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~~~~~ No 36 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 3:17-18** Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. *1/ A warning given and why. 2/ An exhortation. 3/ To whom be the glory.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the closing exhortation of 2 Peter 3, urging believers to remain steadfast against the error of the wicked while actively growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It warns against complacency and the subtle drift into false teaching, emphasizing that true spiritual maturity involves a deepening dependence on God's unmerited favour rather than self-reliance. Drawing heavily from Romans 5, the message illustrates that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more, leading to a life of humility and reliance on Christ's righteousness. The tone is pastoral and instructional, encouraging the congregation to view their spiritual growth as a progressive journey of knowing Christ more intimately. Ultimately, the sermon directs all glory to the Lord, affirming that the believer's purpose is to reflect God's grace and share in His eternal glory.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36) ~~~~~ Lord's Day afternoon service at Milward House Pilgrim Home with some 20 residents and several staff. ~~~~~ *1/ Who Jesus is speaking to - Believers, Abrahams seed. 2/ What he is speaking of - freedom. 3/ How freedom is found.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the theological concept of true freedom as presented in John 8, arguing that genuine liberty is not merely a social or political state but a spiritual deliverance from sin, condemnation, and error. By drawing a parallel to the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the message emphasizes that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, can break the bondage of sin. The text distinguishes between nominal belief and authentic discipleship, urging listeners to examine whether their faith is rooted in personal trust in Christ rather than religious heritage or self-righteousness. Freedom is found through continuing in God's Word, knowing the truth, and relying on the Son who has redeemed His people. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those whom the Son sets free are truly free to serve God, having been purchased by His grace.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35) *1/ The love of Christ set before us in the Gospel. 2/ The love of Christ felt and evidenced. 3/ The inseparable love of Christ - the comfort of God's people.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the unbreakable bond between God and His people, anchored in the text of Romans 8:35-39. It argues that the love of Christ is not merely an abstract concept but a sovereign, sacrificial reality demonstrated through the atonement and the new birth. The preacher emphasizes that this divine love is evidenced in the believer's life through a genuine affection for God's Word, the people of God, and obedience to His commandments. Despite the presence of tribulation, distress, and persecution, the central message is one of profound assurance: no external force or internal failure can sever the believer from the love of God. This inseparable love serves as the ultimate comfort, guaranteeing the believer's eternal security and glorification.

For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. (Psalms 33:9) *Introduction - God speaking in creation.* *1/ God speaking in Old Testament times. 2/ Jesus speaking on earth with the same power. 3/ Jesus speaking in Gospel days. 4/ Jesus speaking at the end of the world.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the consistent theme of God working through His Word, tracing this principle from the creation of the heavens to the final resurrection. It highlights how divine authority was demonstrated in the Old Testament through figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, and how Jesus Christ evidenced the same power during His earthly ministry by healing and commanding nature with a single word. The message emphasizes that in the current age of grace, salvation is exclusively accomplished through the preaching of the Gospel, as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. This theological framework culminates in the expectation of the Second Coming, where the voice of the Lord will again effect a final division between the saved and the lost. The tone is instructional and exhortative, urging believers to value the Scriptures as the sole and sufficient means of spiritual life and eternal hope.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44) ~~~~ Evening Harvest Thanksgiving Service. ~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative for believers to maintain spiritual readiness for the imminent and unpredictable return of Jesus Christ. Drawing primarily from Matthew 24:44 and the parable of the ten virgins, the message emphasizes that the distinction between the saved and the lost is not external appearance but internal faith and genuine relationship with God. The tone is solemn and urgent, warning against complacency and false assurance while highlighting the gravity of eternity and the finality of judgment. It contrasts the hopelessness of the unprepared with the secure assurance found in the finished work of Christ, urging listeners to seek personal confirmation of their salvation through repentance and faith. The discourse concludes with an encouragement to trust in the reliability of Scripture and the unshakeable love of God, which secures the believer's place in glory. ~~~~ PDF Hymn sheet downloadable below. ~~~~

