City on a Hill: Wollongong: Recent Episodes
City on a Hill: Wollongong
Sermons from City on a Hill: Wollongong, a church committed to Knowing Jesus & Making Jesus Known. For more resources, visit https://resources.cityonahill.com.au.
Jesus teaches on the kingdom of heaven in a series of parables such as a treasure found hidden in a field, or a mustard seed that grows into a beautiful tree, or a pearl worth selling everything you have to keep. Will those who seek find hope in the kingdom of God?
John the Baptist expresses doubt that Jesus is the Saviour that he had prophesied would come. The mystery of Jesus’ revelation begins as He invites all troubled souls to come and find rest in Him. Who will see and behold the glory of Jesus?
Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known
The mission of Jesus is revealed as he continues to heal and bring life, teach the crowds, and call the twelve disciples to follow him for the ministry ahead. Could there be more to Jesus than just a prophet, good teacher or healer?
Jesus’ teaching astonishes the crowds, demonstrating His authority. He performs miraculous wonders - healing the sick and calming the raging seas. The crowds begin to ask “who is this man and by what authority has he come?”
True or false? Wise or foolish? Jesus ends his “sermon on the mount” by inviting us to walk the narrow path, following His way that leads to life. As followers of Jesus we put our firm foundation in Him, withstanding trials and temptations and finding everlasting joy in Him.
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, teaching that we should examine our own faults before criticising others as we grow in humility and self-awareness. God is the only worthy judge of good and evil and so we seek his forgiveness and thank Him for redeeming us.
Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.
Jesus calls His followers to seek a deep, genuine relationship with God rather than outward religious performance. Practice humility in prayer, devotion and generosity as you serve the Lord as your King in secret and in public.
Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. He came to redirect our fixation from rules and laws, to loving and knowing Him. Jesus is serious about sin - He wants us to walk the path of righteousness that leads away from darkness, towards His marvellous light.
Jesus calls us to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ - to be people who seek Him and show the world His beauty and grace. As followers of Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit, we are to shine in a way that invites the world to want to find out who Jesus is.
Jesus promises blessing, fulfilment, and the kingdom of heaven to those who are poor in spirit, mourn, and are persecuted for His sake. Jesus invites us to walk in His light, to truly see God and to rejoice that our reward is great in heaven.
Jesus begins his ministry, revealing His kingdom of light to the world. Jesus endures forty days of temptation in the wilderness before He begins to preach the good news, calls His first disciples and performs healings and miracles.
John the baptist prepares the way for Jesus. As Jesus is baptised in the river Jordan, the heaven’s open up and the Spirit of God descends like a dove and God declares “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Jesus is born, the promise fulfilled and the Saviour is here. King Herod hears of the news and, seeking to kill Jesus, wipes out all the newborn sons in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt following an angel of the Lord’s warning, before returning to Nazareth.
God’s promise to send a Saviour to redeem Israel is made clear in the genealogy of Jesus and the generations before His birth, from Abraham to Joseph. God is faithful to save His people by sending His Son - Immanuel, God with us.
Through Jesus, our mediator, we are invited into His kingdom of joy and celebration. Jesus invites us to listen to God’s voice, reminding us that one day everything temporary will be shaken, leaving only God’s unshakeable kingdom.
A good father will discipline his children. Likewise, God disciplines us as his children to produce holiness within us, and to form us into the likeness of Jesus. The way we live is an example to the world of Jesus’ ways, and the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
Many have gone before us in trusting God, and in His promises, without seeing the end reward. We endure the difficulties of this life by looking to Jesus, who perfected faith by enduring the cross, and strengthens us to stay steadfast in the face of opposition.
Through Jesus, we can draw near to God with assurance that we are forgiven of our sins. Despite struggle, in Jesus there is great eternal reward. Stand firm, resist sin, encourage one another and remember God is faithful to forgive and save you.
The old covenant's earthly tabernacle and repeated sacrifices were abolished with Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. We do not have to earn our faith or perform sacrifices to God. Jesus has paid the price for our sin and sanctifies us by his blood, giving us a new identity in Him.
Jesus fulfilled God’s promises of a new and better covenant, making the old obsolete. This new covenant is built on God's promises to write His laws on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit, offering complete forgiveness and a direct relationship with Him.
Hebrews 4:1-13 reveals the glory of God through the promise of rest found in Jesus. This rest represents not only physical respite but spiritual fulfillment and peace. The invitation to enter God’s rest through Christ showcases His glorious provision and the divine purpose of offering eternal rest and tranquility.
In Hebrews 3:1-19, the glory of God is embodied in Jesus as the Wonderful Counsellor. Compared to Moses, Jesus’ glory surpasses that of the greatest Old Testament leaders. His faithful leadership and guidance reflect the divine wisdom and glory, offering us a deeper understanding of God’s plan and purpose for His people.
Hebrews 2:1-18 highlights the glory of God as seen in the sacrificial role of Jesus, our Saviour. Through His incarnation and suffering, His willingness to become human and endure suffering for our salvation reveals God’s magnificent grace and redemptive power.
Jesus is the perfect, ultimate, final revelation of God. He is the ultimate expression of God’s glory, surpassing all previous revelations and angels. In Jesus, we’re invited to witness and experience the majestic glory of God’s presence.
Worshipping “in spirit” involves a heartfelt devotion, love for Jesus and full surrender to God. The Holy Spirit reveals and illuminates truths about God’s character, His will, and His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ to our heart, leading us to praise and worship him with our whole lives.
Those in Christ stand secure in the kingdom of God, yet we know the prince of darkness rules the city of man. The Holy Spirit allows us to fight sin, darkness and evil, as we put on the armour of God and take out the Sword of the Spirit.
Disciples of Jesus are not only called to follow him, but also become like him. The Holy Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Jesus - leading us to a deeper sense of dependency on God as we navigate seasons of trial and temptation, and seek His guidance and strength.
God’s Spirit and His Word are intimately connected and mutually reinforcing in the life of a believer - both are needed to flourish in Christ. The Holy Spirit illuminates the message of the Bible, enabling us to understand its truths and apply them, and to see and know the person of Jesus.
God gives signs, wonders and gifts by the Holy Spirit to point us to his power, grace and love. He wants us to walk in the newness of life given to us in Jesus, seeking and using our spiritual gifts to help us to know Jesus deeper and to make Him known.
Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that our redemption is not based on our own work or efforts but is a gift of God’s amazing grace. By the Holy Spirit and through faith in Jesus, we get to walk in our new and transformed lives.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a gift received by faith, allowing us to encounter God, enabling our transformation and empowering us for life and ministry. As a living member of the Trinity who is with us today, The Holy Spirit desires ongoing fellowship with us.
Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Deception and mistruth is evident throughout our world, but Jesus himself claims to be the truth and the light. Will we follow him in our actions?
Theft hurts other people, but it also dishonours God. Jesus teaches us that all we need for life can be found in him, and that God is our ultimate provider.
In a confused generation, where is the line on adultery, cheating and affairs? We are all searching for the “right” way to do relationships. Will we follow God’s way?
Murder is wrong. Most of us would agree on this. But is it ever justified? What does God have to say about life, death, and the value he places on humanity?
Family is designed to be a place of love and safety, but it can also be messy and hurtful. How should we honour our parents and follow Jesus’ example, even when it’s difficult?
God created the heavens and Earth in six days, and on the seventh day he rested. God also desires us to rest and practice the Sabbath, and ultimately find true rest in Jesus.
God reveals his character and power in the Bible. But there are many who share false gospels and misuse the name of Jesus. How should we honour Jesus’ name in truth?
Our hearts seek satisfaction in many idols like money, sex, power and entertainment. But we are made to be fully satisfied in Jesus. Do you desire God above all else?
There are many Gods, religions and understanding of the “divine” in our age. God wants us to know and worship him above all other Gods. Will we devote our hearts to him?
Which way is the “right way” to live? Where do we find true morality in a modern age? God has a vision for life and the way it should be lived, through Jesus.
A sermon from our teaching series, OUR PRAYER. Passage: Matthew 9:10-11 & Luke 18:15-17. Preacher: Joel Deacon_ Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesusand make Jesus Known.
Jesus moved the stone. He didn’t need to, as John tells us he could just show up in places with his resurrected body (John 20:19), but he did. He did this to show how comprehensively he has beaten death, but more than that, to ensure that even the doubtful would know that he is alive. There was an empty tomb left in the garden as a testimony to God’s offer to the world to believe in him.
Jesus’ side was pierced to prove that Jesus truly was dead, but also, John tells us, in fulfilment of prophecy, that ‘not one of his bones will be broken’ and ‘they will look on him whom they have pierced.’ This detail is provided to us so that we may believe. The spear highlights to us the sharpness of the suffering and the significance of Jesus’ death. It was painful, but it was planned.
Queen Esther and Mordecai’s courage and faithfulness to stand up for their people - the Jews - will be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. Hope will always arise.
King Xerxes responds to Queen Esther’s plea for mercy, issuing a new decree to allow the Jews to defend themselves. The tables turn and the Jews stand in victory against their enemies with a joyous celebration and feast.
Queen Esther reveals Haman’s evil intention to the king. The king is furious and orders Haman's execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Will Esther's courage and strategic revelation shift the fate of the Jews?
Haman, an influential official, gains the king's favour and devises a plan to annihilate the Jews. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, leading to his vengeful plot and a decree to destroy the Jewish people. Who will stand up in the face of opposition?
Xerxes' search for a new queen continues through a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, wins the king's favour and becomes queen. Meanwhile, Mordecai discovers a plot against the king and foils it.
King Xerxes hosts an extravagant 180-day-long feast for all his officials and servants in an indulgent display of power. The king calls for Queen Vashti to join him to show off her beauty, but she refuses resulting in her dethroning and sparking the king’s anger.
Sermon Series: Our PrayerTalk: A City on a Hill where souls are savedSpeaker: Joel DeaconMore information: Cityonahill.com.au/wollongong
Our Prayer Series.Week 2 - a family where deep disciples are madeCityonahill.com.au/wollongong
Jesus passes a blind man begging in the street and acts mercifully, restoring the man’s sight with his touch and revealing his light.
5000 people are gathered to see Jesus, and with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed everyone Jesus performs a miracle and the crowd are fed in abundance.
Paralysed and unable to walk for the last 38 years, a man is healed by Jesus in Bethesda, breaking the rules of religious authorities on the Sabbath.
Death: we are destined for it, yet many of us rarely think about it. What does wisdom have to say about the final reality, and the life we live before it?
Words have the power to make and to mould, to build up and break down – so tune your ear to what God has to say about them in Proverbs.
Our Heavenly Father has created us to live in families, and Proverbs provides wisdom for building and shaping the fundamental unit of our community.
Work: we need it, we love it, we loathe it, drawn either to under-work or over-work. What does God’s word have to say about this fundamental feature of human life?
Riches can do great good, but the love of money can consume and deform us – so how do we train our hearts to what is truly valuable?
What do you look for in a marriage partner? How do you protect your marriage, and let it blossom? Let God show you how in Proverbs.
In a world of anger, injustice and oppression, God’s commitment to justice is startling, and he stands as sovereign Judge. Align your life to his purposes for the world through Proverbs.
In a world of information and data, knowledge and technique, find wisdom. Find its source, its substance, and its power.
God has promised those in Christ the fullness of his salvation and life. And yet there is a tension between the “already and “not yet” as we experience a broken world. We press on towards holiness, understanding it will take patience and work, all while trusting in God’s transformative power.
Work is a meaningful part of our purpose and worship - God called Adam and Eve to work and care for His creation. Work must also be balanced with rest, acknowledging our dependence on God and recognising that our worth is not found in what we do, but in who we are as beloved children of God.
Examination practices and rhythms such as “The Daily Examen”, prayer, fasting and journaling help us cultivate an awareness of God's all-encompassing love. Just as we ask God to search our own hearts through examination, so we ask God to show us other people’s hearts, so we can encourage them in their journey.
A trellis is crucial for supporting a vine's growth, just as Christians need structure to remain in Christ. A "rule of life" serves as a pattern of spiritual disciplines to encourage flourishing in your walk with Jesus, and is a means of God's grace to deepen love and joy in Christ.
Disciples of Jesus are called to abide in Him and bear his fruit - joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control and love. As we walk with Christ, the aim is not that we go deeper into ourselves, but deeper into Jesus who has all we need to grow in His life and His love.
Weakness amplifies the grace of God and magnifies the power of Christ. It is when we are weak, that we are strong. The way of the world is to boast in our strength, but the way of Jesus is the way of weakness. Bad things will happen to us, but God can use evil for good. No matter what comes our way, God will never forsake us.
The church ought to be bold, empowered, and boastful not in ourselves but in the Lord. Boldness is about facing our problems head on. Turning the other cheek isn’t about being a doormat or tolerating evil. Strongholds aren't to be toyed with, but taken captive in submission to Christ. Jesus grabbed a whip and flipped tables to drive out sin. Paul was neither physically impressive nor especially eloquent. Wordly tactics and human strategy will not do, we need divine power through the mighty weapons of prayer and the ministry of the word. The bible is more than a text, it is the sword of the Spirit, to advance his kingdom and fight the darkness. Therefore, "let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Idols and holiness do not mix. We become what we worship, and idols embody the demonic darkness from which we need deliverance. So, may we worship Christ with purity of heart and spirit, fully devoted to him. Idols don't have to be tiny shrines of gods we keep in our homes, but good things that have become distorted. What are you chasing after that is keeping you from full devotion to Christ? What false relationships are you holding onto? Lay them down at the cross.
The gospel transforms breaking bodies and ruptured relationships, so we make the goal of our lives around pleasing God and serving as his ambassadors on earth, making a difference in the lives of the people around us. Don't let sin corrupt you and lead to death, seek reconciliation with God and embrace the treasure of eternal life.
Christianity is not about the easy and comfortable life. Affliction is at the heart of our faith, but amidst it he comforts us so we can comfort others in theirs. God is the God of all comfort, and while he can deliver us from affliction, his power is best displayed in our weakness. God can use suffering to strip away our pride. To be built up, we have to be torn down. Don't give in, and don't give up. God loves you. He's got you.
Passage: 'Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49'. Preacher: JoelDeacon. Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known.
When we forget God, we are prone to forsake him. It is God's faithfulness in the past that fuels our courage for the future. Yet, we live in the tension of the now and the not yet. The road ahead.
God gave Israel land, a command, and an inheritance. He had kept his promsies to his people, and now it was time for the people to settle into the promise. If God was in control of the details then, he is in control of the details now. We obey God now because we are undeservedly loved and given an eternal inheritance far greater than anything in earth, the inheritance of Christ, and of heaven.
God cares for his people, rules over creation, and responds to bold prayer. Whatever the immediate cause, miracles happens when God intervenes in supernatural ways, as the one whom made all things and holds all things together. Our faith is founded upon an unbelievable miracle, the idea that a man died Friday and came to life on Sunday. If, then, the bible says God paused the sun in reaponse to Joshua's prayer for victory in the battle, could he not do it? May we also have faith like Joshua to trust God can intervene in miraculous ways in our lives.
How many times does God become an afterthought where we pray that God will bless the decisions we've made instead of relying on him for wisdom on what to do? The story of the Gibeonite deception is a reminder that a covenant with no counsel is not clever, sometimes cunning pays off, and God's grace to the Gibeonites points to him being the perfect promise keeper.
Despite being in the promised land of milk and honey, Achan desired more and stole a year's salary from the treasury. He did what he knew he shouldn't do, because the desire of the human heart is powerful. Don't follow your heart, follow God. Sin can't be hidden forever, everything done in darkness will be brought to light. Whatever is in the dirt, God will unearth, and judgement will come like Achan in the valley of Achor. Yet, for those in Christ, we have the door of hope, and salvation from our sins.
Without God's presence, Israel could do nothing. God chose the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to shame the wise. When you face a wall, trust God even when you feel like you're going in circles, the battle feels beyond you, and the world is burning. How do we handle a God that preaches life but allows death, that demands righteousness and judges wickedness? In God's judgement, there is mercy. The same Spirit that brought the walls of Jericho down, lives in the faithful. For all who look at Christ, there is life forevermore.
To cross the Jordan, Israel needed leadership and preparation. As God was with Moses, so he was with Joshua. Rather than placing their trust in their military might, they placed their trust in the ark of the covenant, and made their frontmen priests. To prepare for battle, the army had a minor surgery (circumcision) and a major meal (Passover). Are we going to let fear or faith drive us? Will we trust in God's promises? By looking back on the promises of God in the past, the Israelites could confidently move forward, and so too can we.
A sermon from our teachingseries, PrayVisitwww.cityonahill.com.au formore about our mission to knowJesus and make Jesus Known.
A sermon from our teaching series, ‘Jesus Over Alll’. Passage: Colossians 1:18. Preacher Mark Van Luyn. Visit www.cityonahill.com.au more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known.
In Colossians, Paul was speaking to a church battling the heresy of Gnosticism, that the spiritual is better than the physical and Jesus was fully spirit yet gave the illusion of having a physical body. To this Paul writes about the pre-eminence of Christ, who is 'the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.'In Jesus, the invisible God became visible, the cosmic God who held the stars walked on Earth to be close to us. God became one of us. God has written himself into history and the story of our lives, to reveal himself to us and make himself known through Jesus. When Paul calls Jesus the first-born over all creation, he is not calling Christ a creation but reminding us that Christ is first and foremost over all things: every planet, every being, every nation, and everthing in all creation. Is he first in your life, your purpose, your possessions, and your time?
Passage: 'Luke 15:11-32'. Preacher: Nigel Jones. Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known.
Passage: 'John 2:1-12'. Preacher: Ray Warhola. Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known.
No one wants to fail. We are all trying our best to make this life work but somehow our flesh and this world have a way of catching us out. We will end up finding ourselves amidst our frailty and sin. What do we do then? The prodigal son is the story of all of us. Promised inheritance of our father’s land, we squander our blessings and live life our way, until life doesn’t work out anymore and we find ourselves bearing the weight of our sin and longing for a home to rest. We become overcome with fear that our father would never want us back. Yet, the father is waiting for us with open arms. When he sees us seeking him and facing him, recognising the mess of our life, we are not met with reproach but a father who runs to us. clothes us with a rich robe, and prepares a banquet to celebrate the return of the one who ‘was lost, but is not found; dead but is now alive.’ May we forsake the distant country of this world, and return to our inheritance in heaven, knowing God is waiting with...
The Christians finds themselves living in the tension of two opposing kingdoms asresidents of the temporary kingdom of the world, yet citizens of the eternal kingdom of heaven. We all want to work for the good life, and then to imagine a better world for everyone. Yet, even if we reached that golden age, it will never reach God’s vision in the new creation. So, as we live as exiles on earth, we are to be involved in God’s kingdom on earth, and committed to growing God’s family and our own, but we do this all in light of the eternal. We are to be a city on a hill within the world, yet a people longing for the city of God.
When do we submit to the state and when do we subvert its idolatries? What happens when our right for religious freedom clashes with the rights of another group? What does Australia need to do for religious freedom Secularism is a good thing, so that the government ought to not have the power to tell you how to do your religion. Australia is a multicultural country with a secular government, not a secular country, which is one where every cultural group can live at peace with one another. The ultimate goal of religious freedom is that of pluralistic liberal democracy, not theocracy, where we have the right to express our religion, and everyone has the legal right to be other.
Who decides what speech is free? Once free speech is given, it is often forgotten to be shared to others, particularly those who are not in power. Freedom of speech is the right to express an opinion without censorship or restraint. It is a nod to the created order of form and function, but it also accounts for human finitude and frailty. Because free speech accounts for a fallen world, objective truth ought not be legislated because legislation is governed by fallible people. Freedom of speech is in tune with the gospel, and is for love of neighbour. We need each other and the different ways we see the world to best image God to the world. Yet, in sharing the gospel we bring teaching and not a sword, believing the gospel is enough, and being able to share it with gentleness and respect.
Are we most concerned with equality of outcome or equality of opportunity? What is true gender equality and how does progress look like in the workplace of a fallen world? What should it look like in the church? Headship is service. Our call as men and women is to reflect the image and character of God to the world. Men and women each have a unique part to play in the church, but within the world the Bible is not prescriptive. As a whole, we ought to bring our distinctiveness and work together to be better together.
The gospel of Jesus calls for more than racial diversity, it calls for reconciliation. That is, the coming together of an unbreakable bond marked by love and friendship. All people carry the signature of God, having been created by him and made in his image. By nature and choice we have been separated from God, yet through the blood of Jesus we are reconciled to God, who tore down the wall of hostility and remade us who believe in him one new humanity. In Jesus, we are one family of brothers and sisters from every race. To pursue reconciliation, we must be truthful when it comes to our past and present. We must acknowledge that Australia is stolen land, and the resurrection of Jesus compels us to work together for justice and hope for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who called the lands we know as Australia home for at least 60000 years, according to the Uluru Statement.
When it comes to engaging the big issues, sometimes Christians don’t read the room. We have responded to politics in different ways: withdrawing from it, worshiping it, succumbing to worldliness, else warring over opposing views. People used to look at politics in view of the bible, now they look at the bible in view of politics. It’s important we understand the left and the right, and why we need both. Additionally, we must recognise that discussions on culture are politically charged but also incredibly personal. Lastly, we acknowledge the great contribution of the Christian faith and repent of our own failings and sin, the times we have focussed on the twig in the world rather than the log in the eyes of the church. Jesus didn’t come to raise an army and overthrow the world. Christians, you don’t have Labour or Liberal written on your heart, but the name of Jesus. Don’t go left, don’t go right — go deeper and go deeper into Jesus. May we show Christ-like conviction over the truth...
What do you value in life and what are you willing to make sacrifice for? The most valuable thing we could ever have is the free grace of Jesus, and he is worth making sacrifices for.Mary valued Jesus, anointing him with an expensive perfume as recognition of his worth and of his upcoming burial. Judas overvalued something of insignificant value, and was willing to sacrifice Jesus for money. There is a little Judas in all of us, overvaluing earthly things such as wealth, comfort, pride, and pleasure but forsaking the eternal. On that night, Mary walked away justified, but Judas walked away condemned. Soon after, Christ’s blood was poured out as a sacrificial fragrance to God on the cross, where he died for our sins. Yet, Christ did not stay dead and will return as judge of all the living and the dead, making right those are washed by his blood and bringing right condemnation to those who negated to see his value. Today, you can choose to live like Judas and cling to your life, or li...
Not only is opposition to the rebuild coming from the enemy outside the city, but also within God’s people inside the city. In Jerusalem, greedy leaders became loan sharks, piling interests onto loans given to their poorer neighbours, breaking God’s law. The poor, unable to pay back the loans, had to sell their lands as collateral, or had they no land but relied on weekly wages, forfeit eating and even sell their children to slavery. Yet, in the end, despite the enemies outside and within, God wins. The wall is rebuilt. The heart of Israel’s issues was that some within the community would do whatever it takes to protect themselves. Even now, 60% of church plants in the world fail not due to external aggression but from enemies inside, seeking to divide. Satan attacks the internal well-being of God’s people. We cannot do the rebuild at any cost. We must walk in fear of God as creator, working our salvation with fear and trembling before him who is the consuming fire....
Proximity doesn’t always equal intimacy; Judea and Samaria were neighbours but always at odds with one another. When Sanballat, king of Samaria, sees the Israelites rebuilding the temple, he opposes them by questioning their strength, motives, capacity, vision, and ability. The devil doesn’t antagonise God’s people with thunder, but by questioning truth and identity. He sneaks just enough poison to pull people apart.In the world, we are despised. As we pursue God’s presence and seek to live a godly life, evil will push back. When it does, we don’t stay silent but fight for justice and truth — yet we remember the battle belongs to God, and our weapon is prayer. Even when evil pushes back as we pursue the presence of God, we trust that in Jesus God will fight for us and grant us victory over the darkness and the lies we face. Jesus always has the final word.
Four months Nehemiah prays for a breakthrough, and then with the king’s approval, he returns to Jerusalem to help them rise up and rebuild the temple. Jerusalem was once the city of God, but it had become the city of fools. Sometimes we can become so accustomed with brokenness, we forget it exists. In order to do something about brokenness, we have to first admit the problems exist. Then we rise up and build. There is joy in the build, as God watches us step in faith to live for Jesus and serve him with our giftings and resources. With his hand upon us, we can do meaningful work, and everyone has a part to play. All 32 verses of Chapter 3 are basically a list of names, with the places they served, the things they built, and the people they were next to. May we, with God’s help, do the same in rebuilding the church.
Light cannot have fellowship with darkness; A believer cannot marry a non-believer. For those already in relationships with unbelievers, however, the Bible says to persevere so that your holiness might stir the heart of the other. Yet, cases of non-believers coming to faith because of a faithful significant other are few and far between. If you are single seeking a spouse, seek one that serves Christ.Israel had a problem with compromise, marrying pagan wives and thus marrying their gods, breaking the first commandment that God is to be worshipped exclusively. Ezra sees that Israel’s sins have piled up to heaven, and he prays and fasts for mercy. Repentance is required in the rebuild, and we need leaders that pray on behalf of the people. We have forsaken God’s commandments and our guilt has reached heaven. Yet, Christ died as our substitute on the cross, incurring the wrath of God in our place, that we might no longer be slaves but through his mercy be adopted as children of God....
The rebuild requires complete devotion to God’s word, that we would obey and live his word, trusting the hand of God’s grace. In a culture where the Bible is challenged, and in a world that pulls and pushes us away from God, we need to take time to pray that God will help us believe in the inspiration of scripture by faith. The Bible is not merely a historical text or a text of laws, it is a notebook written by God to us that we might come back to him. May we learn from Ezra and set our hearts on God and his word, not confusing knowledge with obedience but being doers of the word.
Seduction, suffering, and slander of God’s people left the temple unbuilt so God’s prophets, Zechariah and Haggai, called the people out on their inaction. Haggai rebuked God’s people for prioritising building their own houses while God’s house remained in ruins. Rebuilding the temple was necessary to rebuild relationship with God. We cannot waltz into the presence of God without him making a way to meet us on his terms: the temple was that holy mediating place. Israel’s rebuilt temple was eventually destroyed, but we have a living temple in Christ. May we not be too busy building our own life that we forget Christ and his church. Use your gifts and passions to meet the needs of the church and the world.
God’s people are prone to experience seduction, suffering, and slander. The world seduces us with compromise — that if we adapt our beliefs to fit the culture around us we would be supported.Christians are judged more by their reactions than their actions. We don’t plan to be seduced, nor do we plan to react badly to displeasing situations. Yet, neglecting to compromise, we experience suffering and slander which is liable to silence and oppress us. May we not cave in. May we stand firm on Christ and his words, lest we be ashamed of him and he be ashamed of us when he returns.
In exile, Israel wept. They were spiritually distant, unsure of God’s promises, and caught in complete darkness. These last few years of lockdowns have caused frustration and loss, and we are now coming out of the rubble and must work together to rebuild the house of the lord. The rebuild begins with God, who never gives up, but promises to rescue his people. God’s plan for his people is good, and he won’t leave them by the rivers of Babylon for ever.Rebuilding the house of the lord requires a reordering of our life and loves around Jesus, the perfect fulfilment of God’s renewal and rescue. He is the greater temple, and a temple that cannot be destroyed. The world wants us to rebuild our lives on our own, but Christians are meant to be a city on a hill, established in Christ and seeking first his kingdom, not our own. Everyone matters to God, and is required to be part of the fulfilment of his promise. Let us resolve and commit to rebuild.
Church is not a consumeristic product or spectator sport, it is a commitment that calls for investment from all hands on deck. Rebuilding the church requires an altar of our God, obedience to God’s word, all hands on deck, and is marked by tears and joy. The early starts of the rebuild centred on repentance and desire for God’s word as Israel remembered following the ways of culture led to exile. Those who knew the first temple wept when the foundation of the second was set as they recalled their fall from grace and their burden of sin and shame. Yet, many shouted with joy as they celebrated their release from exile and their arrival home.