Crich Baptist Church Weekly Podcast

The City of Babylon

Chris Hand - info@crichbaptist.org — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 21:19:18 +0000

Jeremiah had prophesied the sending into exile of the southern kingdom, Judah. This is especially highlighted in the failure by the people of Jerusalem to uphold God’s laws and maintain the pure worship of God. This brought about, after many warnings, the judgment that was visited upon them, resulting in their removal to Babylon following the conquest of Jerusalem by the invading armies of Nebuchadnezzar.

Separated from the religious life and comforts of Jerusalem, from its heritage, from the Temple, from all that they knew and loved, those captive exiles in Babylon had been removed to a place, in some respects of great beauty and opulence. It had fine buildings, the much admired ‘hanging gardens’, it had docks and over twenty temples dedicated to the worship of their own gods. All this made Babylon a centre of wealth and power.

It was however a city that was to the exiles a token of God’s displeasure. For them it was a place of punishment, a place for correction, where a wayward people would learn to be obedient and trust the Lord.

Many of the exiles longed for Zion, for in Psalm 137:1-3 we read “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”

For us today, in exile in this world, experiencing the heaviness and despair brought on by sin, do we long for that peace and joy we have not yet found? Dear friend return to the God of our salvation, leave the City of Babylon and receive the blessing of God in your life.

The City of Jerusalem

Chris Hand info@crichbaptist.org — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 22:09:01 +0000

The City of Jerusalem, always part of God’s great plan, destined to figure prominently in God’s dealings with His people. We are first introduced to this city when we read of Melchizedek, King of Salem coming out to bring Abram bread and wine. Later God calls Abraham to go and sacrifice his son Isaac, the son he loved, at a place that the Lord would show him. That place was on Mount Moriah, a place where later another sacrifice of incredible proportions would be made.

Near Mt. Moriah lay the City of the Jebusites. Because of its location, and its walls, it was thought to be impregnable. It was however taken by the forces of David, who under the leadership of Joab gained access to the city through a water shaft from the area today known as the Kidron Valley.

Jerusalem was always destined to be a place to ‘meet with the Lord’. Although the Ark of The Covenant had been brought up into the City of David, it was always in David’s heart to build a place for God to dwell in. The first Temple was built not by David, but during the reign of his son Solomon. “For the Lord has chosen Zion….He has declared it …..This is my dwelling place”.

The Word of God teaches us that God is beyond the confines of one place. He is to be found wherever people seek Him. Yes, the Lord has indeed chosen Zion, but Zion is represented to us as the church of Jesus Christ. Jews and Gentiles together, worshiping the Father “in spirit and in truth”, “for the Father seeketh such to worship him”.

The City of Ur of the Chaldees

Chris Hand info@crichbaptist.org — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 08:01:41 +0000

Ur of the Chaldees: a city of a considerable civilisation. A people, many of whom were advanced in mathematics, with a love for music, sciences and the arts. Prominent among the buildings of Ur would have been the huge Ziggurat, a brick tower with a temple at the top, where sacrifices were made to the gods and deities that they worshiped.

Abram, later to be Abraham, a descendent of Shem, with his family lived in this city. Scripture tells us that they worshiped ‘other gods’. How quickly they had absorbed the culture of Ur, and seemingly lost their knowledge of the true God. We should treasure the knowledge of God, because as we have seen it is so easy to lose it. Things that have an abiding relevance to us as Christians, the distinctive nature of The Lord’s Day, the place of the Bible, God’s Moral Law, the Ten Commandments, are under attack by the culture of our day and generation. How firm are our convictions on these things?

What did the Lord require of Abraham? To get out! He was called to something better. He was given great and precious promises. By faith he “looked for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. Great prospects and a new destination awaited him. All nations were to be blessed ‘in him’.

Dear friend, our pilgrimage is not one of uncertainty. Hear, as Abraham heard, the call of God, to build your life on something that will last forever, Christ, His promises and the prospect of Heaven!

