Advertise on podcast: Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days (audio)

Join Pastor Derek as he explores the centrality of praise and worship in a Christian's life. He emphasises that worship is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. We were created to glorify God, through (1) worship and (2) service. God seeks true worshippers. Romans 1:18-32 reveals that when we stop worshipping God, we fall into idolatry, and then immorality. Learn how regular worship can strengthen your spiritual life, helping you to prioritise God above all else. Discover practical advice on incorporating worship into your daily life, and understand the consequences of neglecting this vital spiritual discipline.

Learn how to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:17-18). The exalted Christ has poured out His Spirit upon His people. When we were born again, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and is ready to help and empower us, but we must ask Him to fill us (Ephesians 5:18). He is continuously available to fill believers, and empower them to live in alignment with God's will. Discover practical steps for inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and the transformative power it brings to overcome sin and produce the fruits of the Spirit.

Based on Ephesians 5:18, this series explores how believers can live a Spirit-filled life, and discover the keys to spiritual growth. Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live according to God's will. This message emphasises developing a hunger for God's Word and a thirst for God's Spirit, as He imparts His righteous life to us through His Word & Spirit. These teachings are designed for those seeking to deepen their faith and live a more fulfilling Christian life. Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST for righteousness, for they shall be FILLED.” God's righteousness comes to us through His WORD (our spiritual BREAD) and His SPIRIT (our spiritual WATER). How much we are filled depends on our spiritual HUNGER for His WORD (Matthew 4:4), and our spiritual THIRST for the living water of His HOLY SPIRIT. The more we hunger and thirst for righteousness the more we will be filled. We are FILLED with the SPIRIT through DRINKING, but we can only DRINK as much as we are THIRSTY (John 7:37-38, Rev 21:6, 22:17). To be FILLED with His Spirit requires a spiritual THIRST. A major key to growing spiritually is being HUNGRY for more of God’s WORD, and THIRSTY for more of God’s SPIRIT. This is the KEY of spiritual DESIRE, which is determined by the VALUE we put on spiritual things. Our heart is made to desire, focus on and pursue that which it perceives as having the most value: “For where your TREASURE is, there your HEART (focus, attention) will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, the more we value spiritual things, the more they will occupy our heart and the more we will DESIRE and pursue them. The more we HUNGER and THIRST for God, the more we will be FILLED with His SPIRIT and His WORD. So, our desire for God determines how much of Him we will receive, and therefore how much we will GROW spiritually: “As new-born babes, DESIRE the pure milk of the WORD, that you may GROW thereby” (1Peter 2:2). Spiritual DESIRE determines how much our soul is filled with His Spirit, which determines our spiritual growth. If our soul is filled up and satisfied with natural things, there is no room in our heart for God. So, we will not have a hunger & thirst for God, and we will stop growing spiritually. One of the most important things you can do is to put God’s Word first and value spiritual things above natural things (a mark of spiritual maturity). Keep hungry for God’s Word and thirsty for God’s Spirit Our capacity for drinking (receiving) the Holy Spirit, is determined by how thirsty we are for Him. (1) Our HOLINESS is determined by how much the HOLY SPIRIT fills and possesses our heart, setting us apart to God, as we give our heart to Him (our vertical relationship with God). As the Spirit fills us, (2) He motivates and empowers us to live a life of RIGHTEOUSNESS in this world (righteousness is the outworking of holiness). So, we should DESIRE to be FILLED with His SPIRIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

In this enlightening talk, discover how faith can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and spiritual development. Learn how to maintain a positive attitude and trust in God's plan during difficult times. Pastor Derek discusses the importance of perseverance and character building, emphasising that every setback can become a stepping stone to spiritual growth and a better future in God. Tests, trials and tribulations are opportunities for rapid spiritual growth, as we continue to love and trust God through the trial, thanking Him for working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Learn how to turn trials into triumphs through faith and thanksgiving.

Join Pastor Derek as he delves into the theme of overcoming worry through faith in God. Discover how to shift from anxiety to peace by trusting in God's love and provision. Learn practical ways to humble yourself before God, cast your burdens on Him, and embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding. This inspirational talk is filled with biblical insights and encouragement for living a worry-free life. We can overcome worry in our life by believing in God’s love for us, and casting all our burdens on the Lord (1Peter 5:7), trusting Him to provide for us, protect us, and lead us through the situation.

Learn how to protect your heart from bitterness, when opportunities to be offended come to you, and how to identify a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), and how to cast it out of your heart (Luke 17:6). Forgiveness is a major key to spiritual freedom and happiness. Pastor Derek provides guidance on how to guard against bitterness and maintain a pure heart. Learn how faith and grace can help uproot bitterness from your life, ensuring peace and harmony in your relationships.

Pastor Derek explores the true nature of humanity, tracing the lineage of mankind from Adam, and our transformed identity when we are united to Christ. Discover how this understanding is central to the Christian Gospel and challenges modern views of evolution. With references to Genesis and the teachings of Jesus, this video is a powerful message on spiritual identity and salvation. All people are descended from Adam (Acts 17:26), so when he sinned, sin and death came upon us all. But all who receive Christ (the 2nd Adam) as their Head receive His righteousness and life (Romans 5:12-21).

In this Series, we unveil the keys to be filled with the Holy Spirit, revealed in the Beatitudes. In this message, we focus on developing the important heart attitude of meekness, which is having a humble, submissive attitude to God's Word and His Holy Spirit in our lives. Discover how these truths will lead to your spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Join Pastor Derek as he shares the key heart attitudes that are necessary to be blessed by God through filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and so be transformed by His power. These are described by the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which help us cultivate the attitudes that open our heart for the Holy Spirit (God's Presence) to fill and empower our souls. Learn the importance of true repentance, which is the basis for receiving the comfort of His Spirit (Matthew 5:4).

