Psalm 11

Sermon notes from Sunday 27 October 2019 am

Psalm 11 – Mr Callum Webster, Christian Institute

Why was this Psalm written?  To whom was it written?  What where the circumstances in which it was written?  King David was living through a prolonged period of hostility in his life.  No where are we given details of his specific troubles or what they involved, nor does it refer directly to him but there is reference to “the upright in heart” and “the righteous”.  Although all of us are sinners by nature and practice, if we are trusting in Christ we are counted as righteous.  Some commentators say this Psalm recollects the trials in David’s life during Absalom’s rebellion.  Others say it refers to the time when the inhabitants of Ziph betrayed David.  Perhaps it was even referring to the relentless persecution by Saul.  In a fit of anger he threw a javelin at David and thereafter he pursued David all the days of his life.  Some lessons are learned in the school of life as God deals with us.  Saul hunted David without justice, mercy and reproof.  David lives a life on the run with his foes in pursuit.  Things became desperate and the foundations of his life are being swept away.  The desperate circumstances seem unstoppable.  His friends plead with him to flee to a place of safety.  David instead steadies himself in focusing his trust in God alone.  God is sovereign, he rules over all things, he must prevail.  It is God who tests the Christian believer.  One day God will punish the wicked.  David is consoled by God.  He cannot be overthrown. 

The conspiring foes – verse 2.  David is being hunted down like an animal by a blood thirsty enemy.  He is being pursued without justice or relief.  The enemy is armed with weapons of destruction.  They are loaded and taking aim at David.  The situation is particularly dangerous.  The enemy forces are hiding (privily), lurking in the shadows.  They are behind the scene, not upfront.  It is a secret ambush approaching covertly under the cover of darkness.  These frightening circumstances must have weighed heavily on him.  We can relate to those situations today.  The opponents of the Christian faith are exalting their influence in the society we live in today.

The crumbling foundations – verse 3.  The foundations where the principles on which David could rely.  They were crucial to the stability of any building.  Though hidden underground the foundations support the entire structure, they hold everything in the building together.  If the foundations of a church were destroyed the whole building would collapse.  We do need to consider certain foundations that God has put in place that can never be destroyed either by hidden sinfulness or Satan himself.  The bible is described as foundations which cannot be supressed.  Satan can seek to cast doubt but we are reminded “forever O Lord thy word is settled in the heavens.” (Psalm 119 verse 89)  Similarly the Christian faith is seen as foundational – 2 Timothy 2 verse 19 “the foundation of our God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knows them that are his.”  The word of God and the salvation of God are foundations that cannot be shaken.  There are other foundations explained in scripture that sin can destroy and twist.  The destruction of these will bring hardship, pain and suffering in this life and in the final judgment in eternity.  Sometimes theologians call those foundations creational ordinances.  They apply to all people throughout history whether they are Christians or not.  They are reflected in the 10 commandments.  If these are destroyed or twisted other features of society will falter as well.  Certain things are given for Christian believers.  The Lord’s Supper is not meant to be observed by everyone, only God’s redeemed people for instance.  Other principles are given in scripture to be observed by all people.  The law of marriage, the sanctity of human life.  All human beings are made in God’s image.  The sanctity of marriage – an institution given to the human race between one man and one woman.  The institution of work.  The Sabbath principle of the Lord’s day of rest.  These are given to all people whether they are believers or not.  Governments and nations can destroy those principles – Psalm 82 tells us that judges “know not, neither will they understand, they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course.” (verse 5)  Isaiah 49 verses 14 and 15 “And judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter.  Yea, truth faileth and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey and the Lord saw it and it displeased him that there was no judgment.”  Saul had violent principles of law and order, he abused his power to oppress one person.  It seemed right would not prevail.  We too today are witnessing the basic foundations being attacked, redefined, undermined in order to open the floodgates of evil gaining momentum in our nation.  The 1967 Abortion Act has resulted in 9 million babies being aborted, 599 were aborted every day on the mainland last year.  The institute of marriage has been attacked for decades by easy divorce, cohabitation.  Twisted and redefined in law to promote homosexuality.  In public sector employment staff are being persecuted to wearing rainbow lanyards in support of homosexuals.  Transgender teaching is becoming prominent in our schools.  There is the promotion of someone being trapped in the wrong gender.  Biblical principles are being seen as extreme.  The very foundations are being destroyed.  Godless laws and politicians gain momentum.  In verse 3 the question is asked “what can the righteous do?”  This is someone at the end of their resources, they have gone beyond the ability to do anything, seems as if they want to give up the fight.  David was being tried as a villain under the government of Saul.  Truth and justice may be denied for a time but they will ultimately prevail.  Creational ordinances cannot be overthrown even if society for a time seeks to do so.

