What is the Gospel?

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025 pm – MR PHILIP GRAHAM

EPHESIANS 2 VERSES 1 TO 10

I would like tonight to take the word GOSPEL and use it as an acrostic to spell out what the gospel really is. This passage has all the elements of the gospel. It simple means good news. If you were to turn on the television to the news today it is all negative but bad news makes the news today. I come with good news tonight that can change and transform lives.

G – verse 4 “but God”. We have to turn to Genesis 1 verse 1 “in the beginning God”. The word was without form, complete darkness. That is where it all started. Nothing but there was God. God spoke for the first time. He created the sun, moon and stars, everything that is in the world. We cannot help but stand back in amazement when we see all of creation. What a great creator. You might say “there is no God, this world was formed by evolution, a cosmic crash of atoms when everything was created and came into existence.” That is not possible. Stand back for a moment and look at the significance of creation. That a big bang flew you and me into existence? There is no other way to explain creation but by a creator who created all things. We have a God who is in control of everything, who is present at all times, everywhere with his people. God is almighty. This verse says something about God and his character – he is holy and perfect. It means he cannot have sin, cannot look on sin. He is righteous. We can do our best but it is not always enough. God is pure all of the time. You might say “if he is real I cannot feel him and see him.” If you cannot see and feel him you have never experienced his presence because you refuse to believe in him, refuse to accept that he exists. God exists in heaven tonight where there is no sin, sorrow or suffering. I am sure there is not one here who would not want to go to heaven. That is where God is.

O stands for offence – verse 5. This passage describes us as dead, no life in us. We are dead in our sins and trespasses. We were given over to our desires and passions – verse 3. Where did sin come from? God created the world and everything in it, then he made Adam and Eve. He gave them a garden and told them they could eat anything except of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the centre of the garden. Satan entered and tempted Eve. She took of the fruit and gave it to Adam. Sin came into the world. Everyone of us has a sin condition whether we like it or not. God is holy and perfect, without sin. If we want to be in God’s presence we cannot have sin in our lives and hearts. Everyone has offended God no matter how small or little sin is. We might think we are pretty good living, do my best, care for the sick, look after my neighbours, kind to people. I believe you. If you have never accepted Christ into your heart to take away your sin you are still a sinner and it will be held against you on the final day. “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves.” God says you are a liar or fool. I have known really bad people and when I tell them they are a sinner they get very cross. Even those who consider themselves good living get cross. It does not matter – if you have never accepted Christ as Saviour you have offended God by your sin. Psalm 51 verse 5 “behold I was shapen in iniquity, in sin did my mother conceive me.”

S is for the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ – verse 6. He came into the world as a baby born in the manger. He lived and walked on this earth then was crucified on the cross. Why did he have to do that? What is the significance of this man? He left the splendours of heaven and came down to this sin cursed world to pay the penalty for our sin. We deserved to die in the condition we were in but God said “I have a rescue plan, my only Son. I will send him to this world and he will take the punishment for sin.” He came all the way from the splendours of heaven to bear it. 1 Timothy 1 verse 15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He came into the world to save sinners. That is us. That is everyone. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” He loved you so much that he gave his life in your place. He came because we had offended God. Romans 6 verse 23. Each one deserved to die. Romans 5 verse 8 “but God commended his love towards us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ came into the world to save us. He is our substitute. Imagine standing in the courts of law when you have committed some crime. You know you have done wrong but someone stands up and says “don’t send that person away, I will take his place.” Jesus Christ came as our substitute. He came and stood in our place. Jesus Christ came into the world to save you and me. He came to take our sins away.

P is for personal response that needs to be made. What will it be? You have listened and you have heard it all before. You have heard about Jesus and your sins. And yet you still say “I am going to take my chance, maybe when it is all over I will be OK.” Maybe you want to wait and see. Many so called Christians think they will get into heaven but they don’t know the Lord in their heart. That he died for their sin. So many believe their good works, religious penance will get them into heaven. The only one who can get them into heaven is the Lord Jesus. Maybe your response is “I want to know him personally, I want to know more of him.” Hebrews 9 verse 27. There is no more waiting and seeing. God’s word is clear. “It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.” After you die your personal response will matter. You might say “I will try harder, I will leave tonight and tidy up my life, try to be the best person I can be, I will apologise to people I have hurt.” No matter what you do you will never get into heaven by your good works. Verse 8 “and not of yourselves.” Nothing in us. Nothing we can do in ourselves to get to heaven. No amount of good works. They will fail time and time again. We have sin in our hearts. We always fail. No matter how hard we try it is not of ourselves. It is the gift of God. God presents us with a gift. There are 2 ways to react. Yes I want to receive it or turn your back on it. It is free, there is no charge. It is free to all who will receive it. There is no cost to you. The trouble is it cost the Lord. The Lord had to give up his life to give you that free gift. Salvation. Don’t have to wait until you get up out of your seat, clean up your life. You don’t have to wait until you are older and retired. A free invitation to all who will receive it. You might say “I am too bad for it.” That gift is free to you. How do you know that? Verse 9 says “any man”. John 3 verse 16 “whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” That means everyone. It means you and me. Not the good person, the person who attends church and tries very hard.

E – everyone is included. Excludes no-one. This gospel is for you. It doesn’t mean that because you have heard this message you inherit a free pass into heaven. This gospel can transform your life. It is only for everyone who believes. There has to be a personal response. You must receive the gospel, respond and believe. Plenty of people do believe that Jesus was born. You cannot argue with the history books. But many do not believe he died for their sins. You must believe that he took the punishment on the cross so that you can go free. Three days later he rose from the grave. He conquered sin and death and hell. Do you believe in him? Do you believe in the finished work of Calvary? The only way to have salvation is to accept the Lord as Saviour. I cannot save you, there is only one who can – the Lord.

L – life. Not just any life, eternal life that lasts for ever. Romans 6 verse 23 “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Your eternity is sealed for ever if you will receive Christ into your life. It is not an imaginary thought. It is given as a gift from God. Maybe you are still not sure. Maybe you are saying “I hear what you are saying but I am just not sure. Why would someone do this for me? Giving up their life for me?” Jesus loves you. He loved you so much that he didn’t want to see you perish, to be in a lost eternity for ever. He gave up his life for you. He stands with open arms tonight. Come and be saved. The gospel is not complicated tonight. It is a simple wonderful message of good news. He died for you. He wants you to be saved. If you are not sure make certain that your eternity is secure. Ask the Lord into your heart to take away your sins and believe he is the Son of God.

Gideon's Faith and Fear

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025 – MR PHILIP GRAHAM

JUDGES 6 VERSES 25 TO 40

We have come this morning to the challenge of Gideon. He was called by God to do great and mighty things for the nation Israel under the rule of the judges. God appointed judges to guide and lead the people. Some judges were good, some bad, some got it so wrong. Gideon was to be the next deliverer of Israel. He had his issues as well. When he was being trained God taught him a lesson. Part of that training was to destroy an altar of Baal. They worshipped this god who was supposedly in charge of the weather and crops. They had built this altar and God told Gideon to destroy it. Gideon passed that test with flying colours and he did destroy the altar by night. The second test was not instigated by God but by Gideon himself. He demonstrated real bravery in his confidence in God when he destroyed the idol. Who we are in private is who we really are. It is very easy to put on a public face that everything is OK but at home deep down things are not OK. He destroyed the altar but his problem in his private devotion was just not all there. There are many times in my life when I have been there and I am sure you can relate to that too. When Gideon destroyed the altar it was a step of great faith. Now he is in a personal place where he is unsure, wavering in his faith. People had witnessed his courage but God will witness his personal fear. The private persona of the same man. We will see the challenge to go forward in the battle through this story. We will also see a challenge by God in Gideon’s faith with God. The faith and fear of Gideon in verses 33 and 34.

