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Monday 2pm - 4pm Thursday 7:30pm - 9pm Sunday 9:30am - 1pm

http://www.stonehavenbaptistchurch.com/

Stonehaven Baptist Church, The Old Courthouse, Dunnottar Avenue, Stonehaven (2026)

15/06/2026

Baptist Buzz 14.7.26

Our speaker today was Andrew Young from Fraserburgh, who spoke on Mark 6:30–44.

The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its importance. It took place after the disciples returned from preaching in the villages. Jesus sought a quiet place with them near Bethsaida, but a large crowd followed Him because they had heard of His miracles and wanted to see Him. The crowd, numbering at least 5,000 men and possibly many more including women and children, was far from home, tired, and hungry.

When the disciples saw the situation, they viewed it as impossible. Yet Andrew brought to Jesus a young boy who had five loaves and two fish. Though the food seemed insignificant compared to the needs of the crowd, it became the means through which Christ performed a great miracle.

The boy willingly gave all he had to Jesus. He did not keep his small meal for himself but trusted the Lord with it. His offering seemed insignificant, yet it was placed in the hands of Christ. This challenges us today. God often uses ordinary people who are willing to offer their time, abilities, prayers, and resources for His service. We may feel that what we have is too little to make a difference, but the Lord asks only for willing hearts. Are we prepared to devote ourselves to prayer, support the work of the Gospel, and serve Christ faithfully? Like the boy, we are called to step out from the crowd and offer what we have to the Lord.

Jesus took the loaves and fish, blessed them, and miraculously multiplied them so that everyone was fed. This was not merely an act of sharing their packed lunches among the crowd but a genuine miracle demonstrating Christ’s divine power. Here, Jesus created food where none had previously existed, revealing Himself as the Son of God.

The miracle points us to the truth that Jesus is God in the flesh, the One through whom all things were made. Just as God created the world by His word, Christ displayed His creative power before the crowd.

The disciples were slow to understand the significance of what had happened. Yet the lesson remains clear: God can take our small efforts and use them for great purposes. Little is much when it is placed in the Lord’s hands. Whether through prayer, witnessing, supporting ministry, or serving others, God is able to accomplish far more than we can imagine. The One who fed the five thousand is still the same today.

The crowd ate until they were satisfied, and there was food left over. Their physical hunger was met, and many realised that Jesus was no ordinary man. The disciples distributed the bread, but Christ provided the supply. In the same way, believers today are called to faithfully share what God has given. The world is spiritually hungry, and the Gospel remains sufficient to meet its deepest needs.

The central message of this miracle is that God delights to use humble and willing people. What seemed inadequate—five loaves and two fish—became more than enough when blessed by Christ. When we place our lives, gifts, and efforts in His hands, He can use them far beyond what we could ever accomplish on our own.-G

09/06/2026

Baptist Buzz 7.6.26

This passage combines the biblical account of the death of John the Baptist from the Gospel of Mark with a sermon reflecting on its meaning and relevance. The central themes are the danger of ignoring conscience, the cost of speaking truth, and the urgency of responding to God’s call.

The passage begins with King Herod hearing reports about Jesus and becoming disturbed. Some people believed Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, while others thought he was Elijah or another prophet. Herod immediately concludes that Jesus must be John resurrected, revealing his guilty conscience over John’s ex*****on.

The story then explains how John the Baptist was imprisoned and killed. John had publicly condemned Herod for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, which was considered unlawful and immoral. Herodias deeply resented John and wanted him dead, but Herod himself was conflicted. Although he imprisoned John, he respected him as a righteous and holy man and even enjoyed listening to him preach, despite finding his message troubling.
The turning point comes during Herod’s birthday banquet. Surrounded by powerful officials and military leaders, Herod is pleased by a dance performed by Herodias’s daughter. In a boastful and reckless moment, he promises to give her anything she asks for, up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, she requests the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod gives the order because he does not want to lose face before his guests. John is executed in prison, and his disciples later bury his body.

The sermon uses this account to explore several moral and spiritual lessons. First, it emphasizes that John’s preaching—not his personality—got him into trouble. John was bold, direct, and uncompromising in confronting sin, even when addressing powerful people. His courage came from humility and his understanding that his role was to point others toward Christ rather than seek personal status.

