 |
St James has evening services at 5pm and 7pm. The sermons at 5pm are podcast in high quality audio (and are also available on iTunes). In general, there is usually a single sermon series in the evenings, which all the preachers – full-time ministers, lay preachers etc share. However, these are interspersed with one-off topical sermons from time to time, according to the needs and calendar of the church. Sermons are listed historically below, while past series are also available from the menu-bar. Finally, if you specifically want the 7pm version of the evening sermons, you can subscribe to the 7pm podcast. |
Galatians 1:1-10: Gospel vs gospel - Sun, 19 Feb 2012
Paul is urgently concerned about a tide of new teaching that is turning Galatian heads. Jon discusses how he begins Galations with a stern warning not to turn from the true gospel to a pretend one.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3: Equip Yourself For Ministry - Sun, 12 Feb 2012
Jon puts the challenge: what are we doing to sure up our own spiritual maturity? Our own hard work, training ourselves to distinguish good from evil, is one of the means God uses for our spiritual growth.
Romans 16:1-16: Specks of Gold - Sun, 05 Feb 2012
Since "All scripture is ... useful," Colin preaches on a list of greetings from the end of Romans and highlights the importance of people with respect to ministry.
John 21: Jesus and Peter - Sun, 29 Jan 2012
Phil Britton reflects on how Christianity defines our identity as loved children of God, forgiven and called, existing to receive God's Love and forgiveness and respond with gratitude and humility as imperfect beings.
John 20:19-31: Jesus Appears - Sun, 22 Jan 2012
Steve Ryman speaks about how Jesus brings peace and is the answer to our our fear, His resurrection gives us great hope of eternal life.
John 20:1-18: Jesus Raised - Sun, 15 Jan 2012
Chris Gray speaks on the Resurrection of Christ. He explains that the resurrection is an historical fact, but it should affect us personally.
John 19:17-42: Jesus Crucified - Sun, 08 Jan 2012
Colin Bale will be acting rector while St James awaits the appointment of a permanent senior minister. Colin speaks through John's narrative of the crucifixion, noting John's focus on it being the execution of God's plan as evident in the scriptures and that it is the death of the King.
Thanks also for your patience with the recent mis-ordered and late uploading of these podcasts, I apologise that this will continue for the next four weeks, after which I hope to get back on track.
Luke 18:1-8: Persistence in Prayer - Sun, 01 Jan 2012
Barry's last sermon preached to the congregation of St James at a combined evening service about Jesus' exhortation to His disciples to be persistent in prayer.
John 18:28-19:16: Jesus and Pilate - Sun, 18 Dec 2011
Phil Britton speaks on Jesus' most heroic hour, when He faces the subversion of truth and justice while the religious and political leaders attempt self-preservation. Jesus is our representative as he is willingly a victim of evil, suffering and pain and submits himself to the sins of others in order to serve.
John 17: Jesus Prays - Sun, 04 Dec 2011
Jesus has been displaying God to the world, but now that He is about to leave, He prays that God will continue to be revealed. Jesus prays for the revelation of God's glory by His life, death and delivery of eternal life, by the power of God's name, and by unity amongst his followers.
John 16:17-33: Grief Turned to Joy - Sun, 27 Nov 2011
Chris Gray preaches about Jesus' teaching to the disciples that they will endure grief and trouble in a world that hates them before they will rejoice when they see Him again. (Apologies for the late posting of this podcast, this is the sermon given to the 7PM congregation).
John 16:5-16: The Work of the Holy Spirit - Sun, 20 Nov 2011
In Barry's final sermon to the 5PM Service, he speaks on the vital role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells that we are better off for His leaving because he sends the Holy Spirit who applies the salvation secured by Christ.
John 15:9-27: The Love of Jesus - Sun, 13 Nov 2011
Barry speaks about many aspects of the love of Jesus for His friends - as He moves towards His crucifixion, Jesus speaks about His love because it is of primary importance. We need to let the love of Jesus soak into us and it must become the motivation in our work for Him.
