In this first of a series Ian gives us an idea of the subject of the chapters to come but reminds us that Paul wrote this letter to believers, many that he had not actually met and a
mixture of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews would have a knowledge of scripture (Old Testament) but the gospel Paul shares is applicable to everyone and he says (V 9) that they are
all in his prayers.
Paul's words are relevant to us all whether mature Christians or new Christians. We too should be sharing the gospel of Christ and praying for believers we have never met.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 7th January 2018 |
CHAPTER 1
(1) Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
(2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
(3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
It is all too easy to read the bible and miss very important information. The first word of Romans Chapter 1 verse 1 is 'Paul' - the writer of this letter.
With biblical references Ian creates a vivid picture of the man Saul - a hater of Christ and determined persecutor of Christians. Intelligent, well educated, a Pharisee with complete
knowledge of scripture. Believing Jesus to be a blaspheming false Messiah Saul sought out believers with his intention being to eradicate Christianity.
Then he encountered Jesus. As is the case with all believers he became a 'new man', a 'new creation' named Paul.
This was a miracle.
If you are a believer you too are a miracle.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 14th January 2018 |
(1) Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
(2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
(3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
What must a person do to achieve salvation and everlasting life? As it was with Paul our salvation is only by the grace of God. Grace means unmerited favour.
The Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholicism and others teach that salvation is achieved by what man does but that is contrary to what God's word tells us. They may refer
to God's grace but the biblical meaning is changed and man is told he must contribute in some way.
What would the Jews have thought about 'grace' when Paul preached to them?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 21st January 2018 |
(4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
(5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
Here Paul tells us that the gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord was promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures Paul refers to here are what we call the Old Testament. Why is it that some people find it difficult to see Jesus Christ and the Gospel in the Old Testament?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 28th January 2018 |
. . . the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures
Continuing the theme of last week's sermon Ian explains how the Old Testament is all about Christ - the saviour to come.
The first question answered is, why does mankind need a saviour? Ian explains the origin of sin.
Genesis 3 tells of our saviour and Genesis 4 tells of the only way we can approach God.
Genesis 6 tells of how sin has spread and how God closes Noah in to keep him. God closes believers in with Christ to keep them.
Genesis 22 tells of a father willing to sacrifice his ONLY son Isaac (the promised son - not Ishmael). God sacrificed His only son for us.
And so the Old Testament continues, constantly telling us of Christ. Ian explains why we have a lengthy detailed genealogy and asks, 'How would you know Christ when He comes?'
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 4th February 2018 |
(2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
(3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
When Paul spread the Gospel he was addressing both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews knew scripture (Old Testament) and were waiting for the Messiah as promised through many
prophecies but foremost in their knowledge was that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. This is why genealogy is important. It proves Jesus as being 'of the seed of David'.
Jesus worked miracles. Was that conclusive proof that he was the Messiah? No. The bible tells us that others worked miracles too.
What sets Jesus apart from all others? What is unique?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 11th February 2018 |
(3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
There are those who would suggest that the resurrection of Christ never happened. Some would say that Jesus was not dead and others suggest that His body was stolen by
His disciples. There are religions teaching that the one crucified wasn't Jesus and even within the general 'Christian' church there are those who say that the resurrection
isn't important.
They are all wrong.
In this sermon Ian presents some of the irrefutable evidence for the crucifxion of Christ and His resurrection.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 18th February 2018 |
(4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Many Christians 'regret' that they didn't become believers earlier in life. Why didn't they see the truth sooner?
Ian explains how God is in control. He appoints who will do what and He appoints when the time is right. It is Satan who reminds believers of their past and when we are caused
to think on these things we should remind Satan of his future.
We are where we are purely by the Grace of God. Paul's letters are for all the Saints. That is all believers - the Holy Ones - those who are set apart from the rest for God.
Why are the saved changed in heart and mind when 'born again'? Does 'obedience to the faith' mean they HAVE to keep God's commandments and do His will?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 25th February 2018 |
(5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
(6) among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
Paul is writing to an established church of God's saints in Rome but he had never been there. As far as we know none of the apostles of the time had been to Rome so how had
this church been founded? There have been many great evangelists but the majority of people find their faith by being introduced to the gospel through a friend.
The bible identifies spiritual gifts given to believers. Was this for a short time in history or do supernatural gifts apply to us today?
What is the 'spiritual gift' Paul mentions in v.11?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 4th March 2018 |
(7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
. . .
(11) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—
Paul's plans were hindered on more than one occasion not due to illness or lack of finance but because the Holy Spirit had other priorities for him. We should
examine our motivation when we make our own plans and lay our intentions before our Lord for guidance.
Like Paul we are to take the gospel to everyone we can, wherever and whenever we can.
There are few who will welcome us and few who will listen. We will be abused and ridiculed. We may not see any 'success'. Why then should we do it?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 18th March 2018 |
(13) Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as
among the other Gentiles.
(15) So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
Paul preached to anyone and everyone. That is what we should all be doing so what is it that hinders us? Do we say we are not good at speaking or that we are shy or that we are
afraid we will make a mess of it?
What other reason could prevent us warning people that they are heading for eternal misery? Do we offer a theological reason?
The gospel is not difficult - 'Christ died for your sins'. A child can understand it and we know that to some it is a 'stumbling block' and to others 'foolishness' but it is not
for us to be choosey as to who we share the gospel with.
Why are there those who are offended by the message of the cross? Should we avoid trying to share with them?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 25th March 2018 |
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
(17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Many churches today cut out parts of the gospel that they think will offend some people and sound foolish to others. The concern is more for pleasing man in an attempt to
increase the numbers in the congregation. A person cannot be saved unless they understand what sin is, acknowledge they have sinned and repent - putting their faith in Christ.
Believers cannot convert (save) others but are to share the message of the gospel (the good news). As an example Ian uses the guard delivering a message to Barrabas telling him
that someone else has died in his place. The guard delivers the message but it is a higher power that is responsible for him being freed.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 1st April 2018 |
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
We will all face judgement at the end of our earthly life. God is righteous and a just judge so how will we be dealt with?
We have God's law to show us that we are all sinners and we have the gospel of Christ to tell us how we can be forgiven and made righteous in His sight. People may argue that
God is forgiving and so they have nothing to worry about. Despite knowing what God's law says they live their life in a contrary manner in the expectation that it will not matter.
They are wrong.
What about the person who doesn't know God's law - will he be automatically forgiven?
Ian gives examples of people breaking the (man's) law both with and without knowledge and today he also speaks about antisemitism and replacement theology.
There is no automatic forgiveness and we cannot earn righteousness on our own merit. How then can we become righteous and be forgiven?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 8th April 2018 |
(17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
In eighteen minutes Ian gives an introduction to the verses we are about to look at in detail during the coming weeks.
This is a 'short' sermon due to us having the blessing of a testimony from a lady recently accepting Christ as saviour.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 15th April 2018 |
(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Sin is like a hereditary disease that came to us all from Adam and it always results in death. All the wrong behaviours and beliefs we see in today's society are the symptoms
of that disease - how are we to 'treat' this sickness?
When you have a sickness you would be wise to go to a doctor. Ian uses this to demonstrate that you would want to know the cause of your problem and not simply be treated for the
symptoms. Using crime as a further example - what we see are symptoms but most people only have ideas about treating those symtoms, e.g. more policemen on the streets, more resources
to combat crime, greater punishments, better education, etc. These ideas ignore the cause - sin.
God is the great physician. He gives us the bad news first - we are all sinners. Then He gives us the good news - we can be saved.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 22nd April 2018 |
(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
(19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
We have all sinned and God wants us to understand sin in our society. In these verses many sins are identified and we are to note that only one on the list is against man's law.
Murder is in most cases against man's law but even that has become a matter of choice if the victim is a child in the womb.
