St David's Bridge Strict Baptist Chapel

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) *1/ Why we should trust in the LORD. 2/ Why we should **not** lean to our own understanding. 3/ What are we to trust him for and how is that trust evidenced?* *This sermon was preached via Zoom to Providence Chapel Northampton.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the imperative to trust God completely, as commanded in Proverbs 3:5, emphasizing that true faith involves trusting in the LORD with all our heart, rejecting self-reliance in favour of divine sovereignty. It argues that God is worthy of trust because of His eternal purpose, infinite knowledge, sovereign power, and unchanging love, all of which are demonstrated throughout Scripture—from the covenant with Abraham to the redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ. The sermon warns against relying on human understanding, which is limited, fallible, and prone to deception, using examples like the Gibeonites and the Israelites' misjudgement to illustrate the dangers of self-trust. Ultimately, genuine trust is evidenced not in passive resignation but in active obedience: seeking salvation through Christ, pursuing spiritual growth, engaging in prayer and the means of grace, and making decisions aligned with Scripture, providence, and a willing heart, all while relying on God's guidance in every area of life.

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. (Psalm 38:9) *1/ Notice that it is in desire that the difference between the wicked and godly is clearly shown. 2/ Notice that the psalmist knows that his desires and groans are before the Lord. 3/ The path of our Lord.* *This sermon was preached at Priory Road Chapel Maidstone.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, based on Psalm 38:9, explores the profound reality of the believer's inner life—marked by a deep awareness of sin, a longing for God, and the assurance that all desires and groans are known by the Lord. It contrasts the unregenerate heart, which naturally desires worldly things and resists knowledge of God, with the regenerate heart, whose desires are transformed by divine grace, leading to hunger for holiness, Scripture, and fellowship with Christ. The psalmist's confession reveals that even in suffering and sin, the believer finds comfort in God's intimate knowledge and sovereign care, as seen in the life of David and fulfilled in Christ's suffering in Gethsemane. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual life is marked by a continual struggle between the old and new natures, yet in this tension, believers find fellowship with Christ, assurance of divine awareness, and the promise that the desires of the righteous—rooted in grace—will ultimately be fulfilled.

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. **And there was no harm in the pot.** (2 Kings 4:40-41) *1/ The preparation of the pot of death - verse 39. 2/ Tasting of this pot of death and realising it is so - verse 40. 3/ The divinely appointed remedy - verse 41,* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon draws a profound spiritual parallel from the biblical account of Elisha and the poisoned pot of stew, illustrating how sin, false teaching, and self-reliance prepare a 'pot of death' The realization of this death comes when the soul, awakened by the law or life's trials, cries out in despair, acknowledging its helplessness and the futility of self-righteousness, legalism, or worldly pursuits. The remedy, however, is not found in human effort but in the divine intervention of Christ—cast into the pot like meal, tree, or grace—whose atoning sacrifice, righteousness, and resurrection transform death into life, fulfilling the law and giving eternal salvation. This gospel truth, consistently revealed throughout Scripture—from the bitter waters of Marah to the cross of Christ—affirms that only through faith in Christ, the true bread and living water, can the soul be nourished, delivered from condemnation, and assured of victory over death, making the believer's final passage not into judgment, but into the presence of God.

