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

In the Lord's Hand: Cups of Judgement, Suffering and Salvation

Ian Rees bases this short Bible teaching on Psalm 75's striking image - 'in the hand of the Lord there is a cup' - and surveys the major "cups" of Scripture. He outlines cups of divine judgement on individuals and nations (with references to David, Isaiah 51, Jeremiah 25 and Revelation), then turns to the cups associated with Christ: his cup of suffering, the cup of remembrance at the Lord's Supper, and the wider cup of fellowship Paul warns about in 1 Corinthians 10. Ian balances exposition with practical application: Christians are urged to take the cup of salvation (Psalm 116), to live out the Lord's Supper throughout the week, and to avoid identification with the world's or demonic 'cups' (illustrated by a testimony from Botswana). The talk closes with an invitation to thoughtful, consistent discipleship in light of God's providence and Christ's atoning work.

Lead Me to the Rock: Finding Strength When Overwhelmed

Ian Rees preaches from Psalm 61, centring on verse 2: 'When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.' He explains the Hebrew sense of being overwhelmed - spiritual and emotional fainting and opens with a personal hospital anecdote to introduce the pastoral burden behind the text.

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.