The Coming of Jesus

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 13 APRIL 2025 PALM SUNDAY - MR JOHN WEIR

LUKE 19 VERSES 28 TO 44

Palm Sunday is an important date in the Christian calendar. It begins Passion Week, the final 7 days of our Lord's earthly ministry. it was celebrated by the triumphal entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. At Easter we God's love for mankind, for sinners and this world. The events are recorded in Matthew 21, Mark 11 and John 12 as well as here in Luke 19. There are some great lessons we can learn from this event. 4 simple thoughts to consider.

The coming of the Lord Jesus - verses 28 and 29 "And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples." Picture the scene - Jerusalem i not full of activity, thousands are gathered for the Passover. It is a busy time. An historic occasion. The Lord is going to the cross, Calvary is on his mind. Jerusalem has been blessed with kings, prophets and teachers over the years but now the Son of Man will walk among them for the last time. Everyone was talking of him. Why? Because Lazarus had been raised from the dead. The people of Jerusalem now believe that the time had come. There was truely great excitement because the promised Messiah has come. Have you ever met anyone famous? There is excitement within you. Gianfranco Zola was a player with Chelsea and I got the chance to meet him. I was so excited to meet him. My hero. Dennis Wise was not very nice. I was disappointed. Zola was a gentleman and he loved young people. He would have given you some of his kit. It was busy in Jerusalem, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah was coming. The Jewish people longed for this. They were fed up with the Roman oppression and domination, fed up with dead, cold, formal religion. Dead, cold, formal religion can do nothing for us. It is only when you have Jesus as your Saviour that the Christian life becomes exciting. You cannot wait to get to church when you have Christ in your heart and life. You cannot wait to serve the Lord. This is what people long for. The Lord could sense the talk among the people. Bethany was an important place for Jesus. It was the home of his good friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus. It was also the home of Simon the leper. It was where Mary anointed Jesus' feet. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close friends and Jesus enjoyed spending time with them. There are places where we feel at home. We connect with people. There are some we don't connect with. There are some churches we attend where we feel at home, we feel the warmth of Jesus. Mary, Martha and Lazarus appreciated his time with them. It is difficult to find good friends today. If you have them value them, cherish them and pray for them.  It is good to have those who you know are praying for you. There are some friends that would correct you when you are doing something that is not right. Let's be an encourager, look out for people and build them up. It is easy to criticize people. Let's get behind people that are doing the work for the Lord. "Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours shine any brighter." If you see someone doing something for the Lord get behind them. Bethpage was known as the place of unripe figs. The Lord began his journey to Jerusalem from here. What a scene that must have been. Wouldn't you have loved to have been there? The coming of Jesus.

The colt - verses 30 to 35 "saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus; and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon." Commentators identify the 2 disciples as being Peter and John. First of all notice the colt was working for the Lord. It uplifted Jesus so everyone could see him. That is the role of us as Christians, uplifting the Lord. Am I uplifting the Lord in my life? Can people look at you and say "there's a proper Christian?" Through my life, through my contacts, through my testimony - that people would want what I have? That something can be seen of Jesus? John 12 verse 32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." I love reading about John the Baptist. He was a man filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. People flocked to hear him preach. Jesus said of him that there was none greater than John the Baptist. John said "he must increase and I must decrease." He had the right attitude. Over the years people had idolized the preacher, the denomination, the church, the pastor - let's keep our eyes on the Saviour. Let's uplift the Saviour. He will never let us down. He will never forsake us. Maybe you have been hurt by another Christian, by another church, by a pastor - get your eyes off them and onto the Saviour. Many people have faults and failings. He will never let you down. He is altogether lovely. Zechariah the prophet said in chapter 9 verse 9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." He predicted Israel's king would ride into Jerusalem on the colt. Amazing accuracy of the word of God. The people knew they would see bible prophecy being fulfilled before their eyes. Today we are seeing bible prophecy being filled before our eyes. We only have to read Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13. We are seeing it come to pass. We know many are looking for the Lord's return but how many really care? "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."  People say "the word is in an awful state" but they never take time to read their bible. How many really care? Are you living your life in view of the Lord's return? We can all see what is going on in our world. We have seen Israel become a nation again in 1948. They are back in their own land. We hear of wars, rumours of wars, earthquakes, tsunamis. Did we ever think we would see these things in our world?  "Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." These are also exciting days for we know the King is coming again. Can you picture the crowd getting excited and shouting "Hosanna"? That word "Hosanna" means save us we pray. They waved palm branches, bowed down and worshipped him. They knew the importance of this event. Leaders rode horses to war but those who rose donkeys came in peace. He is the Prince of Peace, the Righteous One, holy and gentle. He is bringing salvation. There had never been a King like him before. Maybe you are going through a difficult time. Rejoice you are a son of a King. 

King of my life, I crown Thee now,

Thine shall the glory be;

Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow

Lead me to Calvary

Lest I forget Gethsemane;

Lest I forget Thine agony;

Lest I forget Thy love for me

Lead me to Calvary

Let's serve our King well. If we are taking the name of Christ let's serve him well. The late Queen's funeral was done so well and even now everything is done so well for our King. No matter what we do for our King may we do it well. Not out of duty but because we love him. Let's serve him well. Let us be enthused to be at the meetings and do all we can for other people. The Roman soldiers were laughing at him coming into Jerusalem. They were mocking and criticizing him. Jesus was King before he was even born. 2 Corinthians 8 verse 9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich."  The wise men knew he was a King. They worshipped him and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It took them months to travel to where he was but they were willing to do it. They recognised he was a King. A wonderful King, a wonderful Saviour. Notice the colt was tied up. The application - some times we can be tied down as Christians. Things hinder us. Friends, job - all can test us. We need to be loosed and let go. When you are busy for God we can waste our time with people. Maybe you are tied down with something in your life. Maybe an old habit that you cannot break. You need to loosed today. This colt had never been sat on before, never broke in. Yet when Jesus sat on it the colt was obedient. Lord make us obedient! Loose me for those things you want me for. Let me go deeper with the Lord. Notice the humility of the Lord. The kings of the world travel in splendour, live in luxury but not our King. What a Saviour. May we always stay humble in the work of the Lord. He has to get all the honour, praise and glory. Let's stay humble. We meet a lot of people who want to make a name for themselves. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up." "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble". There was a great evangelist in America in the 1950's who went to his pastor and said "I want to do something for God." The pastor told him to go and clean the toilets for a year. He came back after the year and told the pastor "I want to do something for God." The pastor told him to go and clean the toilets for another year. At the end of the second year he came back to the pastor and said "I want to do something for God." The pastor told him to go and teach a Sunday School Class. He did that for a number of years. God was proving him, making him, moulding him. He later went on to become a great evangelist in America. They were told to say "the Lord hath need of him" if anyone asked why they were taking the colt. The Lord can use us in the same way. Could we pray "Lord use me" this week? If you want me to do a job for you, witness for you, pick someone up to get them into the meeting, maybe babysit for someone so they could get out to the meeting. There was a man who was wanting to preach for the Lord but he kept getting interrupted by sales calls to his house. He was so frustrated with these calls. He couldn't leave the house because of them. He prayed "Lord will you use me." He spoke to a lady on the telephone who was selling him something. He told her of her need of salvation. At the end of the conversation she asked him for a bible and he sent her a John's Gospel. 9 years later he received a letter from this lady saying she had become a Christian. He prayed "Lord will you use me" and the Lord did. It is amazing when we make ourselves available. The colt was at peace when Jesus was on board. Do you have peace? So many stresses, trials and battles but deep down we can have a peace that passeth all understanding. The colt was born to fulfil God's plan. Many are asking "why was I born?" The purpose of my life seems to be work, work, work, raise a family, travel a bit and that is it. You were born for much more than that. Serve the Lord. It is in serving the Lord that true contentment is found. Knowing you are in the centre of his will for your life. "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jeremiah 1 verse 5. God had a plan for his life. When we stand up for God in this life, on that great day we will be able to say "I did what you said." What are you living for? It is important to realise that you have been given a gift, a talent to use. He took David the shepherd boy to kill the giant Goliath. He used Gideon to defeat the Philistines. He uses Moses' rod to part the Red Sea. He used 5 loaves and 2 fishes from a young boy to feed 5000. God used a little maid in Naaman's house to cure him of his leprosy. Little is much when God is in it. Never despise the little things. Victor Maxwell taught Sunday School to 5 boys - all of them went on into the Lord's work full time.

