An Invitation and a New Beginning

Two new messages from Jonathan Hunt:

A Great Invitation

Luke 14:16-24

Christ teaches the Pharisees with this remarkable parable, picturing the great invitation to come to Him for salvation. What is our response to the gracious invitation of Christ?

Abraham's New Beginning

Genesis 25:1-11

We come to the end of Abraham's life, and reflect that it is not an end, but a new beginning. We summarise Abraham's life, and take encouragement from his example.

Remember, Repent, Rebekah

Here are 2 sermons preached by Jonathan Hunt back in November:

Remember. Repent!

Text: Proverbs 14.34

On this Remembrance Sunday, and Armistice Day, we consider the great deliverances that have been wrought for our nation in previous world wars. We consider what it is that once made Britain 'Great' - recognizing that it really is righteousness that does exalt a nation. We consider the reaction to the end of World War II, and ask if we would see such glory given to God today. Of course, the answer is 'no'. We recognize the great sin of our nation in recent years, with the murder of 6.7 million unborn children heading the list of offences, and conclude that at the time we remember, we should repent. We call upon our once-great nation to repent of her rebellion against Almighty God, and we plead with Him to send a wave of revival through our needy land.


Rebekah

Text: Genesis 24

In this lengthy yet beautiful account we see Abraham’s great faith in operation once more as he sends his servant to seek a wife for his son, Isaac. We note three things particularly - Abraham’s servant as a model of our service to Christ, lessons about guidance, and further lessons about faith. Are we true servants of our Master? Do we seek His guidance? Do we exercise faith?

It's TIME to get real about Christmas

Two special messages today from Jonathan Hunt focusing on the truth about the incarnation celebrated this time of year around the world.

The Everlasting Son of God - Micah 5:2

A simple study to consider this wonderful prophecy of the coming Messiah, encouragements and insights for us. We consider Christ's eternal existence, and his rule over all things. We review several features of Christ's coming revealed here, and reveal the greatness of the government of Christ as our glorious Prince. We also see that He is our peace, even when 'the enemy is in the land'


Time to Get Real about Christmas - Isaiah 40:4-5

We all know the traditional version of the 'Christmas Story' - but so much of it is not supported by scripture. What DOES the Bible say about why Christ came? Who is He? Why did He come? What does it have to do with us today?

The Death of a Saint

The next message in Jonathan Hunt's sermon series from Genesis is taken from Genesis 23 and titled The Death of a Saint.

In this message we consider the life and death of Sarah, Abraham's wife. We understand that Sarah 'died in faith' from Hebrews 11. Have we thought carefully about whether this is how we will die? A useful maxim is 'To die IN faith, live BY faith'. We also look at Abraham's careful purchase of a burial place, and learn once more from his example as he deals with death in a godly way.

When Wrestling is Real

When commenting on Ephesians 6:12 Matthew Henry wrote:

Our enemies strive to prevent our ascent to heaven, to deprive us of heavenly blessings, and to obstruct our communion with heaven.

We find that this is true. Our enemies would do all within their power to distract us from "setting our minds on things above" so that we are overwhelmed with the things of this earth. If we are going to fight the good fight then we must be prepared to engage the enemy in combat and we must know how to overcome them and their tactics.

The first step in preparing is found in Ephesians 6:12 where we are told that we are locked in hand to hand combat with the enemies of the Kingdom of God. We "wrestle" against them, and here, unlike on the television, the wrestling is real! But we need to be sure that we know who we are fighting. Understanding who the real enemy is will help us stand against them and overcome them in the course of this lifelong battle.

This week's sermon, taken from this text, explores the truth about our enemy and explains how it is that we successfully combat their plans and schemes in this fallen world.

(click the message title below to download or listen to this message for FREE)

The Rulers of Darkness
Ephesians 6:12

III. The Rulers of Darkness – Eph 6:12

A. Wrestling is Real

1. We wrestle...not (we do wrestle) – we are at war
2. Combat, hand to hand
3. “To throw a man down by deceit and craft, to supplant and trip” (Calvin)
4. Today, wrestling is often fake or theatrical. In NT times it was often a matter of life and death.

B. Know Your Enemy

1. Not Flesh and Blood

a. An enemy not human, not physical, not of this world
b. An Enemy not threatened by any mere human power or ability
c. Who the enemy is not:

How often do we forget that God says in His Word, "Vengeance is Mine. I will repay."? And so when we are persecuted or attacked verbally, emotionally, or physically for our faith we have as a first response the desire to fight back - to strike out against the person who has hurt us. That is another point of confusion brought on by the true enemy of our souls. We fall for the lie that we are fighting against lost men and women!

