Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 35 and 36 at evening worship on Sunday 14th December 2025 in First Ards.

As Jacob’s long story draws to a close, God speaks into the mess of chapter 34 and calls him back to Bethel, a return not just to a place, but to the promises of God. This chapter is full of grace: idols are buried, worship is renewed, old names are reaffirmed and, even in the midst of deep sorrow and lingering sin, God’s covenant purposes hold firm. The line of promise might not look impressive next to Esau’s kings, but it’s through Jacob’s flawed family that the King of grace will one day come.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Luke 7:36-50 at morning worship on Sunday 7th 2025 in First Ards.

At a dinner in a Pharisee’s home, a woman with a sinful past breaks into the room and pours out tearful, costly love at Jesus’ feet, an act that exposes both her need and Simon’s blindness to his own. Jesus tells a simple story that reveals the truth: forgiven people love much and those who think they need little forgiveness love little. In the end, the woman receives assurance and peace and Simon is left to face the question that rests on every heart at the table: how will we see our sin and how will we respond to the Saviour who freely forgives?

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 34 at evening worship on Sunday 30th November 2025 in First Ards.

Genesis 34 shows the fallout of Jacob stopping short of obedience. Dinah is grievously wronged, her brothers answer sin with deceit and bloodshed, Jacob retreats into fear and the whole disaster exposes what happens when God’s people live in compromise instead of at Bethel. It’s a dark chapter, but it drives us to the God who steps back in at the start of chapter 35, the righteous Judge who will put every wrong right and the gentle Shepherd who gathers the wounded and the wandering back under His care.

Note: This sermon includes adult themes, including sexual abuse. Please use discernment if listening with children and please take care if this subject matter os difficult for you.