The critics - verses 39 and 40 "And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." See the people praising the Lord, waving their palm branches. Among the crowd were the Pharisees. When Jesus presented his message he was always criticized. There are people out to criticize your ministry. The Pharisees did it constantly throughout Jesus' ministry. They were always questioning, challenging, opposing Christ. Critics can come from the least expected person. These Pharisees were the religious leaders, godly people. They kept and taught the law of God. They criticized the Lord. They were telling the people to stay quite. May we always guard our tongues. Let us be careful in what we say of other Christians, of other preachers, of other churches. James 4 verse 11 says "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou that judgest another?" James 1 verse 19 also says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." We can get carried away, can't we? Let's guard our lips. Charles Spurgeon told his young men "Don't make your ears a dustbin for the devil."

The concern - verses 41 to 44 "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." Jesus wept over the city as the people were rejoicing. Some of this crowd turned against him. There is a debate about whether it was the same crowd or not that later cried out "crucify him." It might have been the same people or maybe they were a different group of people. People can love you one moment and then turn against you the next. People can love the preacher one week and then turn against him the following week. We see it happening with football managers. Also with presidents - everyone loves him before he is elected but when he gets into office the people turn against him. Can I weep over my town? People need Jesus. Oh that we would weep at our prayer meetings for the people of our area. Jesus wept while they praised. Titus in AD 70 was the Roman Governor who killed a million people in Jerusalem - many of these people in this same crowd. Jesus was moved with compassion on the people. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd. I long to shed more tears in my prayer life, in my study of God's word. When I think of all Jesus went through I would need to be shedding more tears. Maybe we have become tooo familiar with him. May we think of him during this Easter time, in his death, his burial and resurrection. 

 

The Blind Man Who Saw The Light of The World

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES - FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MARK 10 VERSES 46 TO 52

When we read through our bibles it is amazing how God steps in when there is no hope. Think of the stories of David and Goliath, the crossing of the Red Sea, Jericho's walls falling down. Luke 1 verse 37 is my favourite verse "for with God nothing shall be impossible." The Lord is in this meeting - "where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them." Maybe you can't wait until the meeting is over or maybe you are here and you want to know your sins forgiven, to know Christ as your Saviour and Lord, to have the joy and peace only God can given. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.". This is the story of a desperate man crying for mercy. One day he cried for money but this day he cried for the master and for mercy instead.

The plight of Bartimaeus - verse 46 "And they came to Jericho and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging." Notice his condition. He is blind and a beggar. 3 times we are told he is blind - verses 46, 49 and 51. What an awful life this man is living. He is blind but also a beggar. Day after day, week after week, year after year. What awful circumstances he lived in. A dark world, longing to be able to see. Sitting by the wayside begging each day. He was viewed as a social outcast.  He was unable to work, there was no benefit system in those days. He had no family that we read of. He relied on the kindness of others. How long did he sit there? That road was a busy road from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was the time of the Passover. Deep down I wonder was he tired of the prospect of every day doing the same thing? Do you know anyone like that? Tired? Don't want to get up every day. Every day they walk down the street to get a bottle of drink to get them through the day. Blind Bartimaeus. Who will take pity on me? I see him tripping and falling. I see his hurt, pain, embarrassment and rejection. Everyone knew him. Bartimaeus did not see the wonders of God's creation. He was in darkness every day. Do you marvel at God's creation? Robert Murray McCheyne said "man made the town, God made the countryside. He couldn't see the flowers in the garden, the sunset, the mountains, the rainbow, the stars in the sky. His physical darkness is also a picture of his spiritual blindness. Most people like to talk about football, farming, cars but as soon as you mention God and salvation they turn off, they see it as a nuisance. Why is that? They are spiritually blind. "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them." At 19 years of age I walked in and heard the gospel for the first time. At that moment I was touched, my head and my heart were both touched, in fact my whole body was touched. Many will know that experience. But many cannot see that tonight. Some will come one night to the mission to please a family member but they have no interest. Their vision is clouded. "Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch him and say that we love him." I want to experience more of his love, more of his grace and person in my life. God said of the Laodicean church in Revelation 3 verse 17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." Maybe the Lord has been working in your heart and mind. You are thinking of salvation matters. You see all that is going on in the world and are saying "I need Jesus in my life." You have realised that Jesus is coming again and you don't want to be left behind. Imagine that - some of your family could be left behind. If you hear God's voice don't harden your heart.

The plea from Bartimaeus - verse 47 "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say Jesus, thou son of David have mercy on me."  This man cries this over and over and over again. He is desperate for the Lord to hear him. Remember when you were desperate for the Lord when you first came to him? This man was specific in his prayer. He didn't waste time. He was looking for mercy. When you want Jesus you will do anything for him. Bartimaeus used his voice and he cried from his heart. He could have lifted it too late. He could have missed it. He wanted Jesus as Saviour. He wanted his sight but he wanted the Saviour more. Luke gives us some more information on this story in chapter 18 verses 36 and 37. He tells us that someone among the multitudes told him Jesus was passing through. Who was it? Bartimaeus would be forever thankful for that person. We can point to individuals who cared for our souls - Sunday School teachers, Boys Brigade Leaders or Girls Brigade Leaders, work colleagues, neighbours who invited you to come to a mission, gave you a tract or bought you a bible. Bartimaeus would be always grateful for the person who told him Jesus was passing through. Maybe he had heard of Jesus. Maybe he had heard of the dead being raised to life, the demon possessed set free. Maybe you have seen other Christians and wonder if the Lord could do it for them, could he do it for me? Notice in Mark 10 verse 47 he said "Jesus Son of David have mercy on me". Maybe he knew something of the Old Testament scriptures. He acknowledged and was accurate but also arrogant. It was also available. The crowds didn't hold Bartimaeus back. The critics didn't hold Bartimaeus back. His companions didn't hold Bartimaeus back. 

His persistence is seen. Verse 48 "And many charged him that he should hold his peace; but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me." What a scene on the Jericho road. Wouldn't you have loved to been there? If you become a Christian the devil will put hindrances in your way. "What will my mates think of me?" Anybody can go with the crowd. Anyone can live with the world. That is why Jesus talked of the broad road and the narrow road. "Many there be that find it." We may think of our family and want them to be in heaven one day with us but make sure you are right with the Lord. I am ultimately responsible for me. This blind man despite the cries to silence him, cried more.