Why are sins acceptable or even promoted as desirable as a lifestyle choice? Why are some not seen as sin at all?
Man continues to promote disbelief in God and he redefines evil things as good and good things as evil. Ian gives examples.
Psalm 14 says, 'The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
Why do people deny the obvious existence of God? They 'suppress the truth in unrighteousness'.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 29th April 2018 |
(20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so
that they are without excuse,
(21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
(22) Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Man knows instictively that there is a God, the heart and mind say so and looking around we can all see the obvious work of a creator. Life has not self-assembled and we do not exist
as something having evolved from a primordial soup. Man's inner knowledge of the existence of a god can be seen in all cultures and countries throughout history.
Ian looks at a handful of the thousands of gods invented by man and the way some belief systems are fed to us via the underlying themes in films and TV.
Why then does the world not recognise and worship the one true God? They choose not to. They have 'exchanged the truth of God for the lie' and for this they bring punishment on themselves.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 13th May 2018 |
(23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
(24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
(25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Many who say they believe in God have a god that is a product of man's imagination. Even among church leaders they discuss and change what God says to meet the wishes
of today's society. They refer to incorrect translations of the bible or choose to preach only passages that will be acceptable to people and miss the parts that people don't want to hear.
How is 'sin' defined? Does it mean 'bad things' or what is 'wrong'? Without God's word who decides what is right and wrong?
Today Ian looks at what God tells us about sin including such as LGBT which is now widely accepted in the world - a biblical matter often not mentioned in many churches.
To get it 'right' and live as we should we must refer to the maker's handbook and not the opinions of man.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 20th May 2018 |
(26) For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
(27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in
themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
The world is sick and needs the physician. People do not think it worthwhile 'to retian God in their knowledge'.
Why? Because of who He is and what He is lke. God's standards and requirements are inconvenient to those who despite beginning with an innate knowledge of God's existence
and a conscience that can tell right from wrong choose to adopt a god of their making and re-educate their conscience.
To accept the truth of God as He is and what
He tells us with a judgement to come would be a restraint on sin. Ian tells us an imaginary tale of what would happen if he wanted to rob a bank and were to imagine that there
is no law enforcement, no court or judgement and no punishment.
Some of the consequences of dismissing God are listed in verses 29 - 31.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 10th June 2018 |
(28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
(29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are
whisperers,
(30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
Paul has in chapter one been primarily addressing Gentiles who had started with no knowledge of scripture but like all people knew in their hearts that there is a God and
man has no excuse for suggesting otherwise when the evidence of His creation is seen all around us.
The Jews however were privileged. They had knowledge of God through the scriptures (the old testament in our bibles) and many thought that their dedication to and adherence
to Mosaic laws would bring them salvation. Paul now addresses such Jews - those making judgement about others without recognising their own sin.
No person is in a position to judge others as we are all sinners.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 17th June 2018 |
CHAPTER 2
(1) Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
(2) But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
(3) And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
We are to remember that all the disciples including Judas shared the 'last supper'. Judas had all but Jesus fooled. None suspected.
That is how it is today. There are those who talk the talk, can be knowledgable of scripture, be active within the church and call themselves Christian. People accept them as such
but because a person says they are a Christian does not make it so.
Can their Christianity be evidenced by what they do? The bible says believers 'have the mind of Christ' and we begin to see things as Christ sees them. We have new goals and
priorities thinking more of what God wants and not of what we want.
Does this stop Christians making bad decisions?
Ian looks at examples of those who knew later that they had made bad decisions. Judas betrayed Jesus. Peter denied Jesus and other disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested. King
David lusted, lied and murdered to get what he wanted. How were they affected by what they had done?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 1st July 2018 |
CHAPTER 2
(4) Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Verses in the bible are sometimes read by people attributing incorrect meaning due to taking a portion out of context. Many people have done that with these verses which
when read alone suggest that man can bring about his own salvation by doing good works.
Taken out of context it could be mistakenly assumed that Paul was writing about the gospel but he wasn't. He was writing about the law.
Ian explains about being 'under the law', the impossibility of achieving salvation by living according to the law and with one of his own little strories of a 'good man'
breaking the law in driving a car gives an example of penalty imposed by the law.
We are to remember that 'gospel' means good news.
The law is NOT good news. It is NOT given to encourage us to do better. It is given to show us that we NEED the gospel of Christ.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 15th July 2018 |
(6) who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
(7) eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
(8) but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,
(9) tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
(10) but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
When each of us is judged by God there will be no partiality, favouritism or prejudice because He is righteous and just. In human judgements of a lawbreaker there may
be mitigating circumstances but God's law is absolute and the penalty is certain and not negotiable.
An individual may think he can plead being a 'special case' due to personal circumstances or point a finger at others who he believes have done greater wrongs.
He may wish to
argue that God doesn't understand the temptations, abuse, persecution, and hatred he has endured or being shunned by his own people wanting him dead. Such reasoning chooses
to forget that Christ came as a man and suffered all these things and more. He has better understanding than anyone.
We cannot defend ourselves against God's judgement and we are all guilty. Those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour have Him as their advocate.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 29th July 2018 |
(11) For there is no partiality with God.
(12) For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
(13) (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
(14) for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,
(15) who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
(16) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
If people were to be asked what they consider are the greatest advantages to be born with many are likely to reply with having financial wealth so they can afford to buy anything
they want, or they may say to be born into a free country where they have freeedom of speech and choice of lifestyle rather than a tyrannical dictatorship, or perhaps they would
choose to have loving parents who instill in them a good moral code and ensure a good education but in all such answers the person gives consideration to benefits applicable
only during this life.
All people are going to live consciously in eternity in one of two places. Either surrounded by love in heaven or separated from God in hell.
The Jews who Paul is writing to
believe they have the greatest possible advantage anyone could have as they are God's 'chosen' people. This is correct in that before anyone else they knew the need for
salvation and they had received scripture - God's word.
The problem Paul addressed is still a problem today in that people may be knowledgable in scripture and they 'talk the talk' thinking that will perhaps ensure their salvation but
they do not apply it to themselves and live their life according to God's word.
The philosophy of man rules most people and man will always change that philosophy. As an example - man has changed what was known only a few years ago to be unnatural behaviour
into something today perfectly acceptable and boasted of in our society and churches influenced by mans philosophy are often seen to be ignoring God's unchanging standards so
as to be popular.
Do YOU apply God's standards to yourself and live by them?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 5th August 2018 |
(17) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,
(18) and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
(19) and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
(20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.
(21) You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
(22) You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
(23) You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
(24) For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.
Circumcision is part of 'Jewishness' and In Paul's letter to the Romans he explains to them that those who believe they have their salvation because they are circumcised
have misunderstood scripture.
Circumcision is first mentioned in the bible in Genesis 17 where God makes it clear that "it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you". Ian gives the example of a
wedding ring worn by married couples being a sign of their love and trust for each other - a covenant they have with each other. Loss of a ring does not make them any less
married and a single person does not become married by wearing a ring.
God made a covenant with Abraham and circumcision is a sign of that covenant. A circumcised Jew who is without Christ as their Lord does not have salvation and is no better off
than the gentile without Christ.
It is to be understood that like baptism, circumcision is a sign, a token that represents something but in itself does not bring salvation.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 12th August 2018 |
(25) For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
(26) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
(28) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
(29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Ian begins by mentioning Replacement Theology - a false belief system that claims the Jews are no longer God's chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the
nation of Israel. Those who propagate such ideas claim their 'evidence' comes directly from scripture and the verses that are always quoted are taken out of
context and by using such a method the bible can be 'made to say' anything.