John 15:1-16: The Vine and the Branches - Sun, 06 Nov 2011
Barry expounds that this passage answers the question we are all asking: "How can I live a productive life that is at the same time eminently satisfying to myself?"
John 14:15-31: The Promise of the Holy Spirit - Sun, 30 Oct 2011
Jon speaks on the presence that Jesus will be sending to those who love Him. The disciples are troubled that Jesus is leaving, but Jesus promises that He will send the Holy Spirit so He will not be an absent leader - He is present in His people in the form of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23: How Do You Hear? - Sun, 23 Oct 2011
Visiting once again for the 7PM Confirmation service, Bishop Rob Forsyth speaks on the parable of the sower, discussing the challenge that it puts to the reader: how do you respond to hearing the Word of God?
John 13:18-38: The Failure of the Disciples - Sun, 16 Oct 2011
Phil Britton speaks on this passage in John and connects its details into the bigger picture that John paints of Jesus. Jesus is God and will be glorified, the work He does in paying the ransom for our sins is unique, but He sets the example for how to live.
John 13:1-7: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet - Sun, 09 Oct 2011
Barry explains that Jesus washing the disciples' feet is an example of how we should relate to others by humbly meeting one anothers' practical needs. We need to understand what Jesus has done for us, that He is the Saviour from sin and to commit ourselves to Him.
John 12:20-36: Jesus Predicts His Death - Sun, 02 Oct 2011
Jon speaks about the commitment with which Jesus faces His death on the cross for glory and judgement, and challenges us about how we respond to times of darkness for the glory of God.
John 12:12-19: The Triumphal Entry - Sun, 25 Sep 2011
Barry speaks about Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem, focussing on the prophecy that Christians need not be afraid because of His coming and should bear witness about Him.
John 12:1-11: Jesus Anointed at Bethany - Sun, 18 Sep 2011
Barry preaches on the anointing of Jesus with precious perfume. It is not a waste for us to spend our precious gifts for Jesus' glory and to demonstrate our gratitude to Him and honour Him.
John 11:1-47: The Raising of Lazarus - Sun, 11 Sep 2011
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV) Chris Gray speaks about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, proving His authority over death and glorifying God.
John 11:48-57: The Plot to Kill Jesus - Sun, 04 Sep 2011
Barry speaks on the passage where the chief priests and the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus, connecting this with people who are hostile to the Gospel. There is a mountain of evidence that Jesus is who he claims to be - if we are intellectually honest and submit to Him then we will find the Christian life to be enriching.
John 10:22-42: The Unbelief of the Jews - Sun, 28 Aug 2011
Jon shows theology is not dry by studying John 10:22-42, where juicy theology flows from every bite of Scripture. In one short section we find Jesus teaching the choice truths of predestination, the Trinity, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the incarnation – and each truth has an experiential bite.
John 10:1-21: Jesus the Good Shepherd - Sun, 21 Aug 2011
Phil speaks on Jesus' depiction of himself as the good shepherd and describes how he will meet all our needs. In Him we can be secure, He knows us and we know Him, and we can trust Him completely.
John 9: Jesus Heals a Blind Man - Sun, 14 Aug 2011
Jon explains that when Jesus declares himself the Light of the World, he has in mind two different functions. His light can either be a bathing light that comforts and informs, or it can be a blinding light that actually impairs whatever vision we have. But as Jesus is put on trial in absentia, we find that these two alternatives are user-driven – your reaction to Jesus determines what type of light you encounter.
John 8:31-47: Children of Abraham and Children of the Devil - Sun, 07 Aug 2011
Your traits betray your heritage – that’s the principle behind Jesus’ conversation in John 8:31-47. The religious claim God as their father, but their treatment of Jesus suggests a more devilish parentage. Jon explains that for those who trust him comes the understanding that he knows God personally as his Father – and they can too.
