New Song Church Port Perry: Recent Episodes
New Song Church
Lifting High Jesus Christ as we Worship, Grow and Serve. New Song Church is a parish of the Anglican Network in Canada in Port Perry, Ontario. newsongportperry.ca
What if Jesus had nothing good to say about a church? That is exactly the case in his letter to the church in Laodicea, which he calls lukewarm. If we care about the spiritual health of our church today, we need to ask: What does it mean to be spiritually lukewarm? What do lukewarm Christians truly need? And what does Jesus offer those who recognize their need? Christ may have nothing good to say about lukewarm Christians, but he has everything good to say to lukewarm Christians. A lukewarm church needs to need Jesus.
Creighton Friedrich, 2 August 2026
Jesus knows that compared to the might of the Roman Empire, the church in Philadelphia seems to have little power. But what it has is far more important: the strength to keep faithful to God's Word. So what is a faithful church? What does a faithful church do? And what is the consequence of the church's faithfulness?
Mike Tweedle, 26 July 2026
Jesus confronts the church in Sardis with a startling diagnosis: they have a reputation for being alive, but are spiritually dying. So what makes for a dying church? What should a dying church do? And what hope does a dying church have?
Creighton Friedrich, 19 July 2026
What does Jesus say to a growing church? Christ commends the church in Thyatira for growing in virtue, warns against spiritual compromise, and calls his people to hold fast until he comes. True church growth is measured not merely by numbers, but by Christlike maturity, faithfulness to the gospel, and hope of reigning with Christ.
Creighton Friedrich, 12 July 2026
How do you stand firm when the world pressures you to compromise? In his letter to Pergamum, Jesus calls his church to hold fast to him, reject false teaching, and cling to his promises. In other words, a resolute church needs right teaching. So what makes for a resolute church? Why does a resolute church need right teaching? And what promises of Jesus strengthen a church's resolve?
Creighton Friedrich, 5 July 2026
In Jesus' letter to Smyrna, we discover Christ's encouragement to a faithful yet afflicted church: a troubled church need not fear suffering because it has a resurrection hope. So what trouble can a church expect? What's a troubled church to do? And what keeps a troubled church going when suffering comes?
Creighton Friedrich, 28 June 2026
What does Jesus say to a hard-working church? Addressing the church in Ephesus, Christ commends patient endurance and doctrinal faithfulness, warns against abandoning our first love, and calls his church to remember, repent, and return. For the church that conquers by clinging to Christ, he promises the joy of everlasting life in the paradise of God.
Creighton Friedrich, 21 June 2026
Where can Christians find strength to endure tribulation, suffering, and uncertainty? In John's vision, the risen Jesus reveals himself as the glorious Son of Man. His infinite glory calls us to worship, his victory over death frees us from fear, and his presence among his churches assures us in every trial. There is no greater assurance for the Christian in hardship that knowing Jesus for who he is.
Creighton Friedrich, 14 June 2026
Many Christians find Revelation confusing or intimidating, yet it opens with a promise of blessing. How does God want us to be blessed by this book? With the knowledge of the three great truths at its heart: Jesus’ Revelation, Jesus’ Redemption, and Jesus’ Return. Far from fueling anxiety or speculation, Revelation calls Christ’s people to hear, keep, worship, persevere, and live in hopeful expectation of his coming. Let's find out what Jesus has to say to his church.
Creighton Friedrich, 7 June 2026
What does it mean to live in the life of the Trinity? On Trinity Sunday, we explore Paul's great blessing in 2 Corinthians 13:14 and discover how the Christian life is participation in the grace of the Son, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Creighton Friedrich, 31 May 2026
What does the Holy Spirit actually do in the life of the church? 1 Corinthians 12 shows us that God’s empowering Spirit works unity in and through the whole body of Christ. So let's understand: Who is the Holy Spirit? How does he empower us? And for what does he empower us?
Creighton Friedrich, 24 May 2026 (Pentecost Sunday)
What happened after the Resurrection—and where is Jesus now? The Bible says he ascended into heaven, but that’s not just an ending. It’s an enthronement. As Paul explains, the ascension reveals God’s power at work: Jesus now reigns over the entire cosmos and leads His Church from His throne.
Creighton Friedrich, 17 May 2017 (Ascension Sunday)
What does the church need most? As Peter concludes his letter he wants Christians to know that we need the Gospel of Jesus Christ, expressed through caring pastors, humble believers, and vigilant sufferers. If we stand firm in God’s true grace, God himself will restore, strengthen, and establish his people for glory.
Creighton Friedrich, 10 May 2026
Is suffering proof that we're failed Christians? Peter offers those who suffer great reassurance: don’t be surprised by your suffering, don’t be ashamed of your suffering, and trust God while doing good. Trials are not signs of failure but of refining grace—sharing in Christ’s sufferings now, with the sure promise of future glory.
Creighton Friedrich, 3 May 2026
How does the Gospel shape both our mindset and our life? Looking back to Christ’s cross and forward to his return, believers are called to reject sin, endure opposition, and live distinctly—marked by prayer, love, hospitality, and faithful service—for God’s glory in all things.
Creighton Friedrich, 26 April 2026
How can you be blessed—even when life is at its worst? Peter called faithful exiles to refuse reviling and practice virtue, to refuse fear and honour Christ in our hearts, and to take the Cross to heart. Discover how true blessing is found not in circumstances or prosperity, but in communion with God through the risen Jesus Christ.
Creighton Friedrich, 19 April 2026
Thomas is often called doubting Thomas, but really he's just interested in examining the evidence for himself. So, we might ask, what did it take for you to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Or, if you aren't a believer, what evidence would convince you to believe? Let's consider the risen Jesus, and perhaps we'll discover the great joy of a reasonable faith.
Rob Denhoed, 12 April 2026
Is life a story without a happy ending? Is it childish and irrational to long for anything else? The Gospel proclaims hope - not merely a hope at the centre of Christianity, but at the centre of everything. That hope is the Resurrection of Jesus. But how should we respond to that hope? And what difference does that hope make to our lives? Let's consider how the first witnesses to the resurrection were invited to respond: come and see, go and tell, don't fear.
Creighton Friedrich, 5 April 2026
Was Jesus merely a victim of injustice? Was Jesus simply giving us an example of sacrificial love? Peter wants Christians to understand the power of the Cross is not in what we do for God, but in what God has done for us: reconciling sinners to himself.
Creighton Friedrich, 3 April 2026
We're used to leadership leading to perks, status and VIP treatment. In Christ, leadership has its privileges too: the real privilege of discipleship, love and service. John wants us to see: God is love and we are cleansed because of his love; the servant-leader model is an example of God's love for us; and because of his love we must follow his example and wash each other's feet.
Mike Tweedle; 2 April 2026
On Palm Sunday we can look through the eyes of Barabbas and see the heart of the Gospel: Jesus takes the place of the guilty.
Creighton Friedrich, 29 March 2026 (Palm Sunday)
What does it look like to glorify God in marriage? Peter calls wives and husbands to reflect the gospel in their relationship—through humble submission and honour. As each lives out their God-given role, marriage becomes a powerful witness to Christ’s love and grace.
Creighton Friedrich, 22 March 2026
How can Christians glorify God as faithful exiles? Peter calls believers to practice willing submission—to the state, to workplace authorities, and ultimately to Christ himself. By following Jesus’ example in suffering, Christians bear witness to the gospel and entrust themselves to the God who judges justly.
Creighton Friedrich, 15 March 2026
What does it mean to live as a Christian in a world where you don’t quite belong? Writing to believers facing social pressure and exclusion, the apostle Peter wants to share his vision of the Church as a royal priesthood: being nourished by God’s Word, built on Christ the cornerstone, and living faithfully as exiles in the world.
Rev. Matt Usherwood, 8 March 2026
How do Christians live out their hope in Jesus Christ? The Apostle Peter wants us to see that because we were ransomed by the precious blood of Christ and born again through God’s living Word, our hope takes visible form in transformed lives of holiness, reverence and love.
Creighton Friedrich, 5 March 2026 (rerecorded)
How do Christians relate themselves to the world we live in? Our calling isn't easy: we are in the world, but not of the world, yet for the world. So how do we live in the tension? The Apostle Peter tells us we live as faithful exiles: we are born again, we will have refining trials, and we have biblical confidence.
Creighton Friedrich, 1 March 2026
Where do we find hope in the face of sin and death? Psalm 103 points to a love stronger than death: God's patient, prodigal and paternal love for us. God remembers that we are dust, and becomes dust like we are to redeem us. Creighton Friedrich, 18 February 2026 (Ash Wednesday)
When you take stock of your life, what counts as gain? What do you treasure above all else? For the Apostle Paul, the answer is clear: In Christ Jesus, Paul finds his acceptance before God, a new identity, and a living hope for eternity. Could the good news of Jesus reorder our values in the same way? What would it mean for us to leave lesser things behind and press on toward the goal?
Bishop Dan Gifford, 15 February 2026 (Celebration & Rededication of New Song Church)
As the book of Jonah concludes, we find the prophet exceedingly angry with God. In fact, he'd rather die than accept the fact that God compassion toward sinners. Through Jonah dialogue with God we see that a self-righteous heart resents a gracious God: it will consider God's grace unjust, and it will consider God's mercy uncaring. But could the opposite also be true? What could it mean for us to humble ourselves before God and delight our hearts in his fathomless grace towards us sinners?
Creighton Friedrich, 8 Feb 2026 (World Mission Sunday)
Nineveh—the violent city at the heart of an enemy empire—is the last place Jonah wants to go. Yet God sends his Word to guilty sinners, calling them to turn (and live). How does God's Word work grace in the life of guilty sinners? It announces his anger toward sin, awakens the sinner to repentance, and assures the repentant sinner of God's grace. God’s Word proclaims death to sin—but life to sinners.