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. (John 11:43-45) ~~~~~ Afternoon Harvest Thanksgiving Service ~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** This Thanksgiving sermon centers on the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11, using the narrative to illustrate the dual aspects of spiritual salvation: the initial call to life and the subsequent liberation from bondage. The preacher emphasizes that while Jesus' voice brings the spiritually dead to life, believers must also be loosed from the grave clothes of sin and the chains of unbelief to experience true freedom in Christ. Drawing on the example of Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, the message urges the congregation to count all things as loss for the excellence of knowing Christ, highlighting that this union with the Saviour provides the strength to resist the devil through Scripture. The tone is pastoral and exhortative, encouraging listeners to examine their own faith, ensure they are not merely alive but free, and live for the glory of God by obeying His commands. ~~~~ PDF Hymn sheet downloadable below. ~~~~

**In all labour there is profit:** but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. (Proverbs 14:23) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Priory Strict Baptist Chapel, Maidstone on Tuesday evening. ~~~~ *1/ The profit of an unprofitable labour. 2/ Profitable labour. 3/ The profitable labours of our Lord.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the theological distinction between empty words and genuine spiritual labour, anchored in Proverbs 14:23. It argues that even seemingly unprofitable efforts, such as the vanity of worldly pursuits or the failure of self-righteousness, yield profit by revealing human inability and driving believers toward Christ. The message emphasizes that true religion requires active engagement in prayer, obedience, and service, contrasting the 'talk of the lips' with the substance of works. Ultimately, the sermon points to the supreme labour of Jesus Christ, whose suffering and death accomplished the eternal redemption of His people, offering rest and profit to those who labour in faith.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. (Psalms 116:12-14) ~~~~~ This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel, Lord's Day afternoon. ~~~~~ *1/ The Lord's benefits towards us. 2/ A question as to what to do. 3/ A two fold answer.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon examines the believer's response to God's spiritual benefits, centring on the question, "What shall I render unto the Lord?" The message distinguishes between temporal provisions and the superior value of soul deliverance, urging listeners to recognize spiritual blessings such as answered prayer, conviction of sin, and the fullness of Christ's covenant. It emphasizes that the appropriate response is a two-fold commitment: privately taking the cup of salvation through thanksgiving and public profession, and publicly paying vows in the presence of God's people. The preacher encourages the congregation to view their life experiences as a unique cup of salvation that testifies to God's grace, culminating in the call for baptism and participation in the Lord's Supper as acts of public faith.

Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. (Psalms 90:16) *1/ A mark of being the Lord's servants - his people. 2/ The work that is to appear - Salvation 3/ Where it is to appear to us - Scriptures, providence, in our souls. 4/ How it is to appear to us - glorious.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon explores the prayer of Moses in Psalm 90:16, emphasizing that the visible manifestation of God's work is a distinct mark of His people. The central message argues that while the world may perceive events as chance, the believer is granted spiritual sight to recognize God's hand in salvation, providence, and the inner workings of the soul. The exposition details how this divine work appears through the Scriptures, where the Word becomes a new and open book to the converted heart, and through life's circumstances, where past providences are retrospectively understood as acts of grace. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging believers to look for these tokens of election and to respond with awe and service, recognizing that the glory of God is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality that moves the heart and transforms the believer's perspective on sin and salvation.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, **It is the Lord.** Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (John 21:7) *1/ When it was known "It is the Lord" in the Old Testament. 2/ When it was known "It is the Lord" in the New Testament. 3/ How it is known "It is the Lord" in gospel days.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon explores the theme of recognizing the Lord's presence and work in the lives of His people, drawing from 1 Samuel 3 and John 21. It examines how God sovereignly reveals Himself through Scripture, providence, and answered prayer, emphasizing that recognition is a gift of grace rather than a human achievement. The preacher highlights historical examples of divine appearances, from Samuel to the post-resurrection disciples, to illustrate that God's people are marked by their ability to discern His voice and hand in their circumstances. The message encourages believers to look for these tokens of divine visitation in their daily lives, finding comfort and assurance in the fact that the Lord continues to appear to His church in the Gospel age.