The call to flee.  Against this desperate situation David’s friends were pleading with him to hide.  They felt an attack was imminent.  Circumstances are so harsh - “flee as bird to your mountain.”  The mountain was a place of security.  Humanly speaking David’s circumstances were so desperate, so dangerous, so immediate that there was no prospect of change.  The situation looks set to deteriorate.  His friends reasoned with him.  There is a genuine concern for his life.  That call seems to make sense but they failed to look with the eye of faith.  They did not discern the hand of God at work even in this impossible situation.  Psalm 76 verse 10 states “the wrath of man shall praise thee.”  Acts 4 verse 27 and 28 “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”  God overrules the plans of the wicked to fulfil his purposes.  It would be sinful for David to follow their advice.  It would be an abandonment of duty.  There are certain situations where Christians are commanded to flee from – sexual immorality, idolatry, covetousness and the love of money.  Joseph in Potiphar’s house is an example.  2 Corinthians 6 verse 14 instructs us “be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”  2 Timothy 3 lists those who make an outward profession of Christianity but inwardly show no change.  In 1 Thessalonians 5 we are warned to stay away from things that give an appearance of evil.  Scripture also talks about “the wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28 verse 1)  It is faithless advice given here – to abandon a righteous stand because of opposition and hostility.  We are not to flee from society or to have an easy life.  Creational foundations and biblical ordinances are under attack here in Northern Ireland.  One would expect Christian believers to accept the bible as the final authority, would be clear in our speaking out.  People are urging us to flee.  Others say it might detract from gospel preaching to stand out.  The Lord calls all men to repentance and faith.  We cannot ignore bible doctrine in an evil society.  In every age there are certain truths under more attack that other ages.  We cannot be selective in our discipleship.  The Lord wants us to stand up.  Matthew 5 verse 19 “whosoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.”  In Matthew 7 we read these harrowing words “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.”  We should not duck our responsibility in speaking against the issues of today.  Even Peter, one of the Lord’s disciples begged the Lord not to go the way of the cross (Matthew 16 verse 22).

The constant faithfulness of God.  David would not succumb.  He considered the faithfulness of God – “in the Lord put I my trust” (verse 1) and “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (verse 4).  Although all these things were happening around him he was meditating on the faithfulness of God.  Human societies may crumble but the heavenly throne cannot be shaken.  The Lord will never leave nor forsake him.  His answer was to turn again to God.  Remember it was only one stone that killed Goliath and if it took that one stone then God could deliver him from Saul.  His confidence is grounded in the solid purpose, all powerful, all knowing God.  God is present with true believers.  The God in whom David trusted is sitting on the throne of the universe today working out his purposes in the nations today.  He will strengthen us in the times of trial.

The certain future of man – verse 4 assures us that God’s “eyes behold; his eyelids try the children of men.”  God is watching all men and women, both good and evil.  David’s enemies may have been arming their bows in the shadows but God has already seen them.  God knows all our characters, our secret moves.  He knows our desires and motives.  God knows that person through their heart.  Today many well meaning Christian believers believe that God is only interested in the gospel in a narrow way, the profession of our mouths but Psalm 11 shows God is interested in our thoughts, deeds and living out our lives as well.  Christian believers are not promised an easy ride through this life.  God sends trials. He will not punish us beyond his reach.  He will not forsake us.  He chastens us as his people and will in due time deliver us. As we see things coming to pass in our nation God has allowed those things to be, to test our faithfulness.  God refines us with fire.  None may escape.  It is the channel of blessing.  “Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in prosperity” Robert Murray McCheyne.  Psalm 11 assures us of a certain future - verses 5 and 6.  God’s final punishment of the wicked is guaranteed.  There is a day of accounting coming.  God will finally punish one day.  David was faced with conspiring foes, crumbling foundations, friends calling him to flee but he considered the faithfulness of God.  There was judgment ahead.  He strengthened himself in this thought, he was steadfast in those circumstances.  We are faced with challenges in our personal lives and in our church lives.  Some well meaning Christians are calling the church to flee from issues that offend the culture.  God’s word is constant and sure.  We are called to contend earnestly for the faith.  Believers may face trials, may live through times of difficulty but we are called to honour God our Saviour.