Creighton Friedrich, 1 Feb 2026
Jonah's resistance to God's gracious will have sunk him into the very depths of death and hell. Jonah cannot save himself, so what hope does he have? As Jonah prays he knows that even in the depths God still answers, raises and saves him. God's fathomless grace goes deeper than we can sink. Creighton Friedrich, 25 January 2026
Jonah is not the hero of this story. In fact, he's a reluctant and rebellious prophet who begrudges God's generousity. When God calls, he runs. Do we do the same? How do we try to resist God? Why can't we outrun him? And what's the alternative to resisting and running? Thanks be to God: his grace is stronger than our resistance and goes further than we can run. 18 January 2026, Creighton Friedrich
Prepare "your minds for action," writes the Apostle Peter; be "sober-minded". Being a Christian is not a mindless activity - God has designed us to engage our minds creatively towards the well-being and flourishing of our fellow image-bearers. So what could it look like for us to partner with God towards the physical, emotional and spiritual care of others in community? Patty Bowman Kingsley, 11 January 2026 pattykingsley.com
What's so significant about Jesus? Why would the world take notice of his birth in obscurity? In the story of the Magi's visit, Matthew wants us to understand who Jesus is by answering three questions: Is Jesus the Messiah? Whose Messiah is he? And if Jesus is the Messiah, what is our response? Like the Magi, if we can grasp who Jesus is we too can come and adore him.
Mike Tweedle 4 January 2026 (Epiphany Sunday)
Christmastime is here - happiness and cheer? Christmas does not negate the darkness, violence and suffering of our world but it does reframe it, as we see Matthew the Evangelist do in the massacre of the Holy Innocents. In the face of real suffering, the Gospel’s answer is not sentimentality but hope: God is at work rescuing the devastated and raising the dead. God enters our grief, ennobles the human sufferer, and, in Christ, makes all things new. Creighton Friedrich, 28 December 2025 (Commemoration of the Holy Innocents)
What's the most important thing about Christmas? Presents? Cheer? Joy? The Apostle Paul would have us consider: God's kindness, his favour, his goodwill towards us - in a word, God's grace. The grace of God has definitively appeared in Jesus Christ, saving us, sanctifying us, and sustaining us toward our blessed hope. This is the most important thing about Christmas - and it's good news. Creighton Friedrich, 24 December 2025
Over nine bible readings our Lessons & Carols service explores humanity’s deepest problem—estrangement—and God’s gracious answer in Jesus Christ, who comes to reconcile sinners and restore what was lost. Listen and consider the Good News and find assurance that God’s love in Christ is for you. 21 Dec 2025
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Choir & Congregation)
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Congregation)
Welcome (Pastor Creighton)
Lighting of the Advent Wreath & O Come, O Come Emmanuel
The First Lesson: Creation (Genesis 2-49, 15-18, 21-25)
Of the Father's Love Begotten (Choir)
The Second Lesson: Sin & Grace (Genesis 3:1-15, 21-24)
The Truth from Above (Choir)
Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth (Congregation)
The Third Lesson: White as Snow (Isaiah 1:2-4, 16-20)
How Dark the Night (Choir)
The Fourth Lesson: Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-15)
God With Us (Congregation)
The Fifth Lesson: The Righteous Branch (Isaiah 11:1-9)
There is a Flower (Choir; Soloists: Emma Liebich & Simon Williams)
Into the Darkness (Congregation)
The Sixth Lesson: Comfort (Isaiah 40:1-11)
And the Glory (Choir)
The Seventh Lesson: Renewed Creation (Isaiah 65:17-25)
Sermon: God With Us (Pastor Creighton) - 52:53
O Come, Emmanuel (Choir)
The Eighth Lesson: Magnify the Lord (Luke 1:26-56)
Et Incarnatus Est (Choir)
Fullness of Grace (Congregation)
The Ninth Lesson: God With Us (Luke 2:1-20)
The Wexford Carol (Choir)
Announcements & Updates
Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending (Choir & Congregation)
Joy to the World (Choir & Congregation)
Why does the world still long for a king? The biblical hope for a faithful ruler is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings—humble yet victorious, reigning not by force but by self-giving love. As the risen Lord who rules over all creation, Jesus calls for our allegiance now and offers unshakeable hope for the day when His kingdom comes in fullness. Creighton Friedrich, 14 December 2025
While human priests offered sacrifices, their ministry was always temporary and incomplete. As our Great High Priest Jesus Christ reconciles us to God—offering himself as the once-for-all sacrifice, atoning for sin, and continually interceding for us. Because of his finished work, we have full assurance before God and are invited to share in Christ's priestly ministry. Creighton Friedrich, 7 Dec 2025
As the Prophet Jesus fully and finally reveals God to us, not merely as God’s messenger but as God’s own Word in the flesh. Because he is the One to whom we must listen, our calling is to obey his voice, rest in his assurance, and bear witness to his truth in the world. Creighton Friedrich, 30 Nov 2025
If Christ is King, why am I so fearful that the world is spinning out of control? Is there hope to be had? True Confidence is found only in the God who rules over everything - including the forces of nature and the fury of the nations. Creighton Friedrich, 23 November 2025 (Christ the King Sunday)
As Jesus concludes his sermon on the mount he wants us to understand exactly what it takes to enter into the fullness of God's Kingdom. Discipleship means choosing correctly between two ways of living, two sorts of teachers to be believed, and two foundations for one's life. The decision is unavoidable, and the stakes are eternal. What will your choice be? Creighton Friedrich, 16 Nov 2025
What makes us so judgemental? Is it a symptom of a self-righteous heart? As God's kingdom reorders our life from the inside-out, it reorders our self-righteous heart from judging to grace. Creighton Friedrich, 9 Nov 2025
A saint is someone who is "in Christ". But what does that mean? And what does that say about our truest identity as Christians? Let's consider the Apostle Paul's four identifying markers: saints are predestined, are purchased, are heirs to promise, and are to praise the Lord. Rob Denhoed, 2 November 2025 (All Saints' Sunday)
We live in the most prosperous moment in history, and yet we also live in a moment with record levels of anxiety. Could anxiety be more than a material problem? Could it have a spiritual solution? Jesus wants us to understand: God's provision, God's protection, and God's paternal care reorders our anxiety. Creighton Friedrich, 26 October 2025
How does God's Kingdom reorder what we desire most? God cares far less about the amount of money we give and far more about the condition of the heart that gives. So what is our heart bound to? And where does it lead? The Rev. Canon Howard Edwards, 19 October 2025
God's Kingdom reorders all of life, including the heart of our prayers. So what does prayer look like when reordered by Jesus towards the heart of a compassionate Father? Performance is reordered to the personal; self-interest is reordered to submission; and self-reliance is reordered to dependence. Creighton Friedrich, 12 Oct 2025
God's kingdom doesn't merely reorder our outward self towards noticeably pious behaviour; it goes deep enough to reorder the inward core of who we are - our very heart - toward God's own glory. So be warned, Jesus says, against practicing self-righteousness to win the approval of others; especially in our giving, our prayer and our fasting. Mike Tweedle, 5 October 2025
God's kingdom reorders life toward heaven - starting with our own hearts. So what difference does that make to otherwise empty words, our desire for retaliation and our instinctive hostility towards our enemies? Jesus wants us to see: God's kingdom will reorder empty promises towards integrity, retaliation towards generousity, and hostility towards love and compassion. Creighton Friedrich, 28 September 2025
God's Kingdom reorders our whole life towards heaven, starting with the heart. So how does a heart reordered by God's Kingdom express itself in the midst of life's hardest challenges? An angry heart is reordered towards reconciliation; a lustful heart is reordered towards purity; and a hardened heart behind divorce is reordered towards loyalty. Let's discover a heavenly peace living life according to Jesus. Creighton Friedrich, 21 September 2025
Jesus wants us to be clear on how the kingdom reorders the purpose of our lives: we are called to influence the world for good (like salt) and to illuminate the world with truth (like light). But we can only understand the purpose of our lives in light of Jesus' purpose: to accomplish true righteousness. Creighton Friedrich, 14 September 2025.
It's hard to overstate the importance of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It's shaped our morals, our politics, our civilization. But what does it all mean? And how do we live it out? As we begin, we discover that God's Kingdom reorders our life toward heaven. This is life according to Jesus. Creighton Friedrich, 7 Sept 2025
What does it mean to take the lowest seat at the table? Christ’s call to humility is an invitation to the true wedding feast of the Gospel — where he lifts us up, unites us to himself, and sends us to share his hospitality with the world. Joel Reinhardt, 31 Aug 2025
The Good News of Jesus is not just an abstract truth - the truth of the Gospel is put into action on an ongoing basis by Christians together as the church. So when the church puts the Gospel into action, we spur one another on toward our good, our gathering, and our goal. Creighton Friedrich, 24 August 2025
The church isn't just a voluntary association or a holy rollers club - it's a family. And it's a family with a purpose: to live out the Gospel together. The Apostle Paul wants us to see that the church is a chosen people, clothed in grace, and called to care enough to bear with one another. Rob Denhoed, 17 August 2025
How does practising the Gospel enable a Christian and his or her church family to overcome spiritual stagnation and discouragement? What if two of the most important practices are the most easily overlooked? James exhorts all Christians discouraged by all sorts of trials: pray for one another and confess your sins to one another.
Creighton Friedrich, 10 August 2025
Discouragement is easy, especially as we endeavour to live the Christian life. But what if God has given us a means by which we can be encouraged and encourage others along the way? A Church that puts the Gospel into practice encourages one another to be vigilant, to be self-controlled, and to be confident in light of Christ. Creighton Friedrich, 3 August 2025
Is there anything harder for us to do than forgive? In fact, why forgive at all if it excuses wrongdoing? For the Gospel-centred Christian, like the Gospel-centred church, forgiveness matters. It matters because forgiveness is God's command in Scripture, it's unnatural to us as sinners, and it shows us the heart of God in Christ. When we consider God's generous mercy and kindness toward us in Christ, we find all we need to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
Mike Tweedle, 27 July 2025
In a disharmonious world, how can the local church be a living witness for the Gospel? The Apostle Paul reminds us: live in harmony with one another.