In these verses Paul continues to explain that the advantages of 'Jewishness' and the outward signs of righteousness are what man sees and praises but all that can bring approval
by God is from the heart and not external. A man may praise one who has never murdered and never committed adultery and appear righteous but if in his heart he has hated or lusted then he is not
righteous in the sight of God.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 19th August 2018 |
(28) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
(29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
In his letter Paul has written about the Gentiles and has been telling the Jews that although they have 'the law' and circumcison they are no better off if all they have
are outward signs as they are all under sin. In verses one and three he now puts the question that he anticpates they will ask, 'Does the Jew have any advantage?' and he
answers, 'Much in every way'.
The Jews had scripture - all pointing to Christ. They had precise prophecy that would enable them to recognise the ONE saviour (so eliminating all other would-be's) but many
had rejected Him.
Some people today believe that because of that rejection and unfaithfulness God cut off Israel and moved His promise for the future of His people to those who are His church - that is, believers.
As Ian mentioned last week this is known as 'Replacement Theology' and is unbiblical. Taking verses of scripture out of context a person may quote verses from the book of Hosea
suggesting a reference to unfaithful Israel but taken in context it demonstartes God's restoration of Israel by His grace.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 26th August 2018 |
(1) What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?
(2) Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
(3) For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?
(4) Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:
"That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."
Paul continues to explain to God's 'chosen people' that despite the advantages they have as Jews they are all sinners just the same as Gentiles but despite their (Israel's)
rejection of Christ, God's promise for the restoration of their nation will be fulfilled.
God made various promises to man and they are of two forms. There are conditional covenants such as that made with Moses which are of the form, if you do this then God will do that,
and there are unconditional covenants such as those made with David and Abraham which say that God will do this NO MATTER WHAT.
The unconditional covenant with Abraham promises that despite their unfathfulness and rejection of Christ, God will return the Jews to their land and restore them as His people.
The false teaching of Replacement Theology is CHALLENGING GOD'S FAITHFULNESS in keeping His promises.
Abraham, Solomon, David, Peter, etc. can all be shown to have been unfaithful to God. Did God discard them? No. Ian explains why.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 2nd September 2018 |
(5) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)
(6) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?
(7) For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
(8) And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"? - as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
(9) What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
When asked, many people will say they think they are righteous. They compare themselves with others and although perhaps acknowledging they may have small flaws
they cannot possibly be considered like Hitler or other evil-doers. They see two extremes of black and white and decide on a place as a shade of grey somewhere inbetween.
God does not have such shades of grey. Man is either righteous or he is not.
In this letter Paul has explained that all have sinned. He has addressed the Gentiles who did not have the law and the Jews who did and explained that the Jews who had the
advantages of scripture were no better off.
Do not compare yourself with other men. Compare yourself with Christ and accept that we all fall short of God's standards.
In today's verses Paul summarises the case for the prosecution.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 23rd September 2018 |
(10) As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;
(11) There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.
(12) They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."
. . .
(18) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
(19) Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
God's law clearly shows that all men are sinners and the Jews had the law in scripture to instruct them but those who know nothing of scripture are nonetheless subject to
the same law and have innate knowledge. God has given everyone a conscience. They may choose to ignore it but All men have knowledge of right and wrong and have a sense of justice.
Many refuse to acknowledge their sin. Ignoring what God tells us man may say that some things are sin but others are not and these opinions can be seen to change over time.
Man changes his mind - God does not.
Some say that sin does not matter because God is loving and forgiving. Some will say their sinful lifestyle is the way God made them. Others will remove God from the equation
saying that what we see are remnants of our animalistic behaviour as we have evolved.
All who say such things are deluded as is the atheist who says he does not believe in God and so will not face judgement. You may choose not to believe in police but after robbing a bank
you will become aware of your error.
Secular society aside there are leaders in churches who ignore God's word and choose what they regard as sin and what is not. A man cannot be saved unless he understands he is a
sinner but there are preachers who never mention sin. Their focus is on adding numbers to their congregation and the last thing they want is for anyone to feel guilt and a need
to repent - it is bad for business.
In this letter the Apostle Paul makes four important points -
v 10-12 the universality of inherited sin from Adam.
v 11-12 the effect of sin on the heart. It affects the way you think.
v 13-14 sin affects what we say by way of profanity, slander, lies, etc.
v 15-17 sin affects actions.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 30th September 2018 |
(12) They have all turned aside;They have together become unprofitable;There is none who does good, no, not one."
(13) "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips";
(14) "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."
(15) "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(16) Destruction and misery are in their ways;
(17) And the way of peace they have not known."
(18) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
(19) Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
(20) Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Ian reiterates the important points of recent sermons that Paul has made clear to Jews and Gentiles alike.
Due to Adam we are all born with a sinning nature and we have and still do sin. It is impossible to earn our own salvation by obeying any rules and God gave us His law so that
we can understand how far short of His standards we fall. We are to try to see ourselves as God sees us.
In the verses that are to come we will be given good news.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 14th October 2018 |
(10) As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;
In his letter the Apostle Paul has made it absolutely clear that no matter whether Jew or Gentile, advantaged or not and with or without God's Law as given through Moses,
ALL are sinners and there is nothing anyone can do of their own accord to become righteous before God.
From birth we are all sick in sin. Paul says, 'But now' and explains to us the good news that although there is nothing
we can do to help ourselves there IS a cure.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 28th October 2018 |
(21) But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
Christ paid the penalty for our sin and through God's grace we can become righteous before Him.
Man made religions falsley teach that man has to 'do something' in addition to having faith in Christ and they either misuse the law or impose their own rules that are to be
followed. This is what happens today in cults and abberant versions of Christianity just as it was with the Pharisees. They may agree we are saved by God's grace but they say
there is something we must additionally contribute.
For all true beleivers God's word tells us He forgives ALL our iniquities - they were dealt with on the cross. As a saved person a man will WANT to do something but it is not a
condition of his salvation. He will desire to read the bible which tells us God does not want us to be ignorant. It is up to the individual as to how quickly they progress in understanding.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 4th November 2018 |
(22) even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
When Paul says 'apart from the law' some say that this means the law belongs to Old Testament times and was put aside but that is quite clearly wrong as shown by what Paul says
later (verse 31) and by what Jesus Himself tells us (read Matthew 5 v 17). Ian begins today by asking, 'What is God's law and how does God see man as he is both before and after
having faith in Christ?'
Looking at the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15 v 11) we see that the father is loving and gracious toward the son who rebelled and went off 'doing his own thing'. This is the
behaviour of all sinners. Something prompted that son to think of his father and to recognise he was in error and undeserving to be called his father's son.
What happens when such a son returns to the father? He is forgiven and welcomed as one who was lost and now found, dead but now alive. The father gives him the 'best' robe. In the
same way God forgives those who are born again and he clothes believers in His righteousness. Ian continues in explaining to us the significance of the ring given to the son and the calf that is
killed.
All who are saved are reminded by Satan of things from the past and the way they were but the father chooses to forget the way the sinner was and looking on him now He sees him
clothed in righteuosness.
Finally - are we saved by our faith? No. Salvation is by God's grace through faith.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 11th November 2018 |
(21) But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
. . .
. . .
(31) Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
We begin to look at what Paul wrote in this verse and keeping in mind that he was writing to believers three elements are identified that are crucial for us to understand.
They are Justification, Grace and Redemption.
Listen to Ian sharing his experience of being unsure of his salvation as a young Christian and how finding the explanation of justification by faith brought him peace as it does for
all understanding believers.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 18th November 2018 |
(24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
This is of great imporatnce. Justification is given to us at the moment we become believers. It is given to us 'freely' by God's grace. Grace means unmerited favour, it is not
deserved and it is impossible to earn. A justified person is seen by God to be righteous. That does not mean the person is suddenly righteous but that God chooses to see them
as righteous.
Man is not saved BY faith but THROUGH faith by God's grace.
