Milford Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
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Milford Baptist Church9th February 2025Pastor Matt GordonThe Gospel of Mark #2Listen to the sermon hereThe post Gospel of Mark #2 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church2nd February 2025Pastor Matt GordonThe Gospel of Mark #1Reading – Janice BatesListen to the sermon hereThe post Gospel of Mark #1 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church26th January 2025Pastor Matt GordonThe Good News1 Thessalonians 2Reading – Rose ToledoListen to the sermon hereThe post The Good News – Thessalonians first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church19th January 2025Rev Brian Michell2 Timothy 1:15 – 2:13Call to Worship & opening prayer
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
Reading
Listen to the sermon here
Final prayer/benediction
The post Be Strong … in the grace of Christ Jesus first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church12th January 2025Rev Brian MichellTimothy – The Hesitant Heir2 Timothy 1Listen to the sermon here Prayers — Eileen WarthThe post Timothy – The Hesitant Heir first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church5th January 2025Rev Brian D LimaMilk to Meat2 Corinthians 6Listen to the sermon here Prayers — Neville Trevartonand Reading — Leslie CarangueThe post Milk to Meat first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Christmas Day ServiceLed by Larry Robbins,Christmas Message by Pastor Matt GordonAdvent/Christ candle
Christmas Day Service
The post Christmas Day 2024 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church22nd December 2024Pastor Matt GordonWaiting for God #4The ShepherdsListen to the sermon here Prayers — Sue Dickie and Reading — Mozart BagalanThe post Waiting for God #4 The Shepherds first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church15th December 2024Pastor Matt GordonWaiting for God #3Simeon and AnnaListen to the sermon herePrayers — Mils Cadelina and Noah Gordon Reading — Chelsea LiongThe post Waiting for God #3 Simeon and Anna first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church1st December 2024Pastor Matt GordonWaiting for God #2ZechariahListen to the sermon hereReading — Nathaniel Chinta andPrayers — Eileen WarthThe post Waiting for God #2 Zechariah first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church17th November 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#10Generosity and ContentmentListen to the sermon herePrayers — Nathaniel Chinta andReading — Niyoti ChintaThe post The Epistle of Joy #10 Generosity and Contentment first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church10 November 2024Pastor Margaret LohListen to the service hereIncludes:
- Call to worship (Psalm 46)
- Intercessory Prayer
- Scripture Reading (Philippians 4:2-9
- Sermon
The post Together in Christ – Unity and Peace first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church3 November 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#8History seen through the prism of a personReading Philippians 3:12-4:1
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Following Paul’s Example15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
World Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Listen to the sermon here
Communion and Benediction
The post The Epistle of Joy #8 Biography – History seen through the prism of a person first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church27th October 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#7Profit or Loss?Listen to the sermon hereThe post The Epistle of Joy #7 Profit or Loss first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church20th October 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#6A Life Modelled on ChristListen to the sermon herePrayers — Francis Hinoso andReading — Rosalie ToledoThe post The Epistle of Joy #6 A Life Modelled on Christ first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church13th October 2024Rev Rodney DuncanPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#5Declaration and DemonstrationListen to the sermon herePrayers — Serene Hu andReading — Sue DickieThe post The Epistle of Joy #5 Declaration and Demonstration first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church6th October 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#4HumilityListen to the sermon herePrayers — Eileen Warth andReading — Leslie CarangueThe post The Epistle of Joy #4 Humility first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church29th September 2024Rev Brian MichellMotivation in Christ’s ServiceReading – Jim MilmineListen to the sermon hereThe post Motivation in Christ’s Service first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church22nd September 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#3Magnifying ChristListen to the sermon herePrayers — Noah Gordon Reading — Chloe LiongThe post The Epistle of Joy #3 Magnifying Christ first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church15th September 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of Joy#2Chains that ChangeListen to the sermon herePrayers — Niyothi ChintaThe post The Epistle of Joy #2 Chains that Change first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church8th September 2024Pastor Matt GordonPhilippians – The Epistle of JoyListen to the sermon hereMission Update — Chris CorinThe post The Epistle of Joy #1 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church1 September 2024 (Fathers’ Day)Matt GordonFarewell -Thanks (Katarina has served as Office Manager
