Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship

Aberdeen Christian Fellowship
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

We are an evangelical church associated with the Baptist Union of Scotland and situated in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Our worship services, fellowship opportunities, outreach programmes and courses to aid lifelong maturity are driven by our central passion: to make, mature and mobilise followers of Jesus Christ from the whole city.

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    The woman caught in adultery

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a33e9f2-df14-8332-bae8-ca52d6d1c550-38" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a33e9f2-df14-8332-bae8-ca52d6d1c550-38" data-testid= "conversation-turn-18" data-turn="assistant"> Cheri preaches from John 8:2–11, the story of the woman caught in adultery, where Jesus says, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." She explains that this passage has been on her mind because of her recent teaching on Rahab and because of pastoral conversations with young people, especially around questions of sexuality, gender, fear, shame and Christian discipleship. Cheri says the church often finds this subject hard to talk about because it is surrounded by fear. Some fear being misunderstood, accused of hatred or facing consequences for holding to a biblical sexual ethic. Others, especially those wrestling personally with sexuality or gender, fear rejection, judgement and being pushed away by Christians. Families and friends can also feel afraid of saying the wrong thing. She makes clear that her aim is not to debate the whole subject, but to ask how the church can respond to real people in a way that is faithful to Scripture and like Jesus. In John 8, the Pharisees drag a woman before Jesus, not because they care about righteousness, but because they want to trap him. If Jesus shows mercy, they can accuse him of rejecting the law of Moses. If he calls for stoning, he appears harsh and risks conflict with Roman law. Cheri compares this to the pressure the church feels today: go soft and risk denying Scripture, or go hard and risk losing people. Jesus refuses to play the role the Pharisees assign him. He does not shout, panic or rush to answer. He stoops, writes on the ground, and calmly takes control of the situation. Cheri sees this as a model for the church: we do not need to react in fear, outrage or culture-war terms. We can hand difficult questions back to God, the true lawgiver. When Jesus says, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone," he does not deny the woman's sin or reject Scripture. Instead, he exposes the unworthiness of the accusers. One by one, they leave. Jesus then speaks to the woman directly: "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." Cheri highlights both grace and truth. Jesus protects her before he commands her. He creates safety, then calls her to holiness. The sermon's main challenge is that the church must stop seeing people primarily as issues, debates or culture-war symbols. Instead, Christians are to see individuals made in God's image: sinners in need of grace, just like everyone else. Cheri calls the church to be a safe place of honesty, humility and transformation, where people can encounter Jesus, receive mercy, and hear his call to "go and sin no more." 0:00 Introduction: The Woman Caught in Adultery 2:07 Why This Passage Matters Today 5:00 Scripture, Sexuality and Wrestling Faithfully 8:52 From Culture War to Discipling Souls 12:38 Fear on Every Side 15:00 Reading John 8:2–11 18:00 The Pharisees' Trap 23:58 Jesus Refuses to Play Their Game 27:00 Let the One Without Sin Cast the First Stone 30:00 Neither Do I Condemn You 33:00 A Safe Place for Grace, Truth and Transformation _:empty]:hidden">

  2. Aug 2 ·  Video

    Logos Hope team - The power, authority and honour of the name of Jesus. 2nd Aug 2026