Gideon’s faith. He was a young man energised, excited and had torn down the altar of Baal. He was now calling on Israel to war. This is the Gideon God sought when he commissioned him first in verse 12. He is described there as “a mighty man of valour”. He was ready to go and do great things for God. This man has great courage. Look at his enemy. I wonder how he had this courage. It was harvest time in Israel – verse 11. Gideon was lying behind the winepress threshing wheat. The Midianites had come into the land as they had done for the past 7 years. They destroyed all the crops. They used it as a private banquet for their own families. The Israelites were broken and demoralised. They seen the invaders coming down and taking all their crops. Judges 7 verse 12 shows that they were like grasshoppers, coming in and destroying everything in sight. This was in the valley of Jezreel, the significance of which is in the fact that this is where the battle of Armageddon will happen at the end of the time. It was the most fertile area and where crops grew readily. Gideon’s engagement is seen in verse 34 when the enemy came in. He did something that hasn’t been done in 7 years. The Midianites came in and let them take all the crops. The Spirit of the Lord comes on Gideon for the very first time. The trumpet is sounded. People are called to war. That trumpet had been silenced for this length of time. No-one had the courage to take up the trumpets to call people to war. Where did he get that energy from? He is bound to be demoralised and discouraged, afraid to get caught. He was gathering up a few crops to feed his family. Verse 34 – God took control of Gideon’s life which caused Gideon to sound the war cry. The man blowing the trumpet was not the man behind the winepress. Once disillusioned and discouraged now decisive, daring and determined. Something had happened to Gideon. The Spirit of God came on him. He had a personal encounter with God. He was committed to obeying God and following after the Lord. Now he is under the control of the Spirit of God. Sometimes we can shy away from the Spirit of God. We say yes to the Holy Spirit but leave him there. We hear of the Spirit of God and know he comes in when we accept Christ but we need to ask for his power and strength daily. The Holy Spirit encourages and lifts us up. There will be systematic changes. Gideon met God and his family would be changed from there on beyond recognition for ever. If you want to have power in the Holy Spirit the Lord has to have full control. 1 Corinthians 6 verse 19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” It is important to yield control of our lives to his will. The way the Holy Spirit works is different in the Old and New Testaments. The Spirit of the Lord anointed people for special tasks in the Old Testament but the Spirit did not dwell on people permanently in those days. We know that because we read that the Spirit left Saul in 1 Samuel 16 verse 14. We also read later in Judges that “Samson wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” (Judges 16)  When the Spirit did move he gave great strength to individuals and they were able to accomplish great things in their lives. In our day every believer is indwelled by the Spirit of God. If you have asked the Lord to come into your life the Spirit comes to live in you. He gives us strength and power to honour and work through us. He takes up permanent residence in our lives. John 14 verses 16 and 17 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” If you are redeemed today his presence guarantees our eternal destiny in Christ. We are changed inwardly. It is manifested outwardly in godly living and good works. As Gideon’s life was changed he made a great impact on his family. We live in a day when the world is full of counterfeits. People say they are filled with the Spirit of God and can do all sorts of wonderful things. The bible tells us to watch out for those who falsely claim such things. You must pray daily for an infilling of the Holy Spirit to give you power and strength. Things like inviting people to church. People will know by the change in your life. Only as they get close to you do they see a change that has happened.

Gideon’s following. He sounds the trumpet and people come to follow him but 2 verses before that the people wanted to kill him – why this sudden change? Now he has been filled with the Spirit of God. That is what will happen in our lives. There will be something different about us. Gideon had an impact on his family and the surrounding people. When you demonstrate bold commitment to Christ others will see the change and want to experience what you have. Never underestimate how God can use our lives for his glory and good. Even the enemies had to agree that God was in control. Even when people see the difference in your life they will have to acknowledge God is with you. We ought to thank God for people who demonstrated bold faith to us. God is using people like this to change the world. God will make us that person for his glory, filled with his Spirit. To boldly go out and tell others what God has done in us. Gideon calls the other tribes to come in with them. In chapter 7 verse 3 we read that 32,000 gathered with Gideon. It seemed like a small amount to the Midianites large army but God doesn’t need that amount. Just 300 are needed to eliminate the vast army of Midianites. We live in an age when the unsaved are outnumbering the Christians. We see a vast number of people that need the Saviour. We see people denying God’s existence. The world is turned on its head. They don’t want to acknowledge there is a God. The enemies seem so vast to the people of God. We need to remember that when God is in control of his people he enables them to obtain victory. Rest in God’s power. With such a power leading us, guiding us, living in us we are able to do all he calls us to do.

Gideon and his fleece. In public Gideon did great and mighty things for God but now we find him full of doubt and fear. He is not sure what the Lord has called him to do. Verse 36 Gideon doubts God. God told him already what he wanted him to do. Gideon’s response challenged me in my life. Has God’s word had a massive impact on your life? Doubt is a little seed that starts to grow which if watered will grow and get out of control. God hasn’t changed but we doubt what he has said. Gideon was already told by God that he was in control – verses 12, 14 and 16. 3 times in the space of these 6 verses God has commanded Gideon “I am with you”, “I am in control”, “I am going to do great and mighty things with you.” Now we hear Gideon say “if you are really in control.” That word “if” shows up. His doubt was on display. He wasn’t prepared to trust God and take him at his word. He was not willing to walk by faith rather than by sight. He now demands something of God. A test to determine God’s will on his life. He asks for a piece of sheepskin to be made wet and the ground around it dry. God does exactly what Gideon wants but Gideon is still filled with doubt. Verse 39. He knows a piece of sheepskin is like a sponge and it will soak up the water around it. The next night he asks God to reverse the situation, make the fleece dry and the ground wet around it. He does not question God’s will again. He is now satisfied. We talk a lot about putting out the fleece. We want to prove the Lord. To dictate the terms to God. We expect him to do what we want him to do. It is not something that pleases God. When Gideon used the fleece he was doubting God. All the time he faced the same problem. We too fail to take God at his word. Gideon wasn’t willing to trust the Lord by faith. God expects us to walk with him in his word and promises. We fall into sin when we don’t. We can trust God’s word today. We shouldn’t take our eyes off God. He can and will answer our prayers. We can trust God. He has spoken his word to us. We have his written word to obey. It is not up to us to tell God what to do. Gideon realised that God was someone he could depend upon. He was actually no better off. He still had the promises of God. God hadn’t actually changed. When we set out our fleeces we set ourselves up for doubt and failure. It can spiral out of control. We can continue to fuel it. We are still prone to doubt if we cannot take God at his word. We will not be able to trust the fleece. Gideon learned that truth. There is no peace in the fleece. The problem is the fleece is always placed out of doubt not out of faith. It is not a biblical method for determining God’s will in our lives. He lacked faith to trust God’s word. How does God direct us today to do his will? John 16 verse 13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” God directs us through the Spirit who lives in us. Psalm 119 verse 105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God leads us through his word. Colossians 3 verse 15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. God directs us through his peace. Psalm 51 verse 10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” God gives us new desires. Proverbs 11 verse 14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” We need to line up everything with the word of God. We will receive assurance from God. We don’t need a fleece to determine God’s will in our lives. We simply need to trust him. He will give you a desire to follow him, to serve him, to be his child. We need to have the desire every day, to be closer to him, to follow after him. Start walking by faith. Some would argue that God honoured Gideon’s fleece. Why? Because God was developing his faith. God understands human weakness. It is not God’s will that we should determine his direction in our lives.” Verse 39. Gideon knew he was doing the wrong thing by putting out a fleece. We have the written word of God, something Gideon did not have. All we have to do is open God’s word and read it. Saturate your life with God’s word. He will guide us. Matthew 12 verse 9 “ But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it.”  Jesus commanded the Pharisees who were looking for signs to stop. What could be accomplished in this world if we would just take him at his word? Are we faithful in what the Lord has called us to do or do we continually look for signs? Why not instead open his word and let God have his will in our lives. He guarantees we will not be sorry, we will never regret a day following after his direction in our lives.