Second, the differing responses of Herod and Herodias are highlighted. Herodias responds with hatred and revenge, while Herod experiences conviction and inner conflict. He knows John speaks the truth and recognizes his own wrongdoing, but he lacks the courage to repent. His weakness, pride, and desire to impress others ultimately lead him to commit a terrible act.

The preacher then broadens the message by comparing Herod’s downfall to modern human behaviour. Herod becomes trapped by his own pride and impulsive promises, much like people today who are destroyed by out of control desires, social pressure, or moral compromise. The sermon warns about situations where temptation, opportunity, and desire combine, arguing that people should flee from such circumstances before sin takes hold.

A major theme throughout is the danger of hearing truth without responding to it. Herod listened repeatedly to John’s preaching and was emotionally affected by it, but he never truly changed. The sermon warns that it is possible to admire moral teaching, attend church, or become interested in religion while still refusing genuine repentance and faith. External actions alone cannot save a person if the heart remains unchanged.

The speaker also stresses the seriousness of delaying spiritual decisions. Using examples from the Bible, including Herod’s later encounter with Jesus before the crucifixion, the sermon argues that opportunities to respond to God are not guaranteed forever. When Herod finally meets Jesus, Jesus refuses to answer him, symbolizing that Herod’s repeated rejection of truth had hardened his heart.
The conclusion calls listeners to respond immediately to Christ rather than postponing repentance. The preacher reminds the audience that life is uncertain and that every person is only “one breath away from eternity.” Salvation is self-improvement or religious performance, but is coming honestly and humbly to Jesus for forgiveness and rest.

Overall, the passage portrays John the Baptist as a courageous servant of God, Herod as a tragic example of moral weakness and spiritual indecision, and Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation. The sermon challenges listeners to examine how they respond to truth, conscience, and the invitation of Christ. How will YOU respond?-G

31/05/2026

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31/05/2026

Baptist Buzz 31.05.26

This passage from Mark 6:6–13 focuses on Jesus sending out the twelve disciples on their first mission. Up to this point in Mark’s Gospel, the disciples had mainly observed Jesus’ ministry. They had watched him preach, heal, and confront evil spirits, but now their role changed. Jesus called them to himself and sent them out “two by two” to continue his work. The sermon emphasizes that this moment marks the transition from being followers who watch to servants who participate actively in God’s mission.

The context is important. Jesus has just been rejected in his hometown of Nazareth because of the people’s unbelief. Rather than becoming discouraged, he continued teaching from village to village. His response to opposition is not retreat but persistence. This demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the work God gave him to do. Alistair Begg compared this to a coach gathering players together and assigning them a task: Jesus gathers the disciples and gives them clear instructions for their mission.

A major theme is authority. Jesus gave the disciples authority over evil spirits and sent them out as representatives of himself. Their authority is not personal or self-generated; it came entirely from Jesus. They are extensions of his ministry, proclaiming his message and performing works in his name. The sermon stresses that Christian ministry always begins with being close to Christ. The disciples’ effectiveness did not come from education, status, or personal talent, but from having “been with Jesus.” This principle still applies today: true Christian service flows from a living relationship with Christ rather than from human credentials alone.

A second theme is simplicity. Jesus instructed the disciples to travel lightly: no food, no money, no extra clothing. The purpose was not to establish a permanent rule about poverty or clothing but to teach dependence on God and freedom from unnecessary burdens. Travelling light would allow them mobility and flexibility as they moved quickly from place to place. Their lack of possessions would also demonstrate trust in God’s provision. Alastair warned against interpreting these instructions in a literal or rigid way. Jesus was not commanding all Christians in every age to wear sandals and carry staffs. Rather, the principle is that followers of Christ should avoid becoming so attached to material possessions that they are unable to respond when God calls them.

The sermon then discussed hospitality. Jesus tells the disciples to stay in the same house while visiting a town rather than moving around seeking better accommodations. This prevented them from appearing selfish or opportunistic. Their mission was not about comfort, status, or personal gain. Alastair explained that constantly upgrading to better homes would undermine the credibility of their message. Christian workers must conduct themselves with integrity so that their behaviour supports, rather than contradicts, the gospel they proclaim.