God has shown a wonderful expression of His love for us at a tremendous cost explained by the word 'redemption'. In redeeming we buy back / pay off a debt. It is deliverance
procured by payment of a ransom. That ransom was paid by Christ.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 2nd December 2018 |
(24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
A person reading the gospel for the first time would not immediately understand when Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for
your children."(Luke 23:28). This man has done nothing but good but has been accused, tried, found guilty, been subjected to ridicule, pain and humiliation and is now to be
tortuously crucified as a criminal. Why did this happen? Who was to blame? How could someone not weep about such circumstances?
It was the Jews who conspired, lied and demanded His death but it was the Romans who carried out their wishes. Both Jews and Gentiles sinned in this event but it was God who
'set forth as a propitiation' which means to show something publicly, the shedding of blood and death of Christ.
Ian explains this word 'propitiation' translated from the original and how the sacrificing of innocent animals symbolically carrying man's sin appeased God's wrath. This all
pointed to the one and only sacrifice that could satisfy God's wrath and save those who would put their faith in Christ and follow Him.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 9th December 2018 |
(25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were
previously committed,
All actions have consequences and we are all hard-wired with a sense of justice. If we break the law there has to be a consequence and man's laws dictate a range of
penalties according to how he rates the seriousness of the offence.
Some people live their life thinking that God's laws don't really matter and would argue that God is all loving and will therefore forgive all sin But this is not what God
has told us. God does not have a varying degree of penalties for offenders. The penalty for breaking any of God's laws is death.
God IS loving and forgiving but also righteous and just so there has to be a way God can demonstrate His love and forgiveness while at the same time being righteous and
administering justice according to His law.
He has done this through His Son who bore all our sin in crucifixion so that we have the opportunity to repent and follow Him.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 16th December 2018 |
(26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Today we take a break from the book of Romans for a family morning service where the children remain in the main hall to hear the message instead of going into Sunday School.
By means of playing the 'pass the parcel' game Ian uses Christmas wrapping paper to identify things that people associate with Christmas.
As the children unwrap layers from the parcel we find -
Father Christmas, decorative lights, a tree, reindeer and a snowman. We arrive at what appears to be a very ordinary plain box but inside is a reminder that THE Father gave everyone
the most wonderful gift ever - His Son Jesus Christ, the light of the world who bore our sin when He was crucified on a wooden cross. He is held dear by the Father and Christians and
will return to reign on earth and believers will reign with Him. Christ and those who are His will never melt away like the snowman but will live forever.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 23rd December 2018 |
LUKE CHAPTER 2
(7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
A King was born. How incredible that He is born in the most humble of circumstances and God's angels announce such an event to shepherds of all people!
Wise men are given a sign of this special event. So special they travelled to investigate.
The shepherds told others and the wise men told others. Some believed and some rejected. This continued through the life of Jesus and continues today with those of all walks of
life falling into the categories of those who receive Him or those who reject and blaspheme Him.
Ian asks of the unbeliever, 'why did the angels say they brought good tidings (good news)'? Where is the 'peace and goodwill to all men'?
Why are there wars - what is the underlying cause?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 23rd December 2018 |
LUKE CHAPTER 2
(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
(10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
(14) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
SHOULD a Christian boast of his salvation?
Ian begins with a story of a man in peril. He has fallen overboard and being unable to swim is thrashing about. A stranger swims to the rescue and being a qualified lifesaver
tells the man to stop trying to save himself which cannot help but to trust in him. Putting his faith in the lifesaver the man is carried safely to shore.
When sharing his experience with others should the man boast of anything he did to help himself? Obviously he cannot boast that his thrashing about saved him but what about his
decision to put his faith in the lifesaver?
All born again believers have put their faith in God. Should they boast of having done that?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 30th December 2018 |
ROMANS CHAPTER 3
(27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Misguided people have said that the Jews are different to everyone else in that they have their salvation simply because of their 'Jewishness' (Duel Covenant Theory).
In his letter to the Romans Paul is now bringing a portion to conclusion - In the eyes of God both Jews and Gentiles are the same - all are sinners and salvation is nothing to
do with nationality, your parentage or anything you do. It is only by the grace of God that man can repent, put his faith in Christ and have salvation.
Some have said that this makes the law void but Paul refutes such ideas and Ian gives Bible passages giving us clear understanding by Jesus' own words.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 6th January 2019 |
(28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
(29) Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,
(30) since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
(31) Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
Having felt confident of their salvation by their 'Jewishness' the Jews did not like the truth of salvation being by the grace of God alone and not by anything man can do for himself.
There was an insistence that man must contribute in some way and this false teaching is seen today in ALL religions except biblical Christianity.
Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. all impose their own rules.
Judaism, Islam and Christianity all hold Abraham as patriarchal and today we see how the apostle Paul reminds people of how Abraham was acceptable to God. It was not because of his
good works, or his circumcision or by keeping the law.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 13th January 2019 |
CHAPTER 4
(1) What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
(2) For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
(3) For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
(9) Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
Ian gives a concise explanation of salvation by the grace of God through faith in Christ. A glimpse at such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Solomon, David, etc. clearly shows
that these men did not have their salvation because they were 'good' - exactly as one of the robbers crucified alongside Christ was not saved by being 'good'. They were all
saved by God's grace in the same way all believers are.
History is full of those who have misunderstood or ignored God's word and have tried to earn their salvation by doing things that they thought would make them favourable to God.
In his letter Paul makes it clear that salvation is by grace alone, not earned and not grace plus anything you can contribute.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 27th January 2019 |
(4) Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
(5) But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Christians are watched at all times. Any person claiming to be a believer will immediately be challenged by society and especially the media for any misdemeanour no matter
how great or how trivial in man's eyes. Secular society is hypocritically condemning and Christians are in agreement that there is no place for a hypocrite in teaching or
preaching of God's word.
In these verses Paul makes reference to King David who was a special man, loved by God, saved by grace and who lived by faith. Was he a Godly and righteous man? Was he 'good'?
David succumbed to temptation and he sinned. In his initial lust for Bathsheba sins were compounded and it is immediately seen he obviously broke seven commandments. What are we
told of how this affected him? He was a man who had everything most people would say is all they need to be happy but he knew he had lost his close relationship with God.
Is David a good role model? Was it right that people should continue looking up to him? Although there is no condoning of David's behaviour Psalm 51 tells of his repentance and he
had God's forgiveness.
Believers are to celebrate how blessed they are. Any man who repents and turns to God will be forgiven. Does that mean that a person can continue in his sins in the expectation
of being forgiven?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 3rd February 2019 |
(6) just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
(7) "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;
(8) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin."
Paul refers to a promise made to Abraham by God. What exactly is meant by 'heir of the world' and his 'seed'?
At the time this promise was made Abraham had no heir, in natural terms it could not be expected to be possible and he owned no land of his own not even a tiny fragment of Canaan
but Abraham believed.
This promise did not depend on Abraham's obeyance of the law (given through Moses) which came hundreds of years later. Ian explains how this promise not only refers to Israel but
to something greater - the whole world of both Jews and Gentiles. This promise of inheritance is for ALL believers.
Do you believe as Abraham did?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 10th February 2019 |
(13) For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
(16) Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to
those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
Abraham was a man of faith and we need to understand what 'faith' is. Much rubbish is taught on this topic but the faith of Abraham relates to belief.
These verses tell us that Abraham believed. What did Abraham believe? What do you believe? Do you believe in God? Satan and the demons believe in God. When we look at Abraham do
we see that his belief affected his life or did he believe in an intellectual way?
Belief in God does not bring salvation.
Abraham believed God. He and his wife were old. They had never had children and his wife was barren but Abraham believed God when he was promised a child and told he would be the
father of many nations. It is the fact that Abraham believed God that it was 'was accounted to him for righteousness'.