3 Responses to the Resurrection at Athens

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 20 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

ACTS 17 VERSES 22 TO 34

I think you would all agree Paul was a great soul winner. He arrived in the great city of Athens. Everywhere he went he carried a great burden. He had his sights on how to preach to the souls of men and women. In Acts the early church were full of passion and zeal to change the world. Oh that that would happen again in our province, that the Holy Spirit might get hold of your life and my life, that we might live completely for the Saviour. In Athens he does not keep quiet. He begins to preach about Jesus and the resurrection of Christ. Do you know anyone like that? Everywhere they go they just want people to meet the Saviour. In verse 17 we read that Paul reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and in the market place, all the daily places he encountered people. He encountered the philosophers and stoics, intelligent men and shared with them despite their background and upbringing. There were 3 responses at Athens as Paul preached and shared the resurrection.

The group who derided the message. Some mocked or derided him. The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word "deride" as to laugh at or show no respect for someone because you think they are stupid or of no value. Have you ever been laughed at for the message of the gospel? Paul was jeered at. They thought it was nonsense. They couldn't grasp the message of the resurrection. They thought he was a babbler verse 18. That is not a nice term. A babbler is someone who makes up their own ideas. "What will this babbler say?"  "A setter forth of strange gods" These were meant to be intelligent people. Free thinkers, philosophers, intelligent people. These Epicureans were all about pursuing pleasure. Live and let live mentality. You don't tell us what to do. Lived for food and lifestyle, materialists. They believed there was no life after death. Do your best and everything will work out in the end. There are many like that in Northern Ireland. Stoics. Personal discipline and self control. Believed in mother nature and that God couldn't be known personally. Paul is mocked. Many mock the church and many mock the lovely person of the Lord. Many Christians are being persecuted around the world but also in our own land. Many are being taken to court for taking their stand for the Saviour. The fear of God has left our nation. We need to pray. We need more prayer and less preaching. I trust you are at the prayer meeting, that God will have mercy in this province of ours. The Saviour was mocked - Matthew 27 verses 29 to 44. The chief priests, scribes and elders mocked him. Many in the crowd mocked him. "Men loved darkness rather than light." The most holy man in the world was mocked. He went about doing good, raising people from the dead, giving sight to the blind and they mocked him. Maybe you are getting things difficult for being a Christian. It is worth it all. "If the world hate you know it hated me before you." Let's pray for those who are also suffering persecution in the world. Many are facing the death penalty because they love the Saviour. Do you pray for the persecuted church? The bible has much to say of mockers. Peter said "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?" Jude said "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time who should walk after their own ungodly lusts." Job said "Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?" There is so much in the bible about mockery. Why do people mock the gospel? Some believe in the theory of evolution. Some cannot understand the theory of only one way to heaven. Others say there are too many hypocrites in the church. Others just enjoy their sin. You know you should be saved deep down but you want the world, all the world has to offer. George Palmer tells the story of how he and his 9 gang members went to kill Billy Graham at his crusade in Melbourne, Australia. 9 out of the 10 gang members were saved that night.

The group who delayed the message. "We will hear thee again of this matter." There were interested, troubled, disturbed, wanted to hear more. Maybe they had enough of all the cold, dead, formal religion. Only a relationship with Christ can satisfy the need of the human heart. It makes all the difference when we experience his love and forgiveness. We want to live totally for him. There are many types of conversions. For some the first time they hear the gospel they respond. For others over a period of time, maybe a death in the family, sickness, set backs, questions and answers. Sadly many do not respond. The longer you leave it the more difficult it gets. For Felix he trembled as Paul preached. He was concerned. He thought he would have another opportunity, a more convenient season. 

"Jesus for your choice is waiting;

Tarry not; at once decide!

While the Spirit now is striving,

Yield and seek the Saviour's side

Come believing! come believing!

Look and live"

Is that an invitation you have heard before? Have you been to the mission previously and now you are back again? Maybe you took a booklet, read it and are back again. You want to hear more and you know the Lord is tugging at your heart. You have been thinking a lot. Here you are at the mission again. "Seek the Lord while he may be found." We have sensed the presence of the Lord in this mission because God is here. "Behold now is the accepted time." There are others who come to the mission and they sit on the fence like Pilate. They enjoy Christian presence but they will not come out for the Lord themselves. "He that is not with me is against me." Like Felix who trembled you want to hear more.

The group who decided to accept the message. That is what I am praying you will do tonight - accept the Lord. Verses 33 and 34 "So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." They "clave unto him and believed." You had the mockers, the one who delayed and then those who accepted. Maybe this meeting is for you to accept the Saviour. It must have thrilled Paul's heart. He was moved with compassion. He was stirred in his Spirit. Dionysius was a high ranking official, a judge. Damaris was a woman who we don't know much about. A tremendous good work was done in this place. God can move in the most difficult of places. Who would have thought of Athens, a place of idolatry and paganism. We don't need gimmicks to bring people in. We need the old paths. We don't want the world in our church. All we need is prayer, preaching and holiness, repentance of sin, singing of the precious blood. When it is noised abroad that Jesus is in the house people will come in. In Acts 2 we read of 3000 coming to faith, in Acts 4 verse 4 5000, in Acts 13 we read of many of the Gentiles coming to faith, in Acts 16 we read of Lydia and in Acts 18 Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue and his household and many of the Corinthians. As they preached, prayed and fasted many sought the Lord. Wouldn't it be great if it happened in your local church? If people got converted. He can change individuals, communities, nations, even you. Have you reached your neighbours recently? Do they know what you believe? That you are a born again Christian? That you love the Lord? Lewis Wallace was a lawyer in the nineteenth century in America. He was a Union General, governor of New Mexico. He set out to write a book to disprove the resurrection. He examined the evidence and realised that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead. He went on to write a famous book Ben Hur which was made into a Holywood film. Hundreds maybe thousands have been converted through watching that film. Frank Morison was another lawyer who wrote a book Who Moved the Stone? A famous lawer, a sceptic who disproved the resurrection became a Christian. Maybe there is an agnostic, an atheist here tonight. Maybe you have decided to accept the message. I pray that this will be the night you accept the Lord. Are you saved tonight? Do you know you are saved? "Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new." Have you repented of your sin? Has there been a change in your heart, mind and tongue? Salvation is all about the miracle of new birth. You were dead in your trespasses and sin, blinded by the God of this world. The Lord touched us and we have been changed for ever. Or maybe you haven't got the real thing. Maybe you have doubts, maybe you made a profession years ago which is not real. Live a life that is different. Too many are living in this world with one foot in the church and one in the world. Live a surrendered life tonight.