for 6 years and left that position today)
The Lord’s Prayer
Opening Prayer
Intercession Prayer
Reading
Sermon (including Communion)
Benediction
The post Fathers’ Day first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church18th August 2024Dr John TuckerCall to Worship
Initial Prayer
General Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Interview – Dr John Tucker
Carey Video
Sermon – Dr John Tucker
The Blessing
The post Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God … first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church11th August 2024Annette Osborne – SUNZListen to the sermon herePrayers & Reading Phil and NikkiThe post Putting on our Uniform first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church4 August 2024Rev Alan Jamieson From Arotahi commences Missions Month with this view of the NZBMS work in Tripura
Listen to the Introduction
Link to the video
Listen to the sermon
The post AROTAHI first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church28th July 2024Running the Race of FaithRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon herePrayers & Reading Katarina & NoahThe post Running the Race of Faith first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church21st July 2024Exodus #10Know Your LimitsRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereReading Nathaniel ChintaPrayers Rose ToledoThe post Know Your Limits – Exodus #10 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church
14 July 2024
Jeevan Karki
Prayers
Reading 1 Chronicles 16 (NIV) (Extracts)
Reading 1 Peter 2:1-11 (NIV)
Affirmation
Sermon
The post What Does it Mean to Be a Christian? first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church
7 July 2024
Rev M Gordon
Reading: Exodus 17:1-16
Sermon
Communion
Benediction
The post Unfaithful people – Faithful God first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church30th June 2024Exodus #8Bread from HeavenRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereReading Jim BarclayPrayers Dr Serene HuReflection Mils CadelinaThe post Bread from Heaven – Exodus #8 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church
Sunday 23 June 2024
Rev Matthew Gordon
The Red Sea Deliverance of the Israelites.God’s faithfulness even when His people are faithless. (Exodus #7)Recording of the service (without hymns) including:
Prayers of Intercession
Bible Reading (Exodus 13.17 – 14:31)
Sermon
Benediction
The following hymns were sung during the service:
I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY
IMMORTAL INVISIBLE GOD ONLY WISE
GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
The post The Red Sea Deliverance of the Israelites. God’s faithfulness even when His people are faithless first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church16th June 2024Exodus #6The Passover & Exodus from EgyptRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereReading Niyothi ChintaPrayers Dr Serene HuThe post The Passover and Exodus – Exodus #6 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church9th June 2024Exodus #5Th Plagues of EgyptRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereReadings Luniva Karki Catherine GazePrayers Keith MorganThe post The Plagues of Egypt – Exodus #5 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church2 June 2024Exodus #4But God …Rev Matt GordonThe service commenced with Communion
Listen to the service
The post But God – Exodus#4 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church26th May 2024Exodus #3Burning Bush EncountersRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon herePrayers Nikki PradoReading Mozart Bangilan The post Burning Bush Encounters – Exodus#3 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church12th May 2024Exodus #2Moses and LeadershipRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon herePrayers for Mother’s Day Chelsea LiongReading Sue Dickie The post Moses and Leadership – Exodus#2 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church5th May 2024Exodus #1Identity and PurposeRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereThe post Identity and Purpose – Exodus#1 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church28th April 2024HOW TO BE SHARERS OF THE GOSPELRev Rodney DuncanOur apologies – we had a technical failure with the recording processClick here to download the text of the sermonThe post HOW TO BE SHARERS OF THE GOSPEL first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church 21 April 2024Brian MichellListen to the Reading (Matthew 26:12-23)
Listen to the Sermon
The post Missional Vision – Paul’s and Ours first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
We rejoice with six members of our church family who were baptised on Sunday 14 April 2024.
Thanks to Keith Morgan for these photographs.