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, **The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.** (2 Chronicles 25:9) *1/ The sin of joining with the ungodly as if we were one with them. 2/ A needful loss, not a waste. 3/ A victory gained by obedience to God. 4/ The solemn evidence of a heart not fully with the Lord.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that true obedience to God often requires costly surrender, as illustrated through the story of King Amaziah, who, though initially righteous, failed to maintain a wholehearted devotion to the Lord. It emphasizes the danger of compromising with the ungodly—whether through alliances, shared ventures, or spiritual compromise—highlighting that such unions, even when seemingly practical, undermine spiritual integrity and invite divine judgment. The message affirms that apparent losses, such as Amaziah's wasted payment to Israel's army, are not true waste but divine opportunities for growth, as God promises to provide far more than what is sacrificed for His sake. Even in partial obedience, God grants victory, yet the ultimate test lies in the heart's allegiance; when Amaziah brought the gods of Seir into Judah, he revealed a heart not fully committed, demonstrating that outward success without inward faith is hollow. True gain is found not in worldly possessions, but in eternal blessings, spiritual obedience, and the assurance of divine provision for those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1) *1/ A safe ministry is one that rejoices in the Lord. 2/ A safe ministry is one that keeps to the same things, the same doctrines, the old paths. 3/ A safe ministry is one that has a goal, an end in view that is scriptural.* *This sermon was preached at Bells Yew Green Chapel in East Sussex.* **Sermon Summary:** A safe ministry is defined by its unwavering joy in the Lord, its faithful adherence to the unchanging gospel message, and its clear, heavenward aim rooted in Scripture. The preacher emphasizes that true spiritual health is marked by a continual rejoicing in Christ, not in human achievement or worldly success, as exemplified by Paul's personal devotion and his repeated focus on Christ throughout his epistles. Such a ministry remains steadfast in the historic, scriptural faith, resisting novel teachings and cultural compromises, and instead upholds the timeless truths of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Ultimately, a safe ministry is one that keeps its eyes fixed on eternal glory, with the believer's citizenship in heaven as the driving purpose, ensuring that all teaching and preaching are oriented toward the final goal of being with Christ, where His glory is fully revealed.

I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:18-20) 1/ The cause of Ephraim bemoaning himself - Only chastisement but no more than that. 2/ Ephraim's prayer arising from his concern - turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. 3/ Prayer answered and the effect felt by Ephraim. (v19) 4/ The LORD's word concerning turned Ephraim. (v20) **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on Jeremiah 31:18–20, The passage unfolds a divine progression: from the painful awareness of rebellion under God's discipline, to a humble plea for divine turning, to the transformative effects of repentance, shame, and instruction, culminating in the sovereign promise of mercy. The preacher teaches that God's chastening, though grievous, is never arbitrary but rooted in covenant love, and that the ultimate assurance is not in human merit, but in God's unchanging mercy—revealed most fully in Christ, who bears the cost of sin and grants repentance and salvation. God's mercy is sure, not earned, but freely given to those who, like Ephraim, are brought to the end of themselves.

The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. (Psalm 115:12) 1/ That which is essential to be able to speak this verse. 2/ Helps to discerning the LORD **Has** been mindful of us. 3/ The language of faith - "he will bless us." **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on the profound truth that God has been mindful of His people, a reality rooted in His sovereign grace and eternal knowledge, as affirmed in Psalm 115:12. It emphasizes that this mindfulness is not merely a past event but a foundation for confident faith, as God's sovereign will, His personal knowledge of each individual, and His redemptive acts throughout Scripture all point to His faithful character. The preacher guides the congregation to reflect on biblical examples—Noah, Rachel, Joseph, Cornelius—where God's remembrance led to deliverance, and to recognize His hand in their own lives, even in times of unbelief or hardship. This reflection is not for self-congratulation but for faith-filled expectation: because God has been mindful of His people, He will bless them, fulfilling His promises with grace, glory, and peace. The call is to live in the language of faith, trusting that God's past faithfulness guarantees future blessing.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) 1/ The need of armour. 2/ The key to interpreting the armour in a spiritual way. 3/ The six parts of the armour of God, joined with prayer. **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Ephesians 6:11, calling believers to put on the whole armour of God to stand against the spiritual warfare waged by Satan, who operates through principalities, powers, and the wickedness of this age. It emphasizes that this armour is not self-generated but divinely provided, with each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—rooted in God's grace and dependent on His strength, not human effort. The preacher underscores that true spiritual defence requires constant reliance on prayer, vigilance, and a life shaped by Scripture, rejecting worldly wisdom and self-reliance. Ultimately, the armour is not a static shield but a dynamic, God-centred posture of faith, where every element points to Christ as the source of victory, and the believer's strength lies not in self but in the living God who empowers through His Word and Spirit.