As a result then we use our words and actions to hurt them and drive them back - and then we wonder why the reject Christ so openly!! Have we forgotten that those who would engage us in this warfare and attack us are themselves in bondage to sin, slaves of unrighteousness, and children of their father the devil? This is what Jesus said to the Pharisees. In calling them a "brood of vipers" He was saying that they are the offspring of Satan - they are, as it were baby snakes, children of their father, the Devil.

But these people are not the enemy we are to engage in warfare. We should seek to rescue them - to preach and witness and love and encourage them. The Bible is so clear. Bless those who curse, pray for those who spitefully use, do good to those who hate. And yet our natural response is to fight. Then we see we are at war but we are fighting the wrong enemy! We think that those in bondage should be hated and reviled just as they hate and revile. But these are the very people we should be loving with an unconditional self sacrificing love.

2. Principalities

a. Gk: arxas
b. ruler, office of authority, denotes organization and domain, sphere of influence
c. Rom 8:38; Col 1:16; 2:15 – a created thing under God’s authority

3. Powers

a. Gk: edzousias
b. ruling power, the right to act, domain in which power is exercised
c. 1 Peter 3:22 – subject to Christ

4. Rulers of Darkness

a. Gk: kosmokratoras skoutas
b. world rulers over darkness
c. Eph 5:8; Luke 22:53; 1 John 5:19

5. Spiritual Hosts of Wickedness

a. Gk: pneumatika ponarias
b. wicked (sick, virulent, evil) spirits (in the spiritual realm)
c. 1 John 3:10; James 1:21

C. Our Defeated Foe – Rev 12:11

1. Prophesied - Gen 3:15
2. Temptation Resisted – Luke 4:1-13
3. Demons Cast Out – Luke 4:33-36; 11:20; Matt 10:1
4. His Works Destroyed – 1 John 3:8
5. Fulfilled at Christ’s Death – Col 2:15; Heb 2:14

D. Dealing with Demons – 2 Cor 10:1-6

A Message about Methods

Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." The word "wiles" is the Greek word methodia, which we might also translate "methods". Have you ever given much thought to the methods that the devil uses to trap us and tempt us?

This Sunday's message was taken from this text and we spent some time looking at the methods the devil uses against us and ways in which we have been equipped to stand against the devil and resist his schemes.

Here is the outline and a link for the audio for this sermon online available to listen or download for FREE.

The Wiles of the Devil
Ephesians 6:11

A. The Necessity of Strength – 1 Samuel 17

1. Be Strong
2. Be Brave

B. The Reality of War

1. Gal 5:17
2. Rom 8

C. Strategy and Tactics

1. The Big Picture
2. The Daily Grind

a. Put On – Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24; Col 3:12-14
b. Stand – the theme

D. The Methods of the Enemy - ABCD

1. Accuser of the Brethren
2. Bait - Gen 3:6; 1 John 2:15-17

a. Doubt God’s Word
b. Deny God’s Word
c. Disobey God’s Word
d. Appealing to Our Fallen Flesh – James 1:14-15

3. Confuse
4. Deceive

E. Application – We have been given the Armor of God. Are we using it?

Set Free

Two new sermons from Jonathan both touch on being set free. The first finds a jailor set free from the captivity of sin and the second finds a boy bound to the altar to be sacrificed set free as God provided a substitute.

The Jailor Set Free - Acts 16.16-34

The Philippian Jailor was a hardened man. He'd seen it all, but nothing prepared him for the conduct of two Christians thrown into the foulest depths of his prison. Paul and Silas had not only preached the gospel, but they lived in such a way that it was hard to doubt their sincerity. Dramatic events follow as God intervenes in the situation, and the Jailor asks the well-known question 'What must I do to be saved?' Do you know the answer to this question? Are you like the Jailor, thinking that the Christians are the captives and you are the free one? He soon found out how wrong he was!


The Lord Will Provide - Genesis 22

Here we examine one of the best-known passages in the Bible, as Abraham obeys the Lord and offers up his only son Isaac as a sacrifice, only to be stopped at the last moment, with a ram being provided for the sacrifice in Isaac's place. We consider how hard it is sometimes to do as God commands. We also ask 'What could God do with us if only we would obey Him?' Most importantly we ask 'Are we like Abraham?' - Are we willing to rest in the knowledge that the Lord will provide? Are we trusting in the fact that He HAS provided full and free salvation in His Son Jesus Christ?

