A Robber Redeemed

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 pm - MR GARETH McINTYRE

LUKE 23 VERSES 27 TO 46

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

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

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

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

The Power of God in your Christian Service

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 – MR GARETH McINTYRE

2 Kings 6 verses 1 to 7

The Power of God in your Christian Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Make a Difference in this World

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2025 – MR PHILIP GRAHAM

ISAIAH 6 VERSES 1 TO 9

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

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

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

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

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

Died Abner as a fool dieth

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

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

2 SAMUEL 3 VERSES 31 TO 39

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

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

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

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

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

No Holding Back

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2025 - PASTOR HENRY CASKEY

JOHN 12 VERSES 1 TO 8

What a wonderful scene before us in these verses. What was so special about this house in Bethany? We can see all the names of the people present - Simon, Martha, Mary, Lazarus. They were all there. There was nothing outstanding about this home. There was nothing architecturally amazing or wonderful but there was something that made it stand out from all the others - Jesus was there. Isn't it wonderful to have that presence, to know he is here in our midst today. In Revelation 3 the Laodicean church as far as they were concerned stood in need of nothing. They were rich and increased in goods. They had everything they ever wanted. A booming congregation, a good financial bank account, probably the best preachers speaking every Lord's day but there was one difference - Christ was on the outside. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst." (Matthew 18 verse 20) Imagine the privilege of having Jesus in our very midst today. 

An occasion that is priceless.  The Lord Jesus is standing in their midst. Simon's home was opened up. Christ is in the house. It is important to realise that Jesus is already here to meet with us. Maybe this morning you are like the church of Laodicea. You love to come to the house of God, to sing and gather around the word of God. As far as you are concerned though Jesus is on the outside of your life. You have never come to the cross of Calvary, bowed your knee. You have seen Calvary in your minds eye and the preacher has brought you there time and time again. You have seen Jesus bleeding and suffering. You have heard his words as he cried out but you have never trusted Christ as your own and personal Saviour. He knocks at your heart's door again today "Behold I stand at the door and knock." He is giving you another opportunity today to trust him as your own and personal Saviour, to trust him. It was an occasion that was priceless. Imagine Simon opening up the door and he came in. Martha is in the kitchen preparing the meal. Mary is waiting to hear him speak. Lazarus is also there, he had been raised from the dead - what an occasion that had been. Jesus was in the very midst of everyone. Imagine if we got some invitation to go to the palace - we would start to think about what to wear and what to say if the king comes to talk to us. Was the church service on your mind last night? Did you prepare your heart to come into God's house today? In verse 9 we read that this was an opportunity missed. The Jews knew Jesus was there. They came to this little house, to the place where Jesus was but not for Jesus. It was only to see Lazarus who they had seen raised from the dead. People came not for Jesus but to see Lazarus. People will drive for miles to hear a preacher but they miss the Lord. They forget about his presence being in their midst. Do you realise today that the Lord is in this house? The Lord is wanting to meet with you today. Remember Herod when the Lord was brought before him in the Seat of Judgment. Herod was glad to see Jesus, not to look on him as the Son of God, the one who came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost. He had heard so much about Jesus, heard of those who were lame made to walk again, the blind to see. Now Jesus was in his midst all he wanted was to see a miracle done by this man. He didn't want to know anything about having his sins forgiven. He just wanted a little bit of entertainment. Some people get caught up in the atmosphere of a meeting, of a group singing and they miss the presence of God. Remember Thomas - he missed meeting Jesus after he had arose from the dead. The disciples were all gathered together behind closed doors but Thomas was not there. It doesn't say why Thomas wasn't there. Maybe he was discouraged, that sometimes happens. Maybe Thomas was doubting - Peter had walked away from the Lord and followed afar off. Thomas made amends and made sure that he was there for the next occasion on the following week. Maybe you will miss tonight's meeting. You will miss God's presence if you do. Remember the 2 on the road to Emmaeus. They were going to their own village. Their heads were down. They were talking about all that had happened when the Lord drew near and walked with them. They were so caught up in what was happening they missed the occasion of the Lord drawing beside them. That can happen. We come into the Lord's house on the Sabbath and a thousand things are going through our minds. The things we have done in the past week and the things we should have done. There are many things going through our minds and we miss the presence of the Lord. Priscilla and Aquilla listened to Apollos preach one day. They knew he hadn't fully got the gospel message so they took him to one side and taught him fully the things of God. The people of Berea listened to Paul preaching. They went home and searched the scriptures for themselves to see if what they had heard was true. God is here today - don't miss the precious occasion that it is.