The City of Babel

Chris Hand - info@crichbaptist.org — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 19:24:35 +0000

The first of our six cities is Babel, a city that represents confusion; a place established when the whole earth was united in a common language. Babel, a city built approximately 4000 years before Christ, built after the flood by people who invited others to ‘come’ and help build a city, and a tower that reached to heaven. It was very much a self-centred plan. “Let us make us a name...lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth”. Did they have a foreboding about what was to happen when the Lord came down to view their work, as Genesis 11: 5-8 tells us?

Who was missing from the plan that the founders of Babel established? Did they consider the Lord in what they did? Did they seek the mind of Heaven on the matter? Did they ask “what does God say, what does He want us to do”? Had they prayed for guidance? No! Indeed the Lord was conspicuously absent in their plan, He was not considered! We must conclude that Babel was a monument to human pride, where man puts his own interests ahead of God’s interest.

Is there pride within us, do we seek the counsel of God on our plans, do we set pleasing Him before pleasing ourselves? Is there rebellion in our hearts? For us God did indeed come down. He came down in the form of His dear Son the Lord Jesus Christ to save rebellious sinners.

What are you building? If you are building for yourself alone the end will be ruin. Come to Christ, believe upon Him and He will set you on an enterprise that will last forever.

Life of George Whitefield (2)

J. C. Ryle — Thu, 5 Oct 2006 22:47:44 +0000

In typical style, Bishop J. C. Ryle's short biography
of George Whitefield covers a great deal of ground.
The second and concluding chapter includes sections
where Ryle sets forth for our consideration:

1)His estimate of the good that Whitfield did
2)Testimonies to his direct usefulness
3)Comment on the indirect good that Whitefield
did
4)The peculiar character of Whitefield's preaching
5)His real power as a preacher
6)A brief analysis of his published sermons
7)Whitefield's simplicity, directness, power of
description, earnestness, pathos, action, voice
and fluency
8)Comment on Whitefield's humility, love for Christ,
his inner spiritual life, his self-denial and cheerfulness
9)Short specimens of Whitfield's preaching

This brief account of the life and ministry of
one of God's choices saints is contained in a series
of similar papers, as originally set down by the
pen of Bishop J. C. Ryle (the Evagelical Bishop),
but in our day reprinted by The Banner of Truth
Trust, whose volume “Christian Leaders of the 18th
Century” we commend to you.

George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry

Bishop J. C. Ryle — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 13:48:22 +0000

Written originally as part of a series of “biographical papers” between 1866-1867, on men who “revived religion in England”, Bishop J. C. Ryle writes enthusiastically about the life and ministry of George Whitefield. He describes him as being “the Prince of English Evangelists”, and speaking about Whitefield’s relationship with the Church of England, Ryle writes, “..He loved the church in which he was ordained”, but goes on to say “the church did not love him”.

In this first chapter we learn a little of Whitefield’s early days, his meeting John and Charles Wesley, and amongst many other things commented on by Ryle we learn that on preaching his first sermon at the church of St. Mary-le-Crypt, in Gloucester, complaint was made to the Bishop that “I drove fifteen people mad the first sermon” It is recorded that the Bishop of Gloucester replied “…he wished that the madness might not be forgotten before next Sunday”.

Knowing that thousands attended no place of worship, “spent their Sundays in idleness or sin, and were not reached by sermons within walls” Whitefield took his preaching into the open-air. For the remainder of his life he became a “constant field preacher”. Thousands came to hear him, hearing from his lips the “pure Gospel”, with life-changing results.

He died, following a severe attack of asthma, aged 56, on 30th September 1770. He was buried in the church at Newbury Port, near Boston, where he was to preach on the day of his death.

Great and Precious Promises

Chris Hand — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 20:47:18 +0000

What a wonderful subject the apostle addresses here. We are greatly encouraged by the reminders of God’s faithfulness, His forgiveness, the Glory that awaits believers, and by references to the certainty of God fulfilling all, yes all, the promises He has made to His children.

