http://www.farnhambaptist.org.uk Farnham Baptist Church Podcasts en Farnham Baptist Church Podcasts Farnham Baptist Church no Farnham Baptist Church Sermons office@farnhambaptist.org ℗ & © 2012 Farnham Baptist Church 720 Throughout his gospel, Matthew unfolds the story of key events in the life of Jesus and his cousin John; it’s not Jesus' biography. Each incident show us more of their character, how they tick and how the story-line moves forward to its climax. We start with Jesus’ parentage, his connections to the past. Matthew tells us he is a son of Abraham and a son of David; this is important for the story. We see people from the east coming to worship him as the king of the Jews. Jesus is introduced by John and presented as an outstanding teacher and healer; a man with tremendous authority. We see followers being hand-picked, yet opposition mounting until his tragic death. All the time he tells his followers what the future holds for him and them. He calls them to follow him, to trust him alone with their lives. This Transfiguration before us gives a splendid insight into his character; calling on us to see him in his glory as the one the father loves, and the one we should listen to. And reminding us of his Messiahship. http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/the-transfiguration-matthew-171-13 http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/the-transfiguration.mp3 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:15:53 GMT John Ross Matthew's Gospel: Jesus the King jesus,messiah,transfiguration When you send an email or text, its often to inform or ask a question. The art of letter writing is almost a dying art. In the New Testament, letters are usually sent to correct error. But Philippians is different; it is the most encouraging letter in the NT. This church is a model church to all the others; what we have here is almost entirely positive. There are a few troubling matters; some difficult people seem to be infecting the church – Paul tells them to watch out for the dogs, and he pleads with two women to be reconciled. But the letter radiates joy; a showcase church if ever there was one. Let’s think about joy... http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/a-gospel-church-philippians-11-11 http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/a-gospel-church.mp3 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:37:07 GMT Philippians: gospel partnership joy,gospel_partnership,discernment,god's_work Have you ever discovered that the great story you were reading is only part of a series and it leaves you wth unanswered questions? Today's reading is like that; it misses out much of the story about Jesus. We might not have everything, but the first thing we can see is that God's King has arrived. The Old Testament foretold the coming of God's King, who would rule over His kingdom and people had waited for many years, some even giving up hope. But here it is announced that Jesus IS their long awaited King. The second thing we notice is that this is GOOD NEWS. You'll need to look into the rest of the gospels to see why it's good news, but here, in a nutshell, with simple clarity is the message that Jesus' coming IS GOOD NEWS, and is to be believed. http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/follow-me http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/follow-me.mp3 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:34:35 GMT Jonathan Shulver Have you ever discovered that the great story you were reading is only part of a series and it leaves you wth unanswered questions? Today's reading is like that; it misses out much of the story about Jesus. We might not have everything, but the ... good_news,god's_king As the old year turns to the new, we often make resolutions for things we'd like to do differently. Sadly, many of these great ideas will remain just that - ideas. Of those that make it through as far as actions, a very high proportion will be self-improving, being of little use to others. Change is hard and experience has proved it, so why bother? Fortunately, there is another way. We can't change ourselves, but we CAN be changed! Psalm 115 points us to the soverereign creator God who can control the whole of creation, in contrast to the man-made god-substitutes we so often put our faith in: sex, power, money, success, selfish ambition. These false gods cannot help us. Only God has the power to actually change things. This year, put your trust in God, don't make idol resolutions! http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/ps-115-not-to-us-but-to-your-name-be-the-glory http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/not-to-us-but-to-your-name-be-the-glory.mp3 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:39:19 GMT Philip Sweeting As the old year turns to the new, we often make resolutions for things we'd like to do differently. Sadly, many of these great ideas will remain just that - ideas. Of those that make it through as far as actions, a very high proportion will be ... idols,resolutions,false_gods What makes a wise man wise? A wise person knows they haven't got all the answers - they asks questions! They want to learn and seek out truth wherever they can. It seems that the wise men of the nativity story were astrologers from countries somewhere to the east of Israel. These people spent their lives studying and enquiring. These men saw the significance of the signs they saw and from their research knew roughly where to look. By contrast, Herod's Jewish advisers, with all their knowledge, needed to look in scripture to find out that the King of the Jews was to be born in Bethlehem. The wise men asked, listened and acted to find the truth and in so doing showed us that this king of the Jews was to be the king for all who would bow down to Him; the king for you and for me. http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/the-wisdom-of-the-magi http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/the-wisdom-of-the-magi.mp3 Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:06:55 GMT John Ross What makes a wise man wise? A wise person knows they haven't got all the answers - they asks questions! They want to learn and seek out truth wherever they can. It seems that the wise men of the nativity story were astrologers from countries ... wise_men,wisdom,king_of_the_jews,saviour What is the best ever Christmas gift? A recent advert would have us believe it's a 'smart' case for a popular electronic gadget! The bible, however, points