Peacehaven Evangelical Free Church: Recent Episodes
PEFC
1 Sam 14:1-23. Jonathan went forward by faith, with his armoured bearer right behind him. They believed that God could give them the victory, even though they were vastly outnumbered. Let’s not limit ourselves by ourselves, for God is with us!
Acts 2:1-4. Since the giving of the Law, the feast of Pentecost was typical or prophetic in that it looked ahead to the coming of the Holy Spirit. But why were there 2 loaves in the offering? Why were they made with leaven? Why did they include oil? What does it all represent? May our […]
Acts 1:1-8. Does the OT Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot / Pentecost) actually hold insights and secrets for us regarding Jesus, the gospel, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the Great Commission? What is the “Counting of the Omer” and does that have any value for the Christian today? God has much for us to […]
1 Sam 13:1-23. Plagued by insecurity, Saul chose to disobey God and follow his own way. In his self-defence, he blames Samuel, the people, and the Philistines. He leaves a valuable lesson for us all, that honouring God’s way by faith and humility can save us so much trouble.
Matt 28:18-20. The Lord commissioned us to go, make disciples, teaching them and baptising them. But why did the Lord instruct us to baptise disciples? What is the meaning and significance of immersing people in water like that? What does it truly symbolize? Does every Christian need to be baptised? And what does it mean […]
1 Sam 12:1-25. The prophet Samuel helps Israel acknowledge their sin, but then brings their focus to God’s faithfulness despite all their failures. He never forsook them and their failure was never the end, for God gives new beginnings. There may be bad decisions or failures behind us and we cannot change that, but now […]
1 Sam 10:1-27. To help Saul with his insecurity regarding the Call to be King, God gives him 3 signs to show that God is truly with Him. Each sign includes a special message of encouragement concerning God’s call on our lives also. What is his call for your life? How does this all apply […]
Allowing all 4 gospels to paint a full picture of the resurrection of Christ, we explore the most important event and story of all time. Come and see the place where he lay, He is not here, for He is risen!
The Passover is an annual memorial feast that looks back to the one time event of being delivered from slavery in Egypt. Jesus took 2 elements of the Passover meal and instituted The Lord’s Supper. He said the shocking words “do this in remembrance of ME!” for He was and is the final Passover lamb […]
The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, although accompanied with celebrations from his disciples, stood in the shadow of the cross. He came to His own, but they did not receive him. Nevertheless, being hailed as King was the fitting entrance and a fulfilment of prophecy. The Jewish Leaders told him to rebuke His disciples, […]
Luke 22:23-30. During the last supper, Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure and for their appointment as leaders in the church. He demonstrates what it means to be a servant-leader in the church, not lording it over people, but being a servant of all.
Luke 22:1-23. The chief priests were plotting, as the powers of darkness made their advance, and Judas became the key player in the betrayal. However, our Lord predicted his the betrayal and his suffering to follow and was clearly in control in preparing the way to the cross. His hour had come to be glorified […]
Luke 21:25-36. When is the end of the age? When will Jesus return? And when will the Kingdom on earth begin? Who is the Anti-Christ? What happens to the Jewish nation at the end? May our hearts be stirred by this important end times passage.
Luke 21:1-24. When is the end of the age? When is the Anti-Christ coming? When is the Lord’s return? In the “Olivette Discourse” Jesus answers several questions relating to the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) and also makes further predictions relating to the Anti-Christ and the end of the age. What is the abomination of […]
Luke 20:20-47. In the final days before the cross, the Jewish leaders were trying to catch Jesus in his words, but his wisdom and answers were too great for them. He finally asked them a question that they could not answer proving the Messiah was not just a man, but also divine.
Luke 19:45-20:19. Why did Jesus drive out those buying and selling in the temple and how did he respond to the religious leaders who challenged his authority? How do these events relate to us today? What does the parable of the wicked vinedressers teach us concerning the nation of Israel and and how does it […]
2 Chron 34:27. How King Josiah responded to The Word and how his son later responded are shocking contrasts and lessons for us as believers. How important it is to humble ourselves before God. A broken spirit and contrite heart He will not despise!
