Rev. Craig Lynn preaches 2 Samuel 13:23-39 at evening worship on Sunday 19th April 2026 in First Ards.

Two years after Tamar’s violation, Absalom’s silence gives way to carefully planned revenge and Amnon is killed. David grieves, but once again his house is marked by passivity, confusion and unresolved sorrow. The chapter shows that time alone doesn’t heal what sin has broken and that vengeance can’t produce the justice that silence refused to pursue. David’s household is unraveling exactly as Nathan said it would. The passage leaves us longing for a better King than David, one who judges rightly without sin and brings true peace.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Luke 9:49-62 at morning worship on Sunday 19th April 2026 in First Ards.

Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” and everything is now shaped by that road. The passage shows how unlike him the disciples still are: narrow where he’s generous, harsh where he’s merciful and hesitant where he’s resolute. Jesus corrects their instincts about who belongs, how to respond to rejection and what discipleship really costs. Following him can’t be done on our terms or at our convenience. The passage calls us to stop trying to reshape the road and instead trust and follow the Christ who set his face towards the cross for us.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches 2 Samuel 12:1-22 at evening worship on Sunday 12th April in First Ards.

2 Samuel 13 shows the sword entering David’s house just as Nathan had warned. Amnon’s desire for Tamar becomes violence, Jonadab’s cleverness becomes complicity, Absalom’s care is mixed with silence and David’s anger never turns into action. Tamar stands at the centre of the chapter as the one who sees clearly, speaks truthfully and is then left desolate. This passage is hard, but it drives us beyond David’s broken household to the true Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is marked by righteousness, justice and grace.

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