Practical instructions for living out the Christian life

Sermon notes from Sunday 27 October 2019

1 Peter chapter 2 – Mr Callum Webster, Christian Institute

Here in 1 Peter 2 there are a number of practical instructions for living out the Christian life.  The rationale behind living in this way is to see growth in the Christian life.  Verses 4 to 9 show the high calling that Christian believers are moving towards and being prepared for.  Individual Christian believers are pictured as stones being built together into a spiritual house, into the temple of God.  The Lord is described as the cornerstone or capstone.  The cornerstone is the first stone set in place in the foundation of a building.  All the other stones are set in place in reference to the cornerstone.  With Christ as our cornerstone all Christian believers are built in relation to him, the church of Christ.  Christians are described as “a chosen generation” or people group who God has favoured through his mercy.  They are also described as “a royal priesthood”.  They have access to God because their sins are forgiven through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Christians are described as “a holy nation, a peculiar people”, in other words living for the honour of their heavenly king, set apart, chosen by God to bring honour to their Saviour.  When you think of those pictures this is indeed a royal calling.  That person has a really high status, indeed not seen as much in the eyes of the world but have a very high and royal calling.  That standing is true for believers in this life but will be more fully realised in the life to come in eternity, our ultimate home which is heaven.  Why do Christians have this glorious future ahead?  It is not because we have earned it or initiated it or deserved it – verses 9 and 10 – God has called us out of the darkness into his glorious light.  We have obtained mercy through the Lord our Saviour.  The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is not that one is a sinner and the other is not.  The bible is clear – “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  The difference between a Christian and a non-believer is that one has obtained mercy and experienced forgiveness through Jesus but the non-believer is still a sinner and must still face the punishment of God.  This passage also presents an earthly calling.  Some Christians might easily assume if they are prepared for heaven they do not need to worry about the things of this world.  1 Peter shows we have a role to play.  Being a royal priesthood, a holy nation has significance for the here and now.  Peter goes on to explain to us in the rest of the chapter how we can relate to this world.

Verse 11 Christians are not to exit from this world at the time of conversion but are rather to go through life as “strangers, pilgrims.”  We are to engage in life and how to behave in front of Gentiles.  Verse 12 refers to all the citizens of this world who do not have a saving faith in Christ.  Do you know Christ as Saviour?  Have you had your sins forgiven?  Then you have obtained mercy.  The bible describes you as an unbeliever.  In the Old Testament the people of God were exiled into a pagan world, Babylon.  They were instructed to “seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives and pray unto the Lord for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” (Jeremiah 29 verse 7)  Christians are to abstain from sinful passions and lusts (verse 1).  Nowhere does it call on Christians to abstain from life in this world but rather asks us to live our lives in front of the unbelievers so that when they speak against us as evil doers they may glorify God by our good works (verse 12).  We are citizens of heaven, we are prepared for eternity but we are also citizens of an earthly kingdom we are living in at present.  1 Peter 2 explains some of the practicalities as citizens in this world. 

We are to interact with government authorities, neighbours and fellow citizens (verse 14 to 17).  Think of how we interact with government authorities.  There is a real ignorance of the word of God among those in government authority.  Christian believers must submit, be subject to and obey government authority in their own nations.  That submission applies at every government authority.  The role of the government authority is to punish evildoers (verse 14).  It is not our place to go on a particular vengeance against an offender in society but rather to be law abiding – why – “for the Lord’s sake” (verse 13).  In verse 15 we read “for so is the will of God”.  Honour is brought to the Lord when Christians are law aiding members of society.  1 Peter was written as a letter to Christians scattered abroad in the Roman empire.  They were being persecuted by the Roman authority yet they had to act in an appropriate manner.  In Romans 13 verse 1 we read “For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.”  The civil ruler is described as ministers of God.  The Emperor Nero was set in place at God’s consent even though he didn`t acknowledge God and persecuted Christian believers.  Sometimes we think we should not engage with political representatives.  Cyrus of Persia was a pagan king who did not engage with the God of the bible but he was used by God to release the captives of Israel in Babylon back to their own land and helped in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem once again.  God can turn the heart of a ruler, judge, politician.  That should encourage us as Christians, that God would turn the hearts of our politicians.  We must pray that God will move their hearts.  1 Peter 2 not only teaches obedience to governments but verse 17 tells us to honour the earthly king.  Christians should show respect to those holding office as monarchs.  Christians must pay their taxes as responsible citizens in society – “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12 verse 17)  If as Christians we are to love our neighbours who deserve the best from our nation we cannot sit silent when laws are introduced that would be detrimental to us and those around us.  In the 17^th Century John Bunyan refused orders from the government of the day to stop preaching.  As a result he was imprisoned for many years.  He said “where I cannot obey my rulers actively then I am willing to lie down and suffer what they do to me.”  In verse 18 we are also encouraged to obey employers as part of our witness.  We are to display a diligent work ethic.  We are also to love our neighbours too (verse 17).  We are to show respect to everyone in society even our enemies.  Galatians 6 states “do good unto all men” (verse 10).  We have an obligation to be kind and respectful to everyone.  The Lord commands us to “love your enemies, bless them who curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5 verse 44)  As far as Christians can they must strive to live peacefully with everyone.

Finally we are given the example of Christ himself.  There are occasions when we submit to government authorities, to employers, and are honouring fellow citizens but it may be difficult.  In the course of obedience to these duties we might suffer injustice and unfair treatment but Peter does not gloss over it.  Concerns are put into perspective – verse 20 shows God’s approval when we suffer for doing good.  When a Christian suffers injustice he should follow the extreme example of the Lord himself.  Verse 21 states that this is our calling in following the Lord Jesus our heavenly master.  Sometimes people will face persecution and situations of injustice.  Verse 23 guides us to how to react in some situations.  As Christians we have a royal and heavenly calling but we have a temporary citizenship in this world.  This path of obedience must result in situations of injustice.  Verse 24 presents us with what the gospel is.  You and I because of our sinful natures and practices deserve to face the penalty of God for all our sin.  If you are a Christian there is no more punishment to face because he took it all on his own body on Calvary’s tree.  He suffered the just for the unjust.  If you are not a Christian God’s wrath is still on you.  You will still have to face punishment for your sins.  The difference between a Christian and an unbeliever is that Christ has borne the punishment of our sin.  “By his stripes we are healed.”  Dead to sin and living to righteousness.