An opportunity that was posed. It posed an opportunity to serve. God is asking us today to step out for service. Simon opened the door of his house and allowed the Lord to step in. He gave his home over to the Lord. That is how he would serve. Remember when God wanted to preach to the crowds on the seashore he stepped into the boat. He used what Peter had. He asked to move out a little further. Martha was in the kitchen doing something insignificant but she was doing it for the Lord. I wonder - is there something insignificant you feel you could be doing? Something that does not seem worthwhile but it is something for the Lord. Lazarus was sitting there at the table. He came from death to life. A life changed. He was now living for the Lord. Imagine having that in your area, in your home town, in the church - people see it and come to see it. Mary had an alabaster box. The cost would have been equivalent to a full years wages. She had stored it away, keeping it safe and out of reach of everyone in case anything would happen to it. It was very precious to her. She seized the opportunity and decided to give it to the Lord. As we come to the house of God today, as the Lord speaks today, maybe he puts his finger on something in your life - are you prepared to hand that over to him? We come along and enjoy the presence of God in our meeting but somehow we never leave ourselves at his feet. We rise up and go out the same way we came in. In Isaiah 6 the prophet comes into the house of God. He experiences something he had never experiences before. He sees the Lord high and lifted up. He sees the glory that filled the temple. He saw his majesty, his power, his holiness. He saw the seraphims who cried "holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts and the whole earth is full of his glory." God puts his finger on our lives and asks us "who shall I send, who will go for me?" Isaiah had no problem saying "here am I Lord send me." As God speaks and challenges us do you see your Saviour? Do you see what he has done for you today? As he was taken into the Judgment Hall before Pilate, as he was bashed and beaten, the very hairs of his face plucked out, as he was spat upon him, as he was dressed in a purple robe and taken out to walk through the streets of Jerusalem carrying the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. As he is lifted upon the cross and very joint was pulled asunder. He was bleeding and dying for you today. Now what will you do for him? There is a world of lost people out there. Will you go? Will you reach someone today? What a challenge this morning. Have our eyes been opened as we look on him today? Maybe we could be like the 7 young men in Acts. They stepped forward to help, leaving the disciples time to preach and pray. Maybe the Lord is asking you to take a step forward today.

The offering that was presented. Mary's ointment was precious perfume. She had the opportunity to serve the king of kings. Mary steps out to open this box. It was only as she broke the box that the smell was released. She poured it over Jesus' feet. She didn't open the jar very carefully but gave everything there was in this box. Everyone in that room was affected by the perfume. Imagine the fragrance of it filling the room. Everyone would have had the experience of it. Maybe if you were to step forward for Christ it might affect others. Maybe in your own homes, in the work place around you or even in the church. Will you step out for the Lord today? The widow woman in the scriptures went into the treasury one day. everyone was stepping forward and putting in money. They were giving of their own abundance. The Lord turns their eyes to this one widow woman who put in 2 mites. The Lord told his disciples that she had given more than anyone else. She gave her all, everything she had. In Acts 5 we read of Ananias and Sapphira who sold a possession. People in the church at this stage were selling what they had and bringing the money from the proceeds to the apostles. Ananias and Sapphira owned some land. They thought they would get some publicity if they sold it and brought the money to the disciples. They kept back part of what they made. That was a sin. What are you holding back today? Are we giving the Lord the best of our talents? Our time? Our finances? What are we holding back?

The opposition that is revealed. When Mary brought this box of ointment Judas stepped forward in verse 5. "Why was this ointment not sold for 300 pence and given to the poor?" The moment you step out for the Lord there will be opposition. You might be laughed at or criticised, maybe even mocked. We need to be ready to step out today. Judas cared not for the poor because he was a thief. When David stepped up before Goliath his brothers criticised and ridiculed him.