You can hear the candidates’ testimonies here
The post News – Baptism Service 14 April 2024 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church14 April 2024Just an Ordinary Day(Baptism Service)Listen to the service:Intercessory PrayerReading (Matthew 3:11-17)Testimonies of Baptism Candidates (6)BaptismsSermonRev Matt Gordon**Apologies for the poor sound quality
The post Just an Ordinary Day (Baptism Service) first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church7 April 2024The Road to EmmausListen to the service:Call to worship and Introductory PrayerOld Testament Reading – Isaiah 53Sermon – The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) Rev Matt Gordon(leads into communion)The BenedictionThe Readings:Isaiah 53 New International Version
53 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Luke 24:13-35 New International VersionOn the Road to Emmaus13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
The post The Road to Emmaus first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church31st March 2024Words of Life from the Tree of Death #7It Is Finished!Rev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereJeevan KharkiPrayers on Easter SundayThe post It Is Finished! first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church24th March 2024Words of Life from the Tree of Death #6The Word of Peace in the Face of PersecutionRev Matt GordonListen to the sermon hereThe post The Word of Peace first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church17th March 2024Rev Matt Gordon“I am Thirsty”Words of Life from the Tree of Death #5 (Words of Distress)Reading BenedictionFOLLOW THE ABOVE LINKS TO THE AUDIO FILESANDCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SERMON IN PDF FORMATThe post I am Thirsty first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church10th March 2024Words of Life from the Tree of Death #4Why have you forsaken me?Rev Rodney Duncan Listen to the sermon hereIntercession Prayers _ Jim BarclayThe post Why have you forsaken me? first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church
3 March 2024
Pastor Matt Gordon
Words of Life from the Tree of Death #3Call to WorshipPrayers of IntercessionReading – John 19:25-27Sermon and CommunionSermon (printed version)The post The Word of Relationship first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church
25th February 2024
Words of Life from the Tree of Death Today in Paradise #2Rev Matt GordonRead the sermon hereIntercession Prayers – Kaleido FelipeReading Luke 23 – Mozart BangilanPoem – Two Thieves – Bill MiramsThe post Today in Paradise first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 10 September 2023
Galatians #2 Rev Matt Gordon
Galatians 1 v 11 – 24 11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not to consult any man. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia and later I returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.
The post Letter to Galatians#2 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 03 September 2023 Children’s Story -Pastor Matt Prayer for Fathers – Clay Buckingham Galatians #1 Rev Matt Gordon Galatians 1 v 1 – 10 1 Paul, an apostle – sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead –…
The post Letter to Galatians#1 first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 27 August 2023 August Missions Month Introduction Lois Michell Presentation Andy Banks SUNZ John 1 v 1 – 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made;…
The post Scripture Union first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 20 August 2023 Prayers for Today – Roxy and Barbara James Williamson from Bible Society Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of…
The post Bible Society first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 13 August 2023 Andrea Boyd from Launchpad on 1 Corinthians 13 Faith, Hope and Love Keith Green song on Utube Jesus takes care of the rest You can view promotional videos on …. Launchpad Promo Lifewalk Promo
The post Faith, Hope and Love first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church 5 August 2023 Presentation on PIONEERS, sermon ‘Fishing” – Chris Ayers Sermon Communion Benediction
The post Pioneers/Fishing first appeared on Milford Baptist Church.