Notice the call of Jesus in verse 49 "And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee." He hears the call from the creator of the universe. He stands still at the cry of a poor blind beggar. If you get saved it will not make the news headlines in the Belfast Telegraph or the BBC news but it will be recognised in heaven. You have to realise that he is the only one who can saved. It says in the bible that the angels in heaven will rejoice and we believe the word of God. That moment a person accepts Christ as Saviour that is what is happening in heaven. To know God, to be right with the Lord - there will be some people who will be delighted but the world doesn't really care. You will know it is real in your heart and that is all that matters. Bartimaeus knew his life is different. In the midst of his sad condition there is a sudden call. "And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus." Is there something you need to cast aside? In the story of the woman at the well in John 4 she had to leave her waterpot. It was a hindrance to her. She left it behind to go to the city and tell them of Jesus. Bartimaeus got rid of his garment just to get to Jesus. For some it might be a relationship they have to get rid of. For others it is drink. Maybe it is pride. Or friends. These are all hindrances to get us to Jesus. Maybe it is even "I have plenty of time." Verse 51 "And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way." What a miracle. Now all of a sudden he can see. He can see the sun, the birds, the flowers, his friends, his family. He can see the place where he always sat begging. Maybe you are crying "I want you Lord, I want your salvation, I want to know my sins forgiven. I have put it off too long." Don't reject it again. Scripture tells us Bartimaeus followed Jesus in the way. The first person he saw was Jesus Christ. His life was never to be the same again. The blind man that saw the light of the world. 

As we think on these bible characters, meditate on them, remember - one day we will see them in heaven. Maybe you have someone already there? Someone that loved the Lord. What a reunion that will be one day. Maybe someone prayed for you. Maybe you had the privilege of a godly home, the best start in life. It is sad that people who are born into a good Christian home have turned their back on God. What is hell going to be like for them? Knowing the gospel from a child and yet turned their back on it. Died without a Saviour. Remembering parents, Sunday School teachers, family who were Christians that wept over them. Pride held them back. Come to the Saviour while he is speaking to you, Make this your night.  

4 types of people who attend a gospel mission

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM THURSDAY 10 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MATTHEW 13 VERSES 1 TO 9, 18 TO 23

4 TYPES OF PEOPLE WHO ATTEND A GOSPEL MISSION

This is one of the most famous parables taught by the Lord Jesus. In fact this chapter contains 7 parables of Jesus - the parable of the sower, the parable of the wheat and tares, the parable of the mustard seed, the parable of leaven, the parable of the hidden treasure, the parable of great price and the parable of the dragnet. Many of these parables are easy to understand. It is said "the common people heard Jesus gladly." We can think of other parables - the 10 virgins, the prodigal son, the Good Samaritan, the lost sheep. In the parable of the sower we recognise that the sower is Jesus, the seed is the word of God and the different kinds of seed represent the different ways people receive the word of God.

A stubborn heart - the way side seed. Verse 19 "And when any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." How often do we see this in gospel meetings. The word of God is preached with power and presented to people. It is explained simply but the heart of the person is rock hard. It is all too familiar. People brought up in a Christian home, have known the gospel from a little child but it does not have an impact any more. Sin can harden the heart. Not long ago I met a man who stated he had plenty of time to be saved. He was 92 years of age. His departure from this life was not long in the future. His brother is a Christian and told me to preach to him, tell him to get right with the Lord. Sad, a man on the brink of eternity who believes the lie of having plenty of time. This type of man is so frustrating for the preacher. A preacher spends ours studying and preparing the message, praying over the message, even fasting over it. To see these individuals never moved, never responding, never touched. They are rock hard. Is that anyone here tonight? They have heard the gospel for years but are still not a Christian. That is this type of ground. No matter what the preacher preaches they are never moved. They know of hell, the second coming of God, God's wrath, God's love but no harvest, no fruit. This type of person cannot wait until the meeting is over. They don't want anything to do with that. Satan's agents come and snatch the seed of the Lord. They love to hinder the preaching of God's word. Sometimes I ask people to leave gospel meetings quietly and reverently because the Spirit of God is working and idle chat could snatch away what has started in their heart. The seed is taken away when the person is under conviction. This seed never knows the power of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."  "Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever." That is what we need to pray, that the Lord will raise up preachers, preachers of the word of God. John Wesley said "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth." Our nation has been blessed with the best of gospel preachers. Many have been taken home to heaven, who is there to replace them? Martin Lloyd Jones the Welsh preacher said "the chief end of preaching is to give men and women a sense of God and his presence." This type of ground is always being prayed for. No results seen. People constantly reject the word of God. Oswald Chambers said "no-one has the right to hear the word of God twice." We have so many mission halls in Northern Ireland and missions going on even tonight.  we live in a privileged part of the world. England the South of Ireland is not so blessed. We can hear the word of God expounded so freely.

The superficial heart - the stony ground. Verses 20 and 21 "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." Picture this type of individual. They come to the mission and respond. The start off so well, respond to the appeal, appear sincere, authentic and genuine. Everyone rejoices over them and spread the news of their salvation. You see them for a while, they come to the prayer meeting and church services. It is all premature. This type of individual has no substance, no depth of experience. They have a false profession. They are people who were never genuinely saved. They were maybe forced to pray a prayer and got caught up in the emotion of an appeal. No deep work is done in their heart. Maybe at one time you made a profession of faith but deep in your heart you know it was not genuine. Before we promote anyone in God's work make sure they prove themselves. That they are truly converted. They need to be ready to mature and grow. Make sure they have sound testimony, that they prove themselves. Matthew 7 verses 20 to 23 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Fruit is the true proof of testimony. I think of Judas Iscariot. He looked the part. He kept the money bag. No-one thought it would be Judas who would betray Jesus. Jesus sent out his disciples. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ... And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And thy cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." Did Judas do any of those things? Tonight Judas is in hell. "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Trials and persecution are part of the Christian faith. Many are going through them right now. Deep down struggling, not able to share with anyone else. No-body else knows what you are going through. It is hard for some. There is persecution in their families. You might lose friends when you become a Christian but you will gain the best friend ever. Remember when trials, storms and battles come, Jesus said "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Keep pressing on, keeping your eyes on the Saviour despite all the circumstances, battles and trials of life. Maybe you have pain in your body. You are attending appointments after appointments - remember one day it will be all over.