For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved

Sermon notes from Sunday 24 February 2019 pm

“For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Verse 13

This is the very foundation on which the gospel we preach rests.  You have the potential, the qualifications to call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul is describing the righteousness of the Lord here. The Jews were seeking their own righteousness – “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags before the Lord.” Isaiah 64 verse 6

A call out of the deep.  This is where this call must come from – the very depths of a man or woman’s soul.  The persons that are pointed to in this text – “for whosoever”.  If you were to call tonight you would be saved, you would know your sins forgiven, that those sins have been cast into the sea of forgetfulness.  This text assures me that there is none outside of God’s love or provision.  The only exclusion is you yourself.  You can exclude yourself by not calling on the name of the Lord.  As Jesus made his way out through the dusty roads of Jericho he met a man begging by the roadside.  That is all he did day after day.  The Lord happened to pass by that way.  This was no coincidence.  The Lord had to meet Bartimaeus that day.  It is no coincidence that you are here tonight.  The Lord has ordained it so.  The Lord wants to meet you.  The Lord draws you back into this meeting, shows you your need of salvation, shows you his wounds from Calvary so that you might be saved.  Jesus asked Bartimaeus “what would you have me to do for you.”  Bartimaeus turned to the Lord “that I might receive my sight.”  He knew the one who he was talking to was the God of heaven who could do more that he could ever ask or think.  If you were to call on his name tonight you will be saved, made a new creature in Christ Jesus.  Society thought of Bartimaeus as of no value to anyone but he was a lost soul to Christ.  God looks on you as a lost soul who needs to be saved.  Bartimaeus wasn’t outside the range.  See that invitation extended to the very palaces and elite – Acts 25 verse 23.  When Agrippa and Bernice with great pomp came to city commanded that Paul be brought before them.  Here was Agrippa being told of his great need of salvation, he came face to face with the gospel.

The plight of the soul.  When we are lost and undone, on the way to a Christless eternity it is only then we will lift our voices.  The heartfelt plea of the lost sinners state.  Paul was saying “when I stand on that day I do not want to stand on my own righteousness or merit but rather in the righteousness in faith alone.  Will you stand on your own good works?  Nathan came to David one day with a parable of a lamb being taken from a poor man to serve to a rich man’s visitor.  David was enraged and said that man should be punished.  Nathan told him that he was the man who had done this wrong.  In Psalm 51 we read “against thee and thee only have I sinned.”  David recognised and acknowledged his sin.  David felt the pangs in his heart, he knew he had done wrong before God.  Like the prodigal ling in the far country “I will arise and go to my father and say to him “I have sinned before heaven and you.”  He knew he had done wrong.

The plea that is made.  Blind Bartimaeus realised he had a need and the only way to have that need met was to cry out to the Lord.  There was no point in crying out to the disciples or the religious leaders because they couldn`t help him.  The only one who can save your soul is God himself.  It was this man’s plight that brought him to this call.  It was because of his blindness and his disability that brought him to this place because of his sin.

The promise of the text “shall be saved.”  You cannot get any better promise that that.  This is the God of heaven who gives the assurance.  If you feel your need tonight and you call on him you shall be saved.  Remember that conversation on Calvary’s hill.  On either side of Christ were 2 thieves.  For some reason one of the thieves told the other to be quiet.  He told him “we are here because of our guilt and shame, we are paying the penalty but this man has done nothing wrong.”  He looked at Christ and said “Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”  The Lord turned to that old thief and told him “today thou shalt be with me in paradise.”  Have you ever really called on the name of the Lord?  Have you that assurance of sins forgiven?  Jesus has paid it all.  Who is our faith in today?  Is it in the finished work of Christ?  Come and receive Christ if you have never done so.  Salvation is from the Lord alone.

The shepherds as they came to find Jesus in the manger

Sermon Notes from Sunday 23 December 2018 am

Luke 2 verse 16 “and they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.”

The first thing that came into the shepherd’s minds – the fulfilment of a promise back in the Garden of Eden. 