Milford Baptist Church, 16 & 23 July 2023 In two successive weeks, two preachers individually felt moved to bring a sermon around Isaiah 43 “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past” Listen to the first, by visiting preacher Rodney Duncan Listen to the second by incoming pastor, Matt Gordon Isaiah 43:18-21 18 Forget…
Pastor Matt Gordon (seen here with wife, Roxy and family) commenced his pastorate at MBC on 10 July 2023 and was formally commissioned for service on 16 July by Rev Rick Pierce of the Northern Baptist Association. Commissioned by Rick Pierce Following the service, members enjoyed a pot-luck lunch
9 July 2023 MBC Brian Michell Introduction and Reading (Acts 11:19-30) 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to…
2 July 2023 MBC Frank Corin Call to Worship Introductory Prayer Reading Intercessory Prayer Sermon Communion
18 June 2023 MBC Pastor Mike Enright (This was the final sermon of Pastor Mike’s Interim pastorate) SERMON BENEDICTION PRAYER FOR MIKE & LORRAINE RELEASE FROM INTERIM PASTORATE
11 June 2023 MBC Pastor Mike Enright ……. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE RELIGIOUS?! Galatians 4:1-12, 5:1-6 4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set…
28 May 2023 MBC – Pastor Mike Enright
Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 4:2-5 (NIV)
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Reading
Prayer
Sermon
21 May 2023 MBC
This week we enjoyed a presentation by representatives Lindsay Irons and Lizzy Oakes from Rhema Media with a guest sermon from Merrilyn Withers
Introductory Prayer
Rhema Presentation (there is reference in the presentation to a video which is not included)
Sermon – Reaching Young People
Milford Baptist Church
7 May 2023
Mike Enright
John 15:1-17 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
READING
SERMON – The Alongsider
Resurrection
MBC 9th April 2023 – Resurrection Sunday
Mike Enright
Sermon- Resurrection
26 March 2023 MBC
Mike Enright
Ephesians 4:1-6 Good News TranslationThe Unity of the Body4 I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. 2 Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. 3 Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all.
Prayers
Reading
Sermon
19 March 2023 MBC
Introduction Kelly Enright – Arotahi
Rev Samuel Lalduhsaka Tripura Theological College
Rev Lalduhsaka – Growing the Kingdom
The Love, Light & Wisdom of God
MBC 12th of March 2023 – Mike Enright
20230312 Mike Enright
5 March 2023 MBC
Eileen Barclay Prayers of intersession
Prayers
Pastor Mike Enright Sermon
Ephesians#2 Demolition and Renovation
Sermon – Demolition and Renovation
19 February 2023 MBC
Mike Enright
Continuing the story of David – David and Abigail
Sermon – Abigail
12 February 2023 MBC
Mike Enright
Continuing the story of David – David’s friendship with Jonathan
NT Reading:* 1 Thessalonians 5:4:18* (Listen to the Reading)
… you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(OT Readings are from 1 Samuel, included in the sermon)
Prayers of Intercession
Sermon – Friends
The Blessing
5 February 2023 MBC
Mike Enright
Mike Introduces himself
Sermon ‘What are YOUR Giants?’
We are pleased to welcome Rev Mike Enright as Interim Pastor from 1 February for an initial period of 3 months.
Mike Introduces himself here
29th January 2023 MBC
Aiden Wivell – MBC 29th of January 2023 – Church Clothes
20230129 Aidan
22nd January 2023 MBC
Aiden Wivell – 1 Peter 4 – Suffering Well
Prayers – Dr Serene Hu
Sermon: Suffering Well
Prayers – Serene
Sunday 15 January
110th Anniversary Service
Rev Rodney Duncan
Ephesians 1:15-23Thanksgiving and Prayer15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Opening Prayer and call to Worship (Psalm 100)
Listen to the Reading – Ephesians 1:15-23
Outline History – Listen
Outline History – Read
Prayer of thanksgiving for the past & present
Sermon – 110 Years
Prayer for the future
In October 1912 the foundation stone was laid of what was then called the Takapuna Baptist Church on a section of land donated by Mr Rushbrook, a benefactor of a number of non-conformist charities in Auckland. In just a few short months the church, built by Mr John Ashby who had arrived into Milford from England in 1908, was opened on January 4th 1913. You will notice that it is an isolated open area with minimal vegetation.
Both events were covered by local and national newspapers as was a ‘social gathering with upwards of 100 people’ to welcome a new minister a year or so later.
The church was initially under the auspices of the Auckland Baptist Auxilliary, but in July 1921 joined the Baptist Union, having, as these advertisements from the Auckland Star Newspaper show, changed the name of the church to Milford Baptist Church probably around 1 May 1921.
Here we see the church around 1921 with the new name on the sign, and developing vegetation, and in the lower picture from 1920 with buildings starting to develop around it. (MBC is shown towards the top tight corner, just below the skylinre)
In the 1930s a hall was added at the rear of the church, and in the late 1950’s the church was extended.
You can see the extension forward of the belfry towards Dodson Avenue. The porchway was added a few years later.
