Sermons by John Spranklin (Page 3)
John Spranklin
Shall we go on sinning?
Romans 6:1-14 We’ve all asked, or been asked this age-old question in one form or another: If forgiveness comes to me solely by the undeserved grace of God, does it matter how I live? Can I just go on sinning? Paul emphatically states that being a believer makes a decisive difference to one’s relationship to sin, and he gives us three reasons based on what has been done to us as we are united to Christ in his death and…
Look to Jesus and be saved
John 3:1-17 As we listen in on this surprising conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus, some profound truths are revealed for us about how we can have eternal life. We must undergo a spiritual re-birth, made possible only by trusting in Jesus death on the cross. And even more astounding is that all this is an act of God’s incredible love for a world full of rebels.
The weak life of gospel service
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Increasingly, in our society, the gospel is being rejected and the experience of the Christian is one of weakness. As the Apostle Paul speaks about how his life of service has been shaped by the gospel, we are encourage to not lose heart, but instead to live gospel-shaped lives that reveal God’s glory and power.
Surprised by Grace – The Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:1-16 Is God fair? We want fairness, but what we need more than fairness is God’s grace. The parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, makes us feel quite uncomfortable as we are confronted with the way God, in his perfect wisdom and divine sovereignty, chooses to exercise his grace in saving people.
The Rich Fool
Luke 12:13-34 In the parable of the Rich Fool Jesus calls out the inadequacy of a materialistic view of the world, and challenges the greed and covetousness that lives in every human heart. We are presented with a stark choice, to pursue material riches, or to live in a way that is rich toward God. The latter is where we will find real security, freedom and joy.
The Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus says we should forgive without limit. But how can this possibly be reasonable? Because, and only because, of what has been done for us in the gospel. We must, therefore, ask ourselves a few hard questions: Do we see clearly the enormity of the debt of sin we owe to God? Have our hearts been moved by the overwhelming generosity of God in forgiving our sin, through Christ? Will this make a real difference in our lives,…
The Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24-27 In this parable Jesus contrasts two kinds of builders – the wise builder and the foolish one. He presents his hearers with a choice – to be wise or foolish themselves. The wise person recognises the reality that God’s word is to be heard and done! The foolish person thinks God’s word is only to be heard. To be kingdom people is to not only hear Jesus’ words but put them into practice.
No king in Israel
Judges 17-21 As we’ve moved through the book of Judges, things have tended to get more depraved, and we reach a climax in these final chapters as we get an up close look at Israel’s sin. These chapters describe the religious and moral degeneration of God’s people living apart from God. We are confronted with the ugly reality of our sinful hearts. The only hope is a king who will rescue, rule and change us, and it is this we…
The Saving righteousness of God
Romans 3:21-26 How can sinful people be made right with God? God, in his love, wants to forgive us, but God needs a way to forgive us. God has intervened in history to save us! In the death of Jesus, God achieved justification, redemption and propitiation for us, and so gives to us the righteousness we do not have in ourselves. We receive this as a gift, by grace, and it is applied to each of us personally through faith.
Manipulating God
Judges 10-12 10:6-12:7 Jephthah tries to manipulate God for his own ends, with tragic results. Jephthah is treating the Lord like he would an idol, but the One True God cannot be manipulated. We ultimately exist to serve God’s agenda, not him ours. If we are to worship and obey God rightly, we must first know him.
No Excuse!
Romans 2:1-29 Having established the universal need for the gospel at the end of chapter 1, Paul now addresses the self-righteous religious types in his readership, reminding them of the impartiality of God’s judgement. Like everyone else, the fundamental need even of morally ‘clean’ people, is repent of their sins and allow the Spirit of God to do his work of regeneration in us as we believe the gospel.
It is Finished!
John 19:17-37 As Jesus hangs on the cross, and breathes his last breath, he cries out “it is finished!” The mission of salvation for which his was sent has been completed. All of the types, promises, and prophecies from the Old testament are now fully accomplished in him. This is a momentous proclamation, and it changes everything. As we look to the cross this Good Friday, we mustn’t miss the significance of what has been accomplished in Christ.