    The Logos Hope team share a service centred on the power, authority and honour of the name of Jesus. The team begin by introducing themselves and the work of OM's Logos Hope. Bauka, from Kazakhstan, explains that although the team come from different countries, the focus is not on flags or national identity, but on introducing people to Jesus. He also asks the church to pray for Kazakhstan, where evangelical Christians are a very small minority. Anne Marie then shares a short testimony using the illustration of fleas in a jar. When a lid is placed on the jar, the fleas learn to jump only so high; even when the lid is removed, they keep living as though they are still restricted. She connects this to Ephesians 4, encouraging people not to live trapped by past hurt, fear or limitation, but to walk freely in the calling God has given them through Christ. Gloria's main message focuses on God's name. She begins by asking people to think about the name of someone they love, showing that a name is not just a sound or label — it represents the person. In the same way, God's name reveals his character, authority and presence. She teaches from the third commandment, warning against taking God's name in vain. This does not only mean using God's name as a swear word; it means treating his name as empty, casual or powerless. Gloria challenges the church not to reduce God's name to everyday slang, but to recover reverence for the name of the Lord. She then explains that God revealed himself to Moses as "I am who I am", showing that God is self-existent, unchanging and unlike any human being. In the New Testament, this power and revelation are fully seen in Jesus Christ. Gloria points to passages such as Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9–11, Romans 10:13 and Proverbs 18:10, showing that salvation, help, deliverance and refuge are found in the name of the Lord. Gloria walks through several names of God, including El Elyon, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rohi and others. Each name reveals something of God's character: provider, healer, peace, shepherd, righteousness, sanctifier, restorer and Lord of hosts. Her main challenge is that believers should honour the name of God, call on him with faith, and trust that the power in the name of Jesus is still active today. The sermon closes with declarations over the names of God and a call to live with renewed confidence, reverence and dependence on Jesus. 0:00 Logos Hope Team Introduction 0:27 Bauka from Kazakhstan 2:01 Praying for Kazakhstan 2:36 Anne Marie's Testimony 3:13 The Fleas in the Jar Illustration 4:12 Living Worthy of God's Calling 5:47 Gloria Begins: The Name of God 9:35 Why Names Matter 12:35 Do Not Take God's Name in Vain 17:25 The Name Above Every Name 20:38 Calling on the Name of the Lord 24:25 The Names of God 29:36 Declarations Over God's Names 36:57 Closing Challenge and Response

  3. Jul 28 ·  Video

    Living in times of change, uncertainty and instability

    James preaches from Isaiah 6:1–8, where Isaiah sees the Lord in the year King Uzziah died. He begins by reflecting on Bob Dylan's song "The Times They Are A-Changin'", using it to introduce the theme of living in times of change, uncertainty and instability. His central message is: In a time of change and uncertainty, we need to fix our eyes on the one who is unchangeable and completely dependable. James explains that Isaiah's vision happened at a real point in history, around the death of King Uzziah. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years, so his death marked a time of national transition. There was uncertainty about what kind of king Jotham would be, and Uzziah's own downfall was a reminder that even strong human leaders are flawed. Against that background, Isaiah says, "I saw the Lord." James stresses that while earthly kings come and go, the true King remains seated on the throne. The Lord is high and exalted, in complete authority over history, nations, creation, and our personal lives. James then turns to the details of Isaiah's vision: the Lord's robe filling the temple, the seraphim covering their faces and feet, the shaking doorposts, the smoke, and the antiphonal cry: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." He explains that God's holiness is central to who he is. God is utterly different, pure, separate from sin, and glorious. The phrase "Lord Almighty" or "Lord of Hosts" reminds us that God has countless heavenly beings at his command, serving his purposes and ministering to his people. James also reflects on the glory of God in creation, using the Isle of Skye as an example of breathtaking beauty. But he says there is an even greater glory: the glory of redeemed humanity, people transformed by the grace of God and made part of the new creation. Isaiah's response is not pride but repentance. He cries, "Woe to me! I am ruined!" James points out that a true encounter with God reveals our sinfulness, even in our best actions. Isaiah recognises that he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. But God responds graciously. A seraph touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar and declares his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. James connects this to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood takes away sin. Finally, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" Isaiah responds willingly: "Here am I. Send me." James highlights that Isaiah offers himself before knowing the full cost. His surrender comes from having seen the Lord. The sermon ends by challenging believers to respond in the same way: in uncertain times, look to the unchanging Lord, receive his grace, and make ourselves fully available to him. 0:00 Introduction: The Times Are Changing 2:07 Change, Uncertainty and the Unchanging God 4:10 Reading Isaiah 6:1–8 6:12 The Year King Uzziah Died 10:15 Isaiah Sees the Lord on the Throne 14:20 The Seraphim Around the Throne 16:22 Holy, Holy, Holy 20:26 The Lord Almighty and His Heavenly Hosts 24:28 The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory 28:30 Isaiah's Repentance and Cleansing 32:33 Here Am I, Send Me

