Grace Baptist Church Bexleyheath

Grace for Wanderers

This message on Judges 21:1-24 looks at the chaotic aftemath in Israel after the costly defeat of Benjamin. The passage show us that all people of God are prone to wander from God [v1-8]; wandering from God leads to disaster v[8-23]; and, the grace of God is bigger than our wandering [v23-24]. The message encourages to repent of our wandering and rest in the grace of God in Jesus. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

 

The Triumph of God's People

This message on Judges 20:27-48 is the third of three sermons looking at the second civil war in Israel triggered by the moral outrage which took place at Gibeah (as told in Judges 19). In v27-48, God grants victory to Israel over Benjamin. This message teaches us that all false believers will be destroyed by God [v27-36]; and, all true followers of Jesus are victorious in Christ [v36-48]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Cost of Following God

This message on Judges 20:18-30 is the second of three sermons looking at the second civil war in Israel triggered by the moral outrage which took place at Gibeah (as told in Judges 19). In v18-30 the people of Israel suffer heavy losses against Benjamin. This message teaches us that God wants to lead us [v18];  Following God is costly [v19-21]; God uses trials to help us follow Him [v22-26]; and, we must persevere in following God [v28-30]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Standing With God Against Sin

This message on Judges 20:1-20 is the first of three sermons looking at the second civil war in Israel triggered by the moral outrage which took place at Gibeah (as told in Judges 19). In v1-20, the men of Israel decide to go to war against Benjamin. This message teaches us that we are not immune from sin among us [v1-7]; sin turns us against one another [v8-17]; and, we must stand with God against sin [v18-20]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Depth of Human Depravity

This message on Judges 19:22-31 is the second of two sermons looking at one of the most sordid stories in the Bible. In this passage we read of rape, murder and callous indifference leading to the death of an innocent woman in Gibeah. This message reminds us that people without God have depraved appetites [v22][ depraved thinking [v23-25]; and, depraved humanity [v25-31]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Moral Chaos in The Family and Society

This message on Judges 19:1-21 is the first of two sermons looking at one of the most sordid stories in the Bible. In this passage we see how a Levite  travelled to Bethlehem to take back a concubine who had committed adultery. The sermon warns us that living for ourselves leads to moral confusion in our families [v1-10] and our society [v11-21]. It encourages to surrender to families and society to King Jesus. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Is Your Religion False? (Part 2)

This message on Judges 18:21-31 looks at how the tribe of Dan destroyed Laish and set up the carved image for themselves.  This is the second of two messages on the danger and foolishness of worshipping God on our terms. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Is Your Religion False? (Part 1)

This message on Judges 18:1-20 looks at how the tribe of Dan offered Micah’s priest more money and prestige to be their priest. This is the first of two messages on the danger and foolishness of worshipping God on our terms. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Danger of Self-Service

This message on Judges 17:7-13 looks at how a wandering Levite prostituted his true calling by operating an idolatorous shrine owned by Micah, who payed him well. The passage warns us of the great danger of self-servie. It teaches us that all people of God want to be useful [v7-8]; but we often serve for selfish reasons [v8-11]; self-service worships man not God [v12-13]; and, Christ has paid for our self-service [v7-13]. The message encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus and serve Him for Him! The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Danger of Selfish Religion

This message on Judges 17:1-6 looks at how one family in Israel set up their idol to worship as a means of obtaining blessings in life. The passage teaches us that people will do anything for comfort [v1-2];  we often chase comfort in God’s name [v2-4]; and, chasing comfort corrupts true worship of God [v5-6]. The passage encourages us to have true faith in God by full surrender to Jesus and resist selfish religion. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Free from Evil

This message on Judges 16:21-31 looks at how the sacrifical death of Samson set Israel free from the oppression of the Philistines. The passage teaches us that evil enslaves all of us [v21-25]; God destroys our slavery to evil [v26-31]; and, all followers of Jesus are free in Jesus our Samson [v21-31]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Danger of Continued Sin