The Centenary book edited by David Speary covers the history of the construction of the present building very well.
In the 1990’s under the leadership of Rev Tom Cadman the church was turned round through 90 degrees and the foyer and offices constructed along with a new hall to replace the borer-ridden edifice that it had become.
In the book, there is a comment: “Throughout all the alterations over the past 100 years the preaching of God’s word and reaching out into the community was always foremost in our minds and efforts . Buildings and facilities were only a means to assist in this endeavour.”
And of course, a church is not simply a building.
As the maori say ‘he tangata, he tangata, he tangata “it is people people people.” The church has been blessed with a number of very faithful servants over the 110 year history.
The present membership book dates from 1940. It records the foundation members (1921) and the names and dates upon which people subsequently entered into membership. It does not, of course, record the dates when people started attending the church. The earliest current member is entry number 218 Raymond Brown August 1945. Lynne Brown (nee Cryer) entered into membership in 1950 though I understand that she attended the church with her parents from a very early age.
Other current members who qualify for their over 60 year long-service badges are Beryl Thompson 1956, Phyl Briscoe 1959, Greta Alcorn 1962 and Phyl Harvey 1963.
A number of others, like the Corins were involved with the youth groups in and around the 1960s but moved away or served overseas and are not recorded as entering membership until later.
Many of the current stalwarts have only served for a mere 40 or 50 years!
Larry Robbins Jan 2023
Historic Photographs Alexander Turnbull Library and Auckland Library. Paper clippings from Paperspast (National Library)
1 January 2023
Aidan Wivell
Series in 1 Peter, #1
Listen to the service (incl sermon, readings and communion – no music)
1 Peter 1:1-12
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
1 Peter 1:13 – 2:3
Be Holy
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
And this is the word that was preached to you.
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Listen to the service (incl sermon, readings and communion – no music)
The original building – Takapuna Baptist Church (later Milford Baptist Church)The first service at Milford Baptist Church was held on 4 January 1913
To mark the 110th anniversary of the church we will hold a Thanksgiving Service on 15 January 2023 at 10:00am
Rev Rodney Duncan will lead the service.
It will be followed by a pot-luck luncheon.
All are welcome.
25 December 2022
Leader: Aidan Wivell
Listen to the service (carols removed)
The video played can be found on YouTube here
Luke 1:26-55The Birth of Jesus Foretold
126 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
It has become a tradition to sing carols in the square at Milford in the week before Christmas.
18 December 2022
Preacher: Aidan Wivell
Philippians 2 1-11
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Listen to the sermon
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27 March 2022
Listen to the Reading
John 19:1–16a
191 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.
4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.
“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Read the Sermon “Humanity’s Heart” – Brian D.Lima (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Humanity’s Heart” – Brian D.Lima
20 March 2022
John 18:1–14
Listen to the Reading
18 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
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Read the Sermon “The Father That Suffers” – Brian D.Lima (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “The Father That Suffers” – Brian D.Lima
13 March 2022
Luke 22:39–46
Listen to the Reading
22 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
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Read the Sermon “Following God’s Will” – Brian D.Lima (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Following God’s Will” – Brian D.Lima
6 March 2022
Matthew 4:1–11
Listen to the Reading
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
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Read the Sermon “Revealing God’s Heart Through Trial” – Brian D.Lima (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Revealing God’s Heart Through Trial” – Brian D.Lima
27 February 2022
James 4:1–12
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbour?
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Read the Sermon “Submit Yourself to God” – Brian D.Lima (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Submit Yourself to God” – Brian D.Lima
25 February 2021
Susan Dickie, the Pastoral Worker at the church for the past 15 years or so, is stepping aside to take some more time with family.
Covid restrictions did not permit a planned tribute and thanksgiving in the church service, so Pastor Brian and his wife Jo met with Sue to ‘do the honours’.
THANK YOU SUE!
Click Here to view the video of the presentation and Sue’s testimony.
