The followers of Jesus are to be different, ' writes John Stott, 'different from both the nominal church and the secular world, different from both the religious and the irreligious. The Sermon on the Mount is the most complete delineation anywhere in the New Testament of the Christian counter-culture. Here is a Christian value-system, ethical, standard, religious devotion, attitude to money, ambition, lifestyle and network of relationships - all of which are totally at variance with those in the non-Christian world. And this Christian counter-culture is the life of the Kingdom of God, a fully human life indeed but lived out under the divine rule.' In his careful exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, John Stott accurately expounds the biblical text and relates it to life today. Above all, the author says, he wants to let Christ speak this sermon again, this time to the modern world.


The Message of Romans

by John Stott

Published 1 June 2001

The Message of Acts

by John Stott

Published 4 April 2014
The Book of Acts is vital not only for its vivid historical record, but also for the inspiration which it brings to us now. Today's church can seek to recapture something of the early confidence, enthusiasm, vision and power of the church of the first century. Despite all its imperfections and troubles, the young church clearly had been overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, who thrust it out to witness.

The experiences of the early church have lots to say about issues that concern Christians today. What can Acts tell us about extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit? How should churches structure themselves - with elders, deacons, pastors or all three? And, of course, how should the church reach out into a lost world, with the glorious message of salvation?

As John Stott concludes: 'The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished: the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world.'

The Message of Ephesians

by John Stott

Published 17 December 2020

The Message of Galatians

by John Stott

Published 17 December 2020

The Message of 2 Timothy

by John Stott

Published 15 April 2021