The Gospel Ship

The Church at Ephesus: Losing First Love

Preaching from Revelation 2:1–7, Reverend Jack Hamilton begins a series on the letters to the seven churches. He explains that these are Christ’s last words to His people, with five of the seven churches called to repent. Hamilton emphasizes that the letter to Ephesus commends their labor, patience, and doctrinal vigilance, yet exposes their critical failure: they had left their first love. Drawing from Acts 18–20, he recounts the history of the Ephesian church and Paul’s warnings to “take heed to yourselves.” The message applies directly to modern believers, urging continual repentance, self-examination, and a return to fervent love for Christ. Without this, churches risk losing their witness as lampstands before the watching world. Key Themes: • Revelation as apocalyptic literature and Christ’s final words to His church • The church’s role as light-bearers before the world • Commendations: labor, patience, intolerance of false teachers • Rebuke: leaving their first love for Christ • Paul’s warnings to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20): take heed, watch, and remember • Revival in Ephesus: turning from idolatry to Christ • The danger of drifting, complacency, and cold love amid increasing iniquity • Repentance as continual for Christians, not just unbelievers • God’s call to remember, repent, and return to earlier devotion • The risk of Christ removing a church’s lampstand if love and witness fade

Humility at the Lord’s Table

In this message, Reverend Jack Hamilton reflects on Colossians 1 and Philippians 2, urging believers to approach the Lord’s Supper with humility and reverence. He reminds the congregation that Christ, the Creator and ruler of all things, humbled Himself by becoming man and suffering death on the cross. True discipleship involves not only salvation but also sanctification, marked by growing humility, self-examination, and dependence on Christ. Hamilton contrasts biblical worship with shallow attempts to entertain, and he exhorts the church to remember Christ as He commanded: in His death, sacrifice, and ongoing work as Lord. Humility, he explains, is not something to pray for passively but to actively put on daily, esteeming others above ourselves. Key Themes: • The Lord’s Supper as central worship, not ritual • Christ’s humility: the Creator becoming man (Phil. 2) • The preeminence of Christ in creation and redemption (Col. 1) • True discipleship: salvation leading to sanctification • The danger of pride and “hot worship services” focused on entertainment • Humility as essential soil for growth in grace • Self-examination before the Lord’s Table • Paul’s growth in humility (least of apostles → least of saints → chief of sinners) • Believers called to actively “put on” humility and meekness (Col. 3) • Worship shaped by holiness, not human pride

Paul Before Agrippa: The Almost Christian

Preaching from Acts 26, Reverend Jack Hamilton recounts Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa, emphasizing the sovereign grace of God in Paul’s conversion and his commission to witness. Hamilton highlights that while Agrippa appeared to hold power, it was Paul, though in chains, who spoke with true freedom in Christ. Paul’s story demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel: from zealous persecutor to faithful witness of Christ’s resurrection. Hamilton warns against being “almost persuaded” like Agrippa, stressing the necessity of repentance, faith, and continued obedience to God’s call. The message concludes with a reminder that faith comes by hearing God’s Word and that every believer is called to bear witness, even amid opposition. Key Themes: • Paul’s defense before King Agrippa (Acts 26) • True freedom in Christ vs. worldly power • Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road (light and voice from heaven) • The sovereign grace of God in salvation • The Christian’s calling to be a witness, not just a believer • Repentance and faith as gifts of God • The danger of being “almost persuaded” (Agrippa’s response) • The continuity of Paul’s witness despite persecution • Faith comes by hearing the Word of God • Discipleship requires perseverance and public witness

The Third Commandment: Guarding God’s Name and Our Words

In this sermon on Matthew 5:33–37 and Exodus 20:7, Reverend Jack Hamilton explains what it means to take the Lord’s name in vain and the seriousness of our words. He contrasts the Pharisees’ shallow legalism with Christ’s deeper teaching that our speech must be truthful and reverent. Drawing from Scripture—including Jesus before the high priest, Paul’s solemn appeals to God, and even God Himself swearing by His own name—Hamilton shows that legitimate oaths have biblical precedent, but careless or trivial swearing profanes God’s holiness. He emphasizes that discipleship requires integrity: our “yes” must mean yes and our “no,” no. From James’ warning about the untamable tongue to the rampant profanity in modern culture, Hamilton warns believers to guard their lips, keep their promises, and use words to bless, not curse. Key Themes: • The Third Commandment: not taking God’s name in vain • The difference between Pharisees’ outward legalism and true discipleship • Legitimate biblical oaths vs. trivial swearing • Jesus’ teaching: let your yes be yes, and no be no • Paul’s appeals to God as witness • God and angels swearing by His own name (Hebrews 6; Revelation 10) • The destructive power of the tongue (James 3) • Integrity in promises, vows, and daily speech • Modern profanity and careless language as dishonoring to God • True discipleship: relationship with Christ, not just religion

Drawing Near to God: Degrees of Intimacy with the Lord

In this sermon from Exodus 19, 24, 33 and New Testament passages, Reverend Jack Hamilton teaches on intimacy with God and the varying degrees of closeness His people experience. He traces biblical examples—from Israel at Sinai, to Moses alone on the mount, to Joshua lingering in the tabernacle, to Peter, James, and John witnessing Christ’s glory. Hamilton emphasizes that while all believers are called to fellowship with God, some draw nearer because of desire, love, and obedience. He warns against complacency, shallow religion, and being satisfied with outward forms, urging Christians to seek deeper fellowship through Scripture, prayer, and devotion. Sanctification, he reminds, is God’s ongoing work in every believer, and true joy comes from loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Key Themes: • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6) as the foundation of intimacy with God • God revealing Himself at Sinai to different circles: the nation, elders, Joshua, Moses • Moses’ cry, “Show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33) • Jesus drawing disciples closer in circles: the 70, the 12, the 3, and John • The Transfiguration and Gethsemane as moments of inner-circle fellowship • Sanctification as God’s unfinished work in believers • Danger of complacency and shallow Christianity • Call to seek intimacy with God beyond religion or ritual • Living as citizens of heaven, not merely earth • Eternal fellowship with God as the believer’s ultimate hope