The son promised to Abraham was Isaac (not Ishmael). In Genesis Isaac is referred to as Abraham's 'only son' and the account of Abraham's intended sacrifice of Isaac gives insight
to the reasoning of Abraham when he said to his servants, 'we will come back to you'.
All scripture has application for us and the way we live. Paul was not inspired to write these verses simply to give more information about Abraham but it is also 'for us' (v23-24).
True biblical faith like that of Abraham's comprises three elements: Hear the word of God, Believe it, Act on it.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 24th February 2019 |
(17) (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do
not exist as though they did;
(18) who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
(19) And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
(22) And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."
(23) Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,
(24) but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,
(25) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Man in his world has no inner peace. He asks himself how he can be happy. This is the wrong starting point. Man was created to have a relationship with God and unless man knows
this and is fully right with God he will never have full happiness and peace.
Christians know the one true God. Islam believes in one god as does Judaism and so some suggest we are in agreement on this matter but the true God of the bible
is known in three persons - the trinity. In these verses Paul has the emphasis on God the Father. He has control of all things. The Father is the planner with purpose, the Son completed the work of redemption and the Holy
Spririt is the one who applies it.
In verse 25 we read the word 'because' (NKJV) but in other versions of the bible it is translated more accurately as 'for'. Ian explains this.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 3rd March 2019 |
(22) And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."
(23) Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,
(24) but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,
(25) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
In this introduction to chapter five Ian recaps what Paul says to us about Justification by Faith and the importance of biblical doctrine.
Every item of the 'Armour of God' has to do with knowing, understanding and applying the doctrines of scripture and yet there are those who want to put doctrine aside on the pretext
of all joining together in love as though love and doctrine are mutually exclusive.
Paul is now going to show us some of the glorious benefits and blessings of justification by faith and begins in chapter five with our assurance of salvation.
Whether believers or not sooner or later we all face tribulations of life. There are anxieties, worries and a lack of peace in the world and people know things are not as they
should be. How do people react, what is the answer?
Believers have hope. What could take their salvation from them?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 17th March 2019 |
CHAPTER 5
(1) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
(2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Paul begins these verses with the word 'therefore' identicating he will now give us the result of what he has previously explained. He now tells believers of their assurance of salvation
and we are to be given a list of our blessings. Where better to start than with our peace with God.
The unbeliever cannot experience that peace. He constantly seeks things he can change to make his life better but no matter what he does he always has enmity with God. The 'peace' Paul
mentions is unknown to the world who think of peace as being a cessation of hostility.
Any enmity between people or nations needs a mediator and Jesus is the one and only mediator between man and God. There is no way to the Father except through the Son and it is only through
Him that man can have peace with God.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 24th March 2019 |
(1) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
(2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The only people who have any 'hope in the glory of God' are genuine true believers in Christ but many people today believe that all the world's religions have merit and if there
really is a judgement day they will be accepted by God provided they have lived a 'good' life. That is not what God has said.
The word 'hope' usually refers to something that we want and perhaps anticipate will happen but it may not necessarily be so and can cause disappointment. Biblical 'hope' does not
fail. It does not disappoint. It is certain. If your hope of salvation lies in what you can do or in another person then you are heading for disappointment.
What is the 'glory of God' that the believer has hope in? Where is your hope?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 7th April 2019 |
(2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
All people have tribulations - the problems and difficulties that we encounter or constantly suffer throughout life and the sorts of tribulations suffered by Christians are
no different to those suffered by non-believers. They actually suffer more due to persecution for their faith.
Although the tribulations are the same Paul is relating how and why the believer responds differently to others during difficulties. The genuine bible-believing Christian is not
simply following some religious practices but is in a relationship with God the Father through Jesus. Even death loses it's sting (1 Cor 15:55).
Some people have the idea that Christian life should be all 'sunshine and roses', God should spare His believers from such difficulties but Jesus said that that they would have them.
In these verses we are told there is good reason that God allows such things to come upon us and the results bring eternal benefits.
When Paul says, 'we glory (boast) in tribulation' he is not claiming to enjoy the experiences but understands the purpose and loves the results.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 5th May 2019 |
(3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
(4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul had pleaded with God for the 'thorn in his flesh' which afflicted him to be taken away but it remained (2 Cor. 12 v7-10). He came to understand the purpose and the benefits.
There has to be a balance between a person's trials and tribulations, and the benefit obtained by perseverance through them. Ian gives an example of someone training to run a marathon
and getting themselves fit for the purpose. We are given published tips on how to overcome 'hitting the wall' when running - that is the point when the body has had enough, fatigue
sets in and only through perseverance can the runner continue and succeed rather than giving up. We can see similarities in the Christian life. In 'running the race' there
are times of fatigue when the easiest option is to give up but similar to the marathon runner we are to top up on spiritual carbohydrates and persevere when feeling drained.
We must keep making an effort despite all difficulties. Such perseverance produces character.
Among our fellowship there are those who have particular tribulations and Margaret shares her experience of the power of prayer and fellowship while dealing with cancer treatments.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 12th May 2019 |
(3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
(4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
In these verses people who have not yet come to know Christ are described as 'without strength' meaning weak and imperfect. They are also referred to as 'sinners' and 'ungodly'
which means wicked.
People can be very offended by such terms as they do not see themselves as being any worse than the next man. They reason as false religions teach that on judgement day the good
things they have done in ife will be weighed against the bad or that by spending their time in charitable works or doing good deeds they will be acceptable to God.
That is not what God's word says.
We are all sinners and can do nothing for ourselves to make us acceptable to God but He gave us a way through the sacrifice of His Son. Christ did not wait for us to make some sort
of effort on our own part but He became flesh and gave his life for us while we were at our worst as enemies of God.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 19th May 2019 |
(6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
(8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Reconciliation with God and Assurance of Salvation.
Today we begin to consider the important subject of the believer’s assurance.
Is it possible to have full assurance of salvation or not? The passage speaks about the believer being reconciled to God, but is that reconciliation eternal? Or is it possible
that someone who has been saved by the grace of God could fall irretrievably from grace and suffer eternal wrath and condemnation? These are serious questions indeed.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 2nd June 2019 |
(8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
(10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
There are those who are Christians in name only but there are those who with all sincerity may worry that they may lose their salvation or may ask the question, "How can I be sure
that I am saved?"
With bible references Ian shows that a true believer knows with certainty that they are saved and he relates an imaginary event to demonstrate that a person saved from drowning
cannot begin to doubt that they were indeed saved. If you had experienced such a situation would you rejoice and tell people about it?
In verse 11 we read the word 'rejoice' which translates from the original of 'boast'. The Apostle Paul had boasted of many things before he came to understanding and this
prompts the question, What do you boast (rejoice) in?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 9th June 2019 |
(11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Peter said (2 Peter 3:16) of Paul's epistles, 'in which are some things hard to understand' - and for many people these few verses may appear difficult but they start with
'therefore' which shows us Paul is telling us the connection to what he has already been explaining. Some versions of the bible put verses 13 - 17 within brackets to indicate
that Paul digresses here to expand his thoughts.
Paul is talking about the heads of two groups of humanity ('all men') who are the first Adam and Christ, the last Adam. All people are either in Adam or in Christ.
This passage compares what they did and the consequences for us all. Ian explains how these 'federal heads' are the representatives of the two groups and how whatever the heads
do or say has consequences for the whole group just as the head of a country deciding to go to war has consequences for all the people of that country.
You are left with the question, Are you still in Adam or by the grace of God have you been taken out and placed in Christ?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 16th June 2019 |
(12) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
(13) (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
(14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
(19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
(21) so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eve was deceived by the devil but Adam was not deceived. He knew he was rebelling against God when he ate the fruit. He was an intelligent man, created upright and perfect
in the image of God but he was also created a 'free' man. He had perfect free will - something that we do not have.