The object that was precious - verse 7. "Jesus said let her alone against the day of my burying has she kept this." She has done this for me. Her service was for the Lord and no-one else. The Lord was on his way to the cross. Mary had to be quick. The opportunity would soon be gone. Maybe the Lord gives you an opportunity. Mary didn't care what others thought. She used her hair to dry Jesus' feet. She was doing it for the Lord and his glory. What about us? Are we doing things for our own glory or for the Lord's honour? Are we ready to say "thank you God for this opportunity, I am offering myself to you today?"

The journey into the storm

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2025 – MR CALVIN 
STRIPP
MATTHEW 8 VERSES 23 TO 28, LUKE 8 VERSES 22 TO 26 AND MARK 4 
VERSE 5 TO 5 VERSE 1

 

It was praised by the Romans and it was the pride of the Jews – this was a vast 
basin of water known as the Sea of Galilee. It is also known at the Sea of 
Tiberius or Genezareth Lake or Kinneret. It is 13 miles long and 7 miles wide 
with a depth of 200 feet. Historians tell us there would have been 10 cities 
around the shoreline of Galilee. It is one of the sights you would visit if you 
travelled to the Holy Land. It is shadowed by the picturesque mountain range of 
the Golan Heights. It was here that the disciples fished, that Peter walked by 
faith on the water, where our Lord ministered. “Let us pass over unto the other 
side." It was a journey that you would think you needed to be prepared for. 
“They took him even as he was in the ship.” The Lord was able to speak to the 
multitudes from the ship. The ship was slightly out of the shoreline and he 
preached to them from there. Everyone was able to see him quite probably. He 
asks his disciples to take this journey over the Sea of Galilee to the country of 
the Gadarenes. I want to speak of the journey through the midst of the storm. 
There are 3 accounts given with different views of the same event. They are 
not to contradict one another but to compliment each other. They were 
witnessed by 3 different people with a different slant on what happened. 

 

Their departure – verse 36. The Lord is possibly already in the ship. When they 
set off no doubt their hearts were burning in them. They were on the mountain 
top experience. They had witnessed the healing of the leper, the centurion’s 
servant, Peter’s mother-in-law and had heard the sermon on the mount. They 
had witnessed the casting out of the devils and no doubt were on a high. They 
were probably talking about all that had taken place. It was real to them. It is 
interesting here that we read they took Jesus as he was already there. There 
was no preparation in a sense. The Lord was no doubt preaching from the ship. 
There was no time for preparation – to go to the local shops to gather bread or 
fish. There was no time for any changes of raiment or time to gather up water. 
No preparation was made for the journey. Although no earthly preparation was 
made, Christ was with them and that is what mattered. The application is 
straight forward – through your journey of life you have no preparation for 
whatever happens. Christ is with you - that is what matters. You might say “I 
could do this with that to make my life more comfortable or God could take that 
away and life would be good.” Christ is with you – that is far better. Tomorrow 
you will set out on a new week. You are setting out on a new journey. We don’t know what it will bring. We don’t know what a week will bring us but the Lord knows and the main thing is as you enter out into this new week you will have that closest fellowship with your Lord. We may not know what may come but if we have Christ and are close to him then we will be able to pass through that storm. For the departure no preparation was made but they had a passenger –Christ. Christ is with you today. His Holy Spirit dwells in you.

 