  4. Jul 20 ·  Video

    Love - 1 Corinthians 13

    Florence preaches from 1 Corinthians 13:1–7, focusing on the "missing ingredient" in the Corinthian church: love. She begins with a humorous cooking illustration, adding the wrong amount of garlic and almost forgetting the chicken in a curry, to show that sometimes one essential ingredient can be missing. In Corinth, the church had spiritual gifts, activity and ability, but they lacked love. Florence explains that the love Paul describes is agape love: a self-giving love that keeps giving even when the other person does not deserve it. This is the love of God, shown most clearly in Jesus Christ. She then asks two main questions. First, why is love important? Paul says that even impressive gifts — eloquent speech, prophecy, knowledge, faith, generosity and sacrifice — amount to nothing if they are not exercised in love. The Corinthian church was assessing itself by its gifts, but God assesses his people by their fruit, especially love. Spiritual gifts do not compensate for a lack of Christlike character. Second, what does love look like? Florence walks through Paul's description: love is patient and kind; it is not envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, irritable or resentful. Love does not delight in wrongdoing or gossip but rejoices in the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. She applies each quality practically: patience with difficult people, kindness that genuinely blesses others, humility rather than self-promotion, refusing to keep a record of wrongs, avoiding gossip, believing the best where possible, and continuing to hope for redemptive change because failure does not have to be final. Florence admits that none of us naturally measures up to this picture of love. Replacing the word "love" in the passage with our own name can be discouraging. But replacing it with Jesus fits perfectly, because Jesus is the fullest expression of love. Since his Spirit lives in his followers, Christians are equipped to grow in this kind of love. She closes with three responses: develop a fresh appreciation of God's love for us, desire a fresh rekindling of our love for him, and display a fresh outpouring of love for others. The sermon ends by pointing to the love of Christ shown at the cross, and introducing the hymn "Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean." 0:00 The Missing Ingredient 1:45 Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 3:01 Agape Love: The Love That Keeps Giving 4:56 Why 1 Corinthians 13 Sits Between Spiritual Gifts 5:48 Why Love Is Important 7:34 Gifts Without Love Are Nothing 12:53 What Love Looks Like 17:03 Love Is Not Selfish, Irritable or Resentful 22:13 Love Rejoices in Truth and Endures 24:41 Responding to God's Love

  5. Jul 13 ·  Video

    Don't you care if we drown?

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a33e9f2-df14-8332-bae8-ca52d6d1c550-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a33e9f2-df14-8332-bae8-ca52d6d1c550-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-turn="assistant"> Jeremy preaches from Mark 4:35–41, the account of Jesus calming the storm. He begins by connecting the disciples' fear in the boat with our own experiences of anxiety, uncertainty and hardship. Even when we know Jesus is with us, difficult circumstances can make us ask the same question the disciples asked: "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Jeremy shares honestly about his own anxiety, including the move from Singapore to Aberdeen, and uses the story of his young nephew on a rope playground to show how fear can overwhelm trust, even when help is close by. The sermon is built around three truths about Christ. First, Christ is in control. Jesus was asleep in the boat, but that did not mean he was unaware or powerless. Jeremy points out that Jesus knew they were going to "the other side." The storm was real, but it was not outside Christ's authority or purpose. Second, Christ cares. Jesus did not have to calm the storm, but he responded to the disciples' distress with compassion. Jeremy reminds the church that Jesus' care is seen not only in moments of help and comfort, but supremely in salvation. Christ cares for his people because they are loved children of the Father. Third, Christ calls us to grow. Jesus' question — "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" — was not a rejection of the disciples, but an invitation into deeper trust. Jeremy explains that Jesus was teaching them to look beyond the storm and remember who was in the boat with them. The main challenge of the sermon is to respond to life's storms with faith. Christians are not promised a life without hardship, but they are promised the presence of Christ. Because Jesus is in control, because he cares, and because he is growing our faith, we can trust him and be still. YouTube Chapter Markers 0:00 Reading Mark 4:35–41 1:04 Opening Prayer and Introduction 2:06 Jeremy's Story of Anxiety and Moving to Aberdeen 3:07 The Rope Playground Illustration 4:08 The Disciples' Fear in the Storm 6:09 When We Ask, "God, Don't You Care?" 8:13 Three Truths About Christ 10:18 Christ Is in Control 12:23 Christ Cares for His People 17:32 Christ Calls Us to Grow 20:35 Learning to Trust God in the Storm 23:43 Peace Be Still: Faith in Christ's Presence