Another important point is the expectation of animosity and rejection. Jesus warned that some towns will refuse to welcome or listen to the disciples. In such cases, they are to shake the dust from their feet and move on. This symbolic act reflected Jewish customs of separating from impurity and served as a testimony against those who rejected the message. The disciples were not to force themselves upon people or engage in aggressive confrontation. Their task was gentle persuasion, not coercion. Yet they were also not to compromise the seriousness of the gospel message. Rejection carried consequences because the message they proclaimed was God’s truth.

The summary of the disciples’ mission is simple: they preached repentance, cast out demons, and healed the sick. In essence, they continued the ministry of Jesus. Christians today still have the same central message: proclaiming who Jesus is, why he came, and what he accomplished through his death and resurrection. The church does not need to invent a new message but faithfully communicate Christ’s message.

Finally, the sermon stressed the urgency of the gospel. The disciples were sent out quickly because people needed to hear that the kingdom of God was near and that repentance was necessary. Repentance is described as a genuine change of heart, mind, and direction—a turning away from sin and toward Christ. The message remains urgent today because all people will one day stand before Christ in judgment. Therefore, believers are called both to proclaim the gospel faithfully and to live lives consistent with the message they preach. -G

24/05/2026

Baptist Buzz 24.5.26

Today we watched an Alastair Begg video as part our worship, which reflected on Mark 6;1-6, where Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth with his disciples. The sermon explains that this visit was important because it prepared the disciples for the rejection they themselves would face when preaching the gospel. Jesus had already performed miracles, gathered followers, and taught with authority, but in Nazareth he met with disbelief from people who had known him since childhood. The central theme is that unbelief often surrounds the advance of Christian faith.

When Jesus taught in the synagogue, the people were amazed by his wisdom and miracles. They asked where he had gained such authority and wondered how an ordinary carpenter could perform such works. However, their amazement did not lead to faith. Instead, their familiarity with Jesus became an obstacle. They saw him only as “Mary’s son,” the local carpenter whose family they knew personally. Because they viewed him through what Alistair Begg called “the veil of ordinariness,” they struggled to believe he was truly sent by God.

The sermon highlights three responses from the people of Nazareth: they were amazed, offended, and deprived.
First, they were amazed. Jesus’ teaching and miracles astonished them because he lacked the background expected of a religious leader. He had no formal education, no academic credentials, and his followers were ordinary men such as fishermen and tax collectors. Yet his wisdom and authority could not be denied. Still, amazement alone was not enough to produce faith. A person can admire Jesus intellectually or emotionally while remaining spiritually unchanged.

Second, they were offended. The people questioned Jesus’ identity and treated him with contempt. Referring to him as “Mary’s son” may have been intentionally insulting, since Jewish tradition usually identified men through their fathers. They dismissed him because they thought they already knew who he was. The sermon compares this attitude to modern scepticism, where people reject Christianity because Jesus appears too ordinary or too distant from modern life. Despite witnessing evidence of his power, the people of Nazareth refused to accept his claims.

Third, they were deprived. Because of their unbelief, Jesus performed very few miracles among them. Alistair Begg emphasized that this was not because Jesus lacked power, but because unbelief prevented the people from receiving the blessings of his kingdom. Jesus would not perform miracles simply to entertain or satisfy sceptics. In the same way, spiritual blessings such as forgiveness and transformation are not experienced by those who stubbornly reject Christ.

The sermon connects this story to modern society, arguing that Christianity still advances in a culture of unbelief. Religious faith is often dismissed as irrational or outdated, both in intellectual circles and everyday life. Alistair shared examples of people who appreciate the Bible as literature or history but refuse to engage seriously with its message. He argued that many people today resemble the crowd in Nazareth: interested, curious, even amazed, but unwilling to commit themselves in faith.

The sermon is directed toward people who repeatedly hear the Christian message but remain undecided. Alastair was amazed that some continue attending church and hearing the gospel while never fully accepting or rejecting it. He urged listeners to “move off the fence” and stop delaying a decision about Christ. He reassured those who feel unworthy or beyond forgiveness that their weakness and sin are actually the reason they need Jesus. Salvation, he explained, is not for the morally perfect but for those who recognize their need.