The strangled heart - the thorny ground. Verse 22 "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word and he becometh unfruitful." This type of seed is choked by the thorns.  There are 2 big thorns mentioned here - the care of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.  They choke this type of person. They don't bring forth fruit. There could be a difficult marriage, work issues, bad health, children or grandchildren, unemployment, caring for a loved one. They can get in and choke us. They take our joy and peace. Maybe you have lost the joy of being a Christian, the peace the Lord gives. You are not as bright as you used to be. Peter said "cast all your care on him for he careth for you." The true Christian rests on the sovereignty of God. Maybe you are going through something in your life that you cannot understand. "All things work together for good to them that love, to them who are called according to his purpose." Mary sat at Jesus' feet while Martha was so busy. Mary had chosen the better part. We get so busy in life with all the cares and burdens. The Lord wants us to sit at his feet. It is lovely to get alone with him, to pour our your heart to him. He hears our prayers. The second big thorn is the deceitfulness of riches. The prosperity of riches, the love of money. Wealth can bring ease in many lives. "For the love of money is the root of all evil." I think of many young men who once were giving out tracts, knocking on doors. The love of money or deceitfulness of riches overtook them. They started missing meetings in the house of God on the Lord's day then they started to work on the Lord's day. The love of money is the root of all evil. The church in Laodicea were lukewarm. They were half hearted Christians. The Lord had nothing to say of them. They were wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked. He was knocking to get into their church. Maybe that is you. You are going through the motions but not serving God. You are not giving your life completely to him. Maybe he is knocking at your heart. "Behold I stand at the door and knock." The Lord has amazing ways to get through to us. "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 

The sincere heart - the good ground. Verse 23 "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Notice that this type of individual hears the gospel and responds to it. It is real within the heart. What does the Lord mean by 30 fold, 60 fold and 100 fold? Moderate development can be seen in some lives. They love the Lord, they love His people, and they love the Bible. They are genuinely saved and take the initial steps toward fruitfulness, yet certain areas of their lives somehow remain untouched by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. That is the meaning of the 30 fold.  The 60 fold - Marked development can be seen in other lives. They become the backbone of a local church. They are helpful, cooperative, and zealous members of the family of God. They teach in Sunday school, witness to others about Christ, give conscientiously to the Lord’s work, maintain an interest in missions, and stand behind the local leadership. Their lives give evidence that they love the Lord and are seeking to grow in grace and increase in the knowledge of God. What about the 100 fold? Marvelous development can be seen in a few lives. They go all the way with God. They are Spirit-filled, Christlike, soulwinning Christians. The 100 fold Christian lives for another world. It is good to get to the stage where you just want the Lord. Nothing else matters. You want to fulfil God's plan for your life. Is that you? Do you know why the Lord has saved you? Are you using your gift for the Lord. 

4 types of people that attend a gospel mission. Which are you? I trust you are saved and know you are saved. Maybe you are not sure. Don't leave until you know for sure that you are ready for heaven. I don't want you to be a lost soul in hell. Get right with the Lord before it is too late. 

Recently I visited a lady who showed me 2 tress in her garden - one was an apple tree and the other a pear tree. The apple tree was flourishing while the pear bore no fruit. They are like many in churches. One is on fire for God, zealous. They attend the prayer meetings and bible studies. Others bear no fruit. You only see them now and again. They have no prayer life and no testimony. There is no evidence of the new birth in their lives.

  

The man who walked with God and was not

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

GENESIS 5 VERSES 18 TO 25, HEBREWS 11 VERSES 5 AND 6, JUDE 14 AND 15

Enoch was a man who lived for God in an evil world. An ordinary man who God used in an amazing way. God can use us when we are willing. I trust you are willing to serve the Lord where you are. That is my desire, to give the Lord Jesus everything I have. Very soon I will stand before him and I don't want to look back with regrets. In Genesis we read that he walked with God and was not. In Hebrews we read he pleased God and was translated to heaven. In Jude we read he preached to the ungodly of the judgment to come. Enoch's name means dedicated, a man dedicated to the things of God. He was committed to his generation. Dedicated, committed to the service of God. In recent years the old saints of God have been called home to heaven - who is taking their place? In our prayer meetings it seems to be the faithful few who attend - where is everyone else? Many of these saints have been called home but who is taking their place? Many preachers are being called home, evangelists - where is the next generation? Pastors, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, all being called home - we need to pray like never before. Enoch was different from those around him. He stood out from the crowd. We should be the same. Act differently, talk differently, dress differently. There are 3 things I want you to notice about Enoch.

Enoch's world of surrounding gloom - Genesis 6 verse 5 "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Picture the scene - great wickedness, corruption, sin, things were getting worse and worse. People did their own thing. Lawlessness, polygamy was common place. The devil was rampant. It was just like the days of judges - Judges 21 verse 25 "In those days ... everyone did as they saw fit." Sin was destroying Enoch's world. God was absent. God was far from people's minds. There are people who have absolutely no interest in God. It breaks your heart. They have no thought of God or eternity. This is the days we are living in. We need a move of God. When God is taken out of society marriages break down, people are in disarray. Similar to Sodom and Gomorrah and Noah's world. Noah preached for 120 years. The people didn't listen to him then the flood came. God shut the door and only 8 made it into the ark. I wonder how Noah felt. He had preached his heart out but only 8 were saved. It is sad when you hold missions and you preach your heart out then people get up and leave unsaved. The conservative estimate of the population at the time of the Flood was 750 million people yet only 8 made it onto the ark. Noah's heart must have been broken thinking of all the people he had preached to. When God wants to judge the nation he gives them wicked rulers. Living in a cesspool of iniquity. In the 1970's and 1980's when the Troubles were at their height in Northern Ireland the churches were packed. Today during the peace process many are closing down. I pray that God would move in my heart and in the heart of many in this province again. W P Nicholson was raised up during a time of wickedness. Evan Roberts of the Welsh Revival was not a great orator or preacher but he was touched by God. Paul told young Timothy what it would be like in the last days - 2 Timothy 3 verses 1 to 5 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despiser of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such turn away." These are the days we are living in. There are people who have a form of godliness but no interest in coming out on Sunday nights. Many of God's people are not in prayer meetings. People are just too busy. A form of godliness. I don't want to have that - do you? I want to be full of the Holy Spirit, surrendered to the Saviour. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Maybe that is you. You don't love the Lord as you used to. You don't read your bible as you used to. I pray that you will get back to those days again. Remember the days when you were first converted, the enthusiasm you had. That love can wax cold. As the years have gone on things have changed. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Maybe you are getting it difficult in the work place. Enoch tried to stay close to the Lord in his day.

In Enoch's world there was a simple godliness pursued - chapter 5 verse 22 "And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years and begat sons and daughters." He was 65 years of age when Methuselah was born. Can you imagine that? Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born, Sarah 90. Enoch's life changed from then on. It changed him. This is what happened, fatherhood changed him. A baby was greatly significant. His life took a new direction. Your life always takes a new direction. "Old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." Were you changed when you met the Lord? The Holy Spirit comes and lives in you. I want to please the Lord in all I do. The name Methuselah means when he dies it shall come. When he died the flood came and destroyed the earth. His name was a sign for his generation. The Lord is coming soon. We were warned that we will hear of wars, rumours of wars, pestilences, even tsunamis. How many can see the signs of the times? 969 years - God gave them time to repent before judgment. There is a warning. Maybe the Lord is warning you through bad health, through people dying, through another Christian witnessing to you. You need to get right with the Lord. Some times the Lord has to put us on our back to get us right with him. Maybe you are desperate for your life to be changed, desperate for sins to be forgiven. We can get caught up with numbers in our meetings, remember God said "where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst." Maybe this meeting is organised for you to come and give your life to the Saviour. Enoch walked with God. Genesis 5 verse 24 "Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him." Certain people have a notable walk - footballers, rugby players, military. You should know a Christian by the way he walks. Enoch walked with God. The bible has much to say about walking - 1 John 1 verse 7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Psalm 1 verse 1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Romans 6 verse 4 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Galatians 5 verses 16 "So I say walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." It is the greatest thing to walk every day, to walk and talk and have fellowship with Christ. This is what salvation is about today - hearing the Lord talking to you every day. Maybe there are things you need to put right. You need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Duncan Campbell when he travelled to the Isle of Lewis and was met by the two old elders was asked "Mr Campbell do you have a walk with God?" He replied "I believe I do". Enoch had no bible, no church, no bible commentaries or resources, no Christian fellowship but he had prayer and the Spirit of God in his life. It is amazing when people have that Spirit and are in touch with God. Amazing things can happen. We need to be clean every day for that fulness of the Spirit. It makes a difference to the preaching, witnessing, evangelism, doing children's work. Full of the Spirit makes a difference. The Christian life can be a lonely walk. There will be trials, storms, battles. It is not an easy road. It takes real men to be Christians because it is a lonely walk. There are trials, battles and disappointments. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Our trials makes us grow in our walk and faith. Our walk involves spending time with God. To have discipline in our bible study and prayer life. To spend time in the Lord's presence and be at the Lord's Table. Christianity is not a hobby but a lifestyle. Enoch had worries and concerns. He begat sons and daughters after Methuselah. He trusted God to look after his children. I wonder when I spend time in people's company what do they say of me? Do people see a glow about me? Do people know we have been with Jesus? The world loses its attractiveness when we have been with Jesus. We don't care to make a name for ourselves, how much we have in our bank account, what size our farm or land is. Do we ask for God's presence to be with us? Reese Howell's book Intercessor says "you may live in a crowd but you face eternity alone." This was Enoch, a man that had this walk in a difficult world.