And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. (2 Chronicles 33:13) *This service was taken in the Lounge of the Tunbridge Wells Pilgrim Home, Milward house, with some 20 residents present.* **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the profound transformation of Manasseh, a king whose early reign was marked by extreme wickedness, including idolatry and bloodshed, yet who experienced genuine repentance after being captured and brought to Babylon in affliction. Through divine sovereignty and mercy, God used suffering to humble Manasseh, leading him to earnestly pray, repent, and return to Jerusalem, where he dismantled pagan altars, restored the worship of the true God, and reversed his former abominations. The narrative underscores the reality of true repentance—evidenced not by fleeting emotion but by lasting, visible change in actions and priorities—contrasting with superficial conversions, as illustrated by the tragic example of his unrepentant son Amon. The preacher emphasizes that God's grace is sufficient even for the most hardened, offering hope to those who despair over past sins, while warning against the danger of forgetting God after deliverance. Ultimately, Manasseh's story points to the necessity of repentance before God and faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, not human effort, as the foundation of salvation.

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39) 1/ The Lord arising for his peoples help - "and he arose" 2/ Our Lord's use of his word - "and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still." 3/ The effect of his word - "and there was a great calm. " **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Christ's sovereign power over nature, as demonstrated in Mark 4:35–39, where Jesus calms a storm with a word, revealing His divine authority and compassion. Through this narrative, the preacher emphasizes that Christ is not only present in trials but actively works through prayer, His Word, and providence to bring peace and spiritual awakening. The storm symbolizes life's many trials—sin, temptation, suffering, and spiritual darkness—yet Christ's response is always one of grace: He arises at the cry of faith, speaks with commanding authority, and brings a profound, lasting calm. The disciples' awe—'What manner of man is this?'—points to the deeper truth that every trial, when met with Christ, magnifies His glory and deepens the believer's faith. The sermon calls listeners to recognize Christ's presence even in silence, to persist in prayer, and to trust that His Word, spoken in heaven and on earth, stills every storm and transforms hearts.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalms 51:6) 1/ The inward parts or hidden part of man. 2/ The truth that God desires there. 3/ The gospel provision of truth and wisdom in the inward parts. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on Psalm 51:6, highlighting God's desire for truth and wisdom in the inward parts of the human heart—a heart that, though deceitful and sinful by nature, is the true seat of one's being. It emphasizes that genuine repentance begins with a heartfelt recognition of sin, not as a mere moral failing but as a deep, abiding reality that only God can reveal and transform. The sermon underscores that God does not demand perfection from fallen humanity but instead provides grace through Christ, who alone can cleanse, renew, and restore the sinner by creating a clean heart and renewing a right spirit. This gospel provision is not based on human effort or self-improvement, but on divine action—God's sovereign work of conviction, pardon, and spiritual renewal, which produces a life marked by genuine faith, love, prayer, and a growing apprehension of Christ's worth. Ultimately, the message calls for a heart religion rooted in humility, dependence on grace, and the joyful assurance that salvation is not of works, but of God's mercy, made known through the wisdom and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8) 1/ Jesus Christ - Jesus of Nazareth. 2/ What is said of him - " He is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. " 3/ How this is a comfort to the believer. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on Hebrews 13:8, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and forever,' presenting Christ as the unchanging foundation of faith, whose eternal nature unites all of Scripture, history, and divine purpose. It emphasizes that Christ's identity—both divine and human, incarnate and glorified—remains constant across time, from eternity past to the final fulfilment of all things, anchoring believers in the reliability of God's promises. The message is pastoral and comforting, affirming that despite human change, doubt, or failure, God's love, presence, and power endure without alteration, offering assurance through Christ's unchanging character. The sermon calls believers to live in light of this truth, imitating faithful teachers whose lives pointed to Christ, and to find hope in His perpetual faithfulness, especially in trials and uncertainty, as He remains the same, ever-present, and eternally sufficient.

