First Ards Presbyterian Church Sermoncast

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 44:1-45:15 at evening worship on Sunday 8th November 2026 in First Ards. Chapters 44–45 bring us to the high point of Joseph’s story, as his brothers face the consequences of their past sin. Judah’s willingness to take Benjamin’s place reveals a heart changed by repentance, while Joseph’s incredible mercy opens the way for reconciliation. Through it all, we see God’s sovereign providence at work, accomplishing his good purposes even through human wrongdoing. Ultimately, this story points us to Jesus Christ, the promised Saviour from Judah’s line, who gave himself for sinners so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches John 17:17 at morning worship on Sunday 8th November 2026 in First Ards. John 17:17 brings us to Jesus’ request that the Father would make his people holy through the truth of his word. At our Remembrance Sunday service, we consider how knowing the truth should change the way we live. Sanctification is God’s gracious work, transforming our hearts, attitudes and actions through his Word and Spirit. As people who belong to Christ, we’re called not simply to know the Scriptures, but to be shaped by them, growing in holiness as we live and bear witness to Jesus in the world.

Rev. William Harkness preaches Acts 20:28-38 at morning worship on Sunday 1st November in First Ards. In Acts 20:28–38, Paul calls church leaders to shepherd God’s flock, purchased by Christ’s own blood. Drawing on the Bible’s picture of the Lord as our shepherd, we’re reminded that caring for others isn’t only the minister’s responsibility. Every believer has opportunities to encourage, guide and pray for others. As we follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep, we’re called to share in his work.

Rev. Craig Jackson preaches Mark 10:35-45 at evening worship on Sunday 1st November 2026 in First Ards. James and John ask Jesus for places of honour in his kingdom, revealing how easily pride and ambition can shape even our desire to follow him. But Jesus turns the world’s understanding of greatness upside down. True greatness isn’t found in power, status or recognition, but in humble service to others. As we consider what we really want from Jesus, we’re pointed to the Servant King, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. His example calls us to set aside our pride and follow him in the way of the cross.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 42-43 at evening worship on Sunday 25th October 2026 in First Ards. Joseph comes face to face with the brothers who sold him into slavery. As they come to Egypt seeking food, their past wrongdoing begins to come to light and we see the first signs of genuine repentance, particularly in Judah’s willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin. Through it all, God is faithfully providing for this broken family, showing that his grace not only forgives sin but changes lives. Joseph’s story points us to Jesus, the rejected and exalted Saviour, through whom guilty sinners find forgiveness, mercy and new life.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches John 16:16 and 18 at morning worship on Sunday 25th October in First Ards. Jesus reminds us that he hasn’t just left his people in the world, he has sent us into it. At our harvest service, we consider how belonging to Jesus gives us a new identity and a calling to make him known. As we give thanks for God’s provision, we’re encouraged to pray for the spiritual harvest, share the good news of salvation in Christ, and trust the Lord of the harvest to bring people to himself.

Riaan Boer preaches Colossians 4:7-18 at evening worship on Sunday 18th October 2026 in First Ards. The Apostle Paul commends Epaphras for his faithful ministry of praying for fellow believers. His example reminds us that prayer is an act of service, often demanding perseverance and hard work and a means God uses to strengthen his people. We’re encouraged to pray earnestly for each other’s spiritual growth and steadfastness, following the example of Jesus, who continues to intercede for his people.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 40 & 41 at evening worship on Sunday 11th October in First Ards. We trace Joseph’s journey from a forgotten prisoner to a position of authority in Egypt. Through dreams, patient waiting and wise preparation, God works out his sovereign purpose to preserve many lives. Joseph’s story encourages us to trust God and use what he’s entrusted to us for others’ good. Above all, it points us to Jesus, the rejected and exalted Saviour who gives eternal life.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches John 17:14-15 at morning worship on Sunday 11th October 2026 in First Ards. In John 17:14–15, Jesus prays for his people as they face the hostility of the world and the reality of spiritual opposition. Shaped by God’s word, Christians no longer belong to the world, yet Christ doesn’t ask that we be removed from it. Instead, he prays for our protection and faithfulness as we remain here, trusting in the Saviour who has overcome the world and continues to intercede for his people.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 39 at evening worship on Sunday 4th October 2026 in First Ards. We follow Joseph into slavery and prison, where repeated suffering seems to carry him further from God’s promises. Yet the Lord is with him throughout, enabling faithful service and holiness even under pressure and false accusation. Joseph’s story points beyond himself to Jesus, the perfectly righteous servant who suffered for sinners and through whose humiliation and exaltation God brings salvation.