 

The story of Mary Magdalene

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 20 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MARK 16 VERSES 1 TO 9 - MARY MAGDALENE

We have read in verse 9 of "Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils." Mary Magdalene was bound by the devil and Jesus set her free. A desperate woman. Is there someone here today and you need the Lord in your life? Is there a man who really needs the Lord today? Is there a young person and you really need the Lord today? This message is for you. There are a number of Mary's in the New Testament. There was Mary the mother of Jesus. There was Mary, the mother of John Mark. There was Mary of Bethany. There was Mary who was married to Cleophas. Mary Magdalene is an important character in the Easter story. She is mentioned 12 times in the gospels. She watched the crucifixion of Jesus. She saw the body of Jesus laid at the sepulchre. She was there at the tomb when the stone had been rolled away. Of all the people Jesus could have appeared to he appeared to Mary Magdalene. She had a past and I want to paint a picture of this woman to you today. There are 3 points to consider. 

She was a desperate woman. "Out of whom he had cast seven devils." Can you picture her torment every day, her agony, the feeling inside her body. How did she end up in this position? What happened to her? We are not told. Magdala was a place of moral corruption, a weeks trade in pigeons and doves. She was bound and fettered by the enemy. She had got herself oppressed. She was helpless, hopeless and hurt in some shape or form. She opened herself up to the devil. Just like Legion in Mark 5 who cut himself continually. In torment. She must have felt awful every single day, dreading to get up and live. Do you know anyone like that? People dreading getting up each day. "The devil offers high wages but he always pays with counterfeit money." Don't let the devil near your home, your family or your personal life. The powers of darkness - anyone involved in the Lord's work knows the attacks of the enemy. Thomas Brooks said "Satan promises the best but pays with the worst; he promises honour and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure and pays with pain; he promises profit and pays with loss; he promises life and pays with death." Never give a place to the devil. "Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." It is important that we take time to read God's word and pray every day. The devil knows we have a weak spot. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Jesus said he beheld Satan fall from heaven as lightning. Think about Mary Magdalene. No surgery could be performed on this woman, no knives could tear the devils from her soul. I am sure her family and friends would have said "no-one can help our Mary." For some people today it is the drink or drugs or occult or gambling or pride or the love of money that has a hold of them. Maybe it is some secret sin. Jesus called the devil a thief. He comes to kill and steal and destroy. Jesus said "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." We are not told how long Mary was in that condition but for 24 hours a day the devils were inside her. She was in turmoil every day. Her family and friends could not do anything for Mary. Lily Murray grew up in a Christian home but in her teenage years alcohol took its grip on her. When she became a Christian she said "Jesus Christ dug me up out of the miry pit." She never forgot the pit she was lifted from. When you come to Christ you do not want to sing the songs of the world any more. The Lord has given me a new song. We just want to praise God. David was in a horrible pit, in the miry clay when the Lord lifted him and gave him a new song. John Newton never forgot that he was also lifted from a horrible pit. He had a verse in his study that he looked at every day. Deuteronomy 15 verse 15 "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord God redeemed thee." If you are Christian you can leave today rejoicing in all the Lord has done for you. He has saved you and kept you and will be there for you in the trials and battles you face. As John Newton lay dying he said "Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly; I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour."

She was a delivered woman. She has met the Lord now. The 7 devils have left her body. Wouldn't you have loved to have seen that? In one single moment Mary experienced love and mercy and grace. She knew peace and power. She had the presence of God living in her. "Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed." Mary was totally delighted. No rehabilitation programmes or 5 point plans, totally transformed. There is a change in her heart and mind. It is repentance and means turning from a life you are living to wanting to serve the Lord with everything you have. If Mary was here today she would be singing 

Once I was bound by sin's galling fetters

Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain

But I received thy glorious freedom

When Jesus broke my fetters in twain

Glorious freedom, wonderful freedom

No more in chains of sin, I repine

Jesus the glorious, emancipator

Now and forever, He shall be mine

Freedom from fear with all of its torments

Freedom from care with all of its pain

Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer

He who has rent my fetters in twain

Glorious freedom, wonderful freedom

No more in chains of sin, I repine

Jesus the glorious, emancipator

Now and forever, He shall be mine

People who know the Lord has changed their heart for Christ can really sing these words. W P Nicholson referred to tears as holy water and told people never to be afraid to shed a few tears. We can go through all the motions sometimes. It reminds me of the story of the old violin. It was battered and no-one wanted it at the auction. It was only offered a few dollars when a man stepped from the back of the room. He lifted the violin, tuned it up and played such beautiful music. Now everyone wanted the violin bidding up to £3000 for it. The people couldn't understand what made the difference. "It is the touch of the master's hand." That was what made all the difference. Jesus made the difference in many of our lives when he touched us. You will know the difference when the Spirit flows through us. Maybe your life has been marred and scarred by sin, you are lacking direction and you have never invited Jesus into your life. Reach out and touch the Lord as he goes by today. Many of us have experienced it. Jesus gives a peace we never had before. Many in our province need peace. They have tried everything. Jesus said "peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." It all depends how much you want him. Maybe you want to enjoy sin and the world. "You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart." When you really want him you will find him. His touch makes all the difference in your life, in the preaching of his word, in the singing of the hymns. Will you ask the Lord to fill you with his Spirit today? Will you ask him to give you his blessing? Are you hungry for Christ today? Mary was a desperate woman and a delivered woman.