The attraction of the babe in the manger.  These were total outcasts of society.  God sends out to the hillsides and tells them to come, to be the first to see the Son of God.  What a privilege.  Have you ever gazed on the face of the Lord in a saving way?  The shepherds had a poor reputation.  Think of men who were shepherds in the Old Testament – Moses for instance, or Abraham and Jacob.  There were not to be trusted.  It was said they would take their sheep and put them in another mans pasture without asking.  They couldn’t hold an official office.  They were religious outcasts, working with sheep which carried diseases, sicknesses and death.  Everything was against them.  Do you remember the day when you sat in your sinful state, with your back towards God and face towards a lost sinners hell?  You never thought of God at all yet God reached down from heaven and showed you your great need of salvation.  Are we still attracted to the Lord today?  Not content until we see the Lord himself.  The Greeks at the festival were not satisfied until they found Philip and told him “sir we would see Jesus.”  We need to get our eyes on the Lord.  Later in Matthew’s gospel we read of a great feast being made with all the Pharisees and religious leaders attending.  They questioned Matthew “why does your master eat with publicans and servants?”  The very common people heard Jesus gladly.  When the wise men came seeking the baby the scribes and Pharisees already knew about the coming baby.  They were able to turn up the scriptures and show where it was foretold he would come but they were not attracted to him.

The assurance that they had.  Verse 20 “the shepherds returned and glorified God for all the things they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.”  If we find an attraction to God in his word there will be assurance as to who he is and what he had come to do.  Imagine the disciples when Jesus asked them “who do men say that I am?”  One of the disciples steps forward and said “some say you are John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the great prophets come back again.”  There were many varied answers to that question but Jesus then asked “who do you say that I am?”  Peter answers this time "thou art the Christ the son of the living God.”  Jesus told him “flesh and blood have not revealed this to thee but my father in heaven.”  Are we still attracted to Christ through the pages of scripture?  Do we take time to meet with him?  Every time we open his word are we so taken up by him?  Maybe we see him hanging on the cross of Calvary, his visage marred more than any man, beaten beyond recognition, dying for you and I?  He was wounded for our transgressions.  Have we that assurance today?  That we are a child of God?  That when he was dying on the cross of Calvary he was dying for me?  The shepherds realised that this baby lying in the manger was the Lord himself.  The devil is good at trying to take away our assurance.  The bible clearly says “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  It is not what I have done or what anyone else has done but what God’s word tells me today.

The awareness they have.  Verse 17 “what was told them concerning this child.”  As they looked on that baby they are in no doubt that they are standing in the presence of God.  This was no ordinary baby.  When Moses was in the wilderness leading those sheep he stopped to ponder why a bush was not burning up.  A voice spoke to him telling him he was standing on holy ground.  We are not coming in today to do good, to do some favour but we are coming in to stand on holy ground, to gaze on the face of the one who saved us.  Joshua leading the children of Israel into the land of Canaan looked on the great mighty city of Jericho but was conscious of someone being with him, the Lord himself.  Have you taken time to look on the master lately?  Let’s be aware of the presence of God in our lives today.

The effect that he bore.  “The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God” verse 20  They left their flock and worshipped and praised the God of heaven but they blazed it abroad all about him.  Has it had an effect on us?  They went away as evangelists.  When Simeon saw Jesus being brought into the temple he said “let now they servant depart in peace.”  The thief dying on the cross at Calvary – the effect of looking into Jesus’ face had the greatest impact on his whole life.  Does it affect your life today?

Gallio - confronted, confused, careless and his consequences

Sermon notes from Sunday 3 March 2019 pm

Acts 19 verses 12 - 17

Whenever we turn to this man Gallio we realise he was easy to get on with, he was used to sorting out difficulties, handling the affairs he has in the Roman Empire.  At that time he had come to this area for a few months.  Maybe that is why the Jewish authorities were quick to bring Paul before him.  There is one thing recorded of him "Gallio cared for none of those things."  Commentators would tell us different things.  He was concerned about the beatings Sosthenes received at the judgment seat.  He was not concerned about eternal things.  He swept it all under the carpet.  Maybe the same could be said of you tonight.  That you care for none of these things.  Think of the young man who sat under the greatest preacher, the Lord himself in Luke 12.  He sat and listened to the Lord speaking of man`s need, of man`s soul, the vision of the soul, of a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned.  That man listened to all that was said.  When he stopped speaking the young man asked him "will you speak to my brother that he might divide the inheritance with me."  Not interested in eternal things at all.  There was another man Jesus told "thou are not far from the kingdom of heaven."  You can hear all about the Saviour, how he bled and died yet walk away, not concerned with these things.

