SLE Church Sermons

In contrast to the false worship of the land, true worship is directed by God and involves the whole of life joyfully lived for him so Israel are called to obey these commands!

God’s relentless grace and faithfulness shapes our hearts to be totally set apart in devotion and obedience to him.

With privileged and new identities, as those chosen and saved by God, comes the need for obedience and the warning of judgement for disobedience.

God enters into covenant relationship with his redeemed by speaking his Word. The redeemed respond to this grace in total love with undivided commitment and obedience to Gods covenant Word.

Israels past is marked by personal unbelief, fear and failure but God proved gracious and faithful, so they must trust his past grace for his future grace as they enter the land.

To our deep comfort, awe and encouragement, God reminds us that judgement is withheld so that all of God’s people will come to salvation in Christ to enjoy his eternal presence.

The gospel comes to the mega-city of Ephesus and makes a huge splash in culture. In Acts 19 we see the tale of 2 crowds. One that responds in mass repentance and another that responds ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/the-gospel-in-motion-repentance-and-rioting/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

God is always present with his people, those who believe in the Lord Jesus, because he dwells with by his Spirit.

Since God is the creator of everything idolatry makes no sense, so we must repent before Jesus returns.

Responses to the gospel differ so much because either God is active or unbelief is at work.

Paul and his companions kick off the second mission journey with a series of setbacks in their travel plans. The lessons we learn will challenge and equip us to preach the gospel to all nations; ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/the-gospel-in-motion-preaching-the-gospel-to-all-nations/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

We reach one of the climaxes in the book of Acts where the Apostles and elders of the early church hold the very first council to discuss a monumental topic: how are Gentiles saved?

The book of Acts is about the journey of the gospel going out to the ends of the earth. In Acts 13-14, we see Paul and Barnabas persist in making disciples of Jesus Christ among the ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/the-gospel-in-motion-gospel-ministry-pathways-and-patterns/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Promise. Salvation. Rejection. Grace. This is the pattern of God’s plan for salvation to the ends of the earth. Let’s rejoice in his great salvation, and let’s proclaim this salvation to the nations.

When Paul and Barnabas are set apart and sent by the Spirit, not even the Devil can oppose their work.

What makes a great Christian leader? The world has many different ideas about leadership, and often these ideas influence our expectations for Christian leaders. But are these expectations consistent with the gospel? As the leaders ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/gospel-shaped-leadership/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

For believers to stand firm unto eternal glory, we must exercise humility and boldness. We need humble shepherds and need to be humble sheep. We need bold resistance in the battle against the enemy and ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-standing-firm-in-christ/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Suffering is certain, but it catches so many of us off guard. So how will you respond to suffering when it comes? We continue our series in 1 Peter, where he writes to prepare the ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-suffering-while-doing-good/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Christ is risen! The resurrection of Jesus makes everything right; our sinfulness, our relationship with God, and our sense of purpose. The hope of resurrection life frees us to worship God and enjoy him forever.

The death of Jesus reveals God’s promises fulfilled and His grace and mercy towards us.

In Christ, Christians have died to sin and given new life. The old way of life of living out sinful, God-denying, desires is over. Instead, the believer is to live out the rest of his ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-living-the-new-life/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Elect exiles are to pursue the good life even in the midst of suffering, because Christ’s victorious suffering enables and empowers them to persevere.

Belonging to God, and secure in their true identity and hope, Christians are free to subject themselves to, and honour, their spouse.

Having been freed and given great privileges, Christians are to be good ‘subjects’, submitting under and respecting the authority of various human institutions that they are part of. Christians recognise the God-given role of earthly authorities. ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-free-to-live-in-subjection-1/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Believers are chosen in Christ to live in ways that glorify God. What a marvel and assurance is this good news, and what a challenge to our lives in exile here.

As elect exiles, our core identity is that we are children of God. Knowing this, we seek to maintain and nurture a child-like attitude towards our heavenly Father as we live in anticipation of our ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-living-as-children-of-the-holy-god/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

It is God’s great mercy that gives true hope that sustains believers through trials and testing. Christians persevere in the faith by understanding the great mercies of God poured out on the believer and the ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/exiles-living-in-hope-chosen-by-god-strangers-in-the-world/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, the one who calls you to find rest in him.

With Yahweh as his shepherd David has reassurance and everlasting joy.

Nehemiah ends on a very low note, with the people of God returning to old ways of unholiness and disobedience. We’re led to long for a rescue, restoration, rebuilding and renewal that addresses the heart of ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/ruin-rebuild-reform-return-to-old-ways/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

The city is repopulated and God’s people celebrate his covenant faithfulness.

Repentance follows being deep in God’s word and confession, acknowledging sin to be turned from, and recommitting to God’s Law and true worship.

A long history of unfaithfulness is confessed, recognising and owning their guilt, is contrasted to Yahweh’s utterly amazing faithfulness.

As we return to the Book of Nehemiah and pick it up from chapter 8, we see a new phase in the rebuilding process – the focus is now on the reforming of the people. ... <a href="https://sle.church/2023/ruin-rebuild-reform-reform-deep-in-the-word/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Jesus extends an offer that is so unbelievably good and one we can’t refuse: come to him, all who are weary and heavy laden, and he will give you rest for your soul!

The convincing news that Jesus did rise from the dead impacts our hearts and lives now and for eternity.

The incarnated Christ was born to die, turning away God’s wrath.

Jesus emptied himself of his glory and took on human form to connect with us, that we might have the perfect saviour – to our marvel and joy

This world, made weary by sin, longs for rest and restoration. Jesus has come to do exactly that! And so we’re able to enjoy the thrill of hope and great rejoicing.

The exhortation and encouragement to stand firm together requires unity, effort, and grace.

The return of Jesus gives hope and comfort to those grieving death, and motivates us to godly living while we wait for Jesus’ appearing.

What’s the bare minimum I need to do to live a Christian life? As we explore 1 Thessalonians 4 we see Paul is completely against this kind of thinking. Instead, he instructs us to live ... <a href="https://sle.church/2022/stand-firm-a-more-and-more-life/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

The genuine gospel minister greatly desires and rejoices in seeing steadfast faith. Know and appreciate how your steadfast faith greatly encourages those who minister to you – it is truly good news to them! So ... <a href="https://sle.church/2022/stand-firm-the-good-news-of-steadfast-faith/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

Authentic gospel ministry that produces genuine faith is transparently honest, deeply personal, and is embraced as God’s Word.

As we start our new sermon series in 1 Thessalonians, Paul begins the first chapter overflowing with thankfulness for the work that God has done in the lives of the Thessalonians. Our passage shows us ... <a href="https://sle.church/2022/stand-firm-thank-god-for-genuine-christians/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

There is an urgent need for more churches for Christians to gather and then for them to scatter into their communities to gather more people into God’s church. As Christians, we are called to understand ... <a href="https://sle.church/2022/the-planted-church/" class="more-link">Read More</a>

The gospel compels disciples of Jesus to pray for and raise up labourers to plant churches – which will require gospel convictions and various personal sacrifices to do so.

As the wall is finished the remnant are counted, and though small the number represents the future hope of Israel.

Fear threatens the work of God, but fails when God is feared and trusted.