Bethesda Shalom

Mark 12:1-12 There are some within the ranks of Christendom that fancy that their being in the Lord hangs by a thread - that is, at any time, at any moment, having put one foot wrong, they could suddenly be cast off from the presence of God and fall from grace overnight!! I call this "tightrope Christianity", and there are many who live under the fear and grip of such bondage never knowing whether...

Joshua 9:1-14 There's a saying oft found on the lips of men when faced with a situation in life; "I've got it!!" Vast and numerous are the casualties of those who speech run along these lines.   Judging in the natural and functioning in the realm of the earthly, they judge carnal matters by carnal means and suffer the consequences of not first seeking council at the mouth of the LORD. This sermon...

1 Corinthians 15:9-11 There exists three types of Christian workers in the field of Christian service today. The third it seems is more rare than coloured diamonds, the first and second more common than tin! Behold the first type of Christian worker; his back bowed over, his hands limp, his knees frail – a most pitiful fellow! If one could peer across to view him head on, one would see a tiresome...

Apologists for the religion of Islam often play the slave card in an attempt to draw black Afro-Caribbeans away from Christianity to the religion of Islam. Up until now, the wind has only been blowing in one direction in exposing the regrettable tie between those professing to be Christian and their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. That is until now… Jay Smith brings devastating evide...

Much rhetoric is being banded around in our Western society, even by Christians, putting forth the notion that the God of the bible and the God of Islam are essentially the same God.   In classic Jay Smith fashion, Jay brings a clear comparison between the religions of Christianity and Islam and blows this myth out of the water.

2 Kings 18:1-6 Of King Hezekiah, it was said, "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did".  Hezekiah was a very special king in that he loved the Lord his God and cleaved to Him with all is heart!!  When ascending the throne of the Monarch, Hezekiah set his heart to rededicate the nation back to God.  He removed the high places, and brake...

Hebrews 11 What is faith?  There exists some confusion amongst Christians as to what constitutes true biblical faith.  Due to the error of the so-called Word of Faith Movement, many have come to have an unbiblical view of faith.  We're told that whatever we desire we shall receive and if we don't then it is because we lack the faith!  However, when one takes the whole counsel of the New Testament,...

Acts 8:1-4 North Korea ranks first place in its relentless, systematic persecution of Christians via its communist dictator Kim Jong Un.  Worship of the ruling Kim family is mandatory for all, and those failing to comply are imprisoned, tortured or killed.  Across the Muslim world in countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Yemen; those daring to leave the ran...

Matthew 6:19-34 When demanded of the Pharisees, "when the kingdom of God should come", Jesus responded by saying: "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:  Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! For behold, the kingdom is within you" (Lk. 17:20-21).  If indeed it be the case that the King of kings has come to establish His kingdom in the hearts of men and to take His seat upon the...

Ephesians 6:10-18 A war has been raging for some 2000 years.  Not a single generation has been exempt and not a day has passed wherein the conflict has ceased.  It is a battle in the heavenly realms, reaching down to earth; a spiritual war involving the blood bought children of God and the forces of demonic darkness.  It is crucial in this critical hour, that the Saints of God have a biblical unde...

Romans 16:17-27 In earnest concern, Paul instructs the Church at Rome with passion, to mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which they had learned and to avoid them.  When one understands the heart of God concerning His flock and the prayers of Christ that His Church may be one; insight is gleaned and understanding is gained as it relates to the importance of unity...

Romans 16:1-11 All I'm sure are familiar with the concept of a roll of honour, a list of names of those counted worthy of receiving honour; of being highly esteemed in the sight of men and thus to be regarded with great respect.  In the chapter before us, Paul lists his own roll call of honour, of faithful Saints counted worthy of double honour on account of their faithful labours of service in Ch...

Romans 15:25-33 Having dealt already at length concerning the matter of Christian love, in a variety of Christian contexts throughout this most blessed epistle to the Romans; it is not surprising that once again before long, Paul revisits this great theme in what is yet another application of its manifold beauty!!  Its depths can never be plummeted, its heights never scaled – inexhaustible, indisp...

