. He is the same yesterday, today and for ever. It is not the problem that God is too small but our vision of him is too small. We put him in a box and only bring him out when we need him. Isaiah’s problem was he had too small a vision of God. At this point in history the king Uzziah had died. That is it, he is gone. What are we going to do? He had been a good king. At 16 years of age he had become king and reigned for 50 years. He had restored Israel back to the original ways.  But now he was dead. Maybe Isaiah entered the temple discouraged and in despair. What is going to happen now? Put yourself in his shoes. This king is dead, who will be the next king? When we put our confidence in man. Isaiah was concentrating on Uzziah. He thought the world would end. Something amazing happened to Isaiah he didn’t expect. God showed up. Isaiah got a real vision of God.

Isaiah’s ability to see. This was an amazing vision. Imagine this scene as he stood there and seen it all happening. He saw a God that was alive, real, all powerful, awesome, all knowing. The mighty God on the throne. For some God is not much more than a fairy tale or fable today. God is not real in people’s lives. Not relevant because he is not included in every part of their lives. Our God is alive and is real. He is still involved in our lives today. God is interested in you today. Matthew 10 verse 29 “are not two  sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” The very hairs of your head are numbered. God knows when one sparrow will fall to the ground. You are so much more worth than them. Do you believe that? Do you believe he is real and relevant in your life? If you don’t believe that you will not see God working in your life, making a positive difference in this world. When Isaiah saw God he saw a wonderful, glorious scene. He saw the Lord seated on the throne ruling over all the world, over every circumstance. God is still on the throne today. No matter what the nations said, Isaiah saw a God that was awesome, powerful. The temple shook when the angels declared the goodness of God. “Holy, holy, holy.” It refers to something overwhelming and great. It does not do it justice. The human mind can hardly take it in. Great is our God. It causes those in his presence to tremble. If we want to make a different we need to see God.

Next there will be confession – verse 5. Isaiah realises his depravity, his lostness. He is standing before a thrice holy God and he was nothing. We are nothing. We deserve nothing. He realised his unworthiness. We too are unworthy. We must get to that point if we want to make a difference. There is nothing good in ourselves, in our works and our efforts are nothing too. Isaiah realises his imperfection – “I am nothing”. Isaiah realises his unworthiness, his sinfulness in light of God’s holiness. That is where we must get to today. Unbroken, nothing. Before we can change this world we need to realise there is sin in our lives.

His confession led to cleansing – verses 6 and 7. Have you confessed your sin? Then there is cleansing. What an amazing truth and experience for Isaiah. When he confessed his sin and unworthiness there was cleansing to be had.1 John 1 verse 9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Our sins are forgiven not because of anything we have done but because of Calvary.  We must first see God then there will be confession and cleansing. We will be able to see the need around us. God gets us to see the need because he has chosen us. We need to see the need first. Very often we push the issue down the road. We will have to give an account for the need around us. Sometimes we don’t see the need, we focus on ourselves. We want God to give us grace and mercy but don’t want it dished out around us. We need to be able to identify the need and ask to fulfil it. “I am not worthy to meet God’s need.” Neither was Isaiah. Is that you today responding to God’s call?

Isaiah’s commissioning – verse 8. I wonder is that your response today? Where was God going to send Isaiah? Right back into the darkness. Where he came from, only this time he would make a difference. He would light a candle and be the light in that darkness. Do you see that? Have you heard that call? God is telling you to go today. Maybe it will mean to a foreign mission field but maybe not. One thing he is calling you to do is be faithful, to make a difference. Maybe God is calling you to those on your own doorstep, your family, your work colleagues, the people we meet during the week. It is good to pass a tract through the letter box but you need to put legs to that tract. You need to speak to people about what is in that tract. You will make a difference in your life and in theirs. It is about those personal relationships we have outside of the church. We can be like a light in the darkness. God is asking you to be available. There is a call, who will go? Go is still alive and moving today. He is not done with you today. He wants to use you today. Are 

Died Abner as a fool dieth

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES - SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2025 pm - MR PHILIP GRAHAM

2 SAMUEL 3 VERSES 31 TO 39

We have read the account of a man called Abner. These very serious words we read in verse 33 are a terrible reflection of what happened to Abner at the end of his life. If you are saved I pray that you will take something with you that will be of use to witness to others. 