Luke 19:28-41. What was the significance of the ‘triumphal entry’? This extraordinary event was full of prophetic fulfilment, such as Jesus riding the colt, the foal of a donkey. Yet, the huge crowd following Jesus at this event had seriously misunderstood Jesus’ mission and the people of Jerusalem had not recognised ‘the day of their […]
Luke 19:11-27. The disciples thought that when they reached Jerusalem, that the earthly Messianic Kingdom would appear. Jesus told this parable to correct this misconception and teach them that the Kingdom is yet to come, but now postponed. He also answers the question of what Christians should be doing during this time on earth and […]
Luke 19:1-10. In this beautiful salvation story, we see this little, sinful tax collector come to faith in Jesus and find the free gift of salvation. He then demonstrates the fruit of a transformed life, changed through Christ. Perhaps you find yourself in this story also? Amazing grace extended to us all.
Luke 18:31-43. The physical healing of blind Bartimaeus, serves as a powerful parallel to how we used to walk in darkness, but now are walking in the light. Jesus has opened our eyes and now we are followers of the living God!
The Jewish feast of Shavuot (or Pentecost) looked back to the giving of the Law and the birth of Israel as a nation. For us as Christians, we look back to the giving of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. We are rejoicing in the new covenant and God’s spirit in us! […]
Luke 18:18-30. This man asked “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”. But if we are not saved by works, or keeping the law, why did Jesus answer him the way he did? And what is the purpose of the law? or motive for doing good works then? And then how do we actually […]
Luke 18:9-17. This timeless parable helps answer the all-important question of how a man can be Justified before God. Is it by works that we are saved? Or by faith? And if it’s by believing only, then what is the purpose of the Law?
Acts 1:1-14. What is the “counting of the Omer”? How is it significant to us as Christians? How are the feasts fulfilled in Christ? What is the “Menorah Psalm” and how does it relate to Pentecost, the Holy Spirit or the Great Commission? Let us count our blessings, waiting, praying for fresh manna and the […]
Luke 18:1-8. In troublesome times, as we watch the world stage in the last days, what should we be sure to do? Jesus gives this simple parable to teach us that “men ought always to pray and not to faint”.
Luke 17:20-37. When will the Kingdom of God come? Or is it already here? What did Jesus mean when he said “the kingdom of God is in your midst” or “as it was in the days of Noah” or “one will be taken and the other left”? May God give us understanding as we tackle […]
The New Testament writers open up the secret of the feasts and show is that they lay down a prophetic timeline of the person and work of Christ. Paul clearly states that the feasts were a shadow of things to come and the reality is found in Christ (Col 2:18-19). May our hearts stand in […]
Matt 28:19. Why do Christians get water baptised? What is the point and is it necessary for salvation? What is the meaning of Spiritual Baptism and when does that take place? How do I become a true Christian? May these questions be clearly settled in our hearts as we rest in His blessed assurance.
Neh 8:1-18. When God’s people assemble with hungry hearts to hear the Word in unity and faith, God sends a blessing. With Ezra, The Book & the people gathered, the stage was set for a ministry of life. The Word is living, quick and powerful and searches our hearts to encourage, exhort and comfort and […]
1 Cor 2:1-14. The gospel came to the Corinthians in “the demonstration of the Spirit & power”. We discover (in Acts 18) that this power was demonstrated as Paul preached and people came to faith. May we never miss the greatest miracle of all, as people are touched, drawn, searched, saved and changed by the […]
Matthew 28:6. Drawing from all 4 gospels, we piece together a composite view of the resurrection timeline. Follow along in this glorious story, from when our Lord’s lifeless body was laid in the tomb, to His multiple resurrection appearances. Everything changes when we see that He is risen indeed!!
Zech 9:9. The “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem, although accompanied with celebrations from his disciples, stood in the shadow of the cross. Nevertheless, being hailed as King was the fitting entrance and a fulfilment of prophecy. The Jewish Leaders told him to rebuke His disciples, but He did not, for Messiah-King was finally here! […]
Rom 8:28. God’s name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, but His hand is clearly seen throughout. As Christians, we believe in God’s hand of providence and redemption and we know He works all things together for good.
