Sermons by John Dennison

Christ Suffered!

GOSPEL – John Dennison preaches on 1 Pet 3:18 (“Christ has once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God”), and emphasises the two words “Christ suffered”. The sufferings of Christ were unmatched, were necessary, and accomplished what they were designed for – meeting the claims of God against sin and providing salvation for sinners. (Preached: 1st March 2020)

Singing and Worship

PART 6 – John Dennison give helpful ministry on worship in the context of assembly gatherings. After explaining the meaning and motive for worship, he points out the change the Lord Jesus announced in John Ch 4 and the ramifications for worship in our current era. He spends the rest of the message giving scriptural backing for the format of the open worship (singing, giving thanks, praying etc) at the breaking of bread meeting, and gives practical encouragement for those…

What is Assembly Fellowship?

PART 3 – John Dennison asks the question “What is assembly fellowship?” He distinguishes between different kinds of fellowship in the Bible, each one of which involves three distinct things: partnership, partnering and partners. He then makes a persuasive case that a local assembly of God is a “doctrinal fellowship”. In other words, at its root assembly fellowship is neither a social experience nor a subjective experience but an objective reality; and what will determine if I am in fellowship…

Headship and the Head Covering

PART 4 – John Dennison works his way down 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (and 1 Cor 14:33-36) and deals with the Biblical subject of “the hierarchy of headship”, explaining 1. what it means for male and female roles in the local assembly and 2. how its symbolic display is seen in head coverings and hair length. He shows clearly that head coverings are not a “cultural issue” but rather something required of assemblies in all cultures, times and places. He explains…

Assembly Reception and Letters of Commendation

PART 5 – John Dennison preaches on the topic of “assembly reception” or “coming into fellowship” in an assembly. He outlines the 4 key verbs in Acts 2:41-42 – “received” his Word, were “baptised”, were “added” and “continued”. He expounds the three reasons why a person can be refused fellowship, and the three ways someone can be received into fellowship. Finally he makes a persuasive case for the use of distinct seating at the Lord’s Supper for those who have…

The Lord’s Supper

PART 2 – John Dennison sets out the Biblical precepts, principles and practices that inform our understanding of the Lord’s Supper or the “breaking of bread”. The Bible’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper isn’t just “narrative”, it’s “normative”! So, why must the bread precede the cup? Why only one loaf and only one cup? Why on the first day of the week, every week? Why not on board a cruise ship while on holiday? And…should the bread be unleavened? John…

Cross Cultural Evangelism

PART 1 – Opening a teaching weekend on basic assembly principles, John Dennison speaks on the need for Christians to engage in cross-cultural evangelism as we seek to see people saved, baptised and gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus in today’s “global culture” –  a culture marked by mass emigration, migration and immigration. He gives examples from years of labour in Mexico and Arizona (USA) as he reports on what the Lord has done through the preaching of…

Gideon’s Days of Failure

PART 5 – John Dennison preaches on Gideon’s days of failure and looks at the various ways in which he was tested and failed. Tested in days of prosperity, days of adversity and days of monotony. Warnings are given about the ease with which any of us could fail, yet encouragement is given that God looks at the whole of one’s life as He evaluates our service for Him. (Preached: 30th Oct 2016)

Gideon’s Days of Fighting

PART 3 – John Dennison preaches on Gideon’s days of fighting and draws multiple lessons from his battle with the Midianites. Listen as insights are given into the spiritual truths God is teaching us through the divinely guided reduction of Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 soldiers. The smallness, emptiness and brokenness of the weapons with which Gideon’s army overcame the enemy are challenging issues for us to face. (Preached: 29th October 2016)

Gideon’s Days of Frustration

PART 4 – John Dennison preaches on Gideon’s days of frustration, as he had to deal with a number of frustrating situations in Judges Ch 8 after the major victory over the Midianite host. Learn the spiritual lessons that can be gleaned from how Gideon dealt with the Ephraimites, the men of Succoth, the men of Penuel and Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. (Preached: 29th Oct 2016)

Gideon’s Days of Fear

PART 2 – John Dennison preaches on Gideon’s days of fear (Judges 6:19-40). God separated Gideon unto Himself from his father’s gods and called him to be His servant, despite his fears. Listen as Mr Dennison outlines Gideon’s concern, his condition, his comprehension, his communication and his circumstances. Included are some helpful insights into the issue of “putting out a fleece”. (Preached: October 28th 2016)

Gideon’s Days of Famine

PART 1 – John Dennison preaches an introductory message on the life of Gideon drawing practical Biblical lessons from the narrative in Judges 6:1-24. After introducing the book of Judges and outlining the background of the chapter, John speaks on “the crisis of strife” (Midian), “the conviction of sin” (by the prophet’s message), and “the consecration of Gideon the servant”. (Preached: October 27th 2016)

The Worship of a Young Person (45 mins)

Part 5 – The Worship of a Young Person – John Dennison preaches on the vital subject of worship and gives guidelines for worship from the life of Isaac. He warns against the twin extremes in worship of emotional excess on the one hand (Ur) and of dry mechanical ritual (Haran) on the other. He explains that God is as interested in how we worship as to the content of our worship. There must be separation, and preparation if there…

The Wedding of a Young Person (51 mins)

Part 4 – The Wedding of a Young Person – John Dennison preaches on some scriptural keys to a godly marriage based on the narrative of Mary and Joseph. What was Mary taking into account as she considered marrying Joseph? His maturity, masculinity, testimony, history, spirituality and responsibility. After all, Joseph was to become responsible for Mary’s physical, emotional, moral, financial and spiritual care – no small matter. The challenge? If you’d like to marry a Joseph, be a Mary!…

The Watchfulness of a Young Person (51 mins)

Part 3 – The Watchfulness of a Young Person – John Dennison preaches a searching message on “overcoming temptation”, based on the story of Joseph from Genesis 39. Joseph faced dangers from society, from his history, from his attractiveness, from a predatory woman in a position of power – and all while he was alone and far from home. How did Joseph overcome? John Dennison outlines a number of defences that were in place that preserved Joseph and can preserve…
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