This message on Judges 16:1-21 looks at what Samson tragic relationship with Delilah teaches us about the danger of living wilfully in sin. The passage teaches us that continued sin abuses God’s power [v1-3]; and, continued sin forfeits God’s power [v4-21]. The message encourages us to recognise God lovingly corrects His children at all costs; repent of our continued sin without delay; and, rest in the grace of our Lord Jesus! The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

 

Mercy for the Merciless

This message on Judges 15:1-20 contrasts Samson's merciless revenge against the Philistines who murdered his wife, with God mercy towards him. The passage teaches us that sometimes we lack mercy towards others [v1-5]; lack of mercy is costly [v6-13]; and, God is merciful to the merciless [v14-20]. The message encourages us to forgive others becase God has forgiven us in Jesus and given us a new heart that can forgive. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

God Is Bigger Than Your Sin

This message on Judges 14:1-19 looks at how God used Samson's sinful marriage to one of the daughters of the Philistines to achieve His purposes for Israel. The passage teaches us that God overrules our sin [v1-4]; God overrules our sin graciously [5-7]; and, God overrules our sin to save us [8-19]. The message comforts us that God sovereign over sin in Jesus and encourages us to take our sin seriously. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

 

 

The Amazing Grace of God

This message on Judges 13:1-25 looks at how the miraculous birth of Samson points to the grace of God in Jesus. It teaches us that the grace of God is a phenomenal grace [1-5]; patient grace [6-23]; and, a proven grace [24-25]. The message encourages us to rest our confidence in the grace of God in every situaiton. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

 

 

The Work of God

This message on Judges 12:7-15 looks at three men raised by God to judge Israel - Ibzan, Elon, Abdon. God works through His people for His glory! The message encourage us to offer ourselves to used by God in Jesus for His glory. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Tragedy of Pride

This message on Judges 12:1-6 looks at Israel's first civil war when God used Jephthah to discipline the tribe of Ephraim because of their pride. It teaches us that everyone is prideful [1]; pride turns us against one another [2-6]; and, God opposes the proud [6]. The message encourages us to escape the tragedy of pride by taking refuge in Jesus. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Are You Blind to Grace?

This message on Judges 11:29-40 looks at Jephthah's tragic vow.  It teaches us that sometimes  people of God are blind to the grace of God [29-31]; and, our blindness is costly [32-40]. The message encourages followers of Jesus to trust in the grace of God and not ourselves. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Victory Over Evil

This message on Judges 11:28-33 looks Jephthah's first victory against Ammonites. It teaches us that everyone is powerless against evil [v28];  God delivers His people from evil [v29, v32-33]; and, we have victory over evil through Jesus [v29, v32-33]. The message encourages us to surrender to Jesus and find lasting shelter in Him against all evil. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

 

Are You Standing Firm?

This message on Judges 11:12-27 looks at how Jephthah stood firm against and the king of the Ammonites.  It us that all people of God must stand firm for God against opposition [v12]; on the truth of God [v13-26]; and, because God is for us [v21-24, v27]. The message encourages us to stand firm in Christ by total surrender of our situations to God.  The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Desperate Times

This message on Judges 10:17-11:11 looks at how God raised Jephthah as the eighth judge of Israel to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Ammonites. It teaches us that sometimes we are desperate for answers [10:17-18]; desperation leads to desperate choices [11:1-8]; and, God is with us in our desperation [11:9-11]. The message encourages to bring our desperate situations to God through Jesus . The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

True Repentance

This message on Judges 10:10-16 looks at Israel's repentance after God disciplined them at the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. It teaches us what repentance is not [v10],  what repentance is [v15-16]; and, what repentance restores [v16]. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The Sinfulness of Sin

This message on Judges 10:6-10 looks at how Israel rebelled against God by embracing all the idols of the land, and how God severely disciplined them through the people of the land. The evil of Israel teaches us that sin offends God [v6]; sin hardens us [v6]; and, sin destroys everyone [v7-9]. The message encourages to flee from the danger of sin by continuous trust in Jesus. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

