All Gospel sermons

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but…

The 23rd psalm is the most famous of David's poetic compositions, but people often do not realise it is the king's brilliant summary of his view of life - of how he saw himself before his Creator - and how he came to find and know Him.

We track the events of an astounding chapter that sees many disciples turn away from Christ.  It was the opposite of what usually happened.  They found Christ's statements about eternal life unpalatable.  Why?  The answer moves us to take seriously the needs of the soul.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;…

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come…

Paul here names three elements of conversion to Christ: 'Power', describing the great change of life; 'love', describing all that Christ has done to secure pardon for us; and 'a sound mind', describing the clear view of God, of life and of eternity that conversion brings.

Paul outlines the teaching that runs through the Bible about Heaven, showing the way to be accepted by God and also the way God confirms to those who believe in Him that they possess everlasting life. There is surely no greater knowledge than this.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I…

In the parable of the great supper an invited guest declines to attend, implying he has better things to do. Here the Lord reasons with His hearers about their supreme need of God, and the consequences of being confined to a life of materialism.

Paul's analogy of war shows our state before God. We are enlisted in a war against Him, using faculties and powers as weapons. It is a moral war, a rebellion, in which we will fall. Here is the possibility of amnesty and reconciliation.