Bible teaching from Coleford Gospel Hall

He Puts My Tears in His Bottle

Gordon Stewart expounds Psalm 56 (a 'Mitchtam of David') and centres the sermon on the Bible image of God collecting our tears 'in his bottle'—a reminder that every sorrow, wandering and act of devotion is known and recorded by the Lord. He traces the meaning of the psalm, its historical context (David in Gath) and the emotional range of human tears, showing how Scripture and the life of Christ value and share our suffering. Moving from Old Testament origin to New Testament fulfilment, Gordon Stewart cites Matthew, Luke, John and Revelation to illustrate Jesus' sympathy—'Jesus wept'—and to offer pastoral comfort: even when Christ seems hidden, he is present. The message closes with the promise that God will wipe away all tears and a call to trust his tender care now and until the eternal day.

Fairer Than Men - Christ the King (Psalm 45)

Reg Carnell preaches on Psalm 45 at Coleford Gospel Hall, unpacking the psalm’s Superscription and its threefold structure to present the Lord Jesus Christ as the beautiful, anointed King. He reads the psalm, explains the Old Testament background (Shoshanim, sons of Korah, Maskill) and moves from personal meditation in verse 1 to an extended exaltation of Christ’s person, speech, resurrection and eternal throne. Throughout the message Reg Carnell draws on Gospel and prophetic texts (John, Luke, Mark, Zechariah, Daniel, Revelation) and uses biblical illustrations - lilies, the Queen of Sheba, the fig tree, Uzziah - to press practical application: cultivate inward meditation, make gospel truth your own, speak and share the good news, and live in the light of Christ’s righteous reign and coming kingdom.

Hope Thou in God - Thirsting for God’s Presence (Psalm 42–43)

James preaches on Psalm 42 (and Psalm 43 as its close companion), reading the text and explaining how these psalms form the opening of Book Two of the Psalter. He highlights textual features - the ancient joining of Psalms 42-43 and the threefold refrain - and explains 'countenance' as the presence and help of God that shows itself in believers. Drawing on the historical setting of David’s exile (2 Samuel 15-16), James shows that when everything is stripped away the one longing that remains is for God’s presence. He moves from literary and historical exposition into pastoral application, urging listeners to practise the psalmist’s inner exhortation - 'Hope thou in God' - even amid waves of suffering, and points to Calvary as the decisive fulfilment of God’s just judgement and sustaining love.

One Perfect Offering — Psalm 40 and the Burnt Offering

Michael Browne expounds Psalm 40 as the psalm of the burnt offering, showing how Old Testament sacrifices point to the one perfect offering of the Son of God. Drawing on Hebrews 10 and the messianic language of the psalm, he emphasises Christ’s voluntary obedience, substitutionary atonement, and the unique, once-for-all nature of His sacrifice that fulfils the types and removes the need for animal offerings. Michael then moves from doctrine to pastoral application: the psalm’s picture of being brought up out of a horrible pit informs Christian experience. He encourages believers to wait patiently on the Lord, warns against mere ritualism, and urges a renewed testimony — a new song of praise — for effective ministry, closing with a direct pastoral appeal and prayer request.

Psalm 32: The Joy of Forgiveness

In this episode Michael Browne explores the timeless message of Psalm 32, reflecting on King David’s journey from hidden guilt to the overflowing joy of forgiveness. Drawing on the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan’s confrontation, the teaching unpacks how sin burdens the soul, how true repentance brings release, and how God’s grace can lift the heaviest load. Through vivid illustrations and Scripture, listeners are invited to consider the peace that comes when sin is acknowledged and forgiven.