How he was confronted.  We all come to the saving knowledge of Christ in different ways.  Isn't it wonderful how the Lord brings us into confrontation with the gospel.  Gallio would never have gone along to any of Paul's meetings.  Lydia did, she followed the women to the riverside one day.  She was confronted with the message of the gospel.  I am sure Gallio was not the kind of man you could confront in the street.  He probably had heavy guards around him.  See how the Lord works it all out.  Paul is brought before him accused of preaching something that is contrary to the Jewish religion.  God has it ordained that you be confronted with the gospel tonight.  Bishop Latimer was a man in the Catholic priesthood.  Thomas Bilney was also once a Roman Catholic priest.  He was saved and somehow the Lord put it in his heart to reach Bishop Latimer.  They would have been poles apart.  When was this man Bilney going to confront Latimer with the gospel?  One day the Bishop was in the very chapel Bilney was in.  He thought to himself how am I ever going to reach this man?  He went up to Bishop Latimer and asked him "will you hear my confession?"  The Bishop agreed and went into the confession box with Bilney.  He told the Bishop "my heart was empty, I had the greatest hunger in my heart, I tried everything to find peace, tried everything the Roman Catholic church offered, confessions, prayers but I could not find peace until one day someone gave me a New Testament scripture.  I read how the Lord left heaven`s glory, how he came into the world to die on the cross to redeem me, to save me from my sins, that he was buried and rose again and today is in heaven at his father`s right hand ever living to make intercession for me."  The great Bishop couldn't wait to get him out of the confession box but Bilney left something in his heart.  He sought and sought and sought until God saved his heart as well.  How often we see Paul being ridiculed, thrown into prison, being beaten - why - just to bring him to someone who needed to hear the gospel of saving grace.  Remember how the Philippian jailer who beat Paul yet God was using those circumstances to later bring him to faith in Christ.  Gallio didn't understand this man standing before him.  He was about to tell him of great saving grace and how he might be saved.   He didn't appreciate it one little bit.  As we come tonight could it be said of you, you are caring of these things.

He was confused.  In some respects we see the wisdom of Gallio as a governor.  In verse 13 the Jews are claiming Paul is preaching something that is contrary to their religion.  This was something to silence Paul once and for all.  It was contrary to Jewish law and even Roman law.  In verse 15 he didn't want to get involved with the argument about the law and about the names.  He sat on the fence.  How many do the same today.  They hear their need to be saved.  The Holy Spirit brings convicting power.  Somehow they don`t want to acknowledge their sin, that the only way to be saved is by trusting in God.  To turn from their sin, leave the meeting, go out remaining sitting on the fence.  Verse 14 he silenced the voice of God.  I wonder what Paul was about to say.  That Jesus Christ was the sinless son of God, how he came to his own people yet they received him not.  He came to seek and to save that which was lost.  He would have told Gallio he was lost too and needed to be saved.  Maybe Gallio knew all this and didn't want to hear it.  He silenced his voice.  How many times have you closed your ears and heart to what God is saying to you?  We have all sinned, every one of us has come short of the glory of God.  Maybe you don`t want to face the truth.  There is only one way to God.  Pilate stood before the Lord and said "what is truth?"  We have so many religions today, places today preaching a so called gospel, bringing doubt to people today.  They feel they are ready for home yet lost in their sin.  You will never sort it out in your heart.  Never fully understand - how could you ever understand that love of God in taking his son.  The one who was perfect and sinless and sent into this sin cursed world, that he would give his life on the cross of Calvary in exchange for your soul.  How could you ever fathom that, take that in, it is impossible.

The carelessness of this man Gallio.  No doubt he was a man of learning, high intellect, ability yet quick to discard this argument.  He was ready to cast it out of his mind - do what ever you want, I want to have nothing to do with it.  Just as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio silenced him.  Many dismiss the gospel without realising they have missed out on hearing the most important thing in their life.  If you are not saved tonight do not be careless about that soul of yours.  Salvation is about a decision.  When God speaks to you, shows you your great need of salvation it is not something you drift into.  It is taking the Lord at his word.  Come to Christ tonight.  Don't dismiss it.  Hebrews 4 verse 2 "for unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith to them that heard it."  That is the difference between the saved and the unsaved.  The gospel goes forth, you take it into your heart, believe it, trust it, take Christ as Saviour and Lord, the Holy Spirit's part is to apply it to your heart and your part is to trust him.

The sad consequences for this man Gallio.  He didn't want to get involved in this argument.  Maybe doing it for the last time.  We don't read of him having another opportunity to hear Paul.  That is the consequences of dismissing the word of God.  If you do not get saved tonight you are turning your back on the claims of a thrice holy God whereas you should be saying "thank God for the privilege of getting saved."  Gallio looked at Paul, turned his back on him, cared not for his Saviour, stopped him in his tracks.

Behold I set before you an open door ...

Sermon notes from Sunday 30 December 2018 am

Revelation 3 verses 7 – 13

The Lord Jesus Christ is writing to the 7 churches in Asia Minor and comes to Philadelphia.  This church has quite a bit going for it.  Verse 8 “I know thy works”.  Writing to these believers who have put their trust in Christ and are walking after him.  He tells them to stop for a moment and see the things that will happen in the days to come.  Notice in this passage he uses the word “behold” which means open your eyes, to take a look at something.  “And no man can shut it” this is something special for the individual believer.  God will open a door for you.  If you are prepared to go through it then God is opening it for you.  This church was different from Laodicea – they felt there was nothing more for them.  You have need of nothing.  That is what happened.  This church was so happy to come and go, they had all they needed or rather felt they needed.  Their numbers were good, people were coming in, they had the best of preachers, a choice of whatever preacher they wanted, they didn’t feel they needed anything more.  God said “these things do not impress me, here’s the true state of the church, it is blinded in priorities.  They were in need of so much.  The Saviour is standing outside the door of the church.  In this church in Philadelphia the Lord was saying “I will open a door for you.”  Will you pray with us today for a new door to be opened?  Perhaps God has changes in the new year for the fellowship and for us as individuals.