There was a sudden glory - Hebrews 11 verse 5 "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. For before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God." That word "translated" in the Greek New Testament means to transfer or carry across. One minute on earth and the next in heaven. Back in Genesis we read that Adam died, his son Seth died but Enoch did not die. One person said that God told Enoch "you have walked so far but it is time to come to my home instead." His testimony pleased the Lord. Do you have a testimony? Does your lifestyle please God tonight? The Lord took Enoch. A unique taking to heaven without dying. Some people will be alive when Jesus returns. 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 16 and 17 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Could we be the generation that sees the Lord's return? If the Spirit of God is in you, you can feel the touch. Can you picture the Lord coming again? In Matthew's gospel we read about the wheat and tares growing together until the harvest. We have to be ready for the Lord's return. We don't know when it will be. God has give us signs all around us. I pray that we will be all taken and no-one will be left behind. Enoch spoke of the second coming in Jude "Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints." Many have testified at gospel meetings that they were converted as a result of hearing about the Lord's return. There will be a great separation when Jesus comes back. Enoch the man that never died. I trust we will be all ready and will not be left behind when Jesus comes again.

A more convenient season

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM TUESDAY 8 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

ACTS 24 VERSES 24 TO 27

Procrastination could be written across many gravestones. The Oxford English Dictionary defines procrastination as the act of delaying something you should do. We all have been guilty of that. Promising to do something then we no longer do it. There are many people in hell who at one time were going to get saved, full of good intentions but something happened to them. They were launched out into eternity, not converted, ended up in the caverns of the damned. It's an awful place to be. Maybe there is someone tonight and you have put off salvation for years. Getting right with God. You know you need to make that final step and give your life to God. Can I say to you tonight - get off the fence and commit your life entirely to Christ. "Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." Felix was a man who thought he would have a convenient season but sadly didn't.

The meeting - verse 24. Picture the scene. 3 individuals gathered at Herod's palace. Felix, the Roman Governor, Drusilla and Paul who was under arrest. The people turned against Paul. There are 3 individuals here tonight. There are 1 or 2 like Felix. They are troubled in their soul, like Felix. Then there are those like Drusilla who have no interest in being here, they are only here to please someone. Someone has invited them to come. Drusilla had no interest. The vast majority of people here are like Paul. They love the Lord, are serving the Lord and are not ashamed of the Lord Jesus. At one time Felix was a slave but now promoted to governor. He was an immoral, debase man. He would do anything to achieve power and position. Drusilla was his third wife, they were living in sin. Power, property and prestige. In God's eyes they were lost and perishing. People who have everything in the world's eyes are never truly content. They have money, plenty of power but Felix must have seen something different in Paul. He sent for Paul. Maybe at one time he had heard Paul preaching. He had heard about his testimony. Felix's name means happy but this man was miserable. Felix was interested in spiritual matters. He wanted to see Paul. His wife Drusilla was Jewish. Josephus the historian tells us she was very beautiful. Her grandfather was Herod Agrippa the First and her father Herod Agrippa. She knew something of the Old Testament. Maybe she had heard of Isaiah's prophecies. She knew something of Christ but she never trembled. Felix did though. It is an amazing thing for gospel preachers to see people under conviction, troubled. Then you see others who have absolutely no interest. Preachers can see all sorts of things. You can tell when people are troubled about their soul, when people are anxious. Paul was God's messenger to this sinful couple. The love of Christ constrained Paul. His name means small and he was small in stature and inside was the Spirit of God. Nothing would hold him back. He was beaten, stones, shipwrecked but here he was sent to this couple to warn them which is what the gospel preacher has to do. Maybe someone is praying for you. Maybe it is a work colleague, a friend, a mother. They invited you to come. Bought you a bible one day. Time is running out. We want to make sure you are in the kingdom of God. The story is told of a young boy who heard God calling him using the words of Proverbs 23 verse 26 but Satan whispered to him "you have time enough". Later as a college student he was touched again by the same verse but again Satan whispered "time enough". 20 years later as a statesman he heard the text from an old preacher but Satan again said "wait until you have travelled, there is time enough". When as a traveler he visited many foreign countries and arrived in Paris. He was struck down by cholera. He left it too late. What a tragedy. If you journeyed through life and heard it all, have it all in your head and left it too late. Don't leave it too late. 

The message. In verse 24 we read that Paul preached about faith in Christ. Paul presented this couple with salvation in Christ alone. No denomination or church, preacher or teacher - salvation is in Christ alone. That is what the bible teaches. Paul had preached about Christ over and over again. 1 Corinthians 2 verse 2 "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." He uplifted him for he is altogether lovely. A lot of people go to church but don't love Jesus. The people who love Jesus, it is seen in their lives. I look forward to meeting Paul in heaven one day. He was faithful and fearless, bold. He was preaching for the souls of Felix and Drusilla. They were living in sin. Salvation is repentance. John the Baptist preached that. Jesus preached that. People are living in sin today and they don't want to turn from that life. This message is real. Have you got salvation tonight? Is there a real change in your life? Felix trembled when Paul reasoned with him. That word "reasoned" means to discuss or debate. Felix was probably asking questions and Paul was answering them. Maybe there are questions you have tonight and you need answers. There are many ways to the cross. George Bates said before his conversion he had 5 questions. He asked different Christians and no-one could answer them. He met a man in the Gospel Hall who answered all 5 for him and not long after that he was converted. He was used as an evangelist for many years. Paul was having discussion and debate with Felix. He reasoned of righteousness or right living. He talked of temperance which is self control. He talked of judgment to come. You don't here much about that today. At funerals now everyone is in heaven. Jesus said "... you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come." Revelation 20 verse 15 is the story of the great white throne. Many are standing there but if your name is not found in the Book of Life you are cast into the lake of fire. Is your name in the Book of Life? I trust you know it is. If not make sure tonight. Hell is described as the place of the wicked, the fiery furnace, there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, darkness, utter condemnation. Do we really believe in this place? This is the place where people who die without a Saviour are going. If we got a glimpse of it our life would be so different. 