The sermon ended with a reminder that Jesus was rejected by many, even in his own hometown, but those who receive him in faith become children of God. Will you remain trapped in indecision or respond to God while the opportunity remains. -G

17/05/2026

Baptist Buzz 17.5.26

Alastair Godfrey spoke today on the opening words of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd.” He began by asking an important question: who is this Lord who has the right to be “my boss, my owner, my shepherd”? In a culture where many people resist authority and insist on being “captain of their own destiny,” David’s words stand out clearly. David is not reluctant or embarrassed to belong to God; instead, he seems to say with joy and confidence, “Look who my shepherd is!”

Alastair explained that the wellbeing of sheep depends entirely on the quality of their shepherd. A poor shepherd who neglects his flock, fails to treat wounds, or does not protect them from danger leaves the sheep vulnerable and in distress. But David speaks of a shepherd who provides everything necessary — food, safety, guidance and protection, even in the darkest and most difficult circumstances. The emphasis of the Psalm is not really on the sheep, but on the greatness and goodness of the Shepherd.

To illustrate this, Alastair described experiences from his younger days walking high in the mountains. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and able to see for miles in every direction, he became deeply aware of how small he was in comparison to the greatness of God, who created such magnificence. Yet the wonder of Psalm 23 is that this mighty Creator of the universe is not distant or uninterested. David says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” God knows us personally and desires a relationship with us individually.

Alastair went on to explain that we belong to God not only because He created us, but because He redeemed us. Referring to Isaiah 53, he quoted the words: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Humanity naturally wanders from God, stubbornly choosing its own path, yet Christ took upon Himself the penalty for that rebellion. Through Christ, God has both created us and bought us back.

The comparison between people and sheep is therefore very appropriate. Anyone who has worked with sheep knows their tendency toward stubbornness, foolishness and blindly following one another into danger. In many ways, we are the same. Yet despite our failings, God delights in His people. He provides for them, directs them and blesses them with His care.

Towards the end of the sermon, Alastair spoke about the way shepherds mark their sheep to show ownership. In the past this might have been done with markings on the wool or small cuts on the ear, while today sheep are often identified by yellow ear tags carrying important information. In the same way, the Good Shepherd knows His own people and will gather them to Himself. The challenge was personal and searching: are we carrying His mark?

The sermon concluded with several questions for reflection. Do we truly belong to Him? Do we recognise His right to rule over our lives? Do we seek His guidance and help? Do we acknowledge His authority? And do we know the deep peace and contentment that come from living under the care of the Good Shepherd?-G

11/05/2026

Baptist Buzz 10.5.26

We welcomed Jim O’Hara, and his wife Sandra, today. Jim started his sermon by reflecting on how easy it is for Christians who have read the Bible for years to become too familiar with it. Sometimes we know the stories so well that we stop noticing the details or how different parts connect together. Mark’s Gospel is carefully written, and these two miracles are linked on purpose.

Both stories involve women who are restored by Jesus — one older woman and one young girl. Both are called “daughter” in some way, both are connected to the number twelve, and both involve situations considered “unclean” in Jewish culture. The woman’s bleeding made her ceremonially unclean, and touching a dead body also caused uncleanness. But instead of Jesus becoming unclean by contact with them, the opposite happens: Jesus brings healing, life, and restoration.

Jairus, an important synagogue ruler, comes to Jesus completely desperate because his daughter is dying. Even though he was respected in the community, his need drives him to fall at Jesus’ feet and beg for help. Jesus immediately agrees to go with him, showing how willing He is to stop for individuals, even in the middle of busy public ministry.

On the way, though, another desperate person appears — the woman who had suffered with bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money trying to get better, but nothing had worked. She believed that if she could simply touch Jesus’ clothes, she would be healed. The sermon points out how much faith and desperation there is in that moment. She doesn’t want attention; she just wants help.