Creighton Friedrich, 20 July 2025
God's Word doesn't deal with mere moral or behavioural issues - it transforms our hearts from the inside out. King David understands this. In Psalm 139 King David celebrates that God who knows us more intimately than anyone else ever can is the same God who restores and heals us, ultimately in Jesus Christ. God brings us from darkness into light.
Guest Speaker: Shusma Adhikari, Executive Director of Aanandit Charity Center in Nepal. 13 July 2025.
A church that puts the Gospel into action serves one another. Why? The Apostle Paul wants us to understand that serving is true liberty, active love, and protects a church family from being laid waste. So what does serving look like today? Creighton Friedrich, 6 July 2025
What does it look like for a flourishing church to put the Gospel into action? We can get a picture from the "one another" commands in the new testament, starting with the most foundational command from the Lord Jesus himself: "love one another". Creighton Friedrich, 29 June 2025
Zechariah prophesies a time when the Lord will save his people. But he will save them in a way no one would expect. The Lord strengthens the weak, The Lord protects the weak, and The Lord saves the weak.
Curate Matthew Usherwood
22 June 2025
The Trinity can be very confusing to wrap our heads around. In this sermon we look at the persons of the Trinity, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. The Trinity matters because it shows how helpless we are and it shows us how loved we are.
15 June 2025
Matthew Usherwood
Pentecost matters because the Holy Spirit matters. But who is the Holy Spirit, and what does he do? The first Pentecost Sunday shows us that the Holy Spirit fills the Christian, empowers the Christian for mission, and fulfills God's purpose in his world. Creighton Friedrich, 8 June 2025
Do we really need the Ascension? Isn't it only about the cross and resurrection? This is a common belief but if we don't have the Ascension we don't have Christianity. Paul makes this quite clear in his letter to the Ephesians.
Matthew Usherwood
01 June 2025
When we look at the politics, pandemics and global tensions of our time there is much to fuel our anxiety. Is there anywhere we can turn for confidence in a world that feels out of control? King David understands: our security and well-being are completely in God's hands. We can find comfort confidence in a sovereign King who himself has suffered for us to secure our redemption. Bishop Dan Gifford, 25 May 2025 (Confirmation Sunday)
Where do we run to when we're desperate? The Psalmist understands: a true defence in trouble comes only from God and there are no other substitutes that can provide lasting confidence and peace. So wait for the Lord. Creighton Friedrich, 18 May 2025
Psalm 23 has been and is a beloved Psalm for many Christian over the centuries who have gone through suffering and hardships. This Psalm shows us that those who hear and follow Jesus' voice, who is the Good Shepherd, will be taken care of during any season of life.
Matthew Usherwood
11 May 2025
Comfort and Confidence in anxious times requires trust in God - but what does trust involve? In the midst of his trouble, David understands trusting God involves dwelling with God, seeking after God, and waiting for God. So what can trusting God look like for us today?
If there's one claim at the very centre of Christianity (without which it wouldn't be Christianity) it's this: Jesus who died rose to life again. What would possess the earliest Christians to make such a extraordinary claim? Is it wishful thinking? Myth-making? Stupidity? The bold claim Easter Sunday makes is this: Jesus' bodily resurrection in history is reasonable. And if that's true, how do we respond to the reality of the risen Lord Jesus?
Creighton Friedrich, 20 April 2025 (Easter Sunday)
Two criminals have been crucified with Jesus and are placed on each side of him. One mocks, while the other asks to be remembered. This moment shows the heart of Jesus and the hope of the cross and the resurrection.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood, 18 April 2025 (Good Friday)
Why is the Lord's Supper so important, even essential, to the life of the church? Scripture bears witness: in the Lord's Supper we proclaim Christ as Saviour by partaking of Christ the Saviour - to our endless comfort.
Creighton Friedrich, 17 April 2025 (Maundy Thursday)
Jesus now makes his way into Jerusalem in a Triumphant way. We see from this text that Jesus is the all knowing King, we see evidence of Jesus being King and we see how to worship the King. But, everything must be seen in light of the cross or we'll miss it. Matthew Usherwood
13 April 2025
James concludes his letter with a call for prayer in all season of life. Whether you are facing suffering, joy, sickness, prayer is the answer. But why? Gospel driven prayer orients the heart of a disciple of Jesus in a way that causes it to say “not my will but your will be done”.
Matthew Usherwood 06 April 2025
Wealth promises freedom: security, assurance, abundance and so much more. But does it deliver? Greed, our inordinate desire to accumulate wealth, James understands, ultimately fails us: it condemns us, it corrupts us and it costs us. So where, if anywhere, can we find true freedom? Let's discover God's transforming generosity shown to us in Christ. Creighton Friedrich, 23 March 2025
"What is your life?" James asks. In other words, what's at the centre of your worldview? James leaves anxious people with no illusions: in life, our time and our control are finite. Therefore, wisdom demands that we submit our whole self to the Lord's sovereign will. If we're courageous enough to do so, we may just discover the antidote for our anxiety. Creighton Friedrich, 16 March 2025
If the church is purposed to be a community of God's grace for it's members and for the world, then why is it so often quarrelling with itself? James makes the solution clear: Christians must surrender self-centred desires, such as inordinate desires for pleasure, prosperity or pride, to be the community of grace it is called to be. Creighton Friedrich, 9 March 2024
Ash Wednesday is an unapologetic reminder: we are dust, and to dust we will return. Is Christianity only a delusional fantasy that allows us to deny the reality of death? Or does our biblical faith give us permission to face death with real and lasting hope? Psalm 103 testifies that we can find hope in a love stronger than death: God's patient, prodigal and paternal love for us. God remembers that we are dust, and does everything about it. Creighton Friedrich, 5 March 2025 (Ash Wednesday)
God's people, James understands, are called to be wise. But where does this wisdom come from? What is the characteristic difference between what is wise and what looks wise? And what kind of fruit does wisdom produce in our lives? Rob Denhoed, 2 March 2025
What is necessary for the mission on which God is sending us? In John 20 we see the risen Jesus sharing his peace with the disciples whom he is sending, transforming their fear to gladness, unforgiveness to forgiveness, and disbelief to faith. Even today Christ's peace can transform us for mission.
Mike Tweedle, 23 February 2025 (World Mission Sunday)
James continues to get right to the point concerning the Christian life. This time he focuses in on the tongue and on how what comes out of our mouthes shows where our hearts are. It's impossible to tame the tongue and our only hope is the finished work of Jesus on the cross. 16 February 2025
Curate Matthew Usherwood
Isn't works based faith anti-gospel? James shows us it's not; if you find your grounding in the cross of Christ. He gives practical and Old Testament examples to drill his point home. Life changing faith is a visible faith.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
09 February 2025
The church bears witness to the Gospel of Jesus by it's love for one another and for its neighbours. So partiality, favouring some members over others, does more than strain relationships within the church: it inverts the Gospel and makes Christians judgemental, hypocritical and guilty. But is there good news that overcomes partiality with grace, sincerity, love and mercy?
Creighton Friedrich, 2 Feb 2025
The Christian walk is not just one of passivity. It's requires faithful obedience. But if that's the case, doesn't that contradict justification by faith? In this sermon we will work through the idea of how true liberation leads to faithful obedience.
Curate Matthew Usherwood
26 January 2025
If there's one guarantee we have in life it's this: we will face trials. Sometimes these trials are enough to devastate our faith; other times trials can strengthen our faith. So what makes the difference? James tells us that mature faith that overcomes the life's trials requires wisdom, humility and perseverance. Creighton Friedrich, 19 January 2025
Throughout the Bible, God puts his beauty on display through creation and sanctifies the arts for his kingdom. So what is God's heart for the artist? How does his heart shape our hearts towards artists we know, or artists we do not yet know? Artist and missionary Patty Bowman Kingsley helps us to understand our calling as makers who bear our Maker's image. 12 January 2025
pattykingsley.com
The wise men seem so familiar to us from so many Christmas pageants, but what purpose do they serve? The wise men demonstrate that the good news of King Jesus is for everyone.But how will we choose to respond to the arrival of King Jesus? With apathy, antagonism or adoration?
Creighton Friedrich, 5 Jan 2025 (Epiphany Sunday)
The book of Psalms is a treasure trove of spiritual nourishment. Psalm 147 speaks directly to the heart of those who are brokenhearted, outcast and wounded. It also shows the posture that's needed to come before the Lord. Matthew Usherwood 29 December 2024
Perhaps what Christianity brings to your mind suggests that God is very difficult to please, and he expects a lot from us. The Bible, we think, might have some good moral advice about the good God expects us to do, but seems to offer us no help in accomplishing it. But is that all there is to it? We might be surprised to find that instead of a morality tale about what we need to do for God, we find at the heart of Christianity a love story between God and his people, brought to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
We all long for a world of peace; yet no matter how much we long for it, peace never seems to be achieved. Is peace even possible? Or is it just a nice sentiment for Christmastime? The heavenly hosts want us to understand their announcement: peace on earth is not a result of earth achieving the status of heaven, but rather heaven coming to earth. So where does true peace come from? What does true peace look like in action? And how should we respond to true peace among us?
Who was John the Baptist and why does he call out "Behold the Lamb of God" when he sees Jesus? This sermon explores, 1. The Humble Messenger, 2. The Lamb of God, 3. The Baptism of the Heart.
Matthew Usherwood 15 December 2024
John's startling claim is this: if you want to know what God is like look long and hard at Jesus. In Jesus we see God's glory, grace and truth revealed. So what kind of God do we meet in Jesus?
Creighton Friedrich, 8 Dec 2024
What does the Apostle John mean when he says the "Manifested Saviour" that we've, "seen, heard, and touched with our hands," and what does that mean for us? Does this relate to Advent at all? Matthew Usherwood 01 December 2024
Christ the King Sunday reminds us that God's Kingdom Story is our True Story. So we want to ask: Who is the King? What is his Kingdom like? And how can I enter his Kingdom?
Daniel 7:9-14; Revelation 1:4-8; John 1:1-8. Creighton Friedrich, 24 Nov 2024.
Where do you find your words? and What are your intentions in using them? To live wisely by God's design, this requires careful consideration and Gospel application.
Proverbs: 6:12-19; 10:14; 11:9; 15:1-4; 16:24-27
Matthew Usherwood
17, November, 2024
"It's just sex" so often characterizes the attitude of our post-sexual revolution moment. And yet, experience begs us to consider: is it actually true? Biblical wisdom offers us a better take: sex is celebrated, sex is consequential, and sex is consecrated. Wisdom tells us that sex is never just sex (and that's a good thing). Creighton Friedrich, 10 November 2024. Prov 5:15-20; 7:4-5, 18-23; 30:18-20.
Marriage and Singleness are both noble callings and discipleship tracks that anticipate heavenly joy. (Proverbs 4:7-9; 12:4; 14:1; 15:22; 18:22; 19:14; 20:6-7; 21:9; 27:17; 31:10-11, 28-30) Creighton Friedrich, 3 November 2024
The journey to wisdom can't be a road travelled alone, it must be done in Gospel Friendships. What exactly is a Gospel Friendship? Proverbs gives a starting point to discern it. (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 25:17, 20; 26:18-19; 27:5, 6, 9, 14, 17; 28:23; 29:5)
Matthew Usherwood 27 October 2024
Worldly wisdom promises security and power through wealth. But does greed really deliver what it promises? The Book of Proverbs flips our wisdom upside down: we live in a world created and governed by a generous and providing God; therefore, true wisdom for one's wealth isn't founded upon greed and self-interest, but generousity and self-giving. Let's discover how to be truly rich. (Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-28; 14:21, 31; 15:16; 16:19; 19:17; 22:2, 9; 23:4-5; 30:7-9) Creighton Friedrich, 20 October 2024
What does the Bible have to say about work? The book of Proverbs' gives some very practical examples, but how do we apply it to our lives? The only way this is possible is through the cross of Jesus. (Prov 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 15:19; 24:30-34)
13, October, 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
Wisdom is woven into the very fabric of creation itself. How then do we live wisely with regard to the Creation we live in? Wisdom begins with understanding God’s regard for his Creation, our responsibility toward God's Creation, and Gospel reassurance of God's providence and renewal in Creation. Creighton Friedrich, 6 October 2024
The bible teaches that all desires, thoughts, and actions flow from the heart. But where did this start, and what are we supposed to do about it? Proverbs shows us this.
Matthew Usherwood
29 September 2024
Far more than a book of wise soundbites, Proverbs invites us to a wondrous worldview of transcendent truth: God's preexisting and preeminent wisdom structures and celebrates the world we live in. Therefore, a wise person knows what's true and how truth is lived out. But will we respond to wisdom's invitation? Creighton Friedrich, 22 September 2024
Proverbs is all about wisdom; wisdom which enables us to live better by God's design. But how do we begin living wisely? There is no true wisdom, claims Proverbs, without the fear of the Lord. So what does that mean? Let's dive into Proverbs. Creighton Friedrich, 15 September 2024
The book of Psalms ends with five Psalms of praise. In Psalm 146, the first of the five, we see that the way of the blessed is deliberate praise, trust and, hope in the covenant God. But how is this done? In this sermon we explore this.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
08, September, 2024
Paul closes his letter with a clear call to boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Nothing else will save you except faith in Jesus’ work on the cross. But the amazing thing is that’s it is only through grace alone that it’s possible.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
08 September 2024
What does it look like to put the Gospel of grace into action in our everyday life? The Good News of Jesus calls us to restore carefully, bear together, sow wisely and do good tirelessly. Creighton Friedrich, 25 August 2024
Paul now gets right to the point with practical application. Either, you practice the desires of the flesh or the desires of the Spirit. But how? Paul lays it out.
18 August 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
What difference does the Gospel make? When God's grace excludes our self-righteousness we are freed by love to love one another. Creighton Friedrich, 11 August 2024
Using a surprising story from the Bible (Hagar & Sarah), Paul outlines two ways we try to relate to God (Law & Gospel) with two outcomes (slavery & freedom) that are exclusive of one another. If we understand the story, we can catch the meaning of the Gospel itself. Creighton Friedrich, 4 August 2024
Only the Gospel of Jesus finds us as slavesand frees us to be beloved sons, daughters - children of God. So don't settle for less than the Gospel. Rev Creighton Friedrich, 28 July 2024
It seems like our default religious setting is transactional: if I do what God wants then he'll give me the grace that I want. But where is the good news in conditional grace? The Apostle Paul wants us to make a clear distinction which can supply us with endless comfort: God's grace comes to us not by way of his Law, but by way of his Promise. Creighton Friedrich, 21 July 2024
With all this talk about being "Justified by Faith Alone", it leaves us wondering, how does this get lived out practicality? Paul now lays it out in chapter three. In this sermon we look at three points, Gospel Focused, Gospel Centred and Gospel Freedom.
14 July 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
As Paul is recalling the time he confronted Peter for not keeping in step with the Gospel; he lays out the foundational doctrine of Justification by Faith. The Galatians' are being led astray by a false gospel and Paul shows how Faith in Jesus' work on the cross is the only thing needed to have eternal life.
07 July 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
Paul is continuing his testimony to prove that the gospel he preaches to the Gentiles, is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He does this by showing that only the true gospel gives freedom and brings lasting unity. 30 June 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
What difference does the real Gospel - God's grace and peace in Jesus - make? It pivots us away from our human ideas about God and towards God's own gracious self-disclosure in Jesus. Creighton Friedrich, 23 June 2024
How do we know the real Gospel of Jesus from a convincing counterfeit? Who does the work of salvation? Paul cannot overstate the importance of getting this liberating reality right: the Gospel is the Good News of God's grace and peace freely given to us through Jesus who rescues us from our sins. Creighton Friedrich, 16 June 2024
The Christian life is a life of ambition and courage; our ambition is not to please ourselves but to receive God's approval, his "well done, good and faithful servant." And Christians find courage, the Apostle Paul understands, in three certainties about the resurrection: (1) we will share God's life together with other people forever, (2) we will have new bodies, and (3) Jesus will judge us. Bishop Dan Gifford, 9 June 2024.
On the occasion of Pastor Matt's ordination, Bishop Charlie Masters opens up for us the glory of the Gospel for the Christian: we are a new creation through Christ who reconciles us to God. Being reconciled, the Gospel works through Christians as ambassadors for Christ as we implore others to be reconciled to God by grace through Christ. 8 June 2024.
Here we see Jesus recommissioning Peter by asking him the simple but weighty question, "do you love me more than these?" These is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Will we give up and endure anything to follow Jesus and are we tending to his sheep. If we try to do this on our own we'll fail. This is only possible through the Gospel.
Speaker: Matthew Usherwood 02 June 2024
It's often said that the true way to live life is to do whatever feels true to you. The Christian life is considered upside-down to many, but why? What if it provided the true way we are supposed to live, in relationship with the Triune God.
May 26, 2024
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood
Finally! We've journeyed with Paul across the Empire and all the way to Rome, anticipating sharing the Gospel of Jesus with the Roman Emperor himself (or so Paul hopes). And just as Paul arrives in the capital, Luke's two-volume story of Jesus and his Church comes to an abrupt end. What does Luke want to us to with it? Our mission as Christians is to be bold witnesses, and Luke wants us to see what that means in three ways: bold witnesses find their hope in Jesus, face rejection and forge ahead. Creighton Friedrich, 19 May 2024 (Pentecost Sunday)
As the New Song Church Choir performs J.S. Bach's Oratorio for Ascension we consider what makes the Ascension such good news: the best king who reigns on the highest throne has secured a happy outcome for all history. Creighton Friedrich, 12 May 2024 (Ascension Sunday)
Paul is now on his way to Rome but his ship becomes shipwrecked. In this moment we can see how the Gospel shapes our own lives but also affects those around us.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood, 5 May 2024
"In time," King Agrippa asked Paul, "would you persuade me to be a Christian?" But what does it mean to be a Christian? To be a Christian is to be transformed by the Gospel of Jesus, and in Paul's defense we see that the Gospel has content, warrants conversion, and entails conviction. Let's discover what it truly means to be Gospel-Centred Christians.
It's so easy to fall into a gospel of law or liberation. But both are in fact not good news. Only the Gospel of Grace will truly transform your life with lasting effects. We must fully give our lives to Jesus and ask Him, "What shall I do, Lord?" 21 April 2024, Matthew Usherwood
"You will be my witnesses" - that's the commission the church has received from the risen Lord Jesus. Now as the Gospel spreads through the Roman world, the Apostle Paul gathers pastors together to give them the church its charge: don't shrink back! But what does it mean to run forward with the Gospel in our church communities and in our lives? Creighton Friedrich, 14 April 2024
Augustine famously said, "Our hearts are restless until we rest in you (God)". Paul is now in Athen's and he sees this playing out before him. Our own hearts long to worship the living God who created the universe but are we truly worshipping Him or something else?
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood 7 April 2024
At the centre of the Christian faith is an announcement: Christ is risen! And this changes everything. So what then does Jesus' resurrection from the dead mean for you and I? The Christian hope is a life lived with Christ: we have been raised with Christ, we are hidden with Christ, and we will be glorified with Christ. Creighton Friedrich, 31 March 2024 (Easter Sunday)
Why did Jesus die on the Cross? The answer given by Peter, one of the men who knew Jesus best, might surprise us. 29 March 2024 (Good Friday)
What happens during the Passover meal before Jesus's crucification and resurrection? What does Lord's Supper even mean? Why do we still do this? Is it actually his body and blood or is it a metaphor?
Matthew Usherwood 28 March 2024 (Maundy Thursday)
Acts chapter sixteen has three case studies showing how the Gospel changes lives. It shows practical ways how the Gospel should be changing our own lives. Has your life been gripped with the Gospel?
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood, 24 March 2024
God, the Bible tells us, is sovereign over everything - nothing is too big or too small to be outside his control. What then do we make our our call to be Gospel-Sharers? In light of God's sovereignty, does it matter what we do (or don't do?) Paul's call to share the Gospel in Macedonia makes it clear: our Sovereign God sometimes prevents our good plans, points us towards his better plans, and prevails in his good purpose. God's sovereignty doesn't undermine our Gospel-sharing, it empowers it. So will we take up the call to be Gospel-sharers? Creighton Friedrich, 17 March 2024
Nothing gets us more excited than a complex theology debate, right? Okay, maybe not. But we ought to be careful before we glaze over the debate taking place in Jerusalem here in Acts 15: the fact is that the very Good News of Jesus itself is at stake. What needs to be done so that I can be saved? The debate is between the way of religion and the way of the Gospel. Is there good work left for me to do to earn favour with God? Or is the good news better still? Creighton Friedrich, 10 March 2024
In our heart of hearts we all deal with pride and prejudice. This passage shows up there is nothing new under the sun. Without Jesus, we will never change. Matthew Usherwood, 3 March 2024
What happens when the Gospel goes out towards the ends of the earth? Inevitably, the Gospel reaches folks who are not like us, who we'd think are outsiders. But Peter's midday vision makes it clear: God invites outsiders, God supplies what his invitation requires, and God transforms everyone ("insiders" and "outsiders" ) whom he invites. The Good News of Jesus is clear: God shows no partiality, and neither should we. Creighton Friedrich, 25 Feb 2024
Saul, by all standards appeared to be a person who would never change his mind towards those who followed Jesus. He hated them and sought to jail anyone who claimed that Jesus was alive. But, we see in this passage that God had something else in mind and Saul’s entire life is changed in a moment. Matthew Usherwood 18 February 2024
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch speaks to our deepest desire. This is something we all struggle with but also try to hide as well. Jesus is the only one who can truly fulfill it.
Curate Matthew Usherwood 14 February 2024
What's difference can it make to tell the story rightly? Stephen warns us not to miss the core truth of God's saving actions in history: the Gospel of Jesus confronts our self-centredness, hypocrisy and resistance, and transforms us through Christ into hopeful witnesses who are full of grace and power. Creighton Friedrich, 11 February 2024
The earliest church was transformed by God's abundant grace into a community of generous givers without entitlement, compartmentalization or self-centredness. They treasured the Gospel most and therefore their whole life belonged to Jesus. But what happens when we treasure wealth, reputation or material goods above everything else? How can Christians use their finances to God's glory, without the wealth that they possess ultimately possessing them? Creighton Friedrich, 4 February 2024.
What happens when the life you made for yourself pushes you out and leaves you begging? Only one person can truly heal you from it and that's Jesus. But how?
Matthew Usherwood 28 January 2024
At New Song we talk a lot about being a Gospel-Centred church - but what does that look like in practice? From the earliest post-Pentecost church we learn that a Gospel-Centred church looks like a learning church, a loving church, a eucharistic church and a praying church. So what could that mean for our life together at New Song and for the wider Christian church? Creighton Friedrich, 21 January 2024
Jesus before ascending into heaven told his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit. What did this mean for his disciples, but what does it also mean for you? Pentecost is the starting place for the beginning of living out Jesus' command, "You will be my witnesses."
Matthew Usherwood 14, January, 2024
The story of Jesus continues in Luke's sequel. Here the followers of Jesus who 'Come & See' the reality of the Good News of Jesus, the Gospel, become 'Go & Tell' Disciples. So what does it mean to bear witness to the reality of the Gospel? Creighton Friedrich, 7 January 2024
What can we learn from this passage of scripture and how can we apply it to our lives? Firstly, Jesus is confirmed as the saviour of the world. Secondly, we see examples of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Matthew Usherwood, 31 December 2023.
The significance of some of the greatest gifts we can receive isn't always immediately apparent to us, is it? So what is it that makes the good news of the birth of Jesus so good? Christmas tells us: God has given us the greatest gift he ever could: himself. Will you receive him? Creighton Friedrich, 24 December 2023 (7 pm)
What is the heart of worship? What moves us to magnify and rejoice? As Mary considers her God and Saviour she understands that mercy is the mystery at the heart of worship. So what do you worship? Creighton Friedrich, 24 December 2023 (10 am)
Lessons & Carols is a unique service of sharing and singing: we share Good News from God's Word and then heartily respond in song.
Prelude - Heather Williams
Let All Mortal Flesh - Choir (arr. Rutter)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Welcome & Lord's Prayer
Lighting the Advent Wreath & O Come Emmanuel
The First Lessons from Genesis 1 & John 1
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Emma Liebich (solo), Choir
The Second Lessons from Isaiah 61 & Luke 4
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
The Third Lessons from Isaiah 40 & Luke 3
On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry
Et Terra Pax - Choir (Vivaldi)
The Fourth Lessons from Isaiah 9 & Matthew 4
Into the Darkness
Words and music by Maggi Dawn © 1993 Thankyou Music. Used by permission. CCLI Licence # 11103081The Fifth Lessons from Isaiah 7 & Matthew 1
God With Us
Words and music by J Ingram & L Jordan © 2012 Open Hands Music. Used by permission. CCLI Licence #11103081O Come Emmanuel - Choir
Verses 1-2: Latin translation by J Neale
Verse 3: H Coffin; Music by E HagenbergThe Sixth Lessons from Isaiah 42 & Luke 2
What Sweeter Music - Choir (Rutter)
The Seventh Lessons from Isaiah 35 & Revelation 22
Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth
The Eighth Lessons from Jeremiah 23 & Luke 1
The Sermon - Rev. Matt Usherwood
O Magnum Mysterium - Choir (Lauridsen)
The Ninth Lessons from Psalm 147 & Luke 1
O Come, All You Unfaithful - Rachel Friedrich & Amy Usherwood
Words and music by B Kauflin & L Clow © 2020 Sovereign Grace Praise. Used by permission. CCLI Licence # 11103081
Announcements & Updates
Sing We Now of Christmas - Choir (arr. Pederson)
Concluding Prayers
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
Postlude - Heather Williams
The Good News of Jesus boils down to this: Jesus is risen from the dead. Death has begun to work backward. God's promises have been fulfilled. And the world needs to hear this news. Jesus is risen, and this changes everything: his disciples can become a hopeful people, a Bible people, and a Go & Tell people. Creighton Friedrich, 10 December 2023.
Have you ever experienced a moment of injustice in your life? The crucification narrative shows Jesus experienced immense injustice and was murdered from it. But why? The Jewish people were expecting a triumphant, dominating king, to rule the nations. But God gives them a king they never knew they needed, to save all nations. Jesus willingly experienced injustice for you, and opens the door to all who put their faith and trust in Him as Lord and Saviour.
Matthew Usherwood, 03 December 2023.
Jesus knows his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion is immanent: "this is your hour, and the power of darkness." In the darkest of times, Jesus commands and models prayer: its petition, purpose and power. Whatever dark times we may face in our life, there is hope to be found in the one who prays on our behalf: "not my will, but yours be done." Creighton Friedrich, 26 November 2023
Jesus' triumphal entry in Jerusalem: crowds hail the promised king who finally enters the royal city and... he weeps? Why would Jesus weep? Jesus weeps forthe lost to know the peace of the reconciler and be saved from ruin by the rescuer. Do our hearts break for what breaks Jesus' heart? Creighton Friedrich, 19 Nov 2023
Jesus now gives the famous parable of the Prodigal Son. He shows in this parable that the road of self-discovery and the road of religion lead to lostness. So how exactly can we save ourselves? We can't, but someone else can. Matthew Usherwood, 12, Nov 2023
We want God's kingdom, but how do we get there? Surely by climbing the ladder of God's approval, no? In Luke 14 we see that God's Kingdom reverses our expectations: the way up is down, to have we must give, and to live we must die. Hear God's great invitation to us in Christ: Come, for everything is ready. Creighton Friedrich, 5 Nov 2023.
Jesus gives his disciples the framework and mindset on how to pray. But he tells them to do it shamelessly. In this sermon we will explore what exactly it means for a disciple to be shameless in prayer. Matthew Usherwood, 29 October 2023
Good News is worth sharing. That's why Jesus sends 72 disciples out to spread the Gospel: "the kingdom of God has come near you' - and what the 72 were commissioned to proclaim then is what we are commissioned to proclaim now. Luke wants us to see that our going & telling is personal, proclamatory, and persevering. Creighton Friedrich, 22 October 2023
On the side of a mountain Jesus' disciples see his radiating glory made manifest and they hear the most crucial command of the Christian life: listen to Jesus. But why should we listen to Jesus? Luke understands that we listen to Jesus because of the work that he has accomplished, because of our confusion, and because of Jesus' unique person. Creighton Friedrich, 15 October 2023
Who do you say that Jesus is? Is he the Christ of God or a good moral teacher? Depending how you answer, you will either be a disciple of the world or of Jesus. In this sermon we will discuss, Who is Jesus? How does he prove it? And, what does this mean for me?
Matthew Usherwood, 08, October, 2023.
Why do I need someone to represent me? Can't I do it myself? The story of the funeral procession of the son of a widow, shows us we can't. Jesus does something so remarkable, that it forces us to stand still and watch.
Matthew Usherwood, 01, October, 2023.
(Note to listener: the recording begins 1 minute into the sermon - Creighton is sharing about his first time preaching.)
What does it take for the preacher to get kicked out of church? As his public ministry begins Jesus preaches a scandalizing sermon: God’s grace abounds not to those who know that they deserve it, but to those who know that they don’t. So we might wonder: what’s so offensive about God’s grace? The answer: it must kill our self-righteousness. Creighton Friedrich, 24 September 2023
Who is Jesus?
If he is who he says he is, what must I do?
Isn't Christianity just another way too be a good moral person?
The gospel of Jesus, presents a whole new way of living, that is radically different from what the world offers.
Come & See who Jesus is.
Speaker: Curate Matthew Usherwood, 17, September, 2023
Here at the very beginning Luke wants to make the conclusion of his careful investigation clear: The Good News of Jesus is intellectually credible and existentially satisfying. The Good News must be taken seriously, and it demands a response. Luke offers his text to anyone who searches for truth and meaning. Will you come and see who Jesus really is?
Our world promises many different forms of rest, but if we are truly honest with ourselves, they will eventually fail us. Jesus promises true rest, everlasting rest, through a completely different way of living.
Matthew Usherwood, 03 September 2023
Part 8 - We all of something or someone of ultimate value – a purpose, pride or pleasure that we glory in. The Tower of Babel asks us a question that harkens all the way back to the garden (and points to humanity's hope of future flourishing): will the thing that I glory in lead to futility or flourishing? Creighton Friedrich, 27 August 2023
Part 7 (Baptism Sunday) - The flood tells us that the serious condition of sin disintegrates humanity and creation. But as Noah and his family step out into a vibrant green new world, we see that our God of grace works to renew what sin has disintegrated. And God works his renewal through Covenant. So what does his Covenant mean for his people today? Creighton Friedrich, 20 August 2023
Part 6 - God designed humanity and creation for flourishing, yet from one generation to the next violence and evil multiplies. Now we begin to glimpse the terminal stage of sin: creation itself disintegrates back into the waters of chaos from which it came. But there is hope for Noah and hope for us: the God who judges sin is the same God who delivers us.
Creighton Friedrich, 13 August 2023
Part 5 - East of Eden, humanity lives in the tension of God's renewing grace and the disintegrating, sinful corruption of our nature. But will God's grace always be challenged by the corrupted, the vengeful and the violent? Or can we find a seventy-seven fold forgiveness which overcomes the cruelty of a Lamech world?
Creighton Friedrich, 6 August 2023
Part 4 - Resentment is Cain's road to rage and self-destruction, but is there hope for rescue from our own resentment? Even in our lowest and darkest moments, we can see God's mercy in Christ shining through.
Part 3 -Where did it all go wrong? Genesis tell us that human beings were created 'very good' - and yet everything is not the way it's supposed to be amongst God's image bearers. So how do we understand our desperate condition? And how does God's divine compassion meet our need?
Part 2 - God intends men and women to flourish - but the question for our present moment is how? Will flourishing be realized when I determine my most authentic self for myself? Or is there a still deeper way to which Genesis 2 points? Could flourishing be realized when I am most free to discover the authentic self that God created me to be?
Part 1 - When we start at the beginning, we see that God's desire for the whole of creation is for it to flourish. But this raises some important questions: who is this Creator God? How does he relate to his creation? Who then am I? And what does it mean that I bear God's image? Genesis 1 gives us the foundation for human flourishing. Creighton Friedrich, 9 July 2023
We all desire to live a life of contentment, yet even in the best of circumstances the promise of self-sufficiency never seems to deliver. How is it then that Paul can boldly say that he has "learned the secret" of contentment, even in his lowly circumstances? What could contentment through self-surrender to Christ mean for our relationships, our anxiety and our Christian behaviour?
The fact the Christ Jesus has made us his own is reason for Paul to strive towards the ultimate goal: the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What then does it look like for pilgrims like us to strive towards our heavenly home? Matt Usherwood, 25 June 2023
We all have something we value above everything else, something that infuses our whole life with meaning and purpose. For Paul, Christ Jesus was of "surpassing worth" to everything else - and the question we want to ask is: Why?What makes Jesus worth it for Paul? His answer challenges our self-righteous striving and centres us in resurrection life. Creighton Friedrich, 18 June 2023
We all long to live a world of peace where justice and harmony are realized. But why does lasting peace always seem to elude us? The Apostle Paul would have the church consider: Realizing peace requires us to have the mind of Christ. But just what does it mean to have the mind of Christ? Creighton Friedrich, 11 June 2023
Paul writes his letter to the Philippians in prison and in dire circumstances. It might seem reasonable for us to conclude that Paul's ministry is finished, but that's not the conclusion Paul reaches: "What has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel." Here is the paradox of the Gospel and the Christian life: what often seems to us to hinder God's purpose may actually be the very means by which God advances his Gospel. Creighton Friedrich, 4 June 2023
Part One. The Apostle Paul prays that the Philippian Church would "abound in love for one another" - a love that elevates our affections and consecrates our actions. But is the church known for as a community of love? How can fickle hearts abound in love for one another? Creighton Friedrich, 28 May 2023 (Pentecost Sunday)
By God's Word, Peter writes, we are "born again" (1:23) - but what does that mean? What difference does encountering the Word of God make in real life in real time? The Apostle Peter understands: by God's Word we are Grown Up, Built Up and Called Up. Creighton Friedrich, 7 May 2023
Christians are dual citizens of Christ's heavenly kingdom and the earthly state. How then does the Gospel shape our politics, and how do we live as faithful Christians and earthly citizens? Peter has three imperatives for us dual citizens: be subject, be free and follow Christ's example. Creighton Friedrich, 30 April 2023
"You have been born again," writes Peter, to an inheritance that is "kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4). But what difference does this make to my Christian life in the present? Peter would have us understand that living in the light of our inheritance means living in revelation hope, reverent fear, and real love. Creighton Friedrich, 23 April 2023
Is the Christian life a life of hope or of wishful thinking? Conviction or delusion? Peter is convinced: a Christian's hope is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus, guards us for our inheritance, and transforms our present trials. Creighton Friedrich, 16 April 2023
Our baptism bears us witness: as surely as Christ is risen, we too will be raised. Creighton Friedrich, 9 April 2023 (Easter Sunday)
When Jesus enters into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday, he's hailed as the promised King - but he isn't the kind of King that this crowd expects. So who is this Jesus?
The Rev Creighton Friedrich, 2 April 2023 (Palm Sunday)
Part Five - Jesus "will come again in glory... and his kingdom will have no end." All of history is headed towards the Kingdom, bringing renewed creation, resurrection bodies, and radiant union between God and his people. Here we see the destination of our Christian pilgrimage is the beginning of our journey into a glorious eternity. "Behold, I am making all things new."
Creighton Friedrich, 26 March 2023
Part Four - Is there hope for pilgrims living in the valley of the shadow of death? How do we as Christians face our own death when our time comes? The Good News of the Gospel is not simply going to a better place when you die - it's the defeat of the power of death itself. So we do not lose heart.
Creighton Friedrich, 19 March 2023
Part Three - We cannot talk about Eternity without talking about the difficult doctrine of Hell. How could a God of love condemn people to an agonizing eternity separated from him? Jesus gives us insight into the spiritual condition of Hell in the sobering story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. But is there also Good News to be found in the one who 'descended into Hell' for us?
Creighton Friedrich, 12 March 2023
Part One - The Christian life is not aimless; it's a pilgrimage with a destination. But where is it all going? God's Word points us forward to a Table: a victory feast, a marriage supper. So then, what is so significant about this Supper?
Creighton Friedrich, 26 February 2023
Part Two - What makes Heaven 'heaven'? All the Clouds? All the Harps? All the Cream Cheese? God's Revelation to John tells us that Heaven is 'heaven' because it's where God's glory and divine life are most fully manifest and shared with us, his creatures.
Creighton Friedrich, 5 March 2023
Richard Foster once wrote, "The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." Lent is an invitation to spiritual depth through spiritual discipline, but where do we begin? We follow Jesus' lead: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving.
Creighton Friedrich, 22 February 2023 (Ash Wednesday)
Jesus' everlasting glory is dazzlingly revealed at his transfiguration. But what if Jesus' glory was more than a heavenly display for his disciples? What if Jesus' transfiguration is a Christian's hope of partaking in glorious transformation?
Creighton Friedrich, 19 February 2023 (Transfiguration Sunday)
God doesn't have a mission for his church, but a church for his mission. What is his mission all about? Jesus wants his disciples to understand the work, heart and mandate of our mission in his world.
Creighton Friedrich, 12 Feb 2023 (World Mission Sunday)
How should Christians relate to the world we live in? Should we retreat from its corrupting influence? Should we assimilate its values to stay relevant? The Gospel of Jesus gives us a third, more challenging, more beautiful way: be in the world, distinct from the world, for the sake of the world. Be Salt and Light.
Pastor Creighton Friedrich, 5 February 2023
As New Song grieves the tragic loss of our founding pastor Brent Stiller we are once again confronted with the apparent reality that death is the final answer to life. But can we dare to hope for more? The Apostle Paul offers us a hope which changes everything about how we see the world: Christ is risen - for those in Christ, everlasting life is the final answer to death.
The Second Sunday after Epiphany, 15 January 2023
Why do preachers preach? What benefit is a sermon to a Christian? As part of a walk through our Sunday morning liturgy, Pastor Creighton offers an answer: God meets with people as Christ is proclaimed through his Word.
Epiphany Sunday, 8 January 2023
Have you noticed how often circumcision is reference in the Bible? A lot, right? But why does the Bible make such a big deal out of it? What does it mean for Christians? On the commemoration of the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus (1 January), we explore a biblical understanding of Old Covenant circumcision and what it means for New Covenant believers in Christ: Jesus has submitted himself to God's Law, to fulfill God's law on our behalf, to deliver us from the condemnation of the Law.
The Gospel offers us good news of great joy: God works providentially in the world, in our world, and even in our hardships to give his very self to us.
We might not have an answer for why we suffer, but suffer we do all the same. How is it that Christian faces times of suffering? James teaches us: Christians suffer with patience, knowing that Jesus will return. And we suffer with trust, knowing that God is sufficient. Creighton Friedrich, 11 December 2022
Does the church often seem so unlike Christ its head? Paul instructs the church in Rome to show the character of Christ by bearing with and welcoming one another. So how can New Song show forth the character of Christ today? Creighton Friedrich, 4 December 2022
What's at the very centre of the Christian life? For the apostle Paul, love holds everything together: love pays a perpetual debt, love fulfills God's law, and love wills the good of our neighbour. Creighton Friedrich, 27 November 2022
On Christ the King Sunday we celebrate our risen and returning King Jesus. He reigns supreme over all creation and over all redemptive history, says the Apostle Paul, but does he enthroned in our lives, our endeavours, our stories?
Creighton Friedrich, 20 November 2022
Does Jesus have an answer to death? Come and see the problem, the promise, and the person that answers lament with hope. Creighton Friedrich, 13 November 2022
As we conclude our series on Spiritual Friendship we look at one of the finest examples of friendship in the Bible: Jonathan and David. So what does friendship at its finest look like? It's closely knit, committedly loyal and contending for the good. Creighton Friedrich, 6 November 2022
Conflict happens in every relationship, friendships and church families are no exception. Practicing forgiveness is how we practice the Gospel in our relationships. So what's at the heart of forgiveness? How do we practice reconciliation? And what can result from forgiving another? Explore Colossians 3, Matthew 18, and Genesis 50 with us. Creighton Friedrich, 30 October 2022
Christians make friends out of enemies because of God's transforming grace: grace alone brings strangers near, breaks down hostility, and builds a new community. What barriers of hostility need to be dissolved by grace today? Creighton Friedrich, 23 October 2022
Friendship has the power not just to tie together those of mutual affection, but also to reconcile enemies. And this kind of friendship is at the heart of the Gospel: God's friendship is proved by the Cross, certainly saves us, and is our cause for rejoicing. Creighton Friedrich, 16 October 2022
Jesus doesn't regard disciples as his servants, but his friends. What does it mean to be friends with Jesus? Jesus' friends live obediently and know him personally. Creighton Friedrich, 9 October 2022
Why can't we do without friendship? The grand story of Scripture tells us that we are created, purposed and redeemed for friendship with one another and with God. Creighton Friedrich, 2 October 2022
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls each one of his precious sheep by name. Are we listening for his voice? Will we step out in trust and follow him? Doug Sprunt of One Way Ministries (Ottawa) offers an hope-filled word to those sheep who may feel lost or abandoned. 25 September 2022
Find out more information about One Way Ministries: onewayministries.ca
When someone works an angle to get ahead in life we may be left frustrated, but we must also recognize their sheer determination. So what could it look like for Jesus' disciples to determine to aim their lives not at their own worldly self-interest, but at the eternal significance of the Kingdom? Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 18 September 2022
Does God withdraw from repulsive sinners? Does he want nothing to do with them? Jesus has a wild Good News for the grumbling self-righteous and lowly transgressors alike: God joyfully seeks out and restores sinners. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 11 September 2022
Forgiveness is difficult business, but a Gospel business. The Good News of our forgiveness in Christ empowers us to forgive one another. 4 September 2022
Renown artist Patty Bowman Kingsley reflects on the storms of life: how we are positioned in the storm, positioned for the storm, and how we have positioned ourselves for the storms of LIFE? 28 August, 2022 (CREATE Sunday)
Should Christians fear God's condemnation? Is God set against guilty sinners like us? God's own Word brings us comfort: our just and merciful Advocate, Jesus, pleads for the penitent sinner. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 21 August 2022
Have I gone too far for God to forgive me? Is it too late for me? The Apostle Paul's story is a comfort to a weary soul: God pursues sinners with his mercy. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 14 August 2022
What is God's deepest, truest heart toward you? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 7 August 2022
Jesus wants to meet you in the deepest longings of your restless heart. First in a series of four sermons through the Comfortable Words. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 31 July 2022
Jesus sent out 72 disciples on a road trip to announce the Good News of God's kingdom, and he's sent out disciples to evangelize ever since. What does Luke 10 tell us about sharing the Good News of Jesus? Pauline Streeter, 3 July 2022
Saying "Yes" to following Jesus means saying "No" to anything else that competes for first place. The Good News is we have a Saviour willing to pay the ultimate cost for us. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 26 June 2022
There is a paradox that lies at the heart of the Christian life. It defies our expectations. It confounds our ambitions. It crucifies our self-interest. The paradox is this: a Christian’s greatest gain comes by letting go. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 19 June 2022
God wants you to experience him, and just like Isaiah's vision he gives us his means of grace from his altar with a promise: "you guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 12 June 2022 (Trinity Sunday)
What are spiritual gifts and what purpose do they serve? The Holy Spirit wants to show forth Christ in the life of the church through your gifts. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 5 June 2022 (Pentecost Sunday)
"The time is near." Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me..." Does that make you feel nervous? Let's explore the final passage of the Bible's final book and discover our greatest heavenly comfort: the blood of the Lamb, shed for us.
From creation to tabernacle to Immanuel to kingdom come: the Bible is the true story of an amazing God who endeavours to dwell with his people through a new creation, a new city, and a new way of life. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 22 May 2022
In Christ, our greatest feast is yet to come. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 15 May 2022
What do we do with the deep spiritual longings that cannot be satisfied in this world? God's Word in Revelation 7 is good news: the longings of an earthly sufferer correspond to a heavenly reality in which "Salvation belongs to our God... and to the Lamb". The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 8 May 2022
Why do we worship? John's heavenly vision invites us to consider the supreme worthiness of Jesus: the one who conquered like a Lion by being slain like a Lamb. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 1 May 2022
Our merciful God supplies the atonement for sin that he requires. Hear the Gospel. 15 April, 2022 (Good Friday)
On the night that he was betrayal Jesus gave his disciples a parting gift: a simple and significant meal of bread and wine. Why? Let's consider Jesus' Feast of Deliverance. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 14 April 2022 (Maundy Thursday)
"Behold, he is coming with the clouds..." In the midst of present suffering and tribulation, John's letter is a heavenly message of hope in light of history's final outcome. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 24 April 2022
Alleluia! Christ is risen! To those of us who, like the Apostle Peter, live in the valley of the shadow of death, the risen Lord Jesus brings an life-changing hope. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 17 April 2022 (Easter Sunday)
Every Palm Sunday the Church meditates on the Passion Gospel, from Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gathesemane to his final breath on the Cross. 10 April 2022.
Paul's final word for the Ephesians church reminds the Church that we are engaged in warfare against spiritual forces of darkness. But how do we fight such a battle? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 3 April 2022
The call of a Christian is to put into practice the self-sacrificing, self-giving love of God towards all those whom God has placed in our path. Reflect with New Song on the past two years of pandemic life and consider what loving our neighbours looks like as we move forward. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 27 March 2022
What does it look like to imitate God and walk in love at home? Marriage is a living witness to the spiritual union of Christ the bridgeroom and his bride, the Church. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 20 March 2022
Holiness is at the heart of the Gospel, so how do we live it out? The Apostle Paul instructs us: Imitate God and Walk in Love. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 13 March 2022
A Christian walks worthy of her call when she lives out the renewed life, the new self. What belongs to our old self? What belongs to our new self? How does the Gospel get us there? Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 6 March 2022
Christians walk worthy of their call in Christ when they walk in Unity: Unity in Confession, Unity in Ministry, and Unity in Love. Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 27 February 2022
The Church needs the Holy Spirit's empowering strength to grow as those In-Dwelt by Christ, grasp a Higher-Learning of Christ's unlimited love, and live Filled-Up to overflowing by Christ. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 13 February 2022
God wants you to know the mystery of Christ - the Gospel - which he makes known by the ministry of the apostles and puts on display through the life of the Church. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 6 February 2022
God's people, the Church, are made one in Christ: Christ brings near those who are near, breaks down walls of hostility, and builds up a holy household. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 30 January 2022
By grace you have been saved through faith. Our Christian faith and salvation hinge upon grace - but how are we supposed to understand it? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 23 January 2022
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me: Words and Music by J Robinson, M Farren, & R Thompson © 2018 CityAlight Music Used by permission CCLI Licence # 11103081
Why bother with the Church? Paul prays that the Holy Spirit illumines the Hope, Inheritance and Power of God at work in and through God's people. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 16 January 2022
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why bother with the Church?" The Apostle Paul is working through this question with Christians in Ephesus. As the Church we are recipients of God's generous blessings: we are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Creighton Friedrich, 9 January 2022
Join Bishop Charlie from his home this Christmas as he preaches from Luke 2:8-20. Bishop Charlie Masters, December 2021
What is the significance of Christmas? God's messengers, the angels, don't want us to miss it: Glory to God and Peace on earth - through the Christmas child. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 24 December 2021
Lessons & Carols is a well-loved Anglican service of Word and Music.
Prelude: Advent Carols with O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Introit: Let All Mortal Flesh (2:20)
Come thou Redeemer of the Earth (5:24)
Welcome (7:20)
Lighting the Advent Wreath (11:38)
Genesis 2:4-3:24 (13:33)
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree (19:55)
Jeremiah 31:31-24 (24:12)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (25:25)
Isaiah 40:1-11 (29:07)
And the Glory (31:09)
Micah 5:2-4 (33:59)
O Little Town of Bethlehem (34:54)
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (38:20)
Lo, How a Rose (39:11)
Isaiah 7:10-15 (42:45)
God With Us (44:02)
Zechariah 9:9-10 (47:50)
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (49:01)
Romans 13:11-14 (52:16)
The Sermon (53:23)
Into the Darkness (1:02:32)
Luke 1:26-56 (1:06:32)
Gabriel's Message (1:08:33)
Luke 1:39-46 (1:11:34)
Magnificat (1:12:19)
The Prayers and Dismissal (1:15:04)
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (1:17:47)
Postlude: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (1:20:35)
New Song Chancel Choir, directed by Jonathan Liebich.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, Rector of New Song Church
Special thank you to our pianist, Heather Williams.
Image: Mary Comforts Eve, Sisters of Mississippi Abbey (Used with permission).
Why are Christians devoted to the breaking of the bread? Isaiah 25 and Revelation 19 point us God's goal for all of history: a feast, a wedding banquet - of which Holy Communion is a foretaste. The Rev Creighton Friedrich, 12 December 2021
In the wilderness, God provides for his pilgrim people what they cannot provide for themselves: the Bread of Heaven. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 5 December 2021
Why do Christians devote themselves to the breaking of the bread? In part one of three we see Communion is a renewed Passover, a feast of deliverance through God's provided substitute. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 28 November 2021.
David's last words point God's people forward to a sure, beautiful, and exclusive kingdom to come where our just ruler Jesus reigns forever. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 21 November 2021 (Christ the King Sunday)
What does genuine repentance look like? David shows us that genuine repentance sees sin for what it is, takes responsibility, and humbly confesses to Almighty God. Genuine repentance cries out, "Create in me a clean heart." The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 14 November 2021
In a world of flimsy promises, we need a sure thing to count on. For the sake of his people, God promises David an everlasting kingdom, and neither death, nor sin, nor time can void that promise. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 7 November 2021
What makes for a godly leader? When we look at the difference between Saul and David we see that a godly leader deals with their dark side, submits to God's revealed Word, and knows they're accountable to God. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 31 October 2021
Slay your Goliaths, or trust the champion who will? Saving faith depends on God's saving power, remembers his saving character, and relies on his saving promises. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 24 October 2021
After King Saul is rejected (1 Sam 15), Israel's future seems bleak. But God works his salvation through his sovereign choice which gives us hope, is uniquely wise, and can surprise us. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 17 October 2021
Saul's failure make clear: partial obedience is wholly disobedient and rightly deserves the Lord's rejection. Even so, full obedience relies more upon what God has done for you than what you can do for God. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 10 October 2021
When we as God’s people put our self-interest first, we’re not securing what we desire – we’re really rejecting the LORD. But we ought not to miss God’s wild generosity to a completely undeserving people.
What does the help of the Lord look like? The Lord gives us his Word, glorifies his Name, remains patient for the long haul, leads us to repentance, and responds to intercession. Bishop Charlie Masters, 26 September 2021 (New Song's Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration and Pastor Creighton's Institution as Rector)
How do we relate to our sovereign God? Through superstitious arm-twisting or submitting "my will" to "thy will"? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 19 September 2021
Do we have reason to rejoice even when we're brought low? Hannah rejoicing isn't conditional on her circumstances: she rejoices that God is the providential reverser and the sovereign king-maker. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 12 September 2021
How should God's people respond to anxiety and fear? Isaiah speaks a word of reassurance to God's people: God will deliver you and God will restore you by his saving, sovereign providence. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 5 September 2021
What does it take for an impure sinner to approach a holy God? Taking the right actions? Jesus wants to renew our hearts from within, and this is very good news. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 29 August 2021
What will heaven be like? There are many popular ideas about heaven, but how does the Bible describe our hope for eternity? The Christian hope of heaven is the hope of a renewed creation and a resurrection body - and this is reason for great rejoicing. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 22 August 2021.
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel - yet in a moment such as ours forgiveness might seem overrated in the light of past and present injustice. Is there a forgiveness that can heal our wounds, renew our world, and transform sinners into agents of reconciliation? Let's discover again the Father's embrace. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 15 August 2021
From the first "Let there be" in Genesis 1 to the Cross of Christ, what does the Bible tell us about God the Creator's heart and desire for the arts? Patty Bowman Kingsley, 8 August 2021. pattykingsley.com
All Christians in heaven and on earth are united together in a special and important way: we are united in Christ, in his benefits, and in his church. The Rev. Colton Carrick, 1 August 2021.
Sure, it's more than a building and more than a voluntary association - but what is the Church? The apostle Paul tells Christians in Ephesus that the Church is God's kingdom, God's family, and God's temple. So let's understand what it means to be a kingdom, family, and temple in Port Perry. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 25 July 2021.
What does Jesus promise about the work of the Holy Spirit? In Jesus' final discourse with his disciples he promises that the Spirit will convict, guide, and glorify. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 18 July 2021
"How's it going to end?" Does any other question capture our imagination quite like that one? The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians to answer three questions about Christ's return: What will happen? When will it happen? And how should I live in the present? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 11 July 2021.
What does the Ascension mean? Jesus our Saviour reigns far above everything else, Jesus reigns forever, and Jesus' reign fills the church. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 4 July 2021
At the centre of the Christian faith is the good news that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead; therefore, Gospel proclamation is resurrection proclamation. The Apostle Paul wants Christians to know that the Resurrection of Jesus is trustworthy, indispensable, and our final hope. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 27 June 2021
The Cross stands at the centre of the Bible and of all of history, and upon the Cross we see God's exalted, rejected, substitutionary, innocent, and triumphant servant Jesus who has brought us peace. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 20 June 2021.
The Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ means that God is with us. The Incarnation fulfills God's promise and displays God's power. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 13 June 2021.
If we're going to understand ourselves as creatures, we need to know what's true of our Creator. Our creator is God almighty, and we are created in his image. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 6 June 2021
God is lovely because God is love. God is love because God is triune. Perhaps the Trinity seems like an obscure and confusing doctrine, but for Christians it is our joy and delight as we are caught up in the eternal life and love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 30 May 2021 (Trinity Sunday)
What difference does the Holy Spirit make in the life of the believer? What Jesus promises to his disciples is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and remains true for us: the Spirit is with you, the Spirit changes you, and the Spirit uses you. Bishop Charlie Masters (Pre-Recorded), 23 May 2021 (Pentecost Sunday)
Can I be sure about eternal life? God himself testifies to life in his Son Jesus, confirmed by three witnesses: the Water, the Blood, and the Spirit. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 16 May 2021
God is love (1 John 4:8, 16), but how do we know that God really loves us? In Jesus we see God's love takes the initiative and turns away wrath. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 9 May 2021.
The attitudes of our hearts will become the actions of our lives. Will we walk from hatred to death or, by grace, from love to life by way of the Cross? The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 2 May 2021.
What does it mean to be a child of God? John tells us that God's children: (1) are loved by the Father; (2) are estranged from the world; (3) will be like Christ when he appears; (4) are purified in hope; (5) do not practice sin; (6) do practice righteousness; and they (7) love their sisters and brothers in Christ.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 25 April 2021
"God is light and in him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). So how can we walk in the light, find fellowship with God, and be cleansed from darkness?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 18 April 2021
Jesus satisfies the deepest hunger of the heart. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 3 January 2021.
Can there be joy in the midst of desolation? Isaiah speaks a Word of comfort to God's people. The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 13 December 2020.
In the midst of present darkness, there is a unconquerable light of hope: "For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given." The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 24 December 2020.
Is the birth of Jesus mere nostalgia? Or could it be the only hope for our dark world? The Rt. Rev. Charlie Masters, 27 December 2020.
With many experiencing depression in this COVID-19 season, some wonder where is God in all this? Psalm 32 addresses this question in an unexpected way by providing good news and hope in the midst of difficulty.
The Rev. Jonathan Camire, 8 November 2020
Is Jesus who he claims to be? How we respond to Jesus is the most important decision we can make.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 25 October 2020
Who or what claims your allegiance? Whose likeness and inscription do you bear?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 18 October 2020
*Please note: partial recording due to technical error; the Ruth 4 reading and the first five minutes of the sermon were missed.
The redeeming love of Boaz for Ruth is a costly love. It points us to the costliest of redeeming loves.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 11 October 2020
New Song sang together at this outdoor service for the first time in months. But why do we sing? Why does the church worship? Jesus is worthy, even in the midst of a pandemic.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 4 October 2020
Part 3 of 4: Like Ruth and Naomi, we all want life to go well. But where can we world-weary people find true rest? We can rest assured in the arms of our redeemer.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 27 September 2020
Part 2 of 4: Ruth and Naomi receive hope through a rescuing kindness. What does this heavenly kindness look like in the midst of our own worst-case scenarios?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 20 September 2020
Part 1 of 4: Feeling hopeless and defeated, Naomi and Ruth must wrestle with the question, "is God good only when life is good?"
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 13 September 2020
Have you ever wanted to take revenge? Christians are called not over be taken by revenge but to overcome evil with good and genuine love, even for one's enemy.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 6 September 2020
God's plan for our renewal is a far more wild adventure than conforming to the world around us. What will the architecture of your life look like?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 30 August 2020
God's gracious grafting and generous character leave no room for pride.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 16 August 2020
Righteousness is what God requires of us, but on what basis do we establish our right-standing with a holy God?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 9 August 2020
Is predestination and election an unwinnable set-up? Or does this bible doctrine show us the Father's merciful heart?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 2 August 2020
What sustains our holy patience? God's unshakable love revealed in the Father's calling.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 26 July 2020
What kind of hope can make a Christian resilient in suffering?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 19 July 2020
We're made new in Christ, but even when we desire to do good evil lies close at hand. Where do we go from here?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 5 July 2020
What does it mean for the Christian to live in the Spirit? We live as debtors. We live as children of God.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 12 July 2020
We are freed from death in Adam by the free gift of Christ.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich; 21 June 2020
"Justification" is a key word for Paul. What does it mean for us?
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich; 14 June 2020
Karl Barth once said, "the Triunity of God is the secret of his beauty." God's action in creation suggests why.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 7 June 2020 (Trinity Sunday)
Does Jesus go back to the Father and leave us behind? The Apostle Paul doesn't want us to miss the significance of the Ascension.
The Rev. Creighton Friedrich, 24 May 2020