Continuing the explanation we began last week of 'federal heads' and the consequences of their actions we can understand that since Adam the rest of us have not had perfect free will
as due to his action sin entered into this world and we have all been born with a sinning nature.
Ian offers a fictitious story and uses 'Russian Dolls' to clarify how this works.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 23rd June 2019 |
(12) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
Verse 19 says "...by one man's disobedience many were made sinners." And the consequences of Adam's sin have come upon the entire human race. Those consequences include death and judgement and condemnation. Man also inherits a sin nature from Adam and that is why everyone does sin. What hope is there then for the fallen human race?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 30th June 2019 |
(19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
In recent weeks we have seen how through Adam sin, death, judgement and condemnation came into the world and affects all the human race.
This morning Ian shows how that first Adam was a 'type' of Christ and using the passage compares and contrasts what came upon the human race through the first man Adam with
what comes upon Redeemed humanity through Christ - the last Adam.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 7th July 2019 |
(20) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
(21) so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
After summarising recent sermons regarding the two Federal Heads with every person being in either Adam or Christ Ian looks at the last two verses of Chapter 5 and explains
how the Law given through Moses some 2,500 years after Adam caused an increase in transgressions - 'offense might abound'.
Prior to the law some sins would obviously be easy to recognise, eg. murder, but many of the 613 commandments and statutes categorised as Moral law, Civil law and Ceremonial law
would not be known. There is also the nature of the human heart which to many seems to make something more attractive when they know it is wrong but Paul goes on to tell us that
'where sin abounded, grace abounded much more'.
However great the transgressions may be God's grace is greater.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 14th July 2019 |
(20) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
(21) so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul contnues to explain the Gospel of Christ and that no matter whether Jew or Gentile we are saved solely by the grace of God and not through our own works.
In this introduction to Chapter 6 Paul anticipates those who suggest that because 'where sin abounds grace abounds more' (Ch.5v20) the believer can do what he wants with disregard
for the law. There are those today who hold that opinion (antinomianism) but the bible makes it clear that it is false.
Ian explains antinomianism and the opposite and equally wrong legalism that says salvation requires some effort on the part of man.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 28th July 2019 |
CHAPTER 6
(1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
(2) Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
'Shall we continue in sin...?'. We look at the difference between 'fall' into sin which is a lapse that may happen to Christians and 'continue' in sin which
cannot happen to a true believer as it is repeated and wilful. How can we know what sin is? The bible is the absolute authority and is unchanging but we live in an age of redefinition
where even churches redefine the word of God so as to conform to what man wants. To them the bible becomes a general guide and may not be seen as relevant to today.
Sin is against the nature of the true believer who has been crucified in Christ and born again so he will not continue in sin.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 4th August 2019 |
(1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
(2) Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
(3) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Ian begins by asking, 'What is a Christian?' and in these verses Paul gives the answer. The true believer died on the cross with Christ and is born again as a new person with a
new nature. Satan reminds us of our past, tempts us and suggests to us that we have not really changed but this is more of his subtle lies. We were slaves to sin but now sin no
longer has any real power over us.
Taking the exodus of the Israeites from Egypt as an example we see how having been freed from slavery to the Egyptians many were soon tempted to think they had been better off as
they were, remembering some of the things they enjoyed and forgetting what they had been given by the grace of God.
In verse 11 Paul says, 'reckon yourselves' and in 2 Corinthians 13:5 we are told to 'Examine yourselves'. Are you walking in the newness of life?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 11th August 2019 |
(4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
. . .
(11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(12) Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
To us the word 'baptism' has become associated with water but Ian explains this is not the original meaning and not what Paul is writing about here in his letter to the Romans.
Water baptism does not save a person.
Believers are baptised into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Whatever is true of Christ becomes true of the believer. Christ was crucified - as believers we were crucified. Christ died - we were immersed into
His death and were buried with Him. Christ was resurrected to newness of life and so are we.
Ian explains.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 15th September 2019 |
(3) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
(4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
In Biblical Christianity believers identify with Christ. They are united with Him. They were with Him in death, burial, resurrection and are with Him in life as a new creation.
This is the hope of true believers. Hope does not mean they are unsure. We are given biblical references that God has made this promise and it is sure and certain. This affects the
way a Christian lives, their attitude and behaviour. Two of our fellowship have recently gone to be with our Lord and of course we and their believing families grieve at being separated
from them at this time but we do not grieve as others do who have no hope (read - 1 Thessalonians Ch.4v 13 - 18)
By way of explanation Ian points us to seed that is planted in the right conditions. The seed itself is no longer a seed. It grows into something much greater just as a believer does
after conversion.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 29th September 2019 |
(3) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
(4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life.
(8) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
Speaking about genuine believers many Christians do not understand their relationship with sin and allow it to continue exerting its power over them.
Christ died to sin - once for all. Believers died with Christ and are freed. Sin no longer has any power over those born again as a new creation. Ian gives as example a story of a
slave freed from slavery by the Americal Civil War but continues to obey his 'master' because he does not understand he is now a free man.
Biblically leaven represents sin and there is a Jewish custom of clearing every bit of leaven from the home. We are to examine our own lives and remove everything that has any
sinful influence.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 6th October 2019 |
(6) knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
(11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(12) Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
(14) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Because Paul preached as he did he was accused of ignoring the Law (Moses) as though having been saved by the grace of God a believer could do whatever he wanted but Paul
says, 'Certainly not!'. The purpose of the Law is to give us knowledge of sin, understand there is a penalty and that we need a saviour.
Ian explains how a true believer does not worry about the Law as it has no power over him but he will as a way of life try to avoid sin because he is in a relationship with Christ.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 13th October 2019 |
(15) What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Continuing from last week Ian mentions those who profess to be Christians but engage in a sinful lifestyle which some churches can be seen to be approving of. Such churches
may preach the gospel of Christ but only in part - mentioning love and forgiveness but ignoring the wrath of God and the need for repentance.
There are no 'free' men. All are slaves to one of two masters - sin or obedience to God and all will reap the rewards of whichever is their master. A man can say all the right
things, attend a church and call himself Christian but that does not make him so. A man is revealed by his attitude consistent with living a life of righteousness.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 20th October 2019 |
(16) Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading
to righteousness?
(17) But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
(18) And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
We are reminded that there is no such thing as a free person. We are all slaves to one of two masters. The true believer is a slave of Jesus Christ and because of love for Him
will keep His word but there are people professing to be Christians who have never changed their ways and continue to behave as the world does.
What does Christ think of such people?
When Paul writes, 'Just as' (v.19) he instructs us to think of how we were before we were saved. What was the 'fruit' of our lives and what wages were we due? He goes on to say,
'So now' and we look at how we are after we are saved, ashamed of the way we were and changed in every way. Ian references Ephesians 4 v 25 for examples of before and after.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 3rd November 2019 |
(19) I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more
lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
. . .
(21) What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
(22) But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
In his letter to the Romans Paul makes clear that the believer is no longer under the law (Moses). In this sermon Ian gives an excellent example based on the incident during the
arrest of Jesus (John 18) when Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. There was no case against Peter to answer as his sin was covered by Jesus.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 10th November 2019 |
(23) For the wages of sin is death, but the [h]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
CHAPTER 7
(6) But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
The people Paul originally wrote this epistle to knew the law of God. Do we? Do we know what it says about the various moral issues that people face today?
It says of those who are justified by faith "you are not under law but under grace" (Rom.6:14); and in Rom 7:4 "you have become dead to the law"; and verse 6 "we have been
delivered from the law". But what does this mean in practical terms? And if the believer is not under law, who is the law for?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 24th November 2019 |
(1) Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?