As soon as she touches Jesus, she is healed immediately. But instead of carrying on quickly to Jairus’ house, Jesus stops and asks, “Who touched me?” The disciples are confused because the crowd is pressing all around Him, but Jesus keeps asking until the woman comes forward trembling and afraid.

This becomes the key moment in the sermon. The preacher explains that Jesus wasn’t simply interested in performing a miracle and moving on. The woman wanted healing, but Jesus wanted a relationship. He wanted her to know Him personally, not just receive something from Him. The sermon uses the idea of “I-It” and “I-Thou” relationships — meaning that many people treat God like a tool or a source of blessings, rather than someone they truly know and trust personally.

The woman, despite her shame and fear, comes honestly before Jesus, and instead of rebuking her, He speaks gently: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” The preacher explains that this healing points to something much bigger than physical recovery. Jesus is offering salvation, peace with God, and complete restoration.
The story then returns to Jairus, whose daughter has now died while Jesus was delayed. Naturally, Jairus must have felt devastated. But Jesus tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” The preacher highlights this as a challenge for all Christians — trusting Jesus even when circumstances seem hopeless.

When Jesus arrives at the house, people are mourning and laughing at His claim that the girl is “sleeping.” But Jesus takes her by the hand and raises her back to life immediately. The miracle shows that even death is not beyond His power.

The sermon finishes by comparing the two kinds of faith in the story. Jairus was respected and important; the woman was isolated, ashamed, and frightened. Yet Jesus warmly accepts both. The big message is that real faith is not about being strong, confident, or impressive. It is about coming honestly to Jesus, even weak and broken, and trusting who He is. Jesus welcomes desperate people and invites them into a real, personal relationship with Him. Will you come to Him?-G

03/05/2026

Baptist Buzz 3.5.26

Today we watched a video of Alistair Begg preaching on Mark 5:1-20, presenting the dramatic account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man as a vivid illustration of both the human condition and the transforming power of Christ. It began by highlighting the church’s mission to reach those “outside” of Christ, emphasizing that true Christianity is not about religious activity but about bringing spiritually lost people into a living relationship with Jesus.

The passage introduced a man in an extreme state of need: isolated, violent, self-destructive, and living among tombs. He was beyond human control and alienated from society and himself. While his condition is unusually severe due to demonic possession, the preacher argued that he represents, in essence, the spiritual state of all people apart from Christ. In Ephesians 2, the sermon explains that those outside Christ are “dead in transgressions and sins”—spiritually lifeless, even if outwardly functional. This challenges the common notion that becoming a Christian is merely adding religion to an otherwise decent life; instead, it is a transformation from death to life.

The encounter between Jesus and the man revealed both Christ’s authority and the inner conflict of the human heart. The man ran to Jesus yet at the same time resisted him, reflecting the tension many experience when confronted with the call to surrender their lives. The sermon emphasized that coming to Christ is not easy or superficial; it often involves painful change, as individuals must relinquish deeply rooted sins or attachments. This struggle explains why some people, even when recognizing the truth of the gospel, hesitate or refuse to respond.

The episode involving the demons entering a herd of pigs underscored several truths: the destructive intent of evil, Jesus’ supreme authority over it, the completeness of the mankind’s deliverance, and the value of a human life over material loss.

Despite witnessing this miraculous transformation, the local people react with fear and ask Jesus to leave. Alistair suggested this might have been due to economic concerns - 2000 pigs was a big loss- or an unwillingness to confront their own need for change. The transformed man became a powerful contrast—now calm, clothed, and in his right mind—but instead of rejoicing, the community resists the implications of what Jesus has done.

Finally, the healed man’s desire to stay with Jesus is denied. Instead, he is sent home to share his story: to tell others how much the Lord has done for him and how he has shown mercy. This becomes a model for Christian witness—simple, personal testimony rather than complex argument. Go and gossip the Gospel!

The sermon ended by connecting this story to the gospel itself: Jesus ultimately took the place of broken, alienated people, suffering and dying so they might be restored. Believers are then called to share this message, acting not as passive recipients but as active participants in reaching others with the hope and transformation found in Christ. Will you go and tell? - G

Stonehaven Baptist Church

15/06/2026

09/06/2026

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

24/05/2026

17/05/2026

11/05/2026

03/05/2026

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