The misery. In verse 25 Felix trembled. Picture him trembling. Have you ever trembled at the gospel message? Under deep conviction. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you. You are hearing God's voice and it is making you feel uncomfortable. God is doing something in your life. The Spirit is working in your life. Felix had different seasons in his life, just like everyone has. Youth and health, education and university, marriage and family, middle age and work, retirement and relaxation, death and eternity. "A more convenient season". Martin Lloyd Jones the Welsh preacher said of these words - he talked,, he trembled, he triumphed but he never trusted. Sadly we never read of Felix again. I trust you will not make the same mistake as Felix. Paul will die well. He met with Paul in chains. Paul knew he was going to be with the Lord. When you come to the end of your life you don't have to fear death. He will be with you right to the end. When your time comes will you die well? Will you leave behind a testimony to your friends and family? I pray that this will be your season. Jesus died on the cross for you. Picture him dying there. He was beaten, mocked, humiliated, marred more than any man. Everyone of your vile sins was placed on his body on the tree. Does it touch your heart? He took my guilt and shame so I can go free. You can have your sins forgiven, the past blotted out. "For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Are you in, out or not far from the kingdom of God?

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM MONDAY 7 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MARK 12 VERSES 28 TO 34

Everyone wants to be in heaven. It is the hope the Christian has. That one day we will spend eternity with Christ. There are many great hymns about heaven, the kingdom of God. 

Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

There's a land that is fairer than day
And by faith we can see it afar
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing His mercy and His grace
In the mansions bright and blessed 
He'll prepare for us a place.

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face—what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?

In our chapter we have read of a man who was not far from heaven, not far from the kingdom of God. Are you ready? Maybe you would say "I am not far, almost going to make it." There are 3 groups of people and their positions, where they stood in relation to the kingdom of God.

Firstly, there are individuals who are in the kingdom of God. The vast majority of people tonight have a testimony of saving grace. They could tell how they met the Lord as Saviour, experienced the miracle of new birth. Salvation is a miracle. I am not ashamed of the gospel, not ashamed to tell others in my work place, family and community. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." You have accepted the gift of the Lord, you serve the Lord, you have repented of your sins. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The true Christian is different from the world. They don't go to the dens of the world. They act different, talk differently. They have come in repentance, turning from living the old life and turned to Christ. Our sins are forgiven. We are adopted into God's family. To know Christ as Saviour, to talk to him, worship him, to love him and live for him every day. 

O what a wonderful, wonderful
day, day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered in darkness
away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate
friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with
joy I am telling, He made
all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior
made me whole;
My sins were washed away and
my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul!

The Christian has a joy, a peace that passeth all understanding. Many throughout the world are Christians. "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The most unlikely people are in the kingdom of God. Think of Paul's conversion. He persecuted Christians, was out to destroy the early church. In Acts 9 he met the Saviour and everything changed for him. He said "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." That was his motto for life. Think of the woman at the well, the dying thief, the woman caught in adultery - they all met Jesus and were all changed. We have met Jesus and he has done something in our lives. There will be people from every background, tribe and tongue worshipping God in heaven one day - will you be there? Maybe there is someone who is praying for you. They want to see you in the kingdom of God, to get right with God. The true Christian wants to see you into the kingdom of God. They see lost souls perishing and they want to go after them and ask them "is it well with your soul?" Have you compassion for the souls of men and women? People have known days of pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair. They have had trials and temptations. Maybe you are going through something that no-one else knows about. It will all be over when we get to heaven. Annie Johnston Flint was a schoolteacher and had to give it up when she ended up in a wheelchair. She wrote these wonderful words

And in the wondrous city there shall be no more night;
Forever and forever the Lamb shall be its light;
And oh, the joy of knowing, as the Lord's redeemed can know,
While through the dark and dangers of the earthly life they go,
There shall be no more trouble; there shall be no more wrong
There shall be no more sighing, stilling the glory-song;
There shall be no more sorrow, for God shall dry all tears;
There shall be no more sinning, through the eternal years!

I often go into nursing homes and talk to elderly saints who are no longer able to get out to places of worship. As you read with them, pray and talk of blessing through the years, they will often say "i am ready to go home." They have lived for the Lord and served him. They are ready to meet Christ. The Christian doesn't pass away, he goes home. Absent from the body, present with the Lord.

There are individuals who are outside the kingdom of God. They are not Christians. They are not living for the Lord. They have never accepted the Lord as Saviour. Many don't want to hear about the kingdom of God. If they die in their sins they would be lost for ever. It is terrible to be lost. Out of Christ, without a Saviour. Many enjoy their sin. They live for the world, the flesh. They have no interest in spiritual matters. Many are seeking fame, fortune and are climbing the social ladder. They are thinking of themselves. They never think of God and eternity. Today the places of the world are packed with people. They are on the broad road leading to hell and destruction. It is sad. It breaks your heart. Many today claim to be atheists. They have no time for the bible or Christians. They say it is boring, a nuisance. They are accountable to no-one. They live life as if God doesn't exist. We see it in every magazine, social media, television. They all promote a lifestyle that is against God's word. Could the Lord do a revival again? Could he breathe on us? When you get a touch of revival it is hard to settle for ordinary meetings. God is moving and working. Paul to the church in Corinth in chapter 6 verses 9 to 11 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you ..." Deep dyed sinners outside of the kingdom of God. Paul went and preached the gospel of the blood of Jesus Christ, the resurrection from the dead. He uplifted the Saviour and many people outside the kingdom were saved and brought in. Some times the most difficult people to reach are church people. People like Nicodemus. They have never been converted, never born again of the Spirit of God. John Wesley said "I went to America to convert the Indians; but oh who shall save me?" Anyone who is saved and knows the Lord needs to warn people to repent and be converted. The preacher is not here to impress people but to warn them of the wrath to come. W P Nicholson was sitting waiting on his mother to make his breakfast one morning when the Spirit of God came on him. There and then he cried out for mercy.  This could be your last opportunity. "My Spirit shall not always strive with man."  Tonight it could be now or never for you.

There are individuals who are not far from the kingdom of God. There are people who will never come to a gospel mission. But you have come because God has brought you. There is a longing and a desire to get right with God. What brings a person near to the kingdom? Faithful preaching. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?" In Jesus' day many of the religious leaders were blind to the truth. Many are brought near to the kingdom by godly parents. They saw a difference in their parents from a young age. Death and sickness can bring people near the kingdom of God. A gospel mission can bring a person near the kingdom of God. The Lord comes near night after night. The singers, testifiers, preachers of the word of God. A marriage break-up can bring you near the kingdom of God. Financial crisis or a business collapsing can bring you near. The loss of a child - God works in mysterious ways. A godly partner can bring you near the kingdom of God. You know they love the Lord. It is amazing how the Lord works.

Whatever group you are in tonight I pray you don't miss the kingdom of God. The alternative is hell and the lake of fire for all eternity. It is not just for a few years but all of eternity. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you. You are not far from the kingdom of heaven.