She was a devoted woman. She would give everything to have the Saviour - Luke 8 verse 2 and 3 "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward and Susanna, and many others which ministered unto him of their substance."  In the Greek New Testament that word "substance" means goods, wealth, property or possessions. These women were generous to the Lord's work. Modest, pure, upright, clean. Mary gave everything to the man who had changed her life. Has the Lord God got every part of me today? Have you left everything on the altar for the Lord. Have you said "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee?" We can make it in the world's eyes but not with God. C T Studd who gave up everything to serve the Lord in the Belgian Congo said "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him." Maybe there is a besetting sin that is holding you today? A little fox - remember what the bible says "little foxes spoil the vine." Maybe it is a relationship, worldly pursuits, the love of money, your job. Mary Magdalene was at the cross - John 19 verse 25. Where was Peter or James or Matthew or Philip or Nathaniel? They were afraid, they had abandoned the Lord and were in hiding. She was at the tree. What was she thinking as the Lord hung on the middle cross? Mary was among the crowds that gathered around the cross. She took her stand while the rest were afraid. Do you take your stand for the Lord? In your workplace, in your school, college, university? When Jesus is blasphemed do you take your stand for him? Do others know you belong to him? Mark 8 verse 38 "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Is Jesus coming back again soon? Who will be left behind? Only you know if you will be left behind. Are you ashamed of him? The Lord appeared to Mary first in Mark 16 verse 9. Not his disciples. Mary Magdalene gave him everything. What became of her? What was her life after the resurrection? Was she in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost? Did she travel with the other apostles? There is a touch of sadness now Jesus was gone. She would never forget the day she met Jesus and her life was transformed. I pray that many would be like Mary. That they would have their lives transformed. I am looking forward to meeting Mary in heaven. "Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven devils." Maybe you are hungering for more from God. Maybe you want that touch. Maybe God has a call on your life. Never think you are too far from God. Look at Mary - many would have said she was a lost cause. The Lord can deliver and save the lost causes. Where would you be if the Lord hadn't changed you? You could me in the den of iniquity today. Maybe recovering from the night before. Press on with the Lord. Thank him for what he has done. Let's have a love for lost perishing souls. Remember "when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion."

The dying thief - the greatest miracle in the bible

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES 18 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

LUKE 23 VERSES 32 TO 43

As you read throughout Luke's gospel you read of a number of individuals transformed - in Luke 4 we read of Simon Peter's mother-in-law, in Luke 5 we read of the tax collector Matthew, in Luke 7 it is the centurion's servant, in Luke 8 it is the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, in Luke 13 it is the woman bowed for 18 years, in Luke 17 you read of the 10 lepers, in Luke 19 it is Zacchaeus. This is why the Lord came. He came into the world to save sinners, to change lives, to heal the broken hearted. Maybe there is an individual here who needs their life changed. You need your sins forgiven, to get right with God. He can change your life for ever. He told Zacchaeus " For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." It all depends on how much you want it. Maybe you want to enjoy your sin and all the world has to offer. Perhaps you really want it. For those who are Christians, you remember the night you became a Christian and how you really wanted it. You didn't want to die in your sins. You wanted to go to heaven, to get right with God. The dying thief is the greatest miracle in the bible. A man who made it just in time. How he met the Lord that day. You never forget it. How you met the Lord, fell in love with him. When you meet Christ you are different, born again, born from above. That is a requirement to be in the kingdom of God. C H Spurgeon said he was the first convert of the cross. Millions have come ever since. 

The way of the cross leads home  

It is sweet to know 

As I onward go

The way of the cross leads home

Maybe you need to come home tonight. There are many prodigal sons and daughters tonight. They have been brought up in church and all its organisations but now they are backslidden. 

His plight. He was obviously a dying man. Caught and captured from his first crying. His life was slipping away. He was bound for hell. We don't know his age or his occupation. In Luke 23 verse 33 he was referred to as a malefactor. He was a criminal, a thief who was caught and sentenced to crucifixion. A terrible way to die. It is amazing that this was all prophesied by Isaiah. In chapter 53 verse 12 we read "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah prophesied that he would die between 2 thieves. The King of kings and Lord of lords didn't die in a palace, there was no pomp and ceremony, not with the wealthy and rich. He died between 2 thieves. A holy man, lived in humility and holiness, an obedient servant. Crucifixion was a terrible way to die. Have we any idea of what he went through? The suffering he endured. "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree." Scholars say this thief was part of a gang, he was easily led. We don't know his sin. He was in the wrong company. Maybe this man was asked to do some job he never thought he would be caught doing. "The wages of sin is death". "Sin when it is finished bringeth forth death." If you die in your sins without Christ you will be judged. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment." Many say "I am going into the ground and that will be the end of me." The bible says differently. "After this the judgment." We have something in common with this man. We are also dying. Charles Swindoll said "everything hurts even when you get old. You sit in a rocking chair and are going nowhere, you go up the stairs and forget what you went up for and every day of the week you have medical appointments." Maybe even as you look back you realise you haven't done much for the Lord and you need to do more. Now is the time to start. Very soon we are going to see him. We get caught up in things that don't matter. When we get to heaven it will not matter what size of bank account we have or the house we own. Did you serve the Lord with the gifts and talents he has given you? Every day we live is precious. We need to do something for the Saviour.

His perception - verse 41 "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss." Picture him as he realises Jesus was the spotless Saviour who could rescue him from eternal punishment. That is where we start - when we realise we cannot save ourselves. People say "I am a good person, do no harm to anyone." We all have sinned, that is why we need a Saviour. He deserved to be on the cross. He was a guilty sinner. 

There is a fountain filled with blood

  Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

  Lose all their guilty stains:

  Lose all their guilty stains,

  Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

  Lose all their guilty stains.

There is a fountain filled with blood

  Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

  Lose all their guilty stains:

  Lose all their guilty stains,

  Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

  Lose all their guilty stains.

This dying thief realised Jesus took his place, became his substitute. He died for you. He died for the wretch like me. You know your sin and the things in your past, the things you are ashamed of. He hung and bled and died there for you. When I think of the things I have done and am ashamed of. The other thief was not moved. He was mocking the Saviour, blaspheming Jesus Christ - verse 39 "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." That word "railed" means mocking, blaspheming Jesus. "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." He was not truly convinced that Jesus is the Son of God. He was mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Why did he not get saved? Why was this man's heart never touched. I don't know. It is the same when preaching - people experience conviction and others never see their need. You don't want the Lord in your life. You are not really fussed or care. He saw the sign above the cross, heard Jesus say "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." He even saw the change in the other thief. It was not enough. He was actually at the cross, beside the Saviour. His heart remained hard. This man was close to the kingdom. He was at the cross but he never made it. He wanted salvation on his own terms. Many are like that. Let us serve the Lord well. Christianity is not a hobby, The Lord expects total commitment. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one and despise the other."  A lot of people love the world and want a wee bit of church on Sunday morning. I trust you are living life totally surrendered to him.