  6. Jul 5 ·  Video

    Blind Spots

    Part 1 – The Ten Commandments overview. Derek reads Exodus 20 and makes three points: the commandments were given after God's rescue of Israel (not as a condition of it), they're guidance for the saved rather than a means of earning salvation, and each one is a broad principle meant to be applied widely rather than treated as a tick-box exercise. He illustrates this with the 8th commandment ("you must not steal"), showing it covers tax evasion, underpaying workers, time-theft, and misusing power of attorney. Part 2 – The blind spot. Turning to the 9th commandment ("you must not bear false witness"), Derek argues it also covers ignoring or failing to investigate credible reports of wrongdoing — illustrated with a dashcam analogy about withholding evidence from police. He grounds this in God's character as one who hates injustice (Proverbs, Psalm 97), then gives three extended case studies of the church failing this test: the Ravi Zacharias scandal, corruption he personally witnessed in a Pakistani mission hospital (including the human cost of stolen aid money), and a cover-up in an Aberdeen church after a woman reported a sexual assault. He then offers five reasons Christians stay silent: Pollyanna syndrome (disbelief that Christians could do wrong), fear of bad publicity, fear of personal cost, inadequate hatred of evil, and spiritual warfare/demonic discouragement. He's careful to note not all allegations are true, but they must still be properly investigated rather than dismissed. Part 3 – Brief notes on confidentiality and when it must be breached for safeguarding, naming the church's safeguarding leads, before ending on a hopeful note from Revelation about the ultimate triumph of good. 00:00 Intro: A Blind Spot in the Church02:11 The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)06:56 Applying the 8th Commandment: What Counts as Stealing?09:16 The Blind Spot: Redefining "Bearing False Witness" 11:00 Illustration: The Dashcam Witness 14:00 Case Study: Ravi Zacharias 17:00 Case Study: Corruption in a Pakistan Mission Hospital 22:00 Case Study: Cover-up in an Aberdeen Church25:14 Five Reasons Christians Stay Silent 31:00 Safeguarding, Confidentiality & Closing Hope

  7. Jul 4 ·  Video

    Psalm 145 - 28th June 2026

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:5f940a21-305f-4565-941a-28a5cd2fedab-88" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:5f940a21-305f-4565-941a-28a5cd2fedab-88" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-turn="assistant"> Vijay's sermon concludes the Psalms series by focusing on Psalm 145, a psalm of praise by David. His central point is that praise is what happens when our hearts catch up with reality — when we truly see God as he is. He begins by observing that people naturally talk about what they love: football, children, hobbies, interests. Yet Christians often struggle to speak of God with that same wonder. Psalm 145 shows that praise is not something we simply switch on emotionally. It grows as we give God our attention, remember his works, see his character, recognise his sustaining care, and discover his personal nearness. Vijay's first point is that praise begins when we choose to give God our attention. David starts Psalm 145 with the words "I will", showing that praise begins with a deliberate act of focus. In a distracted world of notifications, worries and constant scrolling, our attention is easily captured by small things. Worship re-centres us on the greatest reality: God himself. The second theme is remembering God's faithfulness. Vijay notes that humans often remember wounds, disappointments and threats more easily than blessings. But when we only remember the painful parts of life, we distort reality. Scripture repeatedly tells God's people to "remember" because forgetting God leads to fading wonder and fading praise. The sermon then moves to God's character. God's greatness is not merely power; it is greatness joined to goodness. David describes the Lord as gracious, merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Christians see this most clearly in Jesus: welcoming sinners, touching lepers, weeping with the grieving, and dying for rebels at the cross. Vijay also highlights that life itself is a gift sustained by God. Creation is not independent or self-running. Every breath, heartbeat, meal and moment depends on the God who opens his hand and gives life. Recognising this dependence produces gratitude. Finally, the sermon reaches the personal wonder of Psalm 145: the infinite God is near to those who call on him. Unlike human greatness, which often creates distance, God's greatness means that nothing escapes his care. He notices every detail, every tear, every cry for help. Praise deepens when we see that the God who rules the universe also turns toward us in love. Vijay closes by connecting Psalm 145 to the whole book of Psalms. The Hebrew title of Psalms means "praises", even though the book contains lament, sorrow, fear and confusion. This is because every part of life, even the darkest parts, can become part of praise when placed within the greater reality of God's greatness, goodness, kingdom and fatherly care. YouTube chapter markers 00:00 Introduction and thanks to those serving children and youth01:03 Why we naturally talk about what we love02:04 Psalm 145 and where praise really comes from03:07 Praise begins when our hearts see reality05:13 Reading Psalm 145: David's praise of God06:16 Praise begins with choosing to give God our attention10:20 Remembering God's mighty works and faithfulness15:00 God's works reveal his gracious and merciful character20:00 Life itself depends on God's sustaining care24:45 The infinite God is personally near to those who call31:59 The whole journey of the Psalms leads to praise36:07 Closing prayer: fixing our eyes on God