**Harvest Thanksgiving Afternoon Service.** Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10) *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the enduring promise of God's presence and faithfulness, drawn from Isaiah 41:10, where God declares, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee:' It unfolds a theological narrative tracing God's covenantal relationship with His people—from Abraham to the exiled Israelites in Babylon—emphasizing that divine strength, mercy, and sovereignty remain constant despite human frailty, rebellion, and fear. The message contrasts the emptiness of idolatry with the living God who is both transcendent—sovereign over nations and creation—and intimately present, knowing each believer by name. Through historical and personal examples, it illustrates how fear arises from sin and separation from God, yet is overcome by faith in Christ, who fulfils the covenant and empowers believers to face life's storms with courage. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God's unchanging character, His provision through every season, and His ultimate victory, inviting the hearers to find comfort, strength, and hope in His enduring presence.

**Harvest Thanksgiving Evening Service.** When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the profound significance of Jesus' final words, 'It is finished,' at the moment of His death, declaring the complete and perfect fulfilment of God's redemptive plan. Drawing from John 19:30 and the symbolism of the torn temple veil, it emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice on the cross abolished the need for the Old Testament sacrificial system, opening a new and living way into God's presence through His substitutionary atonement. The sermon underscores the depth of Christ's suffering—not only physical but spiritual, as He bore the eternal wrath of God for sin in a brief, three-hour darkness, making possible eternal reconciliation for all who believe. It contrasts the eternal destiny of those who trust in Christ—eternal life, joy, and communion with God—with the eternal separation and torment of those who reject Him, echoing the cry of abandonment from the cross. The sermon concludes with a sobering call to faith and repentance, urging listeners to recognize that time is finite, the world is temporary, and only those sheltered under Christ's blood will endure the final judgment, when Jesus will return to consummate history and declare, 'It is finished,' not in death, but in victory.

Isaiah 53 *Sermon summary:* This sermon presents Isaiah 53 as a profound revelation of Christ's suffering and its redemptive blessings, emphasizing that every aspect of His agony—endured at the hands of men and by the Father's will—was purposeful and necessary for the salvation of God's people. The passage reveals Christ as the suffering Servant, despised and rejected, yet willingly bearing the sins of His chosen ones, not as a mere substitute but as a willing sacrifice whose death was both foreordained and freely embraced. The theological heart lies in the substitutionary atonement: Christ's wounds bring healing, His chastisement brings peace, and His imputed righteousness justifies those who believe. The sermon underscores that this salvation is not arbitrary but rooted in God's eternal knowledge and election, with believers recognized by their reception of His Word and their faith in Him. Ultimately, the suffering and glory of Christ are inseparable, demonstrating that His death was not defeat but the means by which He secures the eternal redemption and spiritual inheritance of His people.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (1 Peter 4:1) 1/ Christ suffered for us in the flesh. 2/ Armed with the same mind as Christ. 3/ A great statement: - "He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the transformative power of Christ's suffering in the flesh, calling believers to embrace a mindset aligned with His sacrificial life. Drawing from 1 Peter 4:1, it emphasizes that Christ's suffering was both necessary and redemptive, fulfilling God's righteous plan by bearing the wrath of sin in place of His people. Believers are exhorted to 'arm themselves with the same mind'—a willing, determined, and holy resolve to follow Christ, endure persecution, resist temptation, and live distinct from the world, all rooted in the reality of Christ's finished work. The key insight is that while sin remains a persistent struggle, those who have suffered in the flesh through faith in Christ have ceased from its guilt, dominion, and eternal penalty, finding freedom in grace and hope for eternal deliverance. This present reality of spiritual warfare and sanctification points forward to the ultimate victory in resurrection, where sin and suffering will be no more.