us towards something far better; longer lasting, more significant and not just for one person, but for all of mankind. It talks of a new king, bringing justice and righteousness, increased joy, shattering burdens and bringing freedom from bloodshed. That would be wonderful enough, but this is no historical king who once lived and now is gone. This is a king who lives and reigns forever. He brings a wonderful light to bless those who have been living in the shadow of death. He's a king for us; for you and me. He has amazing names: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Ruler, Prince of Peace. This Christmas, as you see lights shining in the darkness, think about Jesus, our King, the Light of the World. Then think what life would be like without this light to make clear our path; living in the shadow of death. Give thanks that He came to free us from darkness and that His light will shine forever! http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/isaiah-9-1-7-a-new-king-is-coming http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/isaiah-9-1-7-a-new-king-is-coming.mp3 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:44:50 GMT Jonathan Shulver What is the best ever Christmas gift? A recent advert would have us believe it's a 'smart' case for a popular electronic gadget! The bible, however, points us towards something far better; longer lasting, more significant and not just ... king_jesus,light_of_the_world,shadow_of_death But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights as sons [Gal 4:4-5] When asked “Have you ever seen God?”, the answer is, No, but we could have done if we had lived in Palestine at beginning of 1st C. For that is when God planted his footsteps on planet earth. Of course not everyone recognised him as God. He was known as Jesus from Nazareth; his mother was Mary and his legal father, Joseph the town carpenter. He couldn’t have brought us true freedom if he hadn’t become human like us. We are not saved by the incarnation, although that was essential to propel Jesus to earth to take on human flesh, so that he could rescue us; It is his unique work of dying in the place of rebels that provides the rescue. http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/the-gospel-message http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/the-gospel-message.mp3 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:07:10 GMT John Ross But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights as sons [Gal 4:4-5] When asked “Have you ever seen God?”, the answer is, No, but we ... gospel,jesus,son_of_god,born_of_woman,redeemer Listen up!! This is a prophecy for us; for those who call themselves people of God. As we've progressed through the book of Amos we've heard the evidence against God's people. Now we hear God's verdict. His judgement is unavoidable. God's people have nowhere to run to and nowhere to hide. Thankfully for God's people He is not only consistently righteous, He is also consistently merciful. The prophecy tells of a time after the judgement when God will restore David's broken tent to it's former glory, but more than this... under a new king from the line of David there wil be an even bigger and better kingdom, more peaceful and prosperous than before. The fulfillment of both the punishment and restoration can be seen in history, but both are as yet incomplete. The end of the story lies in the Day of Judgement and the dawn of the new Creation. Consider this: Are you genuinely trusting in Jesus for your salvation? This will be seen in your desire to do the Father's will. Are you eagerly looking forward to living in joy with King Jesus? Or, are you going through the motions; keeping up appearances, but your heart just isn't in it? Think again, and remember Amos' prophecy; it's for you! http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/amos-91-15-in-anger-remember-mercy http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/amos-91-15-in-anger-remember-mercy.mp3 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:19:37 GMT Jonathan Shulver Amos. Not a tame lion judgement,day_of_judgement,salvation,grace,new_creation What is the worst judgement that could fall on any nation? Is it famine; is it being overtaken by war? or a terrible plague that wipes out much of the population? No, its when there is no word from God – a famine of the word of God. Hell is not a happy place, it’s the most horrible & miserable place there is – there is nothing nice there, no friendship, no joy, no fun. And the reason: God may well be seen, but he is no longer knowable. God is silent – you can’t contact him, and he won’t talk to you. Here is Amos’s warning about judgement to come. In chapter 7 he’s told to go home and not speak God’s word. In chapter 8 he prophesies a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/amos-71-814-seeing-it-as-it-is http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/seeing-it-as-it-is.mp3 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:27:17 GMT John Ross Amos. Not a tame lion judgement,compassion,famine Christians are inseparable from music, but can also be one of the most divisive issues for congregations. So, what does the Bible have to say on the matter? Firstly, let's be clear that when we talk about worship, we don't just mean music and singing; although that's one way we worship, it's actually a whole-life activity for Christians. We sing because it helps us RESPOND to God's grace; it expresses our delight, praise, joy and thanks. The Bible also COMMANDS everyone to sing. It helps us to REMEMBER God's word, because we easily forget the truth and music can help us learn truth. Music and singing helps us REFLECT God's Glory. Main points: 1. It's not an optional extra, 2. We should be focussing on God when we sing, 3. We need to choose songs carefully, 4. We should sing most about Jesus and His work, 5. What matters most is your heart. Finally, singing is for everyone, whether you're musical or not; ask not "Have I got a voice?", but "Has God given me a song?". http://www.sermoncloud.com/farnham-baptist-church/colossians-316-17-why-do-we-sing http://sermoncloud.monkserve.com/EKK/1592/why-do-we-sing.mp3 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:51:46 GMT Philip Sweeting Christians are inseparable from music, but can also be one of the most divisive issues for congregations. So, what does the Bible have to say on the matter? Firstly, let's be clear that when we talk about worship, we don't just mean music ... singing,music,worship