In his last sermon on Romans Ian posed the question, 'Are you a righteous person?'.
This morning he enables us all to answer that question and also addresses the question, how do I know if I am truly born again?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 1st December 2019 |
(2) For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.
Paul thought he was righteous but he tells us that it was only through the law that he realised he was a sinner.
The Law (Moses) shows that without exception we are all sinners. Man's laws change as his opinions change but God's Law is unchanging. The penalty for breaking any part of God's law
is death but God provided His Son to take that penalty on Himself for anyone who would follow Him.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 15th December 2019 |
(7) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known
covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."
Preached on the last Sunday of the year we take a temporary break from our series on Romans to think on the new year of 2020 and although not trying to make 'resolutions' that
are so often forgotten after a few weeks we should as believers be planning the next stage of our Christian journey.
As with any successful journey we should prepare for many possible eventualities. We are likely to face hostility, meet those who would rob us of our plan and encounter many
distractions. We should not set off assuming all will go well.
The bible tells us to live wisely. All wisdom is found in the bible and it must be part of our plan.
Do those of you who are parents set off on any journey without thought or plan for your children? Of course not and they must be included in your Christian journey plan.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 29th December 2019 |
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 5
(15) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
(16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
(17) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
(18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
There are three purposes to the Law (Moses).
It brings a knowledge of sin to us all just as Paul realised (verse 7)
It points us to the Saviour - Christ.
It keeps the sinner 'under guard' and in check within society.
Ian explains how a person may believe and convince others by his outward appearance that he keeps the first nine commandments but the tenth commandment is in the heart.
What is covetousness and how do you cleanse your heart?
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 5th January 2020 |
ROMANS CHAPTER 7
(8) But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.
(9) I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.
(10) And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death.
(11) For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.
True believers are in constant battle against sin. If it were not so they would be perfect!
Ian explains this difficult passage and how we have all we need to win these battles.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 12th January 2020 |
(19) For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
(20) Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
The sinner who is without conviction is oblivious to his situation but when a person has conviction and wants to do what is right he finds there is a power within him warring
against him.
He knows he will one day face God and judgement and be found guilty. Unable to help himself he cries out for help (verse 24) and then the Holy Spirit introduces him to Jesus. The
divine order in the conversion of souls is, Conviction, Confession, Repentance, Faith, Conversion.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 26th January 2020 |
(21) I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
(22) For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
(23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
(24) O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Ian describes the man that Paul is speaking of - convicted and feeling condemnation.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 9th February 2020 |
CHAPTER 8
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
When Paul writes 'therefore' he is introducing an explanation of the consequence of what he has told us in previous chapters. Ian recaps some significant points before
clarifying what Paul means in verse one.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 16th February 2020 |
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
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Listen to this sermon preached by Ian on 1st March 2020 |
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
We are told there are those who have no condemnation. They are those who are in Christ and therefore will never come under the wrath of God.
Paul uses these words many times but how can we be 'in Christ'? What is a Christian?
The bible is clear in explaining that a person is not a Christian by baptism or by doing good works or by anything said or done. Ian explains we need to be inside the Ark of salvation.
![]() | Watch this sermon preached by Ian on 22nd March 2020 |
(3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the
flesh,
(4) that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Do you understand what Paul means by walking according to the flesh or according to the Holy Spirit? Who is Paul writing about?
Ian explains why people can have their minds on the things of the flesh. How can this change?
![]() | Watch this sermon preached by Ian on 5th April 2020 |
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(5) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
The Resurrection of Christ.
![]() | Watch this sermon preached by Ian on 12th April 2020 |
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LUKE CHAPTER 24
(5) . . . "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
(6) He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,
(7) saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' "
There are many who attend church, call themselves Christian and even believe themselves to be Christians but we should look to what Paul says to understand what it is to be a true Christian.
What sort of things do you set your mind on?
![]() | Watch this sermon preached by Ian on 26th April 2020 |
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ROMANS CHAPTER 8
(6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
(8) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
What do these verses tell us about every genuine Chistian believer?
The Spirit of God dwells in them. Anyone who has had a true conversion experience is filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 3rd May 2020 |
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(10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit
who dwells in you.
Believers are to have a new body and will be in a new Heaven and a new Earth spending eternity with God. What will a new resurrection body be like and when will this occur?
In listening to Ian's explanation you may like to follow his reference to 1 Corinthians 15 v 26-38 and v 42-44. The natural body that we currently occupy is like the seed that is to become far
greater than it is now. The 'shell' of the believer contains all that the person is to become.
None of us know when our physical body will come to a stop and of course we should not ignore it due to knowledge of something much better that is coming but we should all be feeding and
exercising our spiritual bodies as well as our physical bodies.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 10th May 2020 |
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(11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
(13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
We were all born into a kingdom of darkness living according to the flesh but Christians live in a way that is consistent with who they are now. We were slaves of sin but the believer is
free from that master and is now led by the Holy Spirit.
Remembering the wonderful things God has done for us through His love we are to put aside things of the flesh - More and more we are to speak, act and think like Jesus.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 17th May 2020 |
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(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
A comparison is made of those saved through Christ who live according to the spirit and the unsaved sinners in a terrible situation.
This morning's verses describe those who are truly "sons of God". They are led by the Holy Spirit and if a believer strays the Holy Spirit will lead him to repentance. The believer knows
that he has been chosen as an adopted son by God.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 31st May 2020 |
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(15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
(16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
(17) and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Paul tells us, the believer has 'received the Spirit of adoption'(verse 15). What does this mean?
God wants you to know. This is your reassurance ready for when Satan whispers lies in your ear.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 7th June 2020 |
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(15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
(16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
(17) and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Continuing with what the true believer has by way of glorious blessings we are also told that suffering is part of being a Christian believer and this is often because of their faith.
The bible tells us about suffering in Christ's name and that we will suffer. Is this of any benefit?
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 14th June 2020 |
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(17) and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
God's word tells believers they will suffer in the name of Christ as well as all the sufferings of life experienced by non-believers.
We need to keep the biblical perspective on what suffering is and what it accomplishes. No matter how bad it gets it cannot compare with how good it is going to be.
Everything believers suffer now achieves something in us.
Ian reminds us of some of the suffering of Paul and Paul's reflection and understanding. We are asked to consider what has the potential to prevent an athelete winning a race, prevent a boxer
winning a fight or a soldier from winning a battle. What can keep you from your potential.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 28th June 2020 |
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(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
ALL things work together for our good and that includes our suffering. God has a plan for you as a believer and that plan cannot fail.
Ian likens us to a diamond. Attached to dirty rock found buried in the earth which after being processed by a master cutter who removes flaws and blemishes and polishes it into something
beautiful. If it were possible how would that grubby bit of rock feel going through the processes and as the finished product?
God sees you as His finished product. One day you will be as a jewel in His kingdom.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 5th July 2020 |
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(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
. . .
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
In writing of the 'creation' (verse 19) Paul encompasses every created thing except the fallen angels and refers to all believers as the 'sons of God'.
What went wrong with 'creation' which in the beginning God described as very good? There is nothing good about diseases, poisonous plants, venomous animals and predation.
Ian explains, 'creation was subjected to futility' by relating his recent experience of baby birds and also what we all see in changes of the seasons. Paul likens the way things are now to the groans and
labours of birth pangs and makes the comparison to what will be delivered.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 12th July 2020 |
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(19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
(20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
(21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
(22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Many people are happy to accept that "In the beginning" there was a big bang which was at a date according to a best guess by man. This is completely inconsistent with God's word.
Some use Theistic Evolution to try to show that man came into being through God's use of (Darwinian) evolution. Again contrary to the bible.
The evolutionist teaches that life is continually improving but that isn't what we see in the world. The bible tells us that everything started as 'very good' and has since deteriorated.
