Sermon – Persevere: Contending for the Faith (Jude 1-4, 17-25)

Read the text – Jude 1-4, 17-25

Jude is a short little letter which packs a punch. It is written to those who know what faith in Jesus is about – and urges them to ‘contend for the faith’ in the face of what are known challenges. This letter is as valuable today as it would have been for those who originally received it and will help equip believers to persevere as we walk in Jesus.

In this sermon, Ken Noakes encourages us to “be in it to win it”, because there is an urgent, pressing need that we fight for our faith. But we aren’t left to our own devices: we have the firm foundation of God’s word, and we have the power of the Holy Trinity behind us, so we can be built up by God’s word, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep in God’s love and wait on the Lord Jesus.

Bible talk outline

Sermon – Persevere: Challenges to the Faith (Jude 1-16)

Read the text – Jude 1-16

Jude is a short little letter which packs a punch. It is written to those who know what faith in Jesus is about – and urges them to ‘contend for the faith’ in the face of what are known challenges. This letter is as valuable today as it would have been for those who originally received it and will help equip believers to persevere as we walk in Jesus.

In this sermon, Ken Noakes explains that the call to be Christian comes with challenges, and we need to be ready to walk with God, especially when the challenges are targeted at the faith we profess.

Bible talk outline

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Shadow of Mercy (Isaiah 38:1-39:8)

Read the text – Isaiah 38:1-39:8

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

“The word of the Lord is good.” Hezekiah grappled with this statement on his deathbed. When the word doesn’t give the best outcome, do we still trust that it is good? Nick Lindeback unravels this mystery as we read about Hezekiah’s journey and prayer in this final bible talk of “Pictures of Judgement and Grace”.

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Angel of the LORD (Isaiah 36:1-37:38)

Read the text – Isaiah 36:1-37:38

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

This is the culmination of everything so far. Jerusalem is under siege, and the situation, humanly speaking, is hopeless. In this sermon, Stephen Hawkins outlines the historical context and explains the choice that the people in Jerusalem are faced with: Who will they trust? There is only salvation when they trust in God for deliverance, and that salvation may be unexpected and beyond belief.

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Highway of the LORD (Isaiah 33:2-35:10)

Read the text – Isaiah 33:2-35:10

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

In this sermon, Dave Swan shows how God, after sending adversity and affliction on his people, will also provide bread and water for the righteous that will not fail. God will provide a highway in the wilderness, enabling the ransomed of the Lord to return to him. In God we have the ultimate provider and sustainer; he is our Rock, our foundation and giver of life.

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Bread of Adversity (Isaiah 28:1-33:1)

Read the text – Isaiah 28:1-33:1

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

In this sermon, Ken Noakes shows us how God’s punishes and saves Jerusalem – bringing them back to himself through the bread of adversity and water of affliction. This might not be the meal the people of Israel want, but it’s what they need. And even when his people are unfaithful, he is faithful. God will use both the good and the bad to bring about his plans, so we should trust God, even when things don’t seem good.

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Feast of all Nations (Isaiah 24:1-27:13)

Read the text – Isaiah 24:1-27:13

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

In this sermon, Dave Swan shows us a beautiful picture of heaven, with people from all nations coming to the mountain of the Lord, and enjoying the fruit of the vineyard, with death being swallowed up forever. We have seen God’s power over the nations – we now get a glimpse of God’s plan for the nations. In the midst of hopelessness, we hear songs of joy from the most unlikely of places as God’s gospel goes to all nations.

Sermon – Pictures of Judgement and Grace: The Key and the Peg (Isaiah 21:1-23:18)

Read the text – Isaiah 21:1-23:18

The people of Judah face a number of crises from within (their own sin) and without (the alliance of Israel and Syria, the power of Assyria). Who will they trust to rescue them? Themselves? Foreign Nations? or God Almighty?

Eliakim holds the keys, but ultimately no political leader can save the people. The peg gives way. But Jesus hold the keys forever, the true peg and true key who stands firm. In this sermon, Ken Noakes shows how God is in control and works for our good. Our first response should always be to turn to him, not trusting in our own strength, or the strength of others, but only in Jesus.