Christ will build his church

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Philippians 4v10-13. As Christian's we are to be content and in this passage the Apostle Paul gives us the secret to Christian contentment. It is not based on the support of others or on the circumstances we find ourselves in but it is based on the strength the Lord Jesus provides for those who seek to do his will.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Jonah 1 vv11-16. We can only have peace with God through going His way. If we go our own way we will come under God's wrath, but God is merciful and we can cry out to Him for mercy based on His unchanging character. He has given one way of peace, which is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who took God's wrath against sin upon himself. Those who accept God's way go on to live a life of serving their Saviour.

Preacher: John Rubens. Passage: 1 Corinthians 6 v12. We have freedom in the gospel, but this freedom has boundaries and must not be misused.

Preacher: John Rubens. Passage: Matthew 16 vv13-20. 1. Christ’s church is glorious 2. Christ’s church is under attack 3. Christ’s church is secure 4. A promise that demands a response

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Philippians 4 vv8-9. As Christians living in a hostile world we need to know how to think and act in a faithful way. We are to think about whatever is good, including that which is done by unbelievers, practice what the word of God teaches and find comfort in the presence of the God of peace as we live out lives of obedience.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Jonah 1 vv7-10. The God of truth will reveal the truth. This may be soon through the events of our lives or it may be at the end of time when all things will be revealed. We are to ensure that as the people of God we have a good confession of faith which is backed up by our actions and that shows to others a reverent fear of the Lord.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Philippians 4 vv4-7. Paul commands the Philippians to be a people of joy, a people of gentleness, a people of prayer and a people of peace. He reminds them that the basis of these things is not their present circumstances but the gospel truths regarding their union with Christ, their restored relationship with their God, and their final vindication at the return of Christ.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Jonah 1 vv4-6. Jonah continues in his sin and through this brings consequences not only for himself but also for the pagan sailors that he had not previously met. The Lord sends a great wind and yet when Jonah is summoned to pray by the ships captain He will not. We see the effect on Jonah's heart of continuing in sin but we also see how the Lord shapes circumstances to lovingly discipline Jonah.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Phillipians 4 vv1-3. It is a great privilege to be part of God's family but it also comes with responsibilities. We are called to stand firm together as we contend for the truth of the gospel. In order to do this we need a unity of purpose and so any disputes within the fellowship must be dealt with. This reconciliation is not always straightforward and so the leaders are called upon to ensure that the gospel of reconciliation is brought to bare on such disputes.

Preacher: Pastor Tony Simpson. Passage: Jonah 1 vv1-3. Jonah received a clear command from the Lord to go to Nineveh to preach to them. Yet he not only did not go to Nineveh but he also ran away in the opposite direction. Jonah's disobedience is both foolish and dangerous and are the complete opposite of the great Prophet, the Lord Jesus Christ, who always did as His Father commanded.