‘Sacrifice is at the heart of the Christian life because sacrifice was at the heart of Jesus’ life. So if we’re going to grow as a church, we’ve got to expect that we will have to sacrifice too.’ – Des Smith
Sermon – The Good News about Love (Song of Songs #5)
In this, fifth and last sermon on Song of Songs, Des Smith explains how this love song between one man and one woman, also points toward the gospel and what the implications of this are for all of us.
Persevere (Jude)
Ken Noakes in two talks looks at the little letter of Jude and to the challenge to contend for the faith of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline and Script – Talk 1: Challenges to the Faith – Jude 1-16
Listen to the Sermon (Terrace Studies)
Sermon Outline and Script – Talk 2: Contending for the Faith – Jude 17-25
Sermon – Broken Sex (Song of Songs#4)
In this, the fourth of five sermons, Des Smith shows how the reality of life is reflected in the Song of Songs. Even in this intense love poem we can see the way humanity has corrupted and “broken” God’s good gift of sex. Today, such corruption includes pornography, sexual abuse and domestic violence but Des explains how anybody affected by “broken sex” can, through the suffering of Jesus, receive healing and help.
If you seek help in dealing with pornography or sexual abuse or domestic violence the resources at “Where to find help for those who need it?” may assist you.
Read the Bible text: Song of Songs 5:2-8 , 1 Corinthians 6:7-11
Sermon – Married Sex (Song of Songs#3)
In this, third of five sermons, Des Smith shows how Song of Songs teaches us that sex was given by God to enhance marriage rather than marriage being ordained to control sex. Listen to this sermon to hear Des explain this important distinction from Song of Songs.
Read the Bible text: Song of Songs 2:16 – 3:11, 1 Corinthians 7:1-9
Sermon – Good Sex (Song of Songs#2)
In this, second of five sermons, Des Smith shows how Song of Songs vividly endorses God’s positive view of sex within the context of faithful heterosexual marriage. He also explains how God is “pro-creation” – that everything God created is good if it is received with thankfulness.
Read the Bible text: Song of Songs 4:1 – 5:12 , 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Upholding Singleness
Song of Songs is a beautiful book that millions of Christians, both single and married, have read and studied with great profit. However, for some – and in particular those not currently in a relationship – it can be difficult.
In any church family there will be folk who are single – those who have never been married and those who have been married and are now single. Due to a breakdown in relationship, divorce, death of a spouse, a struggle against same-sex attraction, or other reason, Song of Songs may push some unhappy buttons.
Sermon – True Romance (Song of Songs#1)
In this, the first of five sermons, Des Smith explores “the strangest book in the Bible”. In what appears to be a graphic and intense love poem Des explains how human romantic love points to a bigger love story for the whole world – between God and people. Song of Songs is indeed about one man and one woman, as well as men and women, and way they love each other. But that reality – romantic love and life-long commitment that is reflected in marriage – is a picture God placed in world to point towards the ultimate reality of his love for us. A love shown in the gospel as His Son died on a cross. In this sense Song of Songs is book for everyone because it ultimately points to the love of God for everyone.
Read the Bible text: Song of Songs 1:1 to 2:2 , Genesis 2:15-25
Sermon – They Will Listen!
Ken Noakes preaching at Trinity Church Aldgate, looks at Paul’s attitude, articulation and activity as he shares his faith. Ken then challenges us to reflect on how the Gospel shapes our lives.
Conference Talks – Heaven & Hell
5 AWAY Weekend Away Talks – by Ken Noakes
Talk 1 – Scaring the Hell out of You!
Talk 1 Outline – Scaring the Hell out of You!
Talk 1 Script – Scaring the Hell out of You!
Discussion Group Questions – Hell
Talk 2 – Heaven Sent!