Saul and Paul; Isaac and Ishmael

New messages from Jonathan are now available online to listen to or download for FREE:

Title: Destination Damascus? – Acts 9:1-22

Series: Evangelistic Ministry

In this message we examine the well-known account of the conversion of Saul - who became the Apostle Paul. He set out for Damascus intent on doing what he thought was God's will - but God had other plans. Do we know conversion to Christ like Paul did? Do we think we are pleasing God when in fact we are offending Him?


Title: Isaac and Ishmael - Genesis 21

Series: Genesis

Isaac is born to scenes of great joy. Sarah tells how the Lord has made her to laugh - how He has filled her with joy. Has God filled you with joy because of His promised Son Jesus Christ? What do you do with the joy God gives you?

Back in the Saddle Again

Finally! After only preaching once so far this year God has made it possible for me to resume preaching His Word and I preached today from Ephesians 6:10 a message titled The Power of His Might. Here is the outline:

I. The Power of His Might – Ephesians 6:10

A. Finally, My Brethren

1. The Worthy Walk (Eph 4)
2. Walking in Love (Eph 5:1-7) be imitators
3. Walking in Light (Eph 5:8-14) you were darkness
4. Walking in Wisdom (Eph 5:15-21) be filled with the Spirit
5. Walking in Family Life (Eph 5:25-6:4)
6. Walking at Work (Eph 6:5-9)

B. Be Strong

1. In the Lord (through Christ)

a. I can do all things (Phil 4:13)
b. Our consolation abounds through Christ (2 Cor 1:5)
c. We are heirs through Christ (Gal 4:7)
d. We come to the Father only through Christ (John 14:6)
e. Without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5)

2. In the Power of His Might

a. He is all powerful (Luke 18:27)
b. He is called Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)
c. Not Will Power, but the Surrender of our Will (Luke 9:23)

1) Gal 2:20 – we have been crucified with Christ
2) 2 Cor 5:17 – we are a new creation in Christ
3) Eph 4:24 – we are a new man, created in righteousness and holiness

C. Examples

1. The Presence of God’s Power

a. The Plagues in Egypt and the Exodus
b. The Conquest of Canaan (Jericho)
c. The Fire on Mt. Carmel

2. The Absence of God’s Power

a. The Golden Calf
b. The Defeat at Ai
c. The Flight from Jezebel

D. Application – More Than Conquerors (Rom 8:37)

Worship and Witness

Two new messages from Jonathan find him continuing on in his series on Bible Basics and his series through Genesis. These messages show us what it means to be a worshipper of God and how it is that we can press on in being a witness even after we have failed and fallen into sin.

What is Worship?

John 4:24

What is worship? You might expect a variety of answers. Here we look at the meaning of the Bible words translated as 'worship' and particularly about what the Lord Jesus Christ had to say to the woman of Samaria. We see how misunderstood the term 'worship' is today, and we ask, most vitally of all, 'Are we true worshippers?'


Abraham and Abimelech

Genesis 20

In the life of Abraham, we reach another low point. Repeating a mistake of 25 years before, Abraham moves into a new neighbourhood and disgraces himself. Yet God is not ashamed of him, and still uses him despite his failures. We take encouragement from the record of scripture, and ask how we should deal with our own shortcomings. We reflect on how our mistakes do not thwart God's sovereign plans, and on how we must press on in our life of witness and service for Him.

Do You Understand What You Read?

Two more messages from Jonathan:

Do You Understand What You Read? - Acts 8:26-39

Philip is sent to share the gospel with an important Ethiopian official who has visited Jerusalem. He finds the man reading from the book of Isaiah, and asks him if he understands what he is reading. He takes the opportunity to preach Christ to the man, who declares his faith and is baptized. What can we learn from this episode? Do we understand what we read in God's Word?

Sodom: Destruction and Salvation- Genesis 18-19

In this study we see a contrast between Abraham's close personal relationship with the Lord, played out in intimate hospitality, and the judgment of the Lord upon the cities of the plain who lived godless lives. We also see a contrast between the life of Abraham and the sad ending of the biblical record concerning Lot. In Chapter 18 we consider Entertaining, Educating, and Entreating, and in Chapter 19 we consider Deliverance, Destruction and Desolation.

Ananias & Sapphira vs. Abraham & Sarah

Two new messages by Jonathan give us a comparison between the deliberate deception of Ananias and Sapphira and the fruitful faith of Abraham and Sarah. One couple lied to God and were judged, the other believed God and were blessed and became a great blessing to all people. Here are their stories:

Are You Lying to God? - Acts 5:1-14

Ananias and Sapphira thought that they could deceive the Apostles and the Early Church into thinking that they were giving more than they actually were for the relief of the poor. But, as Peter points out to them, they have not just lied to men, but to God. Do you think that you can lie to God?