The Greatest Statement Ever Made

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

JOHN 14 VERSES 1 TO 6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." verse 6

Powerful words from the Saviour. Life changing, inspirational words. Over the years many have made great statements. Neil Armstrong said "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Martin Luther said "I have a dream". Winston Churchill "Never, never, never give up." Muhammed Ali claimed "I am the greatest". Nothing compares to these words made by the Saviour. It is one of the great "I am" statements. Jesus said "I am the bread of life", "I am the light of the world", "I am the door", "I am the good shepherd", "I am the resurrection and the life, "I am the true vine." When Jesus speaks we must listen. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you already through the choruses and testimony. The bible says "Today if you hear his voice harden not your hearts." The Lord makes it clear he is the only way to heaven. Everyone wants to be in heaven, no-one wants to be lost, in hell for all eternity. The only way to heaven, to the Father is to have your sins forgiven. There are many people with a past. They have done things they would never admit to. Wouldn't it be lovely to live a life knowing we are cleansed and washed in the blood of Christ. 

Jesus is the way and that is the way for the lost. For men and women, boys and girls. They are spiritually lost. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." We are all on a journey, all heading to eternity. We might live 50/60/70 years. You are on the broad road that leads to destruction. There is a narrow way that leads to life, heaven and home. "Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat." Do you want to go to heaven? I am sure you would say "yes". How many are willing to live their lives for Christ? Think of your street, your community, your school, college, university - how many are Christians? Born again of the Spirit of God, converted? Have you ever been lost as a child? It is an awful feeling. To be spiritually lost is an even worse feeling. We read of Jesus "he was moved with compassion". William Booth told his young followers "If I had my choice, I wouldn't send you to school, I'd send you to Hell for five minutes, and you'd come back real soul winners.” There is no second chance. Many people sat in the very pew you sat in for years, heard great preachers from this pulpit but they got up and left this church. They are lost for all eternity. Maybe you made a profession years ago but tonight you are lost. You are outside the family of God, do not attend the prayer times or bible studies. You need to get back to your first love. There are many who say that all religions lead to God, that if you do your best everything will be all right. Jesus says there is no other way - verse 5. Thomas wanted to be in heaven and it is no different for us. He wanted to be sure. A lot of people are not sure if they are saved or not. Are you a Christian? Converted, born again of the Spirit of God? Make sure you know for sure. The story is told of Albert Einstein who lost his ticket on a train one day. The conductor saw him on his hands and knees trying to find the ticket. He came to him and said "it is alright, everyone knows who you are Mr Einstein, don't worry about it." Einstein replied "I know who I am, I just don't know where I am going."  He didn't know the stop he had to get off at. Many are like him. They don't know where they are going. Many end up in hospital with a consultant telling them they have only weeks left to live. They panic, they are on the verge of eternity. Not every one gets time and space. It is so important that you make sure you are ready for eternity. Heaven gives you hope. Death is not the end. We know as Christians that death is not the end. They are going to spend eternity with the Saviour. I know for sure that one day I will see Jesus. But there is no hope for those on their death beds. They have nothing to cling to. It was said of John Wesley's converts that they died well. Revelation 21 verse 4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things have passed away." Maybe you have people who prayed for you. What a reunion it will be one day. Won't it be awful if you were not there? Many have a head knowledge but it has never becomes a heart knowledge. That is the greatest journey in life - from head to heart. People know it in their head but don't have it in their heart.

Jesus is the truth and that is for the learned. There are many educated and learned people today. Think of the most intelligent people ever. There was a recent list of the 5 most intelligent men - first was Johann Goethe, an 18th Century German polymath. Second was Albert Einstein, then Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton and last James Maxwell, a Scottish mathematician and scientist. I wonder - how many of them are Christians. For all their intellect do they know Christ as Saviour?  3 men who lived 200 years apart were Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. How many know what they taught? Yet a little child could come up here and tell us what Jesus taught. Are you in love with Jesus? Is he your Saviour? Was there a change in your life when you accepted him as Saviour? Do you take a stand for him? "No man cometh unto the Father but by me." No matter your background, whether you are rich or poor, what religion you have. It is a big statement and he could say it. He was God manifested in the flesh. He saves us, keeps us. The Spirit of God comes and lives in us when we accept his salvation. He can save you and keep you. He can satisfy you. "The Spirit of Christ beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Does anybody talk to themselves? Remember there is someone inside your body. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall rush torrents of living water." We all have trials, battles, storms in life. Maybe you are going through difficult times even now. There have been many tragedies over the years. Isn't it good to know that the Lord has been with you. When death comes he will be with us.

Jesus is the life and that is for the longing people. I meet a lot of people who are bored with life. They don't want to get up each day and live. They have nothing to live for. I see people going up and down the street getting a bottle just to get through the day. Life only begins when you accept Jesus as Saviour. Many drink alcohol, take drugs, are involved in all sorts of relationships, are living for the next holiday, a new car. Only Jesus gives true satisfaction. The devil is described as a thief. The devil comes to steal and kill and destroy. "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." We have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Little Zacchaeus in Luke 19 - his life changed. Legion was cutting himself, he was in torment and not wanting to live another day. Jesus appeared and changed him. Mary Magdalene had 7 devils inside her. She was a lost cause. One day she was released. At the cross Mary was there watching Jesus die. All the other disciples were hiding for fear of the Jews but she stood by her Lord to the end. What was she thinking? "That man changed me, set me free." The dying thief lived a sinful life. At the last moment he cried for mercy - "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom today." Jesus replied "today you will be with me in paradise." Do you want a new life? Do you want to go to heaven one day? The Spirit of God is searching hearts right now. This message is for you. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

Come to Jesus by the way of the cross. The national anthem in hell is "I did it my way". Will you live for Jesus? The news will not make the headlines in the Belfast Telegraph or the BBC News but it will be recorded in heaven. Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life? Will your name be there? If you are saying "no" make sure tonight. Make sure your name is in that book, that is the most important thing of all.

The Unlikely Soul Winner

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

JOHN 4 VERSES 4 TO 42

Rodney Gipsy Smith was born on 31 March 1860. He was born in a tent in Epping Forest just outside London. He would become the greatest evangelist ever known. He travelled all over the world preaching the gospel. Many came to faith in Christ as a result of his outreach. The most unlikely soul winner. He had no education. His family made a living out of baskets, tinware and clothes pegs. His mother died of small pox and his father Cornelius ended up in jail for various offences. It was there in jail that he received Christ and Rodney also went on to make a profession of faith as a result of his father's conversion. He heard D L Moody and Ira Sankey and was greatly influenced by John Bunyan. After his conversion he had a great desire to serve the Lord, to be a soul winner. Many have been the same, they met the Saviour and they want others to know about him too. Gipsy Smith taught himself to read and write. He used to practise his preaching to the turnips. They say Billy Graham practised with his cows. He loved to sing hymns and was known as the singing gypsy boy. William Booth heard of him and asked him to join the Salvation Army. Gypsy Smith held many crusades and missions with the Salvation Army as a result. He died at 87 years of age on 4 August 1947. He famously once said "The way to Jesus is not by Cambridge and Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Socrates, Plato, Shakespeare or the poets. It is over an old-fashioned hill called Calvary." He also said, "St. Paul’s cathedral is nothing but a glorified quarry if Christ be out of it, and my old gypsy tent is a cathedral when Christ is in it." Someone once asked him how to start and revival and he said "Find a piece of chalk, and find an empty room. Go into that room and shut the door. Draw a circle on the floor with that chalk, kneel down in that circle, and ask God to start revival right there." We pray that God's people might be stirred up, challenged to reach out in these days. I don't want to have any regrets when I stand before my Saviour and I hope you don't too. If the Lord could use this woman he can use you and me.