We are urged to continue our ‘labour of love’ in the ministry we have to the saints, in the knowledge that “there is no retiring from loving”. Although there will be an end to the battle, there will be a day when we, as Christians, God’s children, through faith and patience, will inherit the promises. Look towards that day, keep it in view. Allow nothing to obscure our view of Christ.

In Abraham, all nations of the earth have been blessed, as indeed God promised. A man of great faith, Abraham received great promises, and learning the lesson of patience, received the fulfilment of many of them during his lifetime. He held on to the promises, believing that God had spoken, and could not lie.

The fullness of the promises to Abraham was only fulfilled with the coming of Christ. God has made promises to the Christian believer, a promise of salvation, being cleansed from sin, and a home in Heaven. Jesus Christ is the object of the Christian’s hope. With full assurance let us lay hold upon this hope, it is, as the Scripture says, “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast”.

Answering for Our Beliefs

Chris Hand — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 22:32:35 +0000

Controversy is never far from the Christian, and Peter certainly found this out when reporting back to Jerusalem on the incredible history making events that had occurred during his visit to the house of Cornelius. Initially, rather than rejoice and glorify God that the Gentiles had “received the word of God”, we read that some Jews actually ‘contended' with Peter over the fact that he had entered the house of, and eaten with the uncircumcised.

We as Christians will also be challenged about our beliefs, people will often take exception to us, and they will say we are contentious. The things we believe on such vital truths as baptism and creation can cause people, even in the church, to take issue with us. We learn that we must be careful in our judgements, lest our questioning the acts of others is based on tradition rather than on Scripture. The Lord, and Peter, had to face the religious ‘thought police', sometimes we do also.

Like Peter, we have to be ready when we are challenged. His response is an example to us. He was not angry when questioned, he did not embellish or add to his explanation of what happened, he simply told the truth of what God had done. He was ready to witness, so must we be. Willing to have his actions tested, he stood his ground. He was not deterred by criticism, and eventually we see that his testimony won the day. We must, ourselves, be prepared to wait for the vindication of God's honour. The truth of God will triumph over all its rivals.

Can a True Believer be Lost?

Chris Hand — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:15:24 +0000

The apostle Paul has some most remarkable things to say to us in this passage, set against the background of his words to a group of people, who he describes in the previous chapter as “dull of hearing”, and in need of being taught again the “first principles of the oracles of God”.

He deals with a question that has troubled many Christians over the years, namely ‘can a true believer be lost’? Many Christians over the years have struggled to understand verses 4 through 6, which some have interpreted as implying that Christians can ‘fall away’ and lose their salvation. Is this true, what does it mean to ‘fall away’? Has this matter ever troubled you, and caused you to question whether you are saved.

Whilst it is true to say that some people might be ‘nearly believers’, those who have truly embraced Christ as Saviour and Lord, we learn cannot fall away. They might ‘wobble’ occasionally, but like the Prodigal Son, will return, humbled and chastened. As the saying goes, “once in Christ, in Christ forever”. True Christians cannot be lost. They are kept, held by the power of God, and eternally secure.

The Outpouring of the Spirit

Chris Hand — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 23:53:27 +0000

God fearing though Cornelius and his household were when Peter arrived, they were yet unconverted. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon these Gentiles was an outward evidence to prove to Peter, the six witnesses he took with him, and other more sceptical Jews that once they were granted repentance unto life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit was given unto them, that God had worked in the hearts of these Gentiles and astonishing though it was, Gentiles had been accepted by God into the church.

What lessons can we learn from this account? The passage helps us understand the need for Mission, it testifies to us of the fact that the Spirit is at work in our hearts before we are saved, once again it emphasises the place of preaching in God’s way of working. It also suggests to us that we can be so near ‘the Kingdom’ but yet not in it.

The gift of Tongues as at Pentecost, was given as a message to the Jews. Such inspired revelatory gifts, including prophecy, were given for a season. They were indeed a temporary function. Faith, Hope and Love abide. Today we, in one sense at least lack nothing. The Bible, God’s revelation is complete.