A persistent company – verse 8.  We are not seeing a church that is idle but one that is going on, is active.  This little group was witnessing for the Lord.  They were faithful, they kept the word.  Although they were few in number and strength yet they were mighty in God’s hands.  Remember the boy out on the mountainside with the large crowds.  All he had were the loaves and fishes.  Andrew the disciple knew they were no use in such a large crowd but when it was placed into the hands of the master they fed the multitudes.  Here’s a church, the word of God is going forth.  They were different than the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2.  The Lord said of Ephesus “I know thy works.”  That was not enough.  The Lord saw a people who had left their first love.  In the Old Testament the people were drawing near to God with their lips but their hearts were far from him.  They substituted that love with works.  Do we still love the Lord as much as when we first came to him or maybe as the years have gone by we have mellowed?  We are still keeping up the works but they are nothing unless our hearts are right with the Lord.  The heart could be as cold as ice.  It is possible.  It does not matter about the person beside you – the only one looking into your heart is God himself.  The Lord said of Pergamos “I know your works, know your standards, anything will go.”  Sometimes in the churches today anything does go.  Thyatira was a working church.  They had false doctrines and teaching, didn’t seem to matter to them.  Sardis was a working church but it was dead.  They had a name for loving but they were dead.  Only in this church were they active and vibrant, so much that the Lord said “I will open a door for you.”  Laodicea was a lukewarm church.  In Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira were living in a time when the church was growing and people were bringing their money to the church.  They thought that is what they should do.  They were however keeping something back.  They would have been better giving nothing because they would have known the blessing of God in it.  The widow woman with 2 mites in Jesus’ day gave them to the treasury.  They were all she had and she gave more than anyone else.  In this church God would do something mighty because they were persistent.  Is there anything hindering us from serving God?

A prospect to be considered – the elders had to consider what is this door, where is it leading to and are we ready for it?  Maybe if we were asked “are we prepared for change today”?  God is saying this to us today.  Is God going to change something in your life?  Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 were members in the Antioch church.  They met for prayer and gave out gospel tracts.  The Lord said to this fellowship “separate for me Paul and Barnabas for the work I have for them to do.”  Imagine the elders coming to them and telling them the Lord wanted them to go in a different direction.  They were in the work of the Lord, busy in it but God was opening another door and they had to consider it.  For you and I there is a door that is opening.  We have to answer the question “am I prepared to go through the door, to do whatever the Lord would ask me to do?”  Maybe God  is saying that to you today.

There are plans to commence.

Power for the campaign

                                          

A problem with the critics

You are weighed in the balances and are found wanting

Sermon notes from Sunday 20 October 2019 pm

Daniel 5 verses 1 - 9, 16 - 31

The scene that is set before us is a very solemn one.  Belshazzar`s life and death is in the balance.  He has come to the end of his life.  Nothing further he can do.  All his works and exploits have been collected to be sifted and weighed in God`s balance to see if he comes up to the mark of God`s righteousness.  Yet to the very last moment of this man Belshazzar`s life he is just having a ball of a time.  He hasn`t got health nor medical problems at all.  It seems he is in the fulness of health at this very moment of time.  If you were speaking to him about the future he would tell you it was very good.  My kingdom will go on for years yet - what could be better than having a great party with his 1000 lords?  All the trappings and frivolity went on in that time.  If that wasn`t enough part of the pleasure was the public blasphemy of the God of heaven, as if raising his fists to God.  Not only does he debase himself he defiles the vessels of the temple of the Lord.  There is no fear here in this crowd of people.  He takes in the vessels of the temple of the Lord, the golden vessels.  In verse 5 we read "that same hour".  When he was at the very height of the frivolity a finger of a man`s hand began to write on the plaster of the wall.  The verdict was guilty as charged.  God`s judgment comes suddenly and in this instance it was shocking.  All the frivolity stops and one by one there comes a deadly hush that fills the place.  What a contrast when God speaks.  The noise of that place to bring that down to a deadly hush.  God has stepped in.  Belshazzar`s face changed colour, his thoughts troubled him, he begins to tremble.  Such a sight had never been seen before.  He cries out with a loud voice "bring in the interpreters, I want to know what is going on."  Think tonight of Belshazzar`s trial and judgment and parallel it to the poor sinners trial from the destruction of his soul.  