His plea - verses 42 and 43 "And he said unto Jesus , Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Notice the change in this man. He cries for mercy. Greek scholars say he cried over and over and over again because he really wanted it. The people who want God's salvation are in tears. They have counted the cost. They leave a meeting and then turn back again. They are then pouring their heart out to the Lord and want to be saved. Not a false profession, they really want it. That is what we need - conviction of sin, old fashioned conviction of sin. Their heart has been changed. That is amazing. The Lord can change the heart. Matthew and Mark both state that this thief first mocked the Lord but something happened to change his mind. From mocking and ridiculing now he is changed. Some think it was the Saviour's face he saw. Maybe it was something Jesus said that changed him. Maybe he remembered a prophecy from his childhood. Maybe he had a member of his family around the cross shouting at him to trust Christ. Maybe he realised he was going to eternity and did not want to die in his sins. It was personal for him. Maybe it is friends who are hindering you. Don't worry about anyone else. "The Son of God loved me and gave himself for me." That is why David could say in Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd." I want you to be in the kingdom of God. Maybe you have invited people to come to the mission and they haven't come yet. It is good to worry about others but primarily worry about yourself. This man knew the Lord was the only one who could take him to paradise. Church cannot get us to heaven. A denomination cannot take us to heaven. Good works cannot take us to heaven. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." This man believed in paradise, in the kingdom of God. How come he knew about a kingdom? A dying man, a malefactor. Maybe someone spoke to him. Maybe someone is talking to you about Jesus, salvation, the kingdom of God. Maybe it is a Christian or someone in your family. You know something of the kingdom of God. It gives you hope. Think of some of the last words of some saints and scholars. D L Moody said "I see earth receding; heaven is opening; God is calling me." William Carey said "When I go say nothing of Dr Carey, speak of Dr Carey's Saviour." Robert Murray McCheyne "Live so as to be missed when dead." These men were ready to die. Now think of one of the last words of sinners such as Napolean Bonaparte who said "I die before my time." What are you trusting in when your time comes to a close? The Lord is the only thing that matters. You have time but are you ready to meet him? This man wanted heaven. He became a multibillionaire hanging on the cross. He started his day in prison and ended it in paradise. Picture the man on the middle cross. He died for you. He loves you. See him wearing the crown of thorns. The spear driven into his side. The nails hammered into his hands and feet because he loved you and me. If you reject that, God will reject you. That was his best. His only begotten son. He gave up his life for you and me so that we could be forgiven. Would you like a fresh start because tonight is your night. This is the good news of Good Friday. The thief had breakfast with the devil and supper with the Lord. 

The Man Who Sat on the Fence

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES 17 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MATTHEW 27 VERSES 11 TO 26

There are many common daily phrases that originate from the bible. "How the mighty have fallen" (2 Samuel 1 verse 25), "set your house in order" (2 Kings 20 verse 1), "you are nothing but skin and bones" (Job 19 verse 20), "you have to get to the root of the matter" (John 19 verse 28), "they are at their wits end" (Psalm 107 verse 27), "he is the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32 verse 10), "like the blind leading the blind" (Matthew 15 verse 14), "a leopard cannot change his spots" (Jeremiah 13 verse 23), "a thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12 verse 7), "he washed his hands off the situation" (Matthew 27 verse 24). Pontius Pilate washed his hands off the Lord Jesus. What a terrible way to be remembered. What legacy will you leave behind? How will you be remembered? Pontius Pilate was weak, cowardly, gave in under pressure. He did not act with the courage of his conviction. The Cambridge Dictionary says of this act of washing your hands off something means you intentionally stop being involved with it or connected with it in any way. I trust you will not make the same mistake if you know the Lord is speaking. That you will not sit on the fence any longer. Matthew 12 verse 30 "He that is not with me is against me." I trust you are with the Lord, that you are a Christian serving the Lord and are not ashamed to confess him as Lord.

Consider his dilemma. The amazing thing is that Pilate found nothing wrong with Jesus - John 18 verse 38 "Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." John 19 verse 4 "Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him." John 19 verse 6 "When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him." Deep in his heart he knew he was innocent, done no wrong, he was pure. What a privilege he had to speak with the Son of God face to face. Pilate's wife warned him about the Lord - verse 19 "When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him." Even his wife can see it too. She knew the Lord was innocent, a just man, she got a warning. It was not natural to have a dream during the day. Sometimes wives give good advice and sometimes they give bad advice. Sometimes a spouse can hinder individuals getting saved. The religious leaders were also a problem for Pilate. Matthew 27 verses 20 and 21 "But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas." Picture these chief priests and elders. A miserable group of people. The spiritual leaders of the nation. They were supposed to be teaching the people but they wanted the Lord crucified. They cried "we have no king but Caesar". We need to pray for godly ministers, elders and deacons that really love the Saviour. They wanted Barabbas released. A murderer done wrong. He represents sin, evil and death. Jesus represents purity, holiness, eternal life. No wonder the bible says "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" These religious men wanted the Saviour crucified. Deep down they were jealous of him. They despised him, were envious. Jesus was always clashing with the chief priests and scribes. They always tried to catch him out. They charged him with blasphemy but couldn't sentence him to death, only the Roman Governor of the day could do that. They needed Pilate to approve his sentence to death. That is why they brought him to Pilate. The religious establishment still makes no time for the Lord Jesus. There is very little preaching about the cross and the precious blood of Jesus, salvation and repentance, heaven and hell. Let us pray for revival and a movement of God in our day. "The chief danger of the twentieth century will be religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell." General William Booth of Salvation Army. Dead, cold religion does not meet the need of men and women. May it be noised abroad that Jesus is in the midst of this place. That is what young people are looking for today. They want to know that Jesus can meet their need. He is here and can meet your need. The crowds also tried to intimidate Jesus - John 19 verse 12 "And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend." Who was Caesar? Tiberius Caesar was the Roman Governor, above Pilate in position. He knew Pilate feared him. He wanted to keep his influence and position. The crowd were using every tactic to influence his decision. The crowds can hinder people coming to Jesus. It is still the same today. Many young people don't come to Jesus because of friends. For the middle aged it is the fear of man that stops them coming to Jesus. "What will others think of me in the work place, in the school, in the college, in university, in the workplace?" Don't let them influence you. Be courageous and come out for the Lord. Accept him as your own personal Saviour. Don't care what others think of you. Will you do that tonight? The Lord is knocking at your heart's door. The old preacher said "any fish can go with the stream, it takes the salmon to swim against it." 

Pilate's decision - verse 27 "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers." Picture Pilate before the crowd. Emotions are high. There is plenty of noise and activity. He is looking for a way of escape. He had never met anyone like Jesus. I am sure he is nervous, shaking, the weight of his responsibility is on him. He had a big decision now to make. What is he going to do? Life is all about making decisions - leaving school, who you will marry, what work you will do. We have to make decisions that offend people. Tonight you will make a decision about Christ, whether to accept him or reject him. People hear the gospel and some make the right choice. Sadly many make the wrong decision. This choice has eternal consequences. If you die in your sins - "where I am there you cannot come." I am sure you want to be in heaven. You must come through Jesus Christ, he is the only way.

A young woman was dying. Her mother and father were gathered around the bed. Her father was an atheist and her mother a Christian. The young woman turned to her father and said "you have told me not to believe in the Lord, what should I do now?" Her mother had tears in her eyes and was holding her hand. She was praying for her daughter. Her father told her "take your mother's way, that is the only hope." Jesus is the only hope when you come to die. Her father had discouraged her, stopped her from going to church and she was now dying of pneumonia. Jesus was her only hope.

Pilate had a personal decision to make - "what shall I do?" That is what salvation is all about. It is a personal decision. It doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor, educated or not, Roman Catholic or Protestant. Your mother or father cannot save you, nor your son or daughter. Martin Lloyd Jones said "God has no grandchildren, only sons or daughters." Only you know if you are the son of the King. Only you know the Son of God is Lord. Paul had a personal experience of salvation. It is wonderful to have that. To tell him that you love him every day. "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." It is all about a decision for Jesus. Not about a church or a preacher, it is what you will do with the perfect, sinless one in whom there is no guile, blemish, impurity in him. Salvation is in Christ alone. Pilate realised that. Can you see him tonight standing before Pilate. He cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, cast out devils from people, he went about doing good. He changed people's lives. People who were unlovable and he changed them. He loved them and gave them hope. Now they want him crucified.