His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (Psalms 21:5) 1/ Thy Salvation. 2/ The greatness of Christ's glory in Salvation. 3/ The honour and majesty laid upon him. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the exalted glory of Jesus Christ as the sole architect and beneficiary of God's salvation, drawing from Psalm 21, Philippians 2, and Revelation 5 to affirm that Christ's majesty is not derived from human effort or historical figures, but is divinely ordained and revealed through Scripture. It emphasizes that salvation is a sovereign, triune work—predestined before creation, accomplished through Christ's humiliation and exaltation, and applied by the Holy Spirit—ensuring that all glory belongs to Christ alone. The preacher contrasts Christ's unmatched glory with the temporary and sinful roles of human instruments, affirming that even the most significant figures in salvation history, like Moses, John the Baptist, or the apostles, are overshadowed by Christ's eternal preeminence. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to a personal, transformative faith in Christ, where His glory is seen as the heart of salvation, leading to worship, obedience, and a life devoted to His supremacy, with the assurance that His honour and majesty are eternally secured by God the Father and fully realized in the redeemed community.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1) *Five lessons from this parable:* 1/ Prayer is the antidote for fainting - v1. 2/ Continuing in prayer is a mark of election - v7a. 3/ The Lord is mindful of our sins and faults bearing long with us - v7b. 4/ The Lord will answer our prayers - v8a. 5/ Continuing in prayer is the exercise of faith - v8b. *Sermon Summary:* The sermon centers on the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing that prayer is the antidote to spiritual fainting and a vital expression of faith, not merely a ritual. It highlights five key truths: prayer sustains believers in discouragement, continual prayer is a mark of God's elect, God patiently bears with His people's imperfections, He answers prayers in His perfect timing—often better than requested—and persistent prayer is an act of faith that deepens trust in Christ's finished work. The preacher states that true prayer flows from a heart aware of grace, rooted in Christ's atonement, and aimed not only at temporal needs but at spiritual transformation, including victory over sin and the world. Ultimately, the parable calls believers to persevere in prayer, knowing that God, unlike the unjust judge, is both willing and able to answer with justice and mercy, and that faithfulness in prayer is a sign of a living relationship with God.

...... and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: (Ruth 2:18) 1/ Ruth - Gleaning in time of harvest. 2/ What the Bible has to say about harvest in a spiritual sense. 3/ What we may glean when the Lord is gathering his people home. Harvest Thanksgiving Service Preaching at Bodle Street Baptist Chapel, England. *Sermon summary:* The sermon draws a profound spiritual parallel between the natural act of gleaning in harvest time and the deeper, divine purposes of God in moments of spiritual harvest—particularly at the time of death and the final judgment. Centred on Ruth's faithful gleaning in Bethlehem, it illustrates how God providentially places His people in times of grace, where even small acts of obedience and dependence reveal His sustaining care and hidden blessings. The preacher emphasizes three spiritual harvests: the ongoing gospel call, the moment of death when believers are gathered to Christ, and the final judgment, each demanding urgent spiritual attention. From these times, believers are called to glean vital truths—such as the certainty and solemnity of death, the hope of eternal life, the preciousness of Christ, the comfort of resurrection, the diversity of God's saving work, and the urgent need for personal preparation. The ultimate aim is not mere reflection, but transformation: that the grace seen in others' departures should awaken deeper faith, repentance, and longing for Christ in the hearers themselves.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) 1/ Humbling under the mighty hand of God: - The mighty hand of God. - Humbling under it. - Exalted in due time - God's time. 2/ Casting upon God: - Our Care - all our care. - Casting it upon him. - He careth for you. *Sermon summary:* The message emphasizes the vital interplay of humility and trust in navigating life's challenges, drawing heavily from 1 Peter 5. It calls believers to actively submit themselves to God's sovereignty, recognizing His power and providence through examples from Scripture, while simultaneously urging them to release their anxieties and burdens through prayer, assured of God's unwavering care. The message underscores that even painful experiences and persistent trials can be opportunities for spiritual growth and ultimately, divine exaltation, reinforcing the importance of dependence on God's grace and loving kindness.