Is our planet in danger? Is the world really heading for the greatest ever disaster?
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 19th July 2020 |
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(19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
(20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
(21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
(22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 2nd August 2020 |
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(23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
(24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
(25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
What is Paul saying in these verses? Surely believers are already adopted and redeemed?
Ian explains that we will only be fully fulfilled when we are taken home and that is the time we long for and 'groan within ourselves' in waiting. We look forward to being changed and having
a glorified resurrection body.
When will this happen? Understand scripture and look at the world and we see the rapture cannot be far away.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 9th August 2020 |
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(23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
(24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
(25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Ian reminds us of all the benefits Paul has been telling us we have been given as believers and how we understand far more of what is happening in the world than any non-believer but
there is so much about what is happening and even about ourselves that we don't understand.
In certain circumstances we find, "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought".
Why is this?
If diseased we pray for healing. If restrictions are placed upon us we pray that they be lifted. Is it therefore obvious what we should pray for? Perhaps not.
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(26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered.
Our lack of knowledge hinders believers as to what we should pray for but the Holy Spirit helps us. He intercedes on our behalf.
He knows the whole situation. He knows our problems, what is in our heart and what God's plan is. He won't 'do it all' for us but the Holy Spirit is with us to help us.
![]() | Watch this sermon brought to you on 23rd August 2020 |
To watch this sermon with songs of worship use the link below. http://www.chapel-house.org.uk/AudioFiles/23rdRom8.mp4 | |
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Audio only Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered.
(27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Believers are not promised that this life will always be good to us but God's word tells us that ALL things work together for good.
God has His plan for each of us. Before we were saved we experienced good and bad things which brought us to the point where we were ready to accept the gospel.
As believers we have good things in life but we all also still have difficulties, pains and sufferings and you may be experiencing these things at this time but we have the promise that we will be conformed to the
image of Christ.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 6th September 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Ian looks at the controversy that can arise even between genuine believers regarding predestination - mentioned here in verses 29 and 30.
We need to understand what this means and the context in which it is used and so Ian examines the three words 'foreknew', 'predestined' and 'conformed' to clarify.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 13th September 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
People are dead in trespasses and sin and the dead cannot help themselves to get out of being dead. New life can only come from hearing the gospel in some form.
We are to clearly understand that believers have not chosen to be Christians. It is God who chose those who are called to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Do you think it fair that some are chosen and some are not? Are we to question as to why God chose Israel as His people?
Ian asks that all who are saved should think on 'being chosen' as a blessing and a privilege.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 20th September 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
God began a good work in you and He will complete it. Believers will be glorified. In earthly terms we are moving through a process leading to us being like Christ.
We were all born sinners but those who are saved at some time were exposed to the gospel of Christ. How should believers present the gospel to others? There is a tendency to feel that if you
could get them to listen to a particular preacher, watch a DVD or listen to a celebrity testimony the person would see the truth but Ian explains that is not the way it works.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 27th September 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Before we move on to the subject of glorification Ian recaps what it means and what a priviledge it is to be justified.
The commandments bring a realisation of sin and all men will face a righteous judge but those who are justified need have no fear.
If God is for us who can be against us?
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 4th October 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
We are given the individual aspects that result in believers being conformed to the image of Christ so that we may understand.
Ian clarifies that the four things Paul has been guided to tell us - Predestined, Called, Justified and Glorified are past tense. They are done.
As a believer you may not see yoursef as glorified yet but in God's eyes you are and you will be complete at the rapture. What do you think you should do now in preparation?
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 18th October 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
From the moment you come to Christ things are going to be against you. Paul knew what it was like to be attacked by satan and by people too.
As a believer people may try to make your life a misery and get you down but remember, "Blessed are you when men hate you," (Luke 6 v 22) and we are asked this morning, "If God is
for us, who can be against us?"
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 25th October 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
(32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
If God is for us what have we to fear? Who shall bring any charge before God against the true believer? The elect of God are subject to the law of the land as everyone else is but who is it
that will accuse and condemn us before God? The accuser of the brethren is Satan.
The accusations are real. We have indeed sinned in the past, in the present and we will in future. 'He who sins is of the devil' so does this separate us from God?
The devil will stoke the fears and doubts of those who listen to him. Don't listen to him. Listen to God. His word is our defence against Satan.
It is God who justifies and sees the believer as righteous. Christ died and has taken away your iniquity. God accepted that sacrifice to atone for your sins. Does knowing that you are saved
mean it is ok for you to sin?
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 8th November 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
(34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Paul is writing to genuine believers who are saved by the grace of God and these words are not his own opinions but are inspired by God. There are some thinking themselves Christian who
believe one could lose their salvation but Paul makes it absolutely clear this is not possible.
Looking at verse 35. Ian explains what is meant by the situations mentioned. These are things that cause us any physical pain or emotional distress. What of the enemy who suggests that
intense suffering shows that God doesn't really love you and why is Paul so positive that the truly saved are 'more than conquerors'?
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 22nd November 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
(36) As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
(37) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
These passages are God's reassurance to believers that they cannot lose their salvation which has been given by His grace through faith in Christ. The enemy will fail in all attempts to
separate us from God and such attempts will work out to our benefit. All things work out for good.
Ian looks at how 'life' and 'death' may affect us. Can these separate us? How about 'angels', 'principalities' and 'powers'? God's word tells us that nothing can separate us from Him.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 29th November 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
(39) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As introduction to chapter nine Ian asks if we love, hate or are indifferent to Israel as there are people calling themselves Christians who may think it unimportant. Some say that Jews are no longer God's 'chosen people'
and that this term now describes all believers both Jew and Gentile. They say that God cast Israel aside but the Bible tells us explicitly the idea (known as Replacement Theology) is wrong.
God made promises to Israel and He always keeps His word. The Jews have throughout history been a unique and special people. They have contributed greatly to mankind, proportionately more than
any other nation and yet they have always been and still are persecuted simply because they are Jews.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 6th December 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
CHAPTER 9
(1) I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,
(2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.
(3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,
(4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises;
(5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.
Christians have for a long time known what will happen before the Tribulation and looking at what has happened in 2020 we know that those things are happening NOW.
The Tribulation is at seven years a short time period for the 'mark of the beast' to be implimented very quickly to a world that will on the whole be completely accepting of it but experiences
of 2020 demonstrate how this may be accomplished.
Christ will come for His people soon (the Rapture) and we are reminded to be awake and ready.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 27th December 2020 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
(11) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
(13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
(14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Paul is writing about Israel past, present and future. The nation chosen by God as His people and to whom He made certain promises.
There are those who would say that God is finished with Israel but that is not what scripture tells us.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 3rd January 2021 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
CHAPTER 9
(4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises;
With the imminent return of Christ for His people Ian reminds us how important it is that we should be taking the gospel to all people.
We are warned that current world developments are preparing people for fulfilment of prophecy as given in Revelation 13 and 17 and we are given a brief description of the 'first' and 'second'
beasts and what they will accomplish with a willing world population.
It was intended that some video clips would be shown including an advert for the World Economic Forum but we apologise that we experienced technical difficulties which prevented this.
Ian recognises that some will say he is talking conspiracy theories this evening and he reminds us all to be awake and search the validity of all information for ourselves.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 3rd January 2021 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
CHAPTER 13
(11) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
(13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
(14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
God made promises to His people. One is conditional but the others are not and we know that God always keeps His promises.
Ian gives examples of unconditional promises that have been completely fulfilled such as the coming of Christ, partially fulfilled such as the land He promised to His people and promises
yet to be fulfilled.
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Listen to this sermon brought to us by Ian an 10th January 2021 Please click here to comment about this sermon. |
CHAPTER 9
(4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises;
(5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.