There is a balance of God`s fairness tonight.  "Thou art weighed".  It is not about any of these lords around about but Belshazzar is separated out.  His time has come to an end before God.  He stood alone.  Some people will say "if I am going to hell I am taking all my friends with me."  You stand alone, there is no-one in hell with you.  "Thou wilt be weighed."  It is not in the past tense nor in the future but the present.  The weighing process has been done.  God has already weighed up this man`s life.  He had outstanding success, the ruler of the greatest kingdom on earth, his achievements were known world wide at that time.  No-one had accomplished what he had.  He was the richest man on earth, the ruler of a great kingdom, his power was absolute.  Whatever he said went.  If you came in to be judged before this man and he said you lived you lived.  No-one questioned him.  His power was absolute.  That is the human balance.  If men and women were weighed up by what they have done could be said to be popular, have many friends, many achievements and well thought of.  Now Belshazzar is being weighed in the divine balance of eternal justice.  Into the scale God places "thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Well he couldn`t deny that commandment because he had been worshipping other gods.  Who do you worship tonight?  Your money or your home, your husband or wife, your children - who do you put in place of God in your life?  Do you know of the mercy that God has for your soul, of the one who bled and died on Calvary`s centre tree.  Have you got the Lord tonight?  If no the balance goes down.  "You shall not make unto you any graven image."  "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain, bear false witness, covet."  All these are put in the balance and the balance goes down.  If you are not a Christian put them all on the scales.  You are a good, righteous person, a church goer - put them all on and measure them up.  You give to charity, good to your neighbours and friends.  Put it all on the balance.  Brought up in a godly home, taught right from wrong.  Put it all on the balance.  Went to Sunday school and never missed a day.  What have you got today?  Parents, grandparents were saved.  How will you weigh up in God`s balance?  When you weigh up your life and mine is it too light or perhaps too heavy?  It doesn`t weigh up to God`s balance.  John 3 verse 18 "he that believeth not is condemned already."  What you have put in the balance will be brought up against you.  The Lord will look at what your life has been.  He will place the blood of Christ, the sacrifice of Calvary on the other side and will say it is not enough.  Haven`t come up to my standards.  You are weighed in the balance and found wanting.  Matthew 7 verse 21 "not everyone that says unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."  Some say "I profess the Lord."  Remember the devil believes and trembles.  It is not worth anything.  It is possession.  Romans 3 verse 23 we all have come short of the mercy of God.  We haven`t reached his standards.  Have you done anything pure and holy?  Perhaps you are a very religious person.  Isaiah 64 verse 6 "all your righteousnesses are as filthy rags."   Mark 7 verse 6 "these people honoureth me with their lips but their heart is far from me."  What is God searching for?  That will weigh up the balance.  He is searching for repentance.  "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."  Have you ever repented?  Have you ever come recognising you are a hell deserving sinner?  The Lord sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for you.  If you put repentance on that balance it will come up and tip over.  God will recognise that you have accepted Christ who died on Calvary`s cross for the penalty of your sin.

There is a witness called forth.  The first witness is conscience.  The trouble with eternal reality is that you are faced with the question "what shall I do with God who is called Christ."  The gospel has been preached.  People have been conscious of their need.  They know what they have to do but they tune out the voice of conscience.  The preacher will be brought out as a witness.  He will have to give an account for all his preaching.  Many do not preach the gospel.  The Holy Spirit is a witness too convicting men of sin.  Christ himself will say "I stood at the door and knocked."  People still keep the door closed.  What about the word of God.  John 12 verse 38.  This man had a knowledge of who God was.  Many have read the word of God more times than God`s people.  It is not enough because although this man had a knowledge he did nothing about it.  Maybe you have a great knowledge of the scriptures but you have done nothing about it.  The witnesses are called forth.

The judgment is pronounced - verse 27 "thou art weighed in the balances."  Time is over.  The seriousness of it all.  Time is up.  Time as you know it is over and you are standing before God.  You are not your mother, neighbour, friend, work colleague or some debased fella down the street.  It is you tonight.  Have you any righteousness to plead?  If you have that makes the difference between the sinner and the saint.  We have no righteousness of our own but we have Jesus` righteousness.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  As the hymn writer said "Jesus took my sin and my sorrow and he made them his very own."  He died and shed his blood and accomplished the substitutionary work on Calvary.    People tonight have health problems, things are not looking good for them, they push the Lord away.  The Lord is standing, he is reaching out.  People say "I want to stay in my sin."  Isn`t that an awful thought.   We can push away the perfect righteousness of  the Lord.  How does that weigh in the balance of your life and all your accomplishments?  He accepts it for Jesus` sake, he justifies me.  God justifies the sinner for Jesus` sake.  Nothing qualifies that.  You are a sinner.  God`s son Jesus` blood cleanses us from all sin.  There is now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus.  "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in the Lord Jesus." (Romans 3 verse 24)  What do you present tonight?  Thou art weighed in the balance.  Are you found wanting tonight?  

It is a balance of solemn fairness.  The witnesses are called forth.  You notice that Belshazzar was speechless.  When God calls forth on that day you will be speechless with nothing to say.  You will stand before God and the judgment will be pronounced.  How important it is to become a Christian.  For this people to realise that they need the Lord is a solemn message but if you are here and not saved it is the message you need to know there is hope.  Jesus Christ is merciful and he is willing to take our sin upon himself.  A balance of solemn fairness.  The witnesses are called forth and the judgment is pronounced - "thou art weighed."