Calvary Chapel: Calvary Chapel Distinctives

Acts 1:12-14 - The Work of the Holy Spirit

Simon Lawrenson — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Acts 1:12-14 - The Work of the Holy Spirit

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 17th November 2017

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The Work of the Holy Spirit is a verse-by-verse, Bible-centered sermon that explores who the Holy Spirit is and how He actively works in the life of the believer today. This message unpacks the role of the Holy Spirit in conviction, regeneration, sanctification, spiritual gifts, guidance, and empowerment for Christian living and ministry.

Rooted in Scripture, this teaching explains how the Holy Spirit draws people to Christ, indwells believers, produces spiritual fruit, and equips the church to walk in obedience and power. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the Spirit’s ongoing work in revealing truth, strengthening faith, and transforming hearts to reflect Jesus Christ.

This sermon is designed to encourage believers to depend daily on the Holy Spirit and to grow in spiritual maturity through a deeper relationship with God. Whether you are new to the faith or seeking a fresh understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in your life, The Work of the Holy Spirit provides practical biblical insight and timeless truth.

1 Thessalonians 2:13–3:13 - God's Word

Simon Lawrenson — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

1 Thessalonians 2:13–3:13 - God's Word

Series: Future Now - 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 25th May 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13

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This sermon, based on 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13, explores the transformative power of God’s Word when it’s truly received and accepted by believers. The pastor begins by comparing Scripture to a travel guidebook that should be carried with us always, shaping our decisions and actions, rather than a cookbook consulted only occasionally.

Paul’s commendation of the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 serves as the foundation for the sermon. The Greek word “paralambano” is highlighted, emphasising the idea of taking God’s Word alongside us in life. When believers do this, the Word becomes “at work” in them, producing five visible outcomes:

Unity: The Thessalonians, though geographically distant, became imitators of the churches in Judea. This unity stems from being formed by the same Spirit through God’s Word.

Opposition: As with Jesus and the early church, those who accept God’s Word often face persecution. The sermon references Acts 17, detailing the opposition Paul and his companions faced in Thessalonica.

Encouragement: Paul expresses how the Thessalonians’ faith encouraged him amid his own trials. This mutual encouragement is a hallmark of a community shaped by God’s Word.

Love: The sermon emphasises that love must be practised, not just talked about. Paul prays for the Thessalonians to “increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). The pastor provides practical examples of how love is demonstrated in the church community, such as serving in various ministries.

Holiness: Paul’s prayer concludes with a desire for the Thessalonians to be “blameless in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 3:13). The pastor clarifies that this doesn’t mean sinless perfection, but rather a consistent devotion to God reflected in daily choices.

The sermon challenges listeners to examine how they approach God’s Word. Are they merely hearing it, or are they allowing it to work in their lives? The pastor warns against expecting quick results, acknowledging that growth in Christ is often a slow process.

In conclusion, the sermon calls for practical application. Believers are urged to carry God’s Word with them daily, allowing it to shape their actions and attitudes. They are encouraged to actively demonstrate love within the church community, recognising that love is not an invisible force but something that can be named and seen in action. The ultimate goal is to grow in holiness, becoming more like Christ and standing blameless before God at His coming.

Revelation 4 – What Worship Should be Like

Simon Lawrenson — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Revelation 4 – What Worship Should be Like

Series: War of the Worlds - Revelation

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th November 2022

Passage: Revelation 4:1-11

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We continue our verse by verse study through the book of Revelation by looking at chapter 4 – what worship should be like

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 - The Rapture of the Church

Simon Lawrenson — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 - The Rapture of the Church

Series: Future Now - 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th June 2025

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

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This sermon explores the significance of Jesus' second coming for believers today. The pastor emphasises that Christians should grieve with hope, knowing that death is temporary and resurrection awaits. He explains the sequence of events at Christ's return, including the resurrection of the dead and the rapture of living believers, encouraging the church to live expectantly and avoid spiritual apathy as we await our eternal reunion with the Lord.

Revelation 20:1-6 – The Millennial Reign of Jesus

Simon Lawrenson — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Revelation 20:1-6 – The Millennial Reign of Jesus

Series: War of the Worlds - Revelation

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 4th June 2023

Passage: Revelation 20:1-6

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In this sermon we look at the Millennial Reign of Jesus – a physical literal return on the earth. We ask the question: where do you get your pleasure from?

1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Leaders: Organised for God’s Mission

Simon Lawrenson — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Leaders: Organised for God’s Mission

Series: Dangerous Church - 1 Timothy

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 21st October 2025

Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

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The church doesn’t exist to maintain structures — it exists to fulfil God’s mission. In this message, we explore how Paul’s instructions about overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 aren’t just a checklist of leadership qualities, but a blueprint for how the church can be organised to carry the gospel into the world.

We’ll see that:

Overseers (elders and pastors) provide spiritual direction and safeguard the mission.

Deacons create systems and service that make mission possible.

And together, the church becomes “the pillar and foundation of the truth,” holding up the good news of Jesus to a watching world.

Join us as we discover that healthy leadership isn’t about power or hierarchy — it’s about creating a gospel-shaped culture where every person and every ministry helps the church fulfil God’s mission.

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