The God of the Unexpected

This message on Judges 10:3-5 looks at the seventh judge of Israel, Jair the Gileadite who judged Israel for 22 years. It teaches us that God uses lavishes unexpected grace on unxpected people using unexpected means. It encourages us to trust in the unexpected work of God in Jesus Christ. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The God of the Ordinary

This message on Judges 10:1-2 looks at the sixth judge of Israel, Tola of the tribe of Issachar.  It teaches us that God uses ordinary people in ordinary ways. It encourages us to embrace our ordinary lives and surrender them to God to use our lives for His glory in Jesus.  The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Inevitable Defeat of Evil

This message on Judges 9:42-56 is the second of two messages looking at the fall of Abimelech following the revolt of Shechem and his eventual death at Thebez. It teaches us that evil doers always lose to God in the end.  Therefore we must run to Jesus our strong tower against God’s judgement. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

 

The God Who Works Silently

This message on Judges 9:21-41 is the first of two messages looking at the fall of Abimelech following the revolt of Shechem led by Gaal the Son of Ebed. It teaches us that God is at work in ways we cannot see [v23-24]; and, God is at work through ordinary ways [v25-41]. It encourages us to move from despair  to full trust in the sovereign purposes of God. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

How Should We Choose Leaders?

This message on Judges 9:7-21 looks at Jotham's parable of the trees, which he declared at Mount Gerizim to the leaders of Shechem. It warns us on the danger of choosing unqualified leaders among God's people, and encourages us to trust in the leadership of God. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Horror of Sin

This message on Judges 8:33-9:6 looks at how Gideon's son Abimelech murdered his brothers and declared himself king of Israel at Shechem. It teaches us on the nature and consquences of sin in our lives. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Tragedy of Success

How do we respond to God’s blessings in our lives? This message on Judges 8:22-32 looks at how Gideon's extraordinary military success increased his standing among the people, and eventually led him to finish his life poorly. It warns us that success in life can make us forsake God. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Are You Facing Opposition?

This message on Judges 8:1-21 looks at how Gideon faced opposition from within Israel and from outside. It teaches us that all God’s people face opposition from God’s people [v1-9]; and, God enables us to overcome all opposition [v10-21]. It encourages us to keep going forward in the victory and strength of Jesus our Everlasting Gideon. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Are You Enjoying Victory?

This message on Judges 7:16-25 is the second of two messages looking at how Gideon and the 300 defeated the Midianites and the Amalekites in the valley of Moreh. It teaches us that all God's people are at war against powerfulness enemies and God has already granted us victory in Jesus our Everlasting Gideon. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

 

Are You Weak Enough?

This message on Judges 7:1-15 is the first of two messages looking at how Gideon and the 300 defeated the Midianites and Amalekites in the valley of Moreh. It teaches us that God dresses our weakness in His strength. Therefore we must press forward in weakness. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Taking God At His Word

This message on Judges 6:33-40 looks at how Gideon asked God for the sign of the fleece. This passage teaches us that God keeps His Word [33 -35]; fear makes us doubt His Word [36-37]; and God is gracious towards us [38-40]. It encourages to take our gracious God at His Word. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Are You Loyal to God?

This message on Judges 6:25-33 looks at how God tested Gideon's loyalty to Him by commanding Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal that belonged to his father Joash. This passage teaches us that loyalty to God is standing with God against sin in our backyard. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18.   

Is God Welcome In Your Life?

This message on Judges 6:11-24 looks at the call of Gideon during the days of Midian. It teaches that God wants us to welcome Him in our lives so that He can share His life with us. The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Freedom from Idolatry

This message on Judges 6:1-10 looks at how Israel plunged into idolatry after the death of Deborah which led to their oppression by the Midianites. It teaches us that idolatry in our lives is persistent (v1); idolatry attracts the discipline of God; and, idolatry is cured by obedience to the Word of God (v7-10) . The sermon is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Will You Answer the Call?