~~~~~ No 36 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 3:15-16** And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. *1/ What we are to count as salvation - the longsuffering of our Lord. 2/ Who are those that are to be destroyed - the unlearned and unstable. 3/ What leads to these men's destruction - scriptures that are hard to understand and wresting or twisting scripture.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon examines the contrast between salvation and destruction as presented in 2 Peter 3:15-16, emphasizing that the long-suffering of the Lord is the mechanism of salvation for those who repent. It warns against the character of the unlearned and unstable, who twist Scripture to their own destruction, particularly regarding vital doctrines such as the person of Christ and the sufficiency of grace. The preacher contrasts the natural understanding of the world with the spiritual illumination provided by the Holy Spirit, urging believers to remain grounded in sound doctrine rather than being tossed about by diverse teachings. The message serves as both a comfort to sinners, highlighting God's patience, and a solemn warning against abusing that patience or engaging in heretical interpretations of the Bible.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Jireh Chapel Tenterden Harvest Thanksgiving service. ~~~~ *1/ The identity of the Lord of the harvest. 2/ What the Lord of the harvest controls. 3/ The means that the Lord of the harvest uses.* **Sermon summary:** This sermon explores the identity, control, and means of the Lord of the Harvest as presented in Matthew 9:37-38. It emphasizes that God is the sovereign master builder who governs every aspect of the spiritual harvest, from the eternal election of souls to the specific timing of their conversion. The preacher illustrates how God controls the preparation of hearts, the drawing of sinners, and the quickening of faith, ensuring that salvation is entirely His work rather than a human effort. Furthermore, the message highlights that God chooses to use weak means, such as the prayers of His people and the preaching of labourers empowered by the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His purposes. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to trust in God's perfect timing and authority, recognizing that He is actively gathering His people from all nations for His glory.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) ~~~~~ This sermon was preached from England into the Australian Churches. ~~~~~ **How we are healed:** *1/ By Christ enduring the wrath of God and redeeming us - redemption. 2/ By Christ giving us faith to trust alone in what he has done - Justification. 3/ By Christ through the Spirit coming to us and driving out the buyers and sellers from the temple of our bodies - Sanctification.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon expounds on Isaiah 53:5, arguing that the physical scourging of Christ was a necessary component of the atonement, serving as a vivid picture of the divine wrath He endured on behalf of His people. It emphasizes the particular nature of redemption, asserting that because Christ bore the full penalty of sin, those for whom He died are freed from condemnation and the power of sin. The message progresses from the objective work of redemption to the subjective experience of justification through faith, highlighting the necessity of a personal conviction of sin. Finally, it addresses sanctification as the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who cleanses the believer's heart like Christ cleansing the temple, using afflictions and grace to drive out sin and foster a close walk with God.

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, **he drove them all out of the temple**, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (John 2:15) *1/ What our bodies were designed to be and what they are since the fall. 2/ The coming of our Lord to his temple. 3/ The cleansing of the temple of our bodies.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the theological parallel between Jesus cleansing the physical temple in John 2 and the spiritual cleansing of the believer's body, described as the temple of the Holy Ghost in 1 Corinthians 6. It begins by acknowledging the defiled state of human nature following the Fall, where sin and corruption dwell within the soul. The central message emphasizes that the Lord's coming to the believer is the primary act of grace, initiating the new birth and establishing His presence within the individual. This indwelling presence is followed by an ongoing process of sanctification, where the Lord uses the Word, providential trials, and chastisement to drive out sin and defilement. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, assuring believers that while the process of cleansing may be painful, it is evidence of the Lord's ownership and His ultimate goal of making the believer holy for His glory.

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. (Psalm 107:7) *1/ A people led forth. 2/ A people led forth by the right way. 3/ The end in view - "That they might go to a city of habitation."* **Sermon summary:** The sermon explores the assurance found in Psalm 107:7, emphasizing that God leads His redeemed people by the right way toward a heavenly city of habitation. It identifies three key aspects of this divine guidance: the initial leading forth from a state of sin or worldly attachment, the maintenance of a path that may seem difficult or contrary to human expectations but is governed by the Word of God, and the ultimate destination of eternal rest. The preacher uses the Israelites' wilderness journey as a type for the Christian pilgrimage, illustrating how God's providence orders circumstances, such as job changes or life transitions, to align with His will. The tone is pastoral and comforting, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty even when their path appears perplexing, and to look forward to the final destination with hope.