Effective ministry in the local church is always undergirded by prayer. As the Word of God takes root in the hearts of His people, we should show genuine care for one another, worship together with awe and reverence, and engage in continuous evangelism. Acts 2:22-47 ESV 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of…
The first chapter of James proceeds quickly from trials to maturity to wisdom. When we begin to recognise trials as a privilege that God allows, we can then discover joy and maturity. This process isn’t natural so we need God’s wisdom for it to properly run its course. James 1:1-15 ESV Greeting 1 James, a…
Some people never know when their time is up. Others may get indicators and Hezekiah was in this group. God graciously let him know so that he could have time to prepare himself. Hezekiah responds by praying to the Lord. Here we see his humbleness before God, seeking Him, not accusing or defying Him but…
As we explore Jabez and his story of pain, we can discover the comfort of Christ and learn how to avoid a soft prosperity gospel. We can apply Jabez faithfully in ways that lead to true spiritual blessings of comfort, peace, wisdom and strength to steady us in the press of everyday life. The Lord…
This message focuses on Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9 and shows that it is driven by the Bible, Focussed on God and is controlled by Shared Contrition. Daniel 9 English Standard Version Daniel’s Prayer for His People 9 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was…
When Daniel prayed for his people he focused on God’s holiness, recognising Israel’s sin. As we mourn over our sin and failings, our attention is drawn to God’s provision for sin in the Gospel and we rejoice in the salvation available to us in Jesus Christ. Daniel 9:1-19 English Standard Version Daniel’s Prayer for His…
For most of us, 2020 has not turned out to be the year we’d been hoping for. This novel coronavirus has made its way into each of our lives, all of the headlines, and almost every country on the planet! The question is, how should the Christian respond in the face of such events? The…
This message begins by looking at the way David recorded his own relationship with God in prayer but then moves to look at records of His life where he consciously walked with God and found Him alone to be his strength. Psalm 18:3 English Standard Version (ESV) 3 I call upon the Lord, who is…
I even the Apostle Paul needed to pray for opportunities and clarity for the gospel message, then how much more do we! Further Instructions 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word,…
This message seeks to underline the principle and practices that produce a faithful Christian Ministry. Leaders relate to God’s people, but essentially lead through a faithful relationship with God that applies the Word of God to His people, seeking to honour Him. 15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 1 Samuel 7:15…