The first thing we notice is this man died. Scripture records he died. When we read through God's word we read of people living and then dying. The same still applies today. 100% of us will die. We are sue of death. Someone once said "there are 2 things that are sure in this life - death and taxes." We will not live forever. God's word is true. we will one day die. We live in an age where people spend thousands trying to stay young. Everyone of us will meet death. People today have this flippant attitude of death. Some don't even believe in death. Some believe they will be buried in the ground that will be it. Death is not the end. You don't just disappear into the ground and are forgotten about. Nor do you float around with the stars. One day you will have to give an account. "It is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment." An appointment we cannot escape. You only have to look up the death column today to see that. Not one of us knows that day or time - not even the angels in heaven know about it. Abner died.

Scripture goes on to say "as a fool dieth." it is hard to call someone a fool after they have died. I have never heard a preacher call a person a fool at a funeral service. We usually say lots of nice things about people. We have become politically correct today. We cannot say anything wrong against anyone in case we offend. There are 3 simple points - Abner died a fool because he was comfortable at home. Abner had returned home. He had great political talks with David. He realised he was on the wrong side. He switched his allegiance to David. He returned home to Hebron, the city of refuge. These cities were set up for people who accidentally killed someone. They could run to these cities and no-one could touch them there. The person's family had the right to kill the murderer. Abner had become comfortable in his surroundings. He stopped paying attention. When we become comfortable, get our eyes off the ball, when we start to enjoy life a bit. Maybe we have more disposable income, our health is alright - all lead us to becoming comfortable. We don't need to worry about God and death. Today it is very hard to get people to come out of their own homes. They are happy with their own company. If you are comfortable at home you have to be very careful. You think you can tune in online. This is a ploy of Satan. He is slowly conditioning people away from God. Maybe you believe you are not doing anyone any harm. Maybe you are happy in that state. You have become comfortable. Satan is happy for us to stop paying attention. we become saturated with the television and social media. We have no thought of God or eternity. Is that you tonight? Abner had become comfortable and he died a fool.

We can also become complacent in our surroundings. Hebron was the city of refuge. He had killed a man. Once he was across the line no-one could touch him. He was safe. He had killed Joab's brother and Joab came after him. He was going to get him back for what he had done. Abner knew the city of refuge was the only place for him. He knew he was safe. We don't know what happened exactly. Maybe he was coerced, maybe there was some sort of reconciliation. He became complacent and should have known better. Abner should have known Joab was ruthless. He did not care for individuals. He had dropped his guard. How many have done the same? Complacency leads to self satisfaction. When we become complacent we no longer worry about the future. In Luke 12 verse 19 we read of a young man who had built a successful business. He had outgrown his own buildings so much that he couldn't fit it in. He said to himself "soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years." I don't think he was wrong in building bigger, the problem was he left God out of his plans. He thought he did not need God in his life. Successful but complacent. He was comfortable in his life and did not see his need of God in his life. How many have come to that stage? People have been blessed more than they need. The Collins dictionary says of complacency it is extreme self satisfaction. There was a gaping hole in their life. If you look around today you will see men and women blindly walking into a lost eternity. One day they will have an appointment with death. What we have done with God will count on that day. Have you made preparation for that day? We need to make preparations or we will become complacent.

It was a complete tragedy. He was within stepping distance of safety. Nobody could have touched him. Are you within touching distance of heaven? Of getting right with God. You have heard the message of salvation, heard about the city of refuge. Not a literal city. It is the Lord Jesus. You have heard of what Jesus has done for you. You might not think you are a bad person. we are all born with a terrible condition of sin. You are hearing this again probably for the hundredth time. You have sin in your heart. Sin will keep you out of heaven and from God. The Lord came into the world to save you, to take away your sin. He took your punishment so you could have refuge, so you could be saved. He does not want your good works or your best. He simply says "come unto me." Abner had to take the physical step and he was safe. The Lord does not require you to take one physical step or raise your hand or come to the front. He says to come to him you simply have to lift your voice and cry to him. He does not ask you for anything but simply come to him. He is faithful and just to forgive you your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. All he asks is for you to confess your sin and acknowledge your need of a Saviour. You need a refuge. You cannot do it on your own. The Saviour is speaking to you again. The Lord stands with open arms. Will you come tonight? Will you accept this invitation? It is free, at no cost because the Lord has already paid the price. Don't let your epitaph be the same as Abner because you knew the way of salvation , that Jesus died and took your punishment. Don't leave without taking the Lord as Saviour. Don't put it off just because you are comfortable. Don't become complacent. If you put it off it will be a complete tragedy. He is faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from all your unrighteousness tonight.