Notice their dilemma – verse 37. Everything was going so well when a great 
storm of winds and waves rose up. The winds beat into the ship so it was now 
full. These men were hardened fishermen. They had an occupation of fishing. 
They fished on the Sea of Galilee. They knew what it was to be out in rough 
weather. Today was different. Our text tells us they toiled and fought against 
the storm. As the waves continued to come into the ship they realised this was 
no ordinary storm and the master is asleep on a pillow. The word “great” comes 
from the Greek word mega – of huge and great significance. A great storm, a 
mega storm. In Luke the word storm could be translated as a whirlwind. In 
Matthew it is the word tempest that is used. The word earthquake is also used 
elsewhere. This was no ordinary storm and they knew it. This was a great storm 
and they were in the middle of it. Notice their urgency. In Luke we read that 
they cried out “Master, master, we perish.” Here we read thy cried “Master, 
carest thou not that we perish?” You will note it is in the present tense. They 
are afraid of dying. When you hear a child crying you can understand the cry 
strikes alarm in the heart of the parent. That is what their crying was like. Was 
it wrong to wake the Lord in the middle of this storm, to approach him and wake 
him? Who else could they go to? Their case was urgent. If help was to come 
from the other ships it would have come too late but Christ was there. Prayer is 
often our last resort but it never fails. God’s time is the best time. We see 
their urgency. Notice their unbelief in regards to this dilemma. They knew the 
Lord was the only one who could save them in this situation. Be careful what you say in this situation. Would the disciples have said something different if they had to do it again? They had professed faith but now realised the faith they 
had was little. We often find ourselves doing the same as the disciples did. We 
may discover our weakness when those storms come in our lives. “With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm” we often sing. But we rarely smile at our 
storms. Jeremiah 32 verse 17 “thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy 
great power and stretched out arm and there is nothing too hard for thee.” 
Look at Christ’s actions – verse 39 “He arose and rebuked the wind. He spoke to 
the sea. He can do that because he created it. He rebuked the wind and said 
unto the sea ‘peace be still’ and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Be silent he said to the sea. Be silent and it stops. It didn’t take time, no it stopped  immediately. When the creator spoke to his creation and said be silent and it stopped. That is your secret today. God is all knowing and all powerful. What a scene of his deity and humanity. He was sleeping on a pillow then we wakes and speaks to his creation. Although he was asleep he knew the storm was coming because he is God. He could have stopped it yes but in his infinite wisdom and purpose he let it come. There is a simple lesson for you through his actions – we don’t know what will come but he does. It might surprise you physically, mentally, spiritually. It might roll over the top of us, push our life out but he knows it is coming. He is in the ship with you. We may not know but he knows. Peace be still – Christ’s action. It was a great calm. In Mark’s account that word great is the same word again – mega. Christ speaks to his creation, to the sea to be silent and there is a great calm. A mega calm. The sea was like glass. In the blink of an eye. We see his disciples reaction – verse 41 “ they feared exceedingly.” Why? They were about to die, consumed in the place they had their employment, the place they grew up in, played in and swam in. After Christ spoke to the sea they said to one another “what manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey him?” Why Because he created it and it obeyed him. What is the Lord telling you to do Christian? Are you obeying him? 

 

The destination – verse 1 of chapter 5. They arrived safely at their destination 
– the country of the Gadarenes. The journey brought them to their destination. 
Their faith was enlarged and strengthened because of the storm. They had 
started out with the words “O ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” 
Their faith had to be tested to allow it to function properly. The Lord knew the 
disciples needed to exercise their faith. They arrived and arrived safely. They 
now had reverential fear – for their master. They had offended him by saying 
“carest thou not that we perish?” I am sure there have been times when we 
have said “Lord you don’t care for me, you have forgotten about me.” He still 
cares for you today. Their faith was enlarged. When the Lord takes you through 
a storm and you reach your destination you see him as you have never seen him 
before. You worship like you have never worshipped before. You trust him like 
you have never trusted anyone before. The storm is for our good as it was for 
the disciples. Spurgeon said “if we fear God we have nothing else to fear.” 
Remember – you will reach your destination one day. We have God as our 
passenger and we will reach the shores of eternity. Notice in verse 36 that 
there were other little ships on the Sea that day. They were in the same storm 
but they didn’t have Christ with them. Do you have Christ in your vessel today? 
Regardless of what storm this week brings you don’t have him. There is a bigger 
storm coming – that storm of eternity. If you enter into God’s eternity without 
him as your personal Saviour, are not covered with his blood then you are lost 
for all eternity. Those other little ships were in big trouble. God is willing to 
save you today. Are you willing to take the step of faith towards him? Turn from your sin and turn to him. You are in those other ships and one day that 
storm will come. For the Christian Psalm 23 is so relevant – the Lord is with us 
holding our hand when the death angel comes. If you are in the other little ships 
your money, your house, your land will be of no use. We often see those big 
cruise liners travelling on our seas. It is a picture of our ship heading towards 
the shores of eternity. There is great feasting and drinking on board. People can 
swim and enjoy all sorts of leisure activities on board. That ship is still heading 
for a destination. It moves constantly and continuously to its destination. Once 
it arrives it is too late for those on board, for time has ceased and eternity has 
rolled in. The disciples were trusting him, though their faith was small it was 
exercised. We are not prepared for the departure that is coming. There will be 
a dilemma to face. One day our destination will come. All because of Christ. The 
journey through the midst of the storm – may we learn from it today. Look to 
him, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us not become disheartened and 
say things to the Lord we don’t mean because he loves us with an everlasting 
love. He is our passenger on that ship just as he was for the disciples