  8. Jun 30

    Praise: Psalm 126

    The Text: Psalm 126 (New Living Translation) — a psalm of praise recalling Israel's return from exile in Babylon. Opening Hook — The "Fresh Start" Effect Vijay begins by observing the universal human longing for a fresh start — at New Year, birthdays, or even a Monday morning. Beneath that, he argues, is a deeper desire: not just to improve, but to be made new — to undo mistakes and mend what's broken. That longing, he says, sits at the heart of Psalm 126. The Historical Context The psalm recalls Israel's return from decades of Babylonian exile. When the Persian king Cyrus allowed them to go home, it seemed impossible — like a dream. The surrounding nations even marvelled: "The Lord has done amazing things for them." Vijay notes this sits at the literal centre of the psalm — the focus is on what God did, not what Israel achieved. The Deeper Exile Israel's real problem was never Babylon — that was just a symptom. Their deeper problem was distance from God. And Vijay broadens this: it's everyone's story. All humanity was created for relationship with God but has wandered far — making us all spiritual exiles. Jesus as the Way Home Jesus didn't come merely as a moral teacher or inspiring figure. He came to bring exiles home. At the cross, he experienced the exile we deserved — crying out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" — so that we could be brought in, adopted as children of God, and welcomed home. Restoration Is a Process When the psalmist prays "restore our fortunes," it seems puzzling — weren't they already home? Vijay explains: restoration has begun, but it isn't finished. He illustrates this with a vivid image of a derelict house. When someone buys it, the ownership changes instantly — but the renovation takes time. Similarly, when someone trusts Christ, they belong to God immediately, but God then begins the ongoing work of rebuilding from the inside out. The Desert Image The psalmist prays for restoration "as streams renew the desert" — referring to the Negev, where dry riverbeds suddenly burst to life when the rains come. The prayer is: Lord, do that for our dry places — our regret, grief, guilt, and shame. Closing — Sowing in Tears The psalm ends with a farmer image: he weeps as he plants, because every seed buried could have fed his family — yet he trusts the harvest. That, says Vijay, is what faith looks like. Not just believing in your head, but entrusting yourself fully to God's promises even when you can't yet see them. Every act of obedience — forgiving someone, resisting temptation, keeping on praying through disappointment — is sowing seed in hope. The final promise: tears are real, but they're not the last chapter. The harvest is coming. The Bible ends not with sorrow or exile, but with joy — every sin removed, every tear wiped away, every exile brought safely home. 0:00 Introduction & Series Context 1:18 The Fresh Start Effect 2:19 The Deeper Longing to Be Made New 3:32 Psalm 126 — Reading 4:46 Israel's Exile and the Impossible Return 6:44 God's Amazing Things — The Centre of the Psalm 7:16 Israel's Story Is Everyone's Story 8:49 Jesus — The Way Home 10:33 Restoration Has Only Just Begun 12:09 The Derelict House Illustration 14:36 Streams in the Desert 15:29 Sowing in Tears — What Faith Looks Like 18:28 The Final Chapter Is Joy 19:32 Baptism — Being Brought Home

See All (923)

About

We are an evangelical church associated with the Baptist Union of Scotland and situated in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Our worship services, fellowship opportunities, outreach programmes and courses to aid lifelong maturity are driven by our central passion: to make, mature and mobilise followers of Jesus Christ from the whole city.

Information

  • Creator
    Aberdeen Christian Fellowship
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2026
  • Episodes
    923
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aberdeen Christian Fellowship - an independent evangelical church in Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Show Website
    Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship