James Gunn

ID 70926Date unavailable

ID 54388Mar 26, 1976

The fellowship and friendship between the apostles Peter and Paul are highlighted, challenging the common misconception of their antagonism. The sermon argues that James's epistle predates Paul's, and that both James and Peter were early Christian leaders who, despite their Jewish backgrounds, embraced the gospel's implications for Gentiles. Paul's first visit to Peter, lasting two weeks, is presented as a crucial bonding experience for a young, abandoned convert, demonstrating Peter's gracious hospitality. Later, Paul publicly rebuked Peter in Antioch for compromising the gospel by withdrawing from Gentile believers when certain individuals arrived from James, showcasing both men's integrity and the importance of upholding gospel truth.

ID 54387Mar 24, 1976

Failure in Christian service does not necessarily lead to the end of a believer's ministry, as demonstrated by the life of John Mark. Despite his early departure from Paul and Barnabas, which was viewed as rebellion and insubordination, God is a God of recovery. John Mark's background in a Christian home and his early discipleship under Peter and Paul provided a foundation for his eventual restoration. After a period of fourteen silent years, Paul recognized Mark's renewed usefulness, calling him profitable for the ministry. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's restorative power, even after significant failures, highlighting that repentance and confession lead to renewed purpose and service.

ID 54228Mar 21, 1976

Barnabas exemplifies a true pastor through his character and actions, demonstrating that a Christian life should be a perpetual Sabbath. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, qualities that God uses to assign ministry. Barnabas's willingness to adjust his life to God's Word, as seen when he sold his land despite being a Levite, highlights the importance of aligning one's life with divine purposes. His pastoral heart is further evident in his mentorship of Saul (Paul), whom he introduced to the apostles, and in his recognition of the need for teaching in the Antioch church, leading him to seek out Paul to expound the Word of God.

ID 54126Mar 11, 1982

The relationship between the apostles Peter and Paul, challenging the common perception of antagonism by highlighting their four recorded encounters. It details Paul's initial two-week visit with Peter in Jerusalem, emphasizing the fellowship and mutual understanding they likely shared despite their different backgrounds. The sermon addresses the incident in Antioch where Peter temporarily withdrew from Gentile fellowship due to pressure from legalistic Jews, explaining Peter's prior experiences that should have informed his actions, and Paul's subsequent confrontation. Finally, it points to their collaborative work at the Jerusalem Council and Peter's later affectionate reference to Paul as a "beloved brother" as evidence of their deep friendship and shared mission.

ID 52250Mar 25, 1976

Timothy, a spiritual son to the Apostle Paul, exemplifies a genuine call to Christian service, rooted in a divided yet deeply spiritual home where his grandmother, mother, and he himself were devoted to God's Word. His life demonstrates the importance of a strong Christian reputation, the power of godly examples like Paul's endurance through suffering, and the willingness to make necessary adjustments for ministry, as seen in Paul's decision to circumcise him for Jewish outreach. Timothy's journey, from his upbringing to his eventual imprisonment alongside Paul, highlights his faithfulness and the profound impact of mentorship and spiritual heritage in shaping a life dedicated to serving the Gospel.

ID 51958Date unavailable

The imminence of Christ's return is the central theme, urging believers to live in constant anticipation and readiness. The sermon examines seven key verbs from Scripture that describe our attitude toward this event: to believe, to abound in the work of the Lord, to stand firm, to wait, to comfort one another, to look for His appearing, and to abide in Him. These actions are presented as essential responses to the promise of Christ's return, ensuring believers will have confidence and not be ashamed when He appears. The ultimate message is one of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that Christ's return brings comfort to the afflicted and serves as a challenge to faithful stewardship.

ID 51510Mar 26, 1975

The church is built upon Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone and the cornerstone, with believers themselves being living stones polished to form a spiritual house. This spiritual house, the church militant, is complete with a functioning priesthood, comprised of all believers who are both holy priests and royal priests. As holy priests, believers offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and their bodies as living sacrifices, while as royal priests, they witness to God's marvelous light. The sermon emphasizes that while there is no class distinction within the Christian priesthood, there is a significant distinction in gifts, all contributing to the glory of God.

ID 108744Mar 26, 1975

The church is presented as a spiritual building constructed from living stones, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone and cornerstone. This building, the church militant on earth, is complete with a functioning priesthood. This priesthood operates in two aspects: as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices like praise and financial support, and as a royal priesthood witnessing to God's praises. The sermon emphasizes that while there is no class distinction within the Christian priesthood, there is a significant distinction in gifts, all contributing to God's glory.