Pastor Derek starts a new Series based on Ephesians 5:18: "Be being filled with the Spirit." Explore the transformative power of living a life led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the importance of trust and submission to God's Spirit within us. This message emphasises the continual need to be filled with the Spirit, who is always available to help us, and how it impacts our soul, bringing righteousness, love, peace, and joy. Discover how to live under grace, and draw upon the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life. Through the Beatitudes we discover the key heart attitudes to live in the fullness of the Spirit.

This is the final video in Pastor Derek's series on Eternal Judgment, focusing on the final Great White Throne Judgment. At the end of time, all the spiritually) dead (unbelievers) will be resurrected and stand before Christ, will will sit on the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15), for their final sentencing and dismissal into the Lake of Fire. Understand about the Lamb's Book of Life, and the books of each man's life and works that will be opened that day. It is essential that we understand these truths and are prepared for God's Eternal Judgment, that will seal our eternal destiny.

This video explores the nature of God's eternal judgment, the distinction between the righteous and the godless, and the eternal rewards awaiting believers. Learn about how our earthly lives influence our eternal destiny, and be inspired to live a life dedicated to serving God. Pastor Derek also answers objections to the doctrine of eternal rewards.

We continue our study of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers' works are assessed for eternal rewards. Learn about the 5 types of crowns - the incorruptible crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of life, and the crown of glory. Pastor Derek emphasises the importance of living a life of faith, obedience, and faithful service, ensuring believers are prepared to receive their heavenly rewards. *1. The INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (1Corinthians 9:24-27, 1Timothy 2:5) for walking in the Spirit and not following after the flesh, for exercising self-control and denying yourself in this life, in order to live a Spirit-filled life, for living in victory over the sin nature. This crown goes to the man who puts God first, rather than the corruptible things of this life. *2. The CROWN of REJOICING (1Thessalonians 2:19, Philippians 4:1) consists of all the people we have shared the Gospel with, won to the Lord, and discipled (John 4:36). One of the greatest rewards and eternal sources of joy will be all the PEOPLE in HEAVEN, who we will have reached with our witness, discipling, giving and praying. We will see the eternal fruit of our labours in transformed people. This Crown will be given to all who fulfil the Great Commission. That’s why it is also called the SOULWINNER’S CROWN. *3. The CROWN of RIGHTEOUSNESS (2Timothy 4:7-8, Philippians 3:9-14). *4. The CROWN of LIFE (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) for overcoming tests and trials. *5. The CROWN of GLORY (1Peter 5:1-4) for exercising faithful leadership.

This episode continues the study of the Judgment Seat of Christ, which takes place soon after the Rapture, where believers' works will be assessed for eternal rewards. We explore key biblical passages on this important event, and gain insights into how faithfulness in our Christian life will lead to greater eternal glory, honour, authority and opportunities to serve God. Learn why understanding this doctrine is crucial for a strong Christian life, and how it impacts the way we live today. *There are 4 major Passages on this Judgment for Reward. *1. Romans 14:10-13. *2. 2Corinthians 5:9-10. *3. 1Corinthians 4:2-5. *4. 1Corinthians 3:10-15 *The 3 SYMBOLS of GOOD WORKS: *1. GOLD symbolises the DIVINE NATURE. When were born again, we received the nature of Christ (the fruit of the Spirit) within our spirit (Romans 5:5). So, WORKS of GOLD are produced from the NATURE of CHRIST in us, which we PRESENTLY POSSESS through the New Birth. As we walk in the SPIRIT and the LOVE of God, we produce WORKS of GOLD. Without love there is no reward (1Corinthians 13:3). *2. SILVER in the Bible represents REDEMPTION, so WORKS of SILVER are works done in grateful response to God’s GRACE in REDEMPTION, which He accomplished for us in Christ (on the Cross). Our gratitude for His grace causes to serve Him. These works spring from FAITH in what HE HAS DONE for us. *3. PRECIOUS STONES are works of obedience to the commands of God, motivated by a desire to please God, and receive His FUTURE PRAISE and REWARD, rather than the praise of man. *The 3 SYMBOLS of DEAD WORKS (the opposites to the 3 kinds of good work). *1. WOOD represents HUMAN FLESH. These are works done in our own strength (power) and self-will, independently from God. They might look good to man, but they are wood. *2. HAY represents HUMAN MERIT, works done in self-righteousness, rather than in response to God’s grace. *3. STRAW represents HUMAN OPINION and WISDOM, works that proceed purely from human reasoning, rather than obedience to God. So, *(1) We must examine the POWER energizing our WORKS. Are we depending on the power of the Spirit through prayer, or on our flesh – our natural strength? *(2) We must examine the MOTIVE for our WORKS. Is it love for God and man? Are they to glorify God, or to glorify ourselves? *(3) We must examine the OBEDIENCE of our WORKS. Do they spring from God's will, or are we just following traditions and rituals we happen to like? What a motivation to live for Him now, doing GOOD WORKS of GOLD, SILVER and PRECIOUS STONES, that will endure into eternity, rather than wasting our life turning out WOOD, HAY and STRAW!

Join Pastor Derek in an insightful exploration of the doctrine of Eternal Judgment. This video delves into the foundational Christian teachings concerning the judgment of believers and non-believers, the phases of existence, and the significance of faith and works. Learn about how all believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive their eternal rewards. A must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of Christian eschatology.