1 John 4:16, Romans 5:8. t’s one thing to “come to know” the love of God and yet another to “come to believe” and rely upon it. God has clearly demonstrated His love for us at the cross, and now His Spirit seeks to persuade us of that love more and more, so that we […]
Luke 17:11-19. Man has an “internal leprosy” called SIN which caused us to stand afar off from God. But then we cried out to Jesus and have been cleansed by forgiveness and saved by grace. Like the one Samaritan leper, may we continually offer up a sacrifice of praise and thankfulness for His great grace! […]
Potential stumbling blocks, that could cause us fall away, be offended, or tempted, will come. Therefore we must be careful (1) not be a cause of stumbling for others and (2) not to stumble ourselves. Let us serve, forgive and be good stewards in our relationships.
Luke 16:19-31. This story confronts us with the sobering reality of man’s ultimate destiny in the afterlife, either in heaven or hell. The rich man only lived for this life and love of money and never coming to the saving knowledge of Christ. Lazarus found the eternal comfort and peace that the gospel offers to […]
Acts 20:24. Why is the gospel “good news”? Is it true that someone can be saved in a moment of faith, without works? What does a person really have to do to be saved? Isn’t “just believing” too easy? As we consider the astounding, pure gospel of grace afresh it deeply encourages us in our […]
Luke 10:1-24. What should make us rejoice as a Christian? How can a person’s eyes and ears be blessed? How can someone’s name be written in heaven? are there consequences for rejecting Jesus? What difference does it make to believe?
Luke 9:17-36. During Jesus’ public ministry people had to make conclusions about the identity of Jesus. Many offered suggestions on who He might be, but Jesus asked his disciples what they believed and who they thought he was. While the Jewish leaders had hardened their hearts in unbelief, the disciples had come to believe that […]
Luke 9:37-62. Jesus addresses several of the disciples misconceptions and reveals their lack of faith, understanding and humility. May He expose our own misconceptions and help us grow as disciples also.
Luke 9:1-17. Sandwiched between Herod’s question of “Who is this?” and Jesus’ question “Who Do You Say I am?” Is the astounding miracle of multiplying the loaves and fish. Each one must consider this miracle, among many, and then answer this all-important question!
Luke 8:22-56. Luke records some astounding miracles to show that Jesus had ultimate power and authority over nature, demons, sickness and even death itself. These miracles lead us to the question “Who do you say that I am?” (9:20). Thankfully, like Peter, we know the answer, that He is the Messiah, The Saviour and The […]
Luke 8:16-21. Those who hear in faith, walking in the light, will be given more light. Good seed in good soil brings forth good fruit. How exciting it is to be on a journey of faith, going and growing in understanding as His disciples. He who has an ear, let him hear!
Genesis 22:1-19. The account of the near sacrifice of Isaac can be difficult for us to understand. Even though at the very last moment the Lord stopped the sacrifice happening, why did he command it? What did Abraham believe during this episode and how does his faith during this trial help to explain Jesus saying […]
Luke 8:4-15. The soil of the heart is so crucial as we hear God’s Word. Many are robbed of the Word’s potential due to the devil, the world’s seduction, life’s trials and the flesh, but may we have hearts that are open, teachable, meek, humble and believing and see fruit a 100-fold!
Luke 7:36-8:3. I owed a debt I could not pay, He paid a debt he did not owe. Ah what a price He paid for our forgiveness! To the degree we understand the immense debt He cancelled for us, the greater our love will be for the one who has forgiven us. May we spend […]
John 13:35, Galatians 6:2, James 5:16. The “one another” principle runs all the way through the New Testament. For example, we are told to “love one another” – but what does that love actually look like? How is love expressed one to another? This sermon gives insights and application to this and various “one another” […]
Ephesians 2:8-9 , Galatians 3:22-25. Why did Paul make sure the word ‘grace’ featured in the opening and closing passages of all his epistles? If the law of Moses was perfect why can none of us be justified by the ‘works of the law’? We are saved by grace through faith not by works of […]
1 John 4:8. How should we understand the amazing statement God is love? Why do we need to look at the previous two verses to properly understand the meaning of John 3:16? Nothing can separate us from the love of God ! This is forever guaranteed by the