The Covenant Sign - Genesis 17

God again announces his covenant with Abram, and re-names him Abraham, and his wife Sarah. Circumcision is introduced as the sign of the covenant. This covenant foreshadows the New Covenant in which we are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. Just like Abraham, we are all called to believe!

Small Faith? Great God!

The latest messages from Jonathan are now available online.

As part of an evangelistic ministry service he preached a message from Acts 3 titled, Rise Up and Walk. He introduces the message by saying, "Come with us to Jerusalem as we visit the gate called Beautiful and witness the miracle of a man, lame from birth, walking, and leaping, and praising God. How did this happen, and why? In what ways are we like this man? Do we see our need of a wholly new life?"

In the evening service, continuing his series from Genesis he preached a message from Genesis 16 titled, Small Faith, Great God. Abram and Sarah are desperate to see God's promises come true. Sadly, they seek to try and make the promises come true themselves without waiting for God's timing. We see their mistakes and seek to learn from them, and we also see the amazing grace of God as He shows mercy to Hagar.

The Privilege of Prayer and the Covenant Cut

Jonathan's sermons continuing in his series Bible Basics and Genesis are now available online.

Title: The Privilege of Prayer

Text: Matthew 6:5-13

The Lord's prayer is often misunderstood, but it is a vital pattern for us as we seek to pray to God. In this message we take a brief look at the components of the prayer, and the Lord Jesus' comments that precede it, and we ask whether our prayers reflect our Saviour's pattern, and whether we have that living relationship with God which means that we truly can pray as He has taught us.


Title: The Covenant is "Cut"

Text: Genesis 15

As we continue to consider the life of Abram, we come to this chapter which comprises two main parts: 1. The Promise Believed and 2. The Covenant 'Cut'. We consider the wonderful subject of justification by faith alone, and we see God's gracious dealings with Abram as He binds himself to keep His promises. We conclude that delay and suffering can often be part of God's plans, and we rejoice that even death is no barrier to peace and blessing for those who believe.

More from Genesis

Jonathan Hunt has been continuing his series of messages from Genesis, covering chapters 10-12. These next three messages are now available online at the following links:

Confusion at Babel - Gen. 11:1-9

At Babel, the people rebelled against the will of God, and He acted decisively to end their plans, creating many languages. In the New Testament era, God enacted a dramatic reversal of this at Pentecost, and the Church looks forward to Heaven, where people of 'every tongue' will gather round the throne. Challenges abound as we consider these issues.

By Faith, Abraham - Gen. 12

Abraham is held up to us as a great example of faith - but he was not a superhuman, and we can follow his example of living by faith. In this message we examine God's announcement of his Covenant with Abraham, Abraham's Faith, and also his failure in Egypt. Above all, we remind ourselves that when 'I AM' says 'I WILL', we should take Him at His word, and that the focus of our lives should be Heaven.

Lot's Choice, Abram's Reward - Genesis 13-14

There is much we can learn from the poor choice of Lot, and the principled actions of Abram. We review Lot's disastrous move to Sodom, and the consequences of failing to separate from sin, and we consider Abram's heroic rescue of Lot, which brings blessing to all the local nations. Throughout these events we see Abram's solid dependence upon God, and God's kindness to him.


Also be sure to check out his latest evangelistic messages:

The Challenge of the Ascension - Luke 24:50-53

Many overlook the ascension of Jesus Christ - but it was an event that caused his disciples great joy. Why was that? Have we faced up to the reality that Christ has ascended to Heaven - and will return?

The True Power of Pentecost - Acts 2

When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, amazing things happened to the Apostles. They spoke in many languages to the crowds who gathered. How do we react when we hear the gospel? Are we like the crowds? Have we experienced the true power of Pentecost - lives transformed by faith in Jesus Christ?

Iniquity and the Sacred Meeting

Here is the audio and a few notes from the message I preached at Grace Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida, this last Sunday.

Iniquity and the Sacred Meeting - Isaiah 1:10-20

This text teaches us about the purpose of worship, the practice of worship, the preparation for worship, and the provision for worship. We also learn to evaluate our motivation for worship, whether we worship for what we can get from God or what we can give to God. In summary we learn that with the right heart attitude, church is not something we do, church is not somewhere we go, but church is what WE ARE, and we must never confuse the physical building for the spiritual body.

Words of Truth and Reason

Many today think that Christians are mad, out of their minds, insane, or intellectual weaklings who must use blind faith as a crutch to face reality. But the truth is that the very creation itself declares the truth about Who God is and what He has done.

As Paul appears before King Agrippa he is accused by the Governor Festus of being mad. Paul's reply is that he is not mad but is speaking words of truth and reason.