The Unchanging Message

Chris Hand — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 14:51:28 +0000

Peter’s visit to the house of Cornelius, at his request, was one of the most significant events in the whole of the New Testament, a Gospel address to Gentiles. Cornelius had summoned many friends and neighbours, they were eager to hear, so much so that Peter had to explain that he was ‘only’ a man. We see that these people were God fearing, praying people, whose consciences were alive and alert – and yet, they were not converted. They needed Peter to explain what they had to do to be saved!

These people in the house of Cornelius were, it seems, quite well versed about God, but Peter had to preach a good old-fashioned Gospel message to them. We can deduce from the Scripture they were not treated to a spectacular display, there was no music ‘warm-up’ worship leader, no jokes, just the straight-forward preaching of the need to repent, and hearing from Peter’s lips about Christ, and how sins can be forgiven.

Cornelius meant business, he learnt that fearing God, having a knowledge of God, and good works, were not enough. He was exercised about his soul, and his relationship with God, are you?

Any More Questions?

Chris Hand — Mon, 6 Feb 2006 22:34:50 +0000

Here are lessons from a hugely significant part of the narrative in the Book of Acts. Peter, a Jew, being sent for by Cornelius, a Gentile, is controversial indeed. Initially, the ‘bigger picture’ was not clear in Peter’s mind. Then the unthinkable became reality. Gentiles called to salvation by God and being given the gift of The Holy Spirit.

What lessons did Peter have to learn? Do we have to learn them too? In this introductory sermon on this passage we are led to discover the place and significance of prayer, the fact that God sometimes uses methods we do not expect, or at the time fully understand, and also that God will often bring to us sudden and unexpected providences, that He might correct us. Cornelius heard the gospel, and believed. Has that been our experience?

Win the War - Don't Lose the Peace

Chris Hand — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:54:20 +0000

What character Gideon displayed, when, following his famous victory, the people pressed upon him their desire that he should be King over them. Turning down their request, he strongly stated “The Lord shall rule over you”! However, one thing we learn, is that peace demands virtue, and sadly Gideon's later life was not as virtuous as his beginning. Man of faith that he was, he sadly succumbed to the snare which often awaits us should we not maintain our spiritual vigilance.

Amongst the many things we can learn from the life of Gideon are:
1) It is indeed God that must rule over us, fear Him more than man.
2) Even great spiritual men can leave uncertain legacies.
3) Never do those things not authorised of God, keep to the simplicity of biblically ordained worship.
4) Worship is now not of outward appearance, but inward, of the heart.
5) Be always spiritually vigilant.
6) Pray that God may raise up men and women of faith to be champions in their own day and generation

Reacting Under Pressure

Chris Hand — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 21:13:55 +0000

How do you react under pressure, take a lesson from Gideon. When criticised by those he was trying to help; note his gracious response. Gideon displayed true Christian character, do you? You may have knowledge and possess an understanding of spiritual truth, but with whatever boldness you think you have, are you full of grace? Although you may be courageous are you wise?

Are you like Gideon, in that you are able to stand-alone if necessary? In the midst of trials and tribulations, how difficult is it to hold on to Christian principles? When confronted with evil, and your strength of character is tested, do you stand firm for Christ and His gospel? From this account we learn the importance of being able to show true discernment, the need to sometimes stand-back from those, even in the church, that are hostile to the true gospel.

Fighting an Unconventional War

Chris Hand — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 09:57:02 +0000

In a world that is rapidly seeing the degeneration of society, where many seek to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness”, we can be encouraged by God's sovereign strategy in this account of his servant Gideon. Gideon's untrained army, with an untested leader were able to win a great victory. We too, with God's help can contend for the faith. We learn that God is able to use even those that to some are ‘out of place', and are lacking in power.

The Lord is not disadvantaged by the smallness of many of our churches. Gideon's weapons were a trumpet, (we have the Word of God), a pitcher (this contained a light, to us light speaks of truth), and a shout (let us continue to use God's appointed means of spreading the Gospel – preaching). Why are the enemies of the church so stirred against us, the outcome of the battle is already determined!