John 8:1-11: Jesus and the Woman Taken in Adultery - Sun, 31 Jul 2011
Barry discusses the account of the woman caught in adultery brought before Jesus when He says "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (NIV). Sexual sin is taken seriously by Jesus, however, He loves her, and offers her the chance of redemption. We cannot condemn people for their sin, nor should we be blind to the fact of our own sin, but should humbly reach out to people in love.
(Sorry it's late)
John 8:12-30: Jesus, the Father and the World - Sun, 24 Jul 2011
Jesus says of Himself "I am the Light of the World" and Phil discusses this claim, illuminating some of the ideas that the phrase carries - light is representative of life, righteousness, truth, knowledge and salvation. Jesus has been sent by the Father and promises that those who follow Him will never be in darkness and the work of those who follow Him is to bring His light to the world.
John 7:37-39: Jesus' Great Offer of Living Water - Sun, 17 Jul 2011
Barry speaks on these verses which discuss the experiential side of becoming a Christian through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives the assurance of God's love and of salvation, takes away the fear of death, gives power to witness to Jesus and will flow out and bring blessing to others. Anyone who comes to Jesus and receives him as the Son of God and submits to him will receive the Holy Spirit and have their sins forgiven.
John 7:14-24: Making a Right Judgement About Jesus - Sun, 10 Jul 2011
Barry speaks about making a right judgement about Jesus - based on logic and the facts we have to make a choice to do the will of God and to turn to follow Jesus.
1 John 2:15-17: Do Not Love the World - Sun, 03 Jul 2011
Barry expounds the relationship between the Christian and the world and repeats John's exhortation to not love the world, but to love God; to rejoice in the salvation offered by Jesus Christ on the Cross and to reject the temptations of worldly things.
John 7:1-13: Jesus at the Feast of the Tabernacles - Sun, 26 Jun 2011
Jon croaks his way though a discussion about why Jesus doesn't reveal who he is with power to win over his opponents at every opportunity. Jesus’ younger brothers offer him some PR advice, but he postpones, knowing that when he finally goes public, the reaction will not be a following but a lynching.
John 6:60-71: Many Disciples Desert Jesus - Sun, 19 Jun 2011
Phil Britton speaks about the observation that believing in Jesus is a hard teaching, being saved will require walking a hard road. There is only one belief that will stand the test: Jesus is the one who is sent by God and real, fulfilling, eternal life is in His Name.
John 6:25-59: Jesus the Bread of Life - Sun, 12 Jun 2011
Eating is believing. Jon speaks about what John has to say about believing - For John, faith is a verb. Seeking is believing, working is believing, seeing is believing, learning is believing – even eating and drinking are believing. But every time, the object of the verb is Jesus himself.
John 6:16-24: Jesus Walks On Water - Sun, 05 Jun 2011
This talk was preceded by this YouTube clip
Jon Speaks about how the disciples react to Jesus walking on water. Fear is a symptom of unbelief, but the solution is to recognise Jesus and love Him.
John 6:1-14: Jesus Feeds the 5000 - Sun, 29 May 2011
Barry takes the feeding of the five thousand as an example of ministry, showing that evangelism must be done in love, and that it should not only include teaching but we should expect impossible, miraculous things to be a part of it.
John 5:31-47: Testimonies About Jesus - Sun, 22 May 2011
Chris Gray explains the reasons why we need to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives: The evidence is strong - Scripture testifies about Him and we can experience the power of the risen Jesus, the consequences of not accepting Him as Lord are too great.
Matthew 28:16-20: Enoch Phiri on Evangelism - Sun, 15 May 2011
Evangelist and African Enterprise Malawi Team Leader Enoch Phiri visits the 5PM service this week as a special guest speaker. Speaking on the Great Commission, he underlines the fact that making disciples is the core business of the Church and that the Gospel still works - we should not make the mistake of not sharing the Good News with other people. For more information on African Enterprise, visit http://aeinternational.org/.