Festus hopes that Agrippa will understand the issues which are causing the Jews to be so angry with Paul, as He himself is a King among the Jews. Yet Paul does not waste the opportunity to challenge the King and to proclaim the gospel. King Agrippa tells Paul that he is 'almost persuaded' to be a Christian. Are we 'almost Christians' like Agrippa?

This is the theme of Jonathan Hunt's message this morning, taken from Acts 26:28 and titled "Almost a Christian?".

In his evening message, continuing on in the series from Genesis, Jonathan demonstrates the truth that we can be persuaded to be a Christian and put all our trust in Christ because our God is a faithful, covenant keeping God. The message, "A New Beginning with a Faithful God" covers Genesis 8:1-9:17 and provides a survey of the aftermath of the flood, highlighting Noah's godly character, and God's unfailing covenant faithfulness.

God's Word is indeed the only reasonable account of life and death and gives us the only true reasons for hope in this life and the life to come.

Faced with Certain Death

Today we have paused to remember the Oklahoma City Bombing and the death of 168 people including dozens of children. Another anniversary this week finds us remembering the Columbine shooting. These anniversaries are compounded this week as we have seen a college student go on a killing spree in Virginia, killing 32 or more people and then himself.

In the past few years we have seen hurricanes that have killed hundreds, earthquakes that have killed thousands, and tsunamis that have taken innumerable multitudes of people from this earth. If we continue to think back we can all remember exactly where we were when we heard the news about the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

Think about it - our lives are defined by death! It is these events, these "acts of God", these terrorist murders, these "natural disasters" that burn themselves into our memory and mark the passing of time.

So how are we supposed to respond? How are we to think about these things? How do we cope with death, whether natural or unnatural? How do we deal with the truth that we are all faced with certain death?

The only hope we have when facing the certainty of death is knowing the certainty of our salvation as we trust Jesus Christ to save and keep us! Is He able to save? Is He in control? If so, then how should we view the certainty of death?

I preached a message relevent to these thoughts in October of 2005 following the devastating earthquakes in Kashmir. Listen to this timely message to learn more about our view of death, and our only hope for life:

Faced with Certain Death (from 2 Samuel 22 and 1 Cor 15:50-58).

~pastorway

In Those Days

Examining the last chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the morning and continuing in his series on Genesis this evening, Jonathan was able to preach the truth this Sunday about the inevitability of aging and death and the need for the grace of God. From the wisest man, Solomon, we learn about remembering our Creator while we are young, and from Genesis we learn about the world in which Noah lived.

So whether we are looking back in those days when we were young, in those days before Noah, or in those days in which we now live, we see the testimony of Scripture - men of all ages are sinful creatures who must be blessed with the grace of God if there is to be any hope!

The evangelistic message from Ecclesiastes 12 is titled "Remember Your Creator...NOW!" The great King Solomon urges us to remember our Creator while we are young, and paints a graphic picture of the inevitable ravages of old age. These things teach us the inevitability of death and judgment. How can we avoid the tragedy of growing old, and even dying, without God?

Listen or download this message here:
Remember Your Creator...NOW!

The next message from Genesis, taken from chapter 4:16 through 6:13, titled "Noah Found Grace" helps us in surveying the notable events between the account of Cain and Abel and the account of the Flood, and considering Noah, the world he lived in, and the grace God showed him. How does this all apply to us?

Listen or download this message here:
Noah Found Grace

As we look back at life in those days, let us not forget the ways that God expects and equips us to live in THESE days!

Living in Light of the Resurrection

Jonathan Hunt was able to preach 2 messages today that set our focus upon the resurrection of Christ. We learn from these sermons that He is alive and that His resurrection does matter. In fact, it matters to the point that His resurrection life should influence the way we live our lives here and now.

This mornings evangelistic message is taken from 1 Corinthians 15:17 and is titled:

"Does it really matter whether Jesus rose from the dead?"

The film 'The Jesus Family Tomb' has got some surprising responses from leading Christians. Some have said that it doesn't matter if we find Jesus' bones - because his Resurrection is just a 'metaphor'. Is this true? Does it really matter whether Jesus rose from the dead?

This evenings message, part of Jonathan's Teaching series, is taken from 2 Corinthians 5:15 and is titled:

"How should we live in the light of the resurrection?"

Jesus Christ has risen. How should we, as Christians, live in the light of this? In this message we look at three aspects of living for, and to Jesus Christ - i) Living for Christ means self-denial, ii) Living for Christ means living with joy, iii) Living for Christ means living for the future.

Click on the sermon titles to download or listen for free!