Romans 15:20-24 The 19th century has been dubbed "the greatest century of missions".  In 1793, the modern missionary movement was birthed into being by a young Baptist minister by the name of William Carey.  Over the next 100 years, missionaries were sent out from this tiny country of Great Britain, to every corner of the world.  Whole tribes were converted from pagan idolatry and disciples made f...

Romans 15:14-19 In my 16 years of being a Christian, I have found that within the professing Body of Christ, there generally exists two extremes when it comes to understanding the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  On one extreme, there are those who sacrifice biblical doctrine on the altar of experience and those on the other extreme, those who sacrifice experience on the altar of learning.  Th...

Romans 15:8-13 There are many mysteries in the universe yet unsolved by man; veiled from his sight, concealed from his understanding; beyond his comprehension.  Such mysteries have always fascinated mankind, beholding the wonder and the splendour, yet at a loss how to furnish an adequate explanation.  The Apostle Paul spoke much of the mystery of the gospel.  The prophets of old foretold of a futu...

Romans 15:1-7 It's one things to fight a common enemy without – wars are fought and won on such a basis.  One army sets themselves in array against another and a bloody battle is fought until one side gains the victory.  However, it's quite another thing altogether when the enemies of a man are those within his own household; those within his own ranks!  How then shall the battle be won?  Indeed o...

Romans 14 There are some things in the Christian religion too great to move; truths that are non-negotiable, not open for debate, off limits and out of bounds!  These great doctrines of our faith pertaining to the person, nature and work of Jesus Christ and the means by which salvation comes to man are not open for discussion!  To dispense of these pillars is to destroy the very foundation upon wh...

Romans 13:8-14 The Word of God is clear…"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 Jn. 4:20).  Brethren, be not deceived, our love for Him who we cannot see is manifest to the degree that we love one another!!  When we think of the great love that He has demonstrated towards us...

Romans 13:1-7 Great misunderstanding exists among some believers regarding our relationship to governing authorities.  Some boast that they have only one King to whom they owe their allegiance and thus they break the law of the land!  Paul takes very strong objection against such a view and instructs believers that they are to recognise that governing authorities have received their seat of power...

Like a man with only 30 seconds to live in which to speak his departing words; Paul with his finger on the trigger, fires out no less than 32 heart searching commands.  Each command is like the bullet of a trained marksman, finding its way to its given target!  Every word counting to encourage, reprove, exhort and edify the Body of Jesus Christ.  If there was a word to sum up the vast array of wor...

Romans 12:3-8 As one considers the general perception of what Church is supposed to be, one cannot help but sense that there is a great misunderstanding on the part of many regarding this matter.  Content it seems the great crowds are, Sunday after Sunday, to pour rank and file into a building to occupy the pews and receive their full.  Yet, Jesus' great high priestly payer in John 17 was that His...

Romans 12:1-2 Well the words of an old hymn serve to adorn the passage of Scripture before us – A Living Sacrifice.  "I fail to find a sacrifice, or fitting gift to bring:  Earth's treasures have too little worth to offer to my King.  My gift is small, it is my all, accept it Lord I pray; let self be slain, let Jesus reign, within my heart alway".  Oh, dear soul…is your all on the altar of sacrifi...

Romans 11 When one surveys that peculiar and special people group known as the Jews; one would think them to be altogether cast off by God.  How so few it seems have come to saving faith in Messiah; how many vehemently oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ!!  With a deep groaning and an inescapable burden for his people, Paul lays down the case as to why it is absolutely not the case that God has cast...

2 Corinthians 13:7-11 David delivers a very challenging message on the great need for believers in Christ to become mature in the faith.  So many are waddling around at the first stages of infancy when they ought by now to be young men and fathers in the faith.  Many are content to sit inactive on the side lines and wonder why there is no spiritual growth and maturity in their lives.  In love and...