SERMONS

Last time we meditated upon Jn 5:1-8, focusing on the emphatic statement: “Apart from me you can do nothing” - which was a strange negative encouragement. This time we consider what we CAN do — if we are true ‘branches’ who ‘remain in [Christ]’. So what can we do? There are seven clear activities listed in v1-17. Let's consider the first three together. Time for a positive encrouagment...

When Jesus said: "Apart from me you can do nothing" -- that was a negative encouragement. But only encouraging so far as we believe it and live accordingly; if you are a true 'branch' in the 'true vine' with the true conviction to produce 'much fruit' for the 'Father's glory'. If this describes you: prepare yourself to be thoroughily encouraged...

This sermon from Romans 5:6‑8 reminds us that although we often describe the cross with words like forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation, Paul shows that the true motive behind Christ’s sacrifice is God’s love. The message highlights three key realities that deepen our appreciation for that love: God’s love is undeserving - because Christ died for us when we were powerless and ungodly; God’s love is unmatched - because no human sacrifice compares to Christ giving His life for His enemies; and God’s love is unconditional - because He gave His Son while we were still sinners. Paul’s words remind us that Christ died for us at just the right time, revealing a love like no other.

Three months after Zechariah’s 1st prophecy he receives a ‘nightly vision’ (1:8) which will take us up to the end of ch 6 -- one vision with 8 scenes. In our first message we were challenged and encouraged by this precept and promise: ‘Return to Me…and I will return to you’. These words are now further expounded, explaining WHY we are ‘to return to [Him]’ and HOW ‘[He] will return to [us]’. As we carefully seek to decode the imagery we will stand in awe of Christ, through Whom we are recipients of God's MERCY, instead of being crushed by the justice of His wrath.

As we continue to meditate on the inspired record of the Saviour's first years on earth, we meet the holy family returning to the land of Israel. And as we trace their steps, we discover instances of God's grace at work in their lives; graces operating today in all who trust in God, and want to walk with Him on earth.

The Bible translator Jerome spoke of Zechariah as the 'most obscure of the twelve Minor Prophets'! And many have struggled with it up to the present day. Which is unsettling, especially when we realise that Zechariah is the 2nd most quoted prophet in the New Testament, and the 2nd most quoted in the book of Revelation! So to misunderstand Zechariah will have a bearing upon our understanding and appreciation of much of Scripture. We must, therefore, study this book together cautiously. First asking what God was saying them 'them, there, then': What would Zechariah's first audience have understood by his preaching? Before we can apply to our own lives what God is saying to 'us, here, now'. This is why we spend time considering some of these basic principles of Bible interpretation as we enter this series of sermons -- which in turn is part of the larger series of sermons on each of the Minor Prophets. But prepare your heart and mind, as this message is much more than just an intellectual exercise: Embedded in our text is a very real challenge from God, framed as both an admonition and promise: "Return to Me... and I will return to you"!

After a short interval, when God had allowed Zechariah to sleep a little during the night he was receiving his grand eight part vision, he is awakened once more so that together we may meditate upon the fifth scene. Some of the symbolism in this book is difficult, even obscure to our minds, but this is obvious to all, the meaning is simple: God is sovereign! His work done His way will never lack His provision. It shall be accomplished, ‘“not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.’ Therefore, we must NEVER ‘“despise the day of small things”’! And if you are, or have ever been, or ever shall be tempted to do that, you really need to listen to this message.

What comfort could be offered for the greatest grief? The birth and infancy of Christ was accompanied by such a grief, on a massive scale, as a mad king ordered the slaughter of infants and babies. But in this dark time, God reminds His people of His promise of a comfort that is stronger than the pain. This is promised comfort is what this sermon is looking at.