Many of the Samaritans believed because of a woman who shared her testimony.

Her past didn't hinder her - verse 18. She had had 5 husbands and the man she was now with was not her husband. She had a past. One relationship after another. Heartache and pain. Disappointment after disappointment. Many of us have deep scars. This woman was known by many in Samaria. Her past didn't hinder her. She was living with a man who was not her husband. People laughed at her. They mocked her. She was probably avoided in the street. It was a lonely life. Sin causes heartache and pain. Sin takes us in a direction we never intended to go. Someone once said it is like throwing a stone into the river - there are many ripples. Many don't want to get up in the morning, the sin of the past is catching up with them. Sin pays out terrible wages. Sydney Murray the evangelist used an illustration of the time he went to Blackpool with his wife Lily. He saw a woman going into the house of mirrors. The woman got trapped, she kept banging her head. Everyone laughed at her. She had paid to get in and couldn't get out. The man who owned the place went in and took her by the hand to lead her out. It is the same as when we were in sin. Jesus said "the man that has been set free is free indeed". The woman was only existing, not living day after day. In verse 27 we see the disciples marvelled that Jesus was talking with her. They were in shock but didn't say anything to the master because they knew he was in control of the situation. Maybe you have past skeletons in the cupboard, you have done things you are ashamed of. The Saviour is here where the 2 or 3 are gathered together in his name. Maybe you want a fresh start, a new life - then get on your knees and ask the Lord to forgive you of your sin. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." It is lovely to know our past sin is forgiven. Where would we be if the Lord hadn't forgiven us? People can bring up our past but if God has forgiven us then we are forgiven. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." The bible says we are called to be witnesses in these last days. That is why we have a mission - to reach others with the good news. The majority of people converted at a mission are because Christians have brought them to it - 90% of conversions are that way. It is hard for people to walk into a church on their own so it is good to bring a person in with you. Our past is forgiven.

The place she was from didn't hinder her - verses 4 and 5. Sychar was in the region of Samaria. Commentators don't know a lot about Sychar.  The Samaritans built their own temple to Yahweh on Mount Gerizim, but the Jews burned it around 128 B.C. This obviously made relations between the Jews and the Samaritans even worse. Read 2 Kings 17 verses 24 to 33 and you will find out more about Samaria. The Samaritans married into the Gentile nations and this woman knew something about this - verse 20. She was not totally ignorant. Jerusalem is the place where they ought to worship and she knew that the Messiah would come one day - verse 25 "when he is come he will tell us all things." Here she was with the Messiah himself. Verse 9 reminds the Lord of the division between the Jews and Samaritans. Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim - Jesus is the friend of sinners. The Lord welcome everyone no matter their background. We can invite people in from all parts of our community. The Lord taught about the Samaritan man in Luke 10. In Luke 17 we read the story of the 10 lepers, the one who came back was a Samaritan. In Acts 1 verse 8 Jesus told his disciples to go into Samaria. In Acts 8 Philip saw revival in Samaria. No doubt the disciples felt uncomfortable in Samaria as Jews among the Gentiles. They believed there was strength in numbers - that is why in verse 8 they didn't go alone to find food. The gospel makes people uncomfortable and I have felt uncomfortable at times sharing the gospel. I remember once going to Dublin and sharing the gospel on the streets. I met many from Mountjoy prison - they stood on the streets with tears coming down their cheeks when they heard the gospel. The Lord can work anywhere. He can work in unimaginable ways. Remember what Nathaniel asked "can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Samaria had no bible colleges, no churches, no mission conventions yet the Lord walked through this area and many of the Samaritans believed on him because of one woman's testimony. We all have this knowledge, could debate theology and doctrine, we have the best bible commentators and can listen to find preachers but are our lives making an impact? Are you doing anything for the Lord? When you see this woman giving her testimony and there are many believers as a result do we think - is my life making such an impact? We are only here for a short time. Hudson Taylor said "I have but one candle of life to burn and would rather burn it out where people are dying in darkness than in a land that is flooded with light."  We need to burn out for God. Nicky Cruz was brought up in a devil worship home but he met David Wilkerson on the streets of New York. His life was changed and he came to know the gospel. Don't let the place where you come from hinder you from preaching the gospel.

The waterpot didn't hinder her - verses 28 and 29. Soul winners can have hindrances. This was her hindrance. She was determined to travel light and had to leave her water pot behind her. The water pot may have slowed her down. She was wise to leave it behind. The Lord's work requests haste. John Wesley was out of breath chasing after souls. He was part of the Methodist movement - they fasted all day on a Wednesday and a Friday. They held prayer meetings at 4 am. John rode on horse back and went everywhere. If we are winning souls we will not have time to gossip. We will not be able to sit about criticising others. It is good to leave the water pot behind. She was determined to get to Samaria. No doubt the disciples and Jesus would have loved her water pot. They were thirsty. It was valuable to her. Sometimes we need to leave a water pot behind to win a soul for Jesus. It can be a sinful habit that mars our testimony. Maybe you have some sinful habit that is burdening you. Why not ask the Lord to give you victory over it? A certain job takes up all our time. We work, work, work. Our job demands every part of our lives. The taste of money can be a hindrance. A friendship can hinder us. Or a relationship - we are not equally yoked. A certain church can hinder us - no burden for the lost. We get into a rut and don't grow spiritually. A business partner, a worldly desire, ambition - what water pot do you need to leave behind? The devil will always ensure there is a water pot that we need to leave behind. There are many gifted young people today who just cannot leave home. For W P Nicholson it was what others thought of him that caused him a hindrance. One day in Bangor he met 2 Salvation Army women and he admitted to them his fear of others. He got down on his knees and asked God to take this fear away. For blind Bartimaeus in the bible it was an old garment that he had to cast aside in order to come to Jesus. 

The people of Samaria didn't hinder her. She was bold, courageous, showed no fear. She just wanted the people to know about this man who changed her.  Verse 29 "come see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" Then look at verse 30 "Then they went out of the city and came unto him." This woman was now making an impact. The men must have seen a change in her. Many believed. She just gave her testimony. No theological debate. She pointed people to Jesus. Do you know any Christians who have that glow about them? You know they have met the Lord. Dr Bill Woods served the Lord for 60 years in the Amazon jungle. He swam up rivers filled with crocodiles just to share the gospel and treat people with leprosy. He had a burden for precious souls. His life has made a tremendous impact around the Amazon. Leonard Ravenhill said "The greatest miracle that God can do today is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it."  Not promoting a denomination or a religion but Jesus. The kingdom of God is all about those who are saved and born again.

Her predicament didn't hinder her. She was living with a man who was not her husband. She probably thought to herself "I have to go home and face this man." She knew she couldn't continue to live in sin. She goes and tells the people about Jesus then sorted out her home. Verses 17 and 18. She knew the Lord would sort out the situation for her. The Lord can solve impossible situations. Jesus became her perfect man, her seventh man. When this woman went into Samaria do you think the man she was living with was among the men she told? Maybe he got saved. Maybe the man she lived with was among the men who believed. God does amazing things and has a wonderful way of working in individual lives. We all face issues and battles. None of us have the perfect life. We still need to be soul winners. We still need to keep pressing on. We have talents and gifts we need to use for the Lord. The Lord will give the strength we need. Paul had a thorn in the flesh. He asked for it to be removed but the Lord told him "my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  We need to keep our eyes on the prize before us.