This message on Judges 5:1-23 looks at how the different tribes of Israel reacted to the call of God to fight against Sisera. It teaches us God is calling us to fight for Him and we must answer the call of God willingly. The sermon is part of our  series in Judges preached in 2017-18.

Are You Rejoicing?

This message on Judges 5:1-31 looks at how the people of God led by Derobah reacted to their victory over Jabin and Sisera. They sung a song of praise to God. The song of Deborah teaches us that all followers of Jesus have reason to rejoice because we are freed by God [v1-15, v19-22]; friends of God [v31]; and favoured by God [v8, 31]. The sermon is part of our  series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Are You Standing With God?

This message on Judges 4:17-24 looks at the murder of Sisera by Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. It teaches us that the strong sometimes get away [v17]; but no one is stronger than God [v18-21]; and, God chooses the weak to shame the strong [v22-24]. It encourages us to see in Jael an example of how we are to stand with God against His enemies. This message is part of our series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The God Who Never Forgets Us

This message on Judges 4:1-16 looks at how God remembered Israel when they were oppressed by Jabin and Sisera. He raised up Deborah and Balak to deliver Israel.  The message teaches us that God never forgets His people in Jesus so we must  trust Him completely. The sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18.     

Saved By A Nobody

This message on Judges 3:31 looks at how God used Shamgar an obsure man who used obsure means to deliver Israel from the Philistines. It teaches us that God saves through obscure people; through obsure means; and through the obscurity of Jesus. The message encourages us trust in Jesus in our Shamgar and embrace His obscurity in the way we live. The sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Saved By Weakness

This message on Judges 3:12-30 looks at how God raised Ehud, a disabled man to deliver Israel from Eglon, King of Moab. The message encourages to trust in the God of Ehud who delivers His people through the weakness of the Cross. The sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18.  

Are You At Rest?

This message on Judges 3:7-11 looks at how God raised the first judge of Israel, Othniel to defeat  Cushua-risthathaim. It teaches us that God rescues sinners by His grace so that His children may rest in Him. The message is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18.   

The Test of Opposition

This message on Judges 2:20-3:6 looks at how God responded to Israel's rebellion against the covenant when they entered the land of Canaan. It teaches us that all people of God are tested through opposition [2:20-3:3]; God tests His people to make us more like Him [2:22, 3:1-2]; and, we pass the test by obeying God [2:20,22: 3:1-6]. The message encourages us to look and fix our eyes on Jesus our Helper. This sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Heart of Rebellion

This message on Judges 2:11-19 looks at the cycle of Israel's rebellion against God when they entered the land and how God responded to that rebellion. The message teaches us that  teaches us that rebellion is spiritual prostitution [10-13]; it destroys those who practice it [14-15]; resists the grace of God [16-19]; and, needs Jesus our Perfect Judge and Leader [19]. The message encourages us to confess and repent of our rebellion against God. 

The Heart of Service

This message on Judges 2:6-10 looks at the faithfulness of the "Joshua generation" to learn what serving God looks like. It teaches us that all God’s people are meant to serve God [v7]; we serve God because we have life with Him [v7, v10]; and, we must serve God by taking Him everywhere with us [v6, v8-10]. This message is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The Heart of Compromise

This message on Judges 1:22-2:5 looks at how Israel failed to complete the conquest of Canaan by choosing to accommodate itself to the circumstances in various ways. The message warns against the dangers of spiritual compromise. It shows us that compromise is common place (1:22-26); it is convenient (1:27-36); and always costs us in the end (2:1-5). The sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

The God who leads His people

This message on Judges 1:1-21 looks at how the people of Israel sought the leadership of God following the death of Joshua. It teaches us that God leads His people in time of crisis, but often his people only follow His leadership half-heartedly. It challenges us to trust and follow the leadership of God with our whole heart. The sermon is part of our fifty sermon series in Judges preached in 2017-18. 

Responding to Suffering

This message on Job 1:20-22 reminds us to learn from Job in how we respond to the certainty of suffering in our lives. This is a one-off message preached by Mark Higgins (Belvedere).