The Almost Christian

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH 

SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2025 pm – PASTOR DENIS LYLE

Acts 26 verses 13 – 32

THE ALMOST CHRISTIAN – verse 28

D L Moody, the famous American evangelist.by his own admission made a mistake on 8 October 1871. It was a mistake he was determined not to repeat. He was preaching in Chicago at a gospel mission. It drew his largest audience. His message was – “what should I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” He presented the gospel faithfully. He then said “now I am going to give you a week to think over what I have said, when we come together again I will give you an opportunity to respond.” A soloist began to sing but before the final note the music was drowned out by clanging bells and wailing siren. The great Chicago fire had started. In the ash afterwards hundreds were dead with over 100,000 homeless. Some of those who had heard D L Moody that evening had perished in that fire. He reflected remorsefully he would give his right arm before he would give an audience another week to think about that message of the gospel.

Are you here right at the door of salvation, right at the point of making a decision for Jesus. Perhaps you think you have another opportunity. Maybe you will say “Pastor what you said in the service is true, I agree 100%, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Is that not what King Agrippa said to Paul? This is one of the most dramatic stories in all the word of God. Anybody who was anybody was in Caesarea that night. If you ever travel to Israel and arrive in Tel Aviv at Ben Gurion airport you would travel up to Caesarea, a beautiful setting, beautiful place. This story took place in Caesarea. Everyone who was anybody was there to welcome Festus, the new Roman governor. King Agrippa came to visit with his sister Bernice. While they are there to pay their respects they are confronted with this man, the apostle Paul. Imagine the scene. These different characters represent people in this audience tonight. Festus represents those who are alienated from Christ. He thought Paul was a mad man, that Christianity was an emotional crutch to get you through life. Paul represents those who are altogether for Christ, he was total committed to Christ – he lived by one motto “For me to live is Christ is to die is gain.” Agrippa represents those who are almost to Christ, he was almost a Christian, not altogether saved. When you look through the word of God this it is not the first time of the tragedy of the almost. Remember Israel at Kadesh Barnea when they turned and walked away. Almost in the Promised Land but not altogether for 40 years they wandered almost in the land of promise but not altogether. Remebmer the man who came to Jesus. Jesus told him “thou are not far from the kingdom.” Almost but not altogether. One of the greatest tragedies is for a  person to be almost saved. What a tragedy to hear the word of God preached yet turn away, never be saved. I wonder in recent days have you been thinking about your relationship with God? Have you been thinking of your destiny, eternity. You have been very close, almost a Christian. I want to talk about the almost Christian.