Doing Things God's Way

Chris Hand — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 23:28:02 +0000

Using the illustration of God requiring Gideon to face his enemies with an army reduced from 32,000 to 300, this message stresses the importance of doing things God's way. Being different, doing things as God requires sometimes defies human logic, but ultimately leads to sanctified Christians, that grow in character and who live in a way that is pleasing unto God.

On whose terms do we fight the ‘fight of faith'? The Gospel is often lost within modern day evangelism. Much of today's evangelistic methods are man-centred, the seeker-friendly, lets all get together approach often leaves out the essential God-ordained method of proclamation! We are reminded that God's appointed means is ignored, or left out altogether. Charles Haddon Spurgeon once said, “Preaching, that's the thing…Stick to your preaching!” Whilst man-centred ideas proliferate as the church diminishes, God's way has not changed. As we “go against the citadels of Satan” we need to continue to do things God's way.

Guidance for the Perplexed

Chris Hand — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:41:36 +0000

Gideon needed to know that God was with him, hence the “Fleece” and what he asked God to reveal through it. We who have more light than Gideon was able to have need not to ask for miracles on-demand as an evidence of God's presence in our lives. The Bible helps us understand the principles that shape our understanding. God does have a plan for our lives, His plan embraces our mistakes, the Sovereignty of God can incorporate human responsibility.

In determining the guidance that we seek, we are encouraged to use our minds, where necessary to seek advice, to read on the subject for which guidance is needed, to affirm the Sovereignty of God. Believe that the guidance sought will be revealed. Above all, to pray, to pray with an attitude of openness to God's leading. We learn how important it is to guard our hearts, so that we are always teachable. What should we then look for? A growing sense of conviction, an overruling providence, and that what we seek is in accordance with Scripture.

Making a Decisive Break

Chris Hand — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:15:39 +0000

We are here reminded that often after a time of blessing God will test us. The test given to Gideon was stern indeed, involving the breaking down of idols and altars set up for the worship of false Gods, especially difficult because the idols and altars belonged to his own family, indeed his own father. Family tests can indeed be amongst the hardest that God can give us. It is often easier to witness to a complete stranger than to a member of our own family. Do situations exist within our families that need to be addressed, what stumbling blocks prevent us from doing so? Are we embarrassed, anxious not to offend, cause a son, daughter, mother, father to be angry with us? Gideon knew his action would cause a response, so today passion is often aroused when there is religion without God and a fearful anger against Christians can be provoked. God will honour us for taking a stand, take that decisive step today! What difference could it make in your family?

Cometh the Hour Cometh the Man

Chris Hand — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 00:09:57 +0000

Here we are reminded that when all life and outward circumstances are against us, we can, like Gideon be tempted to think that God has forsaken us. Does God ever utterly forsake His people? Does God always hand us over to our enemies? Sometimes there is no easy explanation for our day of trouble and difficulty, but in Gideon's case, many including his own family worshipped idols and chose to ignore God. Gideon should have known, with what was going on around him why God's blessing was withheld. What about us? Are there idols in our lives that cause God to withhold His blessing from us? In Gideon's day of trouble God raised up a deliverer, Gideon himself. For us, God prepared a man, a Saviour, another deliverer greater than Gideon - His own Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.

The Roots of Spiritual Decline

Chris Hand — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 22:06:05 +0000

Today we live in a time of spiritual decline and apostasy. Discover what lessons can we learn from the way God called Gideon during similar times in the nation of Israel. Learn how Israel was reminded of God's blessing upon them and of His warnings if they did not obey His voice. God holds all to account, the Jews rejected their Messiah and today there is little progress for the Gospel in Israel. In Europe, in the United Kingdom, that saw such blessing under God during the Protestant Reformation, today most have turned their back on God. Instead we see an ever accelerating spiritual decline. God's people should cry out to Him, feel the burden and be earnest in prayer that God may yet deliver us as He did His people during the days of Gideon.