West Kilbride Parish Church

Matthew 26: 57-68 - Jesus before the Council

In this sermon, we see Jesus being falsely accused and condemned by the High Priest and the Council.

The priests and elders were unable to see beyond their own power - and saw Jesus as an inconvenience and someone to be got rid of at any cost. We think about how we are to stand for truth - even when it is inconvenient - and how much Jesus went through, just for us.

First preached: 30th March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Matthew 26: 47-56 - Jesus is betrayed

In this sermon, we think about Jesus being betrayed by Judas. We note how Jesus' demeanour has changed from agony to peace as he centres himself in the Father's will. And we see an example for us in prayer.

And we see how amazing it is that Jesus is willing to go through betrayal and desertion as he goes to the cross - something that only he can do - and him alone.

First preached: 23rd March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Matthew 26: 36-46 - Gethsemane

In this sermon, we consider Matthew 26: 36-46 and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We think about the agonies that Jesus went through and his temptation to not go through with the cross. But we see how he submits himself to his Father's will and says 'Your will be done'.

First preached: 16th March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Matthew 26: 31-35 - Jesus predicts Peter's denial

In this sermon, we hear of Jesus predicting that all the disciples will desert him before he goes to the cross. We see how Jesus sees this as a fulfilment of Scripture and also the disciples vociferous denials that they will do such a thing. We reflect on how though the disciples are well-meaning - that they are also human and cannot do what they want to do - something Paul reflects in Romans 7. Despite this, Jesus also gives the disciples encouragement that after he is risen, he will meet them again at Galilee - therefore there is hope of forgiveness and reconciliation for the disciples.

First preached: 9th March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

John 13: 1-30 - Jesus washes the disciples feet

In this Evening Service reflection and as we were celebrating Communion, we focused on the Last Supper from John's gospel. We asked the question as to why it was so different from the version in the other three gospels and wondered at the amazing example Jesus shows in washing the disciples feet.

First preached: 2nd March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay

Matthew 26: 17-30 - The Last Supper

In this sermon, we think about how Jesus chose the Passover Meal to be his 'last supper' and how through taking the bread and wine he points towards the cross and the resurrection.

First preached: 2nd March 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Matthew 26: 1-16 - Jesus is anointed

We continue our series in Matthew's gospel, and we read of Jesus being anointed with expensive perfume at Bethany. In this sermon, we see Mary's great act of devotion sandwiched between the chief priests plotting to kill Jesus and Judas plotting to betray Jesus. And we ask the question - which is the bigger waste? The perfume poured over Jesus head or the three years that Judas has spent with Jesus which hasn't softened his heart. Hopefully we see that Mary's act of great love for Jesus is not a waste - and that we too ought to love Jesus wholeheartedly.

First preached: 16th February 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Matthew 25: 31-46 - The Final Judgement

In this sermon, we look at Jesus final teaching on the end times and the separation of the sheep and the goats.

We think of the consequences of rejecting Jesus by not showing the fruit that shows we are a true disciple but also the glorious inheritance of the kingdom for those who trust in Jesus and walk with him.

First preached: 9th February 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Colossians 3: 1-11 - New Life in Christ

In this Sunday Evening sermon, we think about the new life that we have in Christ. And we think also about having a heavenly perspective that is fully focused on Christ - who is our all in all.

First preached: 2nd February 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

James 2: 14-26 - Faith and Works - Paul Algeo, Blythswood Care

We were delighted to have Paul Algeo from Blythswood Care with us sharing about the work of Blythswood and from James 2: 14-26 - Faith and Works.

First preached: 2nd February 2025.

Speaker: Paul Algeo.

Matthew 25: 14-30 - The Parable of the Three Servants

In this sermon on Matthew 25: 14-30, we consider the Parable of the Three Servants (perhaps more commonly recognised as the Parable of the Talents) as Jesus continues his teaching on the End Times. We think about being ready - but also the need to be prepared and making sure that we are. This sermon was preached on the Sunday after Storm Eowyn and so the illustration of the Red Alert which appeared on smartphones throughout the Central Belt of Scotland is used.

First preached: 26th January 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

The Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25: 1-13) - Making sure we are ready!

In this sermon from Matthew 25: 1-13 we resume our study in Matthew's Gospel looking at the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. This parable is part of Jesus' teaching about the end times as he comes towards the end of his earthly life. In this parable, he encourages the disciples to be ready and to be prepared - and the dire consequences if they aren't. Similarly, we are encouraged to be ready and to be wise - and to be locked in with Jesus for eternity!

First preached: 19th January 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Hebrews 1 - Jesus is the Son of God

In this sermon, David Clark helpfully leads us through Hebrews 1 and asks the question as to whether we think of Jesus as a baby, man or the Son of God.

 

First preached: 12th January 2025.

Speaker: David Clark.

Luke 2: 41-52 - Jesus at the Temple

In this sermon, we think about how the story of Jesus continues post-Christmas and doesn't stop. We consider the story of Jesus at the temple and the lessons that we can learn as we enter 2025.

First preached: 5th January 2025.

Speaker: James McNay.

Advent 3 - Joy - Matthew 2: 1-12

In this sermon, we think about joy mainly from Matthew 2: 1-12 and the story of the wise men.

We also think about general revelation and special revelation - and how although the Wise Men began with a general revelation that the King of the Jews was born, it was through special revelation that they ended up with a personal encounter with Jesus - and they worshipped him.

First preached: 15th December 2024.

Speaker: James McNay.