First, what persuaded King Agrippa? Paul was doing his best to persuade the king to become a Christian. Verse 29. How do you persuade someone to become a Christian? What persuaded him to say this?  First of all there was the persuasion of powerful scriptures – verse 26. What things was he thinking of? Verse 22. Moses and the prophets. The scriptures. What the bible has to say. He used the powerful tool called the holy scriptures to bring Agrippa to the point of salvation. It is the purpose of the word of God. To bring a person to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The intention of the bible is to bring a person face to face with his sin and need of salvation, with the loveliness, adequacy and sufficiency of Christ. Has the word of God had an impact on your life in recent days? I wonder as it cut you like a sword, crushed you like a hammer, consumed you like a fire? Charles Haddon Spurgeon was checking out the acoustics in Crystal Palace London. He would preach to thousands of people and he was trying out his voice on the platform. He stood and shouted “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” A workman at the back of the balcony heard the message. The Spirit of God took the word of God and applied it to his heart. He couldn’t sleep, that word of God was searching him, smiting him. He got down on his knees and repents. Those words brought him to faith in Christ. Has the word spoken to you in recent days? He used persuasion of powerful scriptures. He also used persuasion of the personal soul winner.  “I am persuaded.” Paul was the Lord’s messenger to bear his name before Kings and Gentiles. Although all the leading citizens of the city are around him Paul has one purpose. His eye is on one man, his focus was upon King Agrippa. He mentioned his name repeatedly. Verses 2, 7, 13, 19 and 27. What’s this man doing? He is after the soul of King Agrippa. Don’t be surprised if God mentions your name. Don’t be surprised if he takes what I say tonight and makes it personal. God has a habit of doing taking that, the statement of messenger so that you think the preacher is getting at you. Have you ever had that experience, you felt uncomfortable as you listened to the message of the gospel? That no-one else is in the building. That you are answering to God for all of your sins. God was after the soul of King Agrippa. Paul was after the soul of King Agrippa. I wonder if you have ever encountered some Christian who is living for the Lord? They love the Lord. They have challenged you about your need of Christ speaking about salvation. Is God using that as a link in the chain? There was also the persuasion of the precious Saviour. “For this thing was not done in the corner.” He is talking of the cross of Christ, how he went to calvary and died for our sins. He took the king by the hand and led him up Calvary’s hill. Can you see the soldiers gambling for the garments of the Lord Jesus. Can you hear the crowds as they said “he saved others let him save himself.” Hear the cry from Jesus himself “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do. My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me. It is finished. Father into thy hands I commit my Spirit.” When he died on the cross he was dying for your sins. Is there not something persuasive about that? Is there not something deeply moving about that? For the sinless the Son of God, the one who did no sin, knew no sin, was no sin. He was dying for my filthy sin. He was bearing my sins on his body. All my sins were laid on him. Jesus bore them on the tree. Then Paul talked about the resurrection of Christ. No-one could become a Christian. No-one could believe in Jesus without believing the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ died for your sins. God judged them on your behalf. He became your substitute. He was buried and raised on the third day indicating that he was fully satisfied with the work of his Son accomplished on the tree. Able to save. Able to satisfy. Paul confronted him with the truth and he said “almost thou persuadest me.”

What dissuaded the King? Why was the king almost there but not altogether there? Imagine what the King Agrippa felt at this time. The Herods of the New Testament were not such a nice family. They were always opposing Christ and the gospel. Not the first time he had come into contact with the gospel. Some of his family had terrible deaths but now God is at work in his life. He is moved internally and something is happening in his life. He was standing at the gate of almost but never got into the land of altogether. Why? He faced a number of problems. Problem one was corruption, of Bernice. Agrippa was her brother but they had one of the most infamous relationships in all of the scriptures. Here they were brother and sister but they were living in incestuous relationship husband and wife. If he would become a Christian he realised he would have to give up his sin. He stopped short of coming to know the Lord because he realised he would have to turn from his sin. He had a corruption problem sin. Do you recognise that? You have to turn from sin if you come to Christ. “Except you repent you shall all likewise perish.” Many come to the verge of coming to Christ but they turn their backs on the Lord because of sin.  They have turned away because of sin. When you begin to think of coming to Christ what sin is keeping you for the Saviour. There was not only Bernice and the problem of corruption. There was Festus, the problem of courage – verse 24. Festus looked at Paul and said “you are a crazy man.” Maybe Agrippa thought what would Festus say if I become a Christian a follower of the Lamb? Is the fear of man keeping you back friends think, my wife or husband say, the people I work with, the boys I play football with say?  Harry Ironside had a godly mother. She would often talk to him about coming to Christ. He would always say “I would love to become a Christian but I am afraid of what my friends would say, I am afraid they would laugh at me.” She would reply “remember Harry your friends will laugh you into hell but they will never laugh out of hell.” Is the fear of others keeping you from committing your heart to Christ? What was it that dissuaded the King. There was Paul, the problem of cost? Paul might have been one of the reasons why Agrippa didn’t become a Christian. There he stands with chains on his hands, scars on his back, manacles on his feet. He sees it would cost him to becoming a follower. Was he not willing to pay the price? It costs you nothing to become a Christian but it may cost you everything to be a Christian. Have you counted the cost of what it will cost to come to Christ? It certainly means from that moment forward he is charge, he is the Lord. He is the one who maps out the course of your life. What will it cost me? I wonder did he look at Paul and thought what will it cost me? Will I be like Paul and end up in prison? That I might lose my life? I think the real reason that King Agrippa did not come to Christ that day was not the other people in the room that day. There was Bernice the problem of corruption Festus the problem of courage, Paul the problem of cost but there is also Agrippa himself, the problem of commitment. Verse 27.  “Man do you believe it, I know you believe it.” There are different kinds of belief – belief in your head and belief in your heart. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, then you shall be saved.” Where are you tonight in coming to Christ? How far along are you in the decision process? Intellectually you know you are a sinner. You say “I know that.” Do you believe that Jesus the sinless spotless Lamb of God died on the cross to pay for your sin? Do you believe that? Do you have a desire to come to Christ? Do you believe that sooner or later you would love to come to Christ. If you stop there that is too short. There has to be an act of faith. The only thing a person has to do to go to hell is to do absolutely nothing. Knowing you need to get saved doesn’t make you a Christian. Having a desire to become a Christian is not enough. You must arise you must repent, you must turn from your sin, seek the Lord, place your faith and trust in Christ. Be prepared to say “I will give my life to Christ now.” Are you ready for that last bit now?

What evaded the King. Here’s King Agrippa standing at the threshold, standing at the door of salvation, almost persuaded but lost. Space shuttle Colombia almost completed their mission. They were only 16 minutes from landing. They had been on a 16 day science mission in space. Their families were brought in so they could be reunited after they landed. Something tragically happened. Space Shuttle Colombia broke up and it began to rain down pieces of that shuttle in Texas. Almost completed the mission. They were almost home but almost is not good enough. Are you at the door of salvation? Are you almost there? What will you do in this critical moment? King Agrippa turned his back on Christ. Look at what he missed. He missed grace in the present. He never experienced the saving grace of God. “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should be boast.” Only 2 basic ideas in the world about salvation – there are those who believe you are saved by what you do and there are those who believe you are saved by what God is able to do. That is the difference between a works salvation and a faith salvation. A salvation by grace. The bible tells us that God has intervened. He has done something we could never do. He has come down in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has died a death that we could never die. He has done a work we could never accomplish. He has made it possible for us to be saved. We are saved by the grace of God. We don’t deserve it, we don’t work for it, we don’t merit it. We are saved by grace through faith. Grace is God doing something for us that we don’t deserve. Faith is the arm that stretches out in gratitude to God for what he has done. Faith has been described – Forsaking All I Take Him. Have you ever taken that step. Agrippa never found Christ, he never took Christ, he never trusted Christ. He missed grace in the present. He missed glory in the future. For to be almost a Christian is to not be a Christian. Heaven’s most gifted persuasive spirit filled messenger had presented the king with the message of the gospel and he shrugged them off. As far as we know the Holy Spirit never gave him another chance. One of the most dangerous things is to come to a meeting like this. Having come you have heard the message of the cross. Stop - what if God had almost loved us? What if Christ had almost died for us? What if the Holy Spirit had almost convicted us? Then there would have been no message to preach, no forgiveness to enjoy, no prospect to anticipate. Ours is not an almost gospel, it is altogether gospel. For all the way to Calvary he went for, he died to set me free. You know the message, you know the gospel, the opportunity is here what will you do? Will you turn from Christ and go into an eternity of regret?

I want to pull back the curtain, to see some of the personalities in hell. There is a man sitting on a throne of fire, he is saying “I have betrayed innocent blood” – Judas Iscariot. He betrayed the sinless spotless Son of God for 30 pieces of silver. Go further and there is another man he is washing his hands in bowls of flames of fire. He is saying “I am innocent of the blood of this just person” – Pontius Pilate. He had the opportunity to trust Christ, to put his faith in Christ but he neglected it. There is another man and he is shouting “when I have a convenient season I will call for you” – Felix. The tragedy of tragedies … Walk a little further and there’s a man screaming “almost, almost, almost.” Who is that? Agrippa. Almost persuaded but lost. Will that be said of you? You say “I am a member of this church” No “are you saved?” You say “I am a member of that church”. “No it will take you to hell.“ Are you saved? By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Almost there but lost. Come to Christ, come now.