22 February 2022
With the rise in Omicron infections in the North Shore area, and with one of our regular attendees becoming a close contact of a confirmed Covid case, (fortunately clear of the virus at present but in isolation), the Leadership of the Church has reluctantly taken the decision to SUSPEND Sunday services until the peak of the Omicron outbreak is over.
This decision has not been taken lightly, but noting that many of our congregation are in the age bracket where, even though vaccinated, they may be at increased risk, and, noting that additional members may be unwilling to attend services in person, we have decided to err on the side of caution.
CRAFT and MUSIC FOR ME are already in abeyance. Other activities may continue at the church under the Covid Traffic Light RED precautions already in place, though leaders of those groups will need to make their own decisions and arrangements in the event they decide to cancel and additional attention must be paid to sanitising all surfaces in areas used .
The church office will continue to operate.
The AGM will, unless the situation deteriorates markedly, be held as a hybrid session allowing those who wish to attend in person, and others by Zoom. The technical aspects are under consideration at present.
No decision has yet been made about EVERGREENS.
The Virtual Services and Enews Bulletins will continue to be promulgated, and as things change we will endeavour to keep you informed.
Please feel free to contact Pastor Brian (021 230 0390) or me (021 182 4545) if you have any concerns or wish to discuss anything.
20 February 2022
Serving the Lord in spite of Difficulties – How will we Fare in 2022? Brian Michell
2 Corinthians 4:1-12, 15-18
4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Read the Sermon “Serving the Lord in spite of Difficulties – How will we Fare in 2022?” – Brian Michell (pdf)
Listen to the Reading and the Sermon “Serving the Lord in spite of Difficulties – How will we Fare in 2022?” – Brian Michell
13 February 2022
2 Corinthians 4:1-7, ‘We hold this treasure in clay pots’. Brian Michell
Jeremiah 18:1-6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
2 Corinthians 4:1-7
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Read the Sermon “We hold this treasure in clay pots” – Brian Michell (pdf)
Listen to the Reading and the Sermon “We hold this treasure in clay pots” – Brian Michell
Series in JAMES #5
6 February 2022
James 3:1-12
31 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Watch Your Words” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Watch Your Words” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Series in JAMES #4
30 January 2022
James 2:14-25
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Faith and Obedience” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Mercy “Faith and Obedience” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Series in JAMES #3
23 January 2022
James 2:1-13
21 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
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Watch the Sermon “Mercy Triumphs over Judgement” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Mercy Triumphs over Judgement” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Series in JAMES #2
16 January 2022
James 1:19-27
Listening and Doing
119 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Do What the Word Says” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Do What the Word Says” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Series in JAMES #1
9 January 2022
James 1:1–8; 12–15
11 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
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Watch the Sermon “Trials Produce Perfection” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Trials Produce Perfection” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
2 January 2022
Ephesians 5:18–20
… be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make
music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
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Watch the Sermon “Sing from your heart to God” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Sing from your heart to God” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Boxing Day
26 December 2021
Luke 2:22–40
222 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
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Watch the Sermon “Boxing Day” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Boxing Day” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
Fourth Sunday in Advent – PEACE
19 December 2021
Luke 1:26–38
Listen to the Reading
126 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
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Watch the Sermon “Advent – Peaceful Presence” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Advent – Peaceful Presence” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
12 December 2021
2 Samuel 7:8–14
78 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.
Download Virtual Service (pdf)
Watch the Sermon “Advent – Justice Brings Joy” – Brian D Lima (on-line)
Read the Sermon “Advent – Justice Brings Joy” – Brian D Lima (pdf)
With the introduction of the Covid ‘Traffic Lights’ System on 3 December, services and activities in the church have resumed. These include the Craft Group, Weightwatchers and other groups.
The first Sunday Service under the new arrangements was held on 5 December. Coincidentally this marked the first anniversary of the commissioning of Pastor Brian to ministry at the church.
Although naturally there were future attendees than usual (what is “usual” these days?) 38 attended. Social Distancing was observed and there was obvious delight in being able to meet up with members of the church family again, albeit not over tea and coffee, and mainly in the car park!
Socially distanced, and a smaller congregation than usual but delighted to be worshipping together again!