Pilate's departure - verses 24 to 27 "When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children." Pilate fades out of history. He counts the cost of position and power as more important. He ends up scourging the Lord. After realising he is innocent he scourges him. He gives the crowd what they want. He tells them to crucify him. What was he thinking as Jesus was taken away? Did his wife think about Jesus? Was there any remorse? Guilt? Any regret? I don't know but Pilate would not forget this day for the rest of his life. If you end up in a lost eternity you will remember this meeting, the singing of the hymns, the gospel tracts you read, how your father and mother prayed for you. Pilate will stand before Christ again at the great white throne and will look into the eyes of Jesus. Now Jesus is the judge. He will be in the guilty chair. Pilate will be sentenced for all eternity. This is God's courtroom. Not a nice place to be in. Revelation 20 verses 11 to 13 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them." John gets a vision of the great white throne. All the people who died without the Saviour. Kings and queens, rich and poor, all of society, those with MBE's , famous film stars and sports stars. They will stand before the Saviour. Pontius Pilate will be there. There will be no mercy, no scourging, no beating, no crown of thorns. Pilate will be helpless and hopeless. I wonder how he died? How he lived the rest of his life? It is said that Pilate committed suicide because of the disgrace he was in. Just like Judas Iscariot. He couldn't live with himself. He washed his hands off the Saviour. The man who sat on the fence. Deep down he knew Jesus was innocent but he gave into the crowd. Is there a Pilate here tonight, sitting on the fence? Almost there. Thinking about it. In your mind and heart you are reading the bible, listening to sermons and testimonies, people are talking to you about the Saviour. God makes no mistakes. I pray that you will make a decision and come to the Saviour tonight.

The Greatest Betrayer in History

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES 16 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MATTHEW 26 VERSES 20 TO 30

The man who kissed the door to heaven and went to hell. The man we now call Judas Iscariot. In 2024 the most popular boys names in the United Kingdom were Noah, Muhamed, George, Oliver and Leo. Nobody calls their baby boy Judas. Scarred for ever more. The most despised man in the bible. The most despised man in human history. His name symbolizes betrayal, deception and treachery. There are other lovely apostles. When we think of John we think of love, loyalty and devotion. When we think of Peter we think of zeal, enthusiasm and endeavour. When we think of Paul we think of determination, a soul winner, a missionary. When we think of Judas we think of traitor and thief. Who was this man? What happened to him? Why did he betray Jesus? Can you see him in hell. He has been there for over 2000 years. He would do anything for some water. Let us learn some lessons from his life.

The character of Judas. One time he was a baby. Can you see him being born. His parents were probably thrilled. See him as a toddler, teenager, a young man. The name Judas was a popular name in Jesus' day. John 14 verse 22 shows us there was another Judas among Jesus' disciples. Mark 6 verse 3 shows that our Lord had a half brother called Judas. The name Judas is the Greek form of Judah meaning praise of God. No doubt his parents wanted to praise the Lord. Iscariot was from the town of Kerioth about 23 miles south of Jerusalem. We do not read anything of his family. Were his parents still alive when he travelled with Jesus? What age was he? He betrayed Jesus and will never be forgotten. He grew up in the Greek Orthodox tradition. He knew the Messiah would come. He knew the customs of Judaism. One day he heard of Jesus and decided to follow Jesus. What motive did he have in following Jesus? He thought he would become popular, would receive power and great privileges. The light of the gospel never entered his darkened heart. He heard Jesus, travelled with him, had conversations with him, enjoyed fellowship with Jesus. God manifested in the flesh and Judas spent time with him. Maybe you have had great privileges. Had a godly mother or father, a wife or husband, a mixed group of Christians. Maybe you have heard great preachers week after week. Judas was among the 12 apostles who heard the greatest man that ever lived. Imagine how he felt when he was chosen. Imagine the reaction of the other disciples when he was chosen. He talked about Christian things, he looked a good Christian but he was a great actor. Do you know anyone like that? Many look the part but after a while you can see the cracks developing. Judas was a preacher and a miracle worker. Mark 6 verses 7 and 8 "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits. And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse." Now look at verses 12 and 13 "And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them." I wonder who partnered with Judas when the Lord sent them out two by two? He performed miracles, saw many healings, cast out demons, seen as a great Christian. If he had formed a church I am sure it would have been a mega church. Don't let that fool you - Matthew 7 verse 21 says "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." I know men who have preached in pulpits and they have never truly been converted. I have known elders and deacons who have never been truly converted. Sad. They have sat at the Lord's Table, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School but never been born again of the Spirit of God. When Jesus comes to stay salvation is real, radical and life changing. To have Jesus Christ as your Saviour is to have the greatest thing, to know him, to serve him, to tell others about him. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. The character of Judas.

The covenant of Judas. Matthew 26 verses 14 and 15 "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."  The religious leaders discussed a plan, they were delighted they got Judas on board. For 3 and a half years he came across as the perfect disciple. Now the cracks started to appear. Judas kept the bag of money. When someone looks after money it is always someone who is respected. They look the part. The cracks are starting to appear. His problem was money. He had a love for money. People like that want more and more money. The more they get the more they want. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." John 12 describes him as a thief because he stole from the bag of money. Judas didn't care about the money. He didn't have a conscience. At the beginning his conscience probably didn't worry him but the more he did it his conscience didn't care any longer. He was no longer troubled by his actions. Luke 22 verses 3 and 4 "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them." Can you picture this? It wasn't a demon or an unclean spirit but Satan entered into Judas. Mary Magdalene had 7 demons but for Judas it was Satan himself. Judas agreed to betray the Lord Jesus. Have you every been betrayed or forsaken by anyone? I would say most of us have. Maybe at college, university or in the business world. It is awful when someone you trust and look up to betrays you. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Judas kissed the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane as a sign to the enemy. It is believed he kissed him over and over and over again. The religious people were not much better than Judas. They prayed for people and led people in the faith but were not much better than Judas. Wolves in sheeps clothing. They had religion in their minds but murder in their heart. C H Spurgeon said "he sold the pearl of greatest price for 30 pieces of silver." W P Nicholson said "Judas was a gentleman, he sold the Lord for 30 pieces of silver, some of you are selling your soul for 15 Woodbine (cigarettes)." Only you know what you are selling your soul for - alcohol, relationships, business partnerships, fear of man. 

The condemnation of Judas - Matthew 26 verses 23 and 24 "And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born." After all this Judas couldn't live with himself. He took his own life. He was known as a great servant now despised for all eternity. See him there in the caverns of the damned. He is in an awful place. Preachers don't want to mention hell yet there are so many verses on it in the bible. Lost for ever. At the great white throne when people are judged and cast into the lake of fire they will be lost for ever. If you are a Christian tonight thank the Lord that you are redeemed and that one day you will be around the throne singing with the saints of God. No doubt Judas will think of all the miracles he saw. What were they? Lazarus raised from the dead. The feeding of the 5000 and that was just men, not counting the women and children. Legion being delivered and set free - they say there were 6000 demons inside him. No one could help Legion, he cut himself and was in endless torment but Jesus set him free. The Lord Jesus walking on water and calming the sea. No doubt he will think of all his lost opportunities, all the sermons he heard, the teachings the master gave. He heard the greatest of all preachers. John 6 verse 37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." He heard Jesus say to Zacchaeus "the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost." He heard the Lord praying to his Father as well. What a privilege. John 18 verse 2 "And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples." What did Judas think? Maybe someone is praying for you - a mother or a father? Don't walk past that place. Maybe the Lord has called you many times before. You have heard testimonies, sermons, preachers pleading with you and you are still outside of Christ. How much are those 30 pieces of silver in today's money - £15. It haunted Judas for all eternity. We can gain the whole world and yet lose our own soul. The man who kissed the door of heaven and went to hell. Jesus said "I am the door, by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Maybe the Lord is knocking on your hearts door - "if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me." Jesus died at the cross for you. He loves you. He can forgive you. You can leave knowing you are ready for the kingdom of God.   