John 5:1-15: The Healing of the Man at the Pool of Bethesda - Sun, 01 May 2011
Barry expounds the passage where Jesus heals the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. Jesus healed the man because He loved him, and He loves us too, ministry to people who are poor and needy is very precious to God. Jesus offers to make us well, physically, emotionally and spiritually, if we want.
John 5:16-30: Life Through the Son - Sun, 24 Apr 2011
On Easter Sunday, Jon preaches about the claim that one man in first-century Palestine not only had power to take people from death back to life, but he then demonstrated it by self-resurrection. Moreover, Jesus taught that for the person who trusts in him, they have already crossed over from death to life – eternal life starts now.
John 4:43-54: Jesus Heals the Official's Son - Sun, 17 Apr 2011
Phil Britton discusses Jesus' healing of the son of an official while the child is in another town and considers the role of signs and miracles in coming to believe. John uses this story to highlight who Jesus is by telling of this miracle, but shows that faith in Jesus is knowing of a desperate need for Him and taking Him at His word that He will save, without seeing this directly.
John 4:27-42: Fields Ripe for Harvest - Sun, 10 Apr 2011
Following on from last week, Jon studies what work looks like in the spiritual dimension. Jesus talks to his disciples about His food being to do the will of God, but he also provokes us on whether our thirst for eternal life translates into a hunger for others to experience the same.
John 4:1-26: The Samaritan Woman - Sun, 03 Apr 2011
In John 4:1-26, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman of questionable morals an outcast on every human level. But as he drills through her social, moral, and theological assumptions, he reveals what lies beneath a deeper ignorance and vulnerability, and a need for deeper satisfaction, deeper connection, deeper worship. Is your spirituality missing a dimension?
John 3:22-36: Why Jesus Is Supreme - Sun, 27 Mar 2011
Barry speaks on a passage where the ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist are contrasted, and discusses three aspects of ministry. He says that the responsibility of ministry is to continue to preach the same message of repentance and baptism from Jesus, John and scripture. To carry out ministry is a joy and a privilege, but he warns that the temptation is to become possessive of our ministries and jealous of others.
John 3:13-21: How To Get Eternal Life - Sun, 20 Mar 2011
Barry preaches on the passage in John that explains what Jesus has done to bring us into the Kingdom - the basis of our faith is belief in Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. We need only to look to Jesus to obtain eternal life and be saved and freed from condemnation.
John 3:1-12: The Need to be Born Again - Sun, 13 Mar 2011
Phil speaks on the exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus about being born again and notices the pride and sense of entitlement that Nicodemus brings to the conversation. However, in reality Nicodemus lacks understanding and knowledge about who Jesus is and is ignorant of the fact that he (as anyone) must be created anew in the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
John 2:12-25: Jesus Clears the Temple - Sun, 06 Mar 2011
Barry studies the only occasion that Jesus resorts to violence to make His point, concentrating on the passion that Christ has, which is motivated by His relationship with the Father and drives His passion for His Father's house and for mission to unbelievers. The question is posed: What are you passionate about?
John 2:1-11: The Wedding at Cana - Sun, 27 Feb 2011
Warwick Britton discusses the Wedding at Cana and Christ's miracle of turning water into wine. He points out that marriage is great and should be celebrated, that the miracle reveals Jesus's power as God, His involvement in creation and power over it, and that our response should be to put our faith in Christ.
John 1:35-51: The Calling of the Disciples - Sun, 20 Feb 2011
Chris Gray studies how some of the disciples respond when they are confronted by the Messiah entering their lives: a pattern emerges - the disciples not only follow Jesus, but witness about Him to their friends and family as well. How much more then, when we encounter Jesus must we follow Him and testify about Him to other people, having the benefit of knowing what happens in the rest of His life?
