4. How the Holy One loves self-centred people (Amos 4: 1-13)

Preached on Sunday 1st June 2025 by Stephen Ballingall. The fourth sermon in a series on Amos.

Introduction

V1-5 Self-Centred Worshippers

v6-11 Hard Warnings and Harder Hearts

v12-13 The Meeting We All Must Prepare For

Who is this? And do I know him? (Luke 8:40-56)

Preached on Sunday 25th May 2025 by Gavin McGrath, a member of our congregation. A one-off sermon.

1. Jesus reveals astonishing authority

   • over frightening nature (vv. 22-25)

   • Over demonic powers (vv. 26-29)

   • Over a tragic death - Jairus’ daughter

   • Over a debilitating illness - the bleeding woman
     
     Reflection: But who is this? Do I know his authority?

   2.Jesus shows a wonderful willingness

   • Willing to tolerate indifference (v. 37)

   • Willing to be interrupted by need (vv. 41, 43-46, 49)

   • Willing to embrace human limitation (v. 45)

   • Willing to be mocked and derided (v. 53)
     
     Reflection: But who is this? Do I know his willingness?

     3. Jesus displays compassionate care

   • He responds to urgent need (v. 42)

   • He calls the woman “daughter” (v. 48)

   • He protects from shame (v. 47)

   • He brings healing and peace (v. 48)

   • He replaces fear with faith v(v. 49-50)

   • He avoids public spectacle (v. 51)

   • He gently takes her by the hand (v. 54)

   • He affectionately calls her “my child” (v. 54)

   • He cares completely (vv. 55-56)
     
     Reflection: But who is this? Do I know his care?

3. Privilege Lost (Amos 2:6-3:15)

Preached on Sunday 18th May 2025 by Stephen Ballingall. The third sermon in a series on Amos.

1. The Bitter Fruit of False Worship (2:6-16)
   Israel flouts the Lord’s law (6-8)
   …and ignores God’s love (v9-12)
   Therefore, forfeits the Lord’s blessing (v13-16)
   

2. The Bitter Consequences of False Worship (3:1-15)
   Israel have spurned their privilege (v1-2)
   …so the Lord will act (v3-8)
   As he turns against his people (v9-15)

When Favour is Met with Fury (Luke 4:14-30)

Preached on Sunday 11th May 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister. A one-off sermon.

1. The day of the Lord’s favour (14-22a)

2. The day of the people’s fury (22b-30)

Do I Believe What God Says? (Galatians 3:1-14)

Preached on Sunday 27th April 2025 by Pete Dickson, one of our elders. The second sermon in an occasional series in Galatians.

1. At the core of my being - who am I?

2. At the core of the bible - is a promise.

3. At the core of our faith - is the cross.

Joy that Battles to the End of the Earth (Matthew 28:1-20)

Preached on Sunday 20th April 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister. An Easter sermon.

1. The Great Joy of the Resurrection (v.1-10)

2. The Rubbishing of the Resurrection (v11-15)

3. The Call of the Resurrection (v16-20)

The King of Transforming Authority (Matthew 21:1-32)

Preached on Sunday 13th April 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister. A Palm Sunday sermon.

1. Jesus’ Authority Proclaimed

2. Jesus’ Authority Rejected

3. Jesus’ Authority Transforms

2. The Roar that Reaches its Prey (Amos 1:2-2:5)

Preached on Sunday 6th April 2025 by Stephen Ballingall. The second sermon in a series on Amos.

1. The Lion of Judgement

Tyre & Edom - who treat people as objects

Ammonites & Moab - who betray their brothers

Judah - who spurned their privelege

2. The Judgement of God is:

Principled

Personal

Patient

3. The Great Danger of Sinful World

1. The Lion Roars (Amos 1:1-2)

Preached on Sunday 30th March 2025 by Stephen Ballingall. The first sermon in a series on Amos.

1. What happens when the Church forgets what God is like?

2. The role of God’s prophets: covenant enforcers

3. The lion roars

The Gratitude Attitude (Psalm 100)

Preached on Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister. A one-off sermon.

1. Know that the Lord is God (v1-3)
   

2. Know that the Lord is Good (v4-5)

Even Barnabas was Led Astray (Galatians 2:11-21)

Preached on Sunday 16th February 2025 by Pete Dickson, one of our elders. The first sermon in an occasional series in Galatians.

1. Righteous fury at the hypocrisy of elitism

2. Religious extras cause dangerous divisions

3. Rebuilding a prison of slavery makes no sense

4. I found pardon at the foot of the cross, forgiveness full and free

12. Standing Firm as Christ's Church (1 Peter 5:5-14)

Preached on Sunday 9th March 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister.
The twelfth sermon in a series on 1 Peter.

1. v5-7 Humble under God’s mighty hand

2. v8-9. Watchful in Adversity

3. v10-11. Called to Glory
   
   So … this I the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

11. Leading Like Christ While Under Pressure (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Preached on Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister.
The eleventh sermon in a series on 1 Peter.

1. Christian Leaders will Share Christ’s Sufferings

2. Christian Leaders are to Lead Like Christ

3. Christian Leaders will Share Christ’s Crown

10. Sharing in the Glorious Scars of Our Saviour (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Preached on Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister.
The tenth sermon in a series on 1 Peter.

1. Embracing Christ’s pattern (v12-13)

2. Displaying Chirst’s Glory (v14-16)

3. Proved as Christ’s people (v17-18)

4. Trusting Christ’s Father (v19)

The King's Heart's Desire (Psalm 20)

Preached on Sunday 16th February 2025 by Gavin McGrath, a member of our congregation. A one-off sermon.

1. A desire which the day of trouble cannot overcome

2. A shared desire between the LORD and his Anointed

3. A desire for which “we” rejoice for we are included

9. Armed for Warfare (1 Peter 4:1-11)

Preached on Sunday 9th February 2025 by Stephen Ballingall, our minister.
The ninth sermon in a series on 1 Peter.

1. Under Pressure from Outside the Church
   Pressure to conform (v3-4)
   Think like Christ (v1-2)
   Look to the future (v5-6)

2. Under Pressure from Inside the Church
   Rely on God (v7)
   Love one another (v8-11a)
   Which glorifies Christ (v11b)