The Lost Sheep

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

LUKE 15 VERSES 1 TO 7

The bible has much to say about sheep farmers. Did you know that there are 179 verses in the bible about sheep? The bible starts and ends with sheep. In Genesis 4 Abel was a keeper of sheep and in Revelation 18 verse 13 sheep are mentioned in the fall of Babylon. Abraham looked after sheep, David looked after sheep, Laban looked after sheep, Joel and Jeremiah mention sheep. Sheep were used in the sacrifice at the temple. Jesus talks of false prophets who are like wolves in sheeps clothing. Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd who gives himself for the sheep. In Luke 15 we read of the lost sheep. In this passage we read not only of the lost sheep but the lost piece of silver and the lost son. All 3 were found. Jesus used parables, simple language people could understand. In verse 1 we read of different types of people attracted to Jesus - publicans and sinners. Many people were around Jesus - tax collectors, demon possessed, outcasts of society. They wanted to hear Jesus. In verse 2 we hear what the Pharisees and scribes said of Jesus - "this man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." I am a sinner. I know my past. Just think - Jesus is the friend of sinners.

The plight of this sheep - verse 4 "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" At the beginning there were 100 sheep and then disaster strikes. One goes missing. How did this sheep get lost? What happened? We are not told. Maybe it saw a hole in the hedge, an opening. Maybe something attracted it away. It was disaster for the sheep and the shepherd. Sheep have little sense of direction. Somehow it got lost. How did it feel? It cannot fend for itself, there would be the fear of attack. It could fall off a cliff. It could be attacked by wild beasts in the wilderness. It cannot defend itself. It is vulnerable. There is a great danger for this sheep of being lost. A terrible feeling. Think of young children getting lost in a shop or restaurant. What a terrible feeling. Maybe there is a lost sheep in this church tonight. Maybe your life is going in a direction you never intended to go. Maybe there are things you have done that you are ashamed of. You can come into the fold and family of God.  The bible describes people as lost sheep - "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." On this Easter week how many will think of the real meaning of Easter - the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Some just think of it as a few days off work, they go to the bar for a few drinks or go off on holiday. How many will think of the Saviour? Sin separates us from God. Sin brings disgrace. John Newton cried out to the Lord to save him. He was a blasphemer and a heavy drinker. He said "Lord if you save me I will give my life to you" and he did. He wrote those amazing words 

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I was once lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

Without Christ we are nothing. We can do well in our business, go on holidays, get all our degrees but when you come to die how much of it will really matter? Wouldn't it be good to have a testimony for Christ after you die?

The pursuit of the sheep - verse 4 "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" The man leaves the 99 other sheep and goes to look for the one that was lost. This one sheep was valuable. Maybe everyone here are Christians but maybe there is just one lost sheep, still not a Christian. This meeting would be worth it all just for you if you were to come into the fold. Imagine how the shepherd felt when he realised the sheep was missed. It was so precious that he went after it. This is a picture of Christ looking and pleading for men. We read that Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw the multitudes but here he was interested in the one. Maybe he is searching for you tonight. Maybe his eye is on you. You feel a tug on your heart. Maybe you were in another night and all of a sudden you started to think more and more of salvation. It is amazing how the Lord searches for people and one person who has never heard the gospel before is moved to find Christ while other people who have heard it so many times before are never touched. The Lord can put obstacles and roadblocks in our way to stop us in our tracks. Maybe it is a gospel tract. Maybe a work colleague who is a Christian. He could speak through a faithful pastor. Maybe he has preached the gospel over the years. Did you know that there are some churches tonight that don't preach the gospel? Maybe it was a praying mother or father, a Sunday School teacher. Genuine people who loved the Lord. Maybe it is through an open coffin of a loved one. You see that coffin going down into the ground or you walk behind a coffin. Can I encourage you parents tonight - keep on praying for your children. Maybe you will be in heaven before they will be saved. A mission can be a roadblock. Someone once said to me "it was as if God was everywhere. I met a Christian. Someone invited me to church. The Lord was dealing with my heart." Picture the shepherd searching the ditches, walking the roads, determined to find the sheep. He was listening for its voice. God is patient with us, he goes after his people. What age are you tonight? Maybe you are not living for the Lord. Here is another opportunity. God is patient. The shepherd was determined to find this sheep. Jesus was determined to go to the cross, he never turned back. He loved you and I that he made the journey to the cross. Luke 22 verse 42 "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done." The shepherd would look for the sheep until he finds it. There is a compassion that burns in men and women when they love Jesus Christ. They want to share the gospel with others because they are perishing. They want people to fall in love with Jesus. Looking until he finds the sheep. The Saviour went to the cross because he loves us. John Wesley was a man full of compassion for souls. One night he was robbed. The thief got money and some of his belongings. John Wesley shouted after that thief "I have something more to give you. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins." Some years later as he was shaking hands at the door after morning service that thief said to him "I will always owe my life to you." John Wesley replied "not to me but the precious blood of Jesus Christ." He was the man who said "the world is my parish." Have you tried to bring anyone to the mission? Imagine if your loved ones died without knowing Christ. All because you never asked them to come and hear the gospel message. Maybe there are souls in your area just waiting to hear of Jesus. Maybe there is a woman at the well, a little Zacchaeus, an apostle Paul out there waiting for you to get alongside them. How much Jesus loved. How much he can take broken lives and put them back together again. 

The peace of this sheep - verse 5 "And when he had found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing." Picture the sheep - peace and contentment, happy. It has been found by the shepherd and is now rejoicing. He wants his neighbours to know. Picture him carrying the sheep home. The sheep has value again. Many of us believe we are of no value. Marred vessels. Scarred by our past and sins. Jesus gave us something worth living for. The devil will whisper to you that you are useless, too far gone. Jesus calls him a thief. He comes to kill, steal an destroy. "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." There are young people who are giving up on life because they feel they have no value. Jesus can do something with our lives only if we will let him have his way. 

The plight of the sheep, the pursuit of the sheep and the peace of the sheep. It doesn't matter your background. There is room at the cross for you.  Though millions have come, there is still room at the cross for you. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd. Today if you hear his voice do not harden your heart. "My sheep know my voice and I call them by name." Maybe you are hearing his voice tonight. Maybe he called you years ago and you left it without making a decision. If you are a lost sheep tonight I pray that you will come into the fold. Many Christians are like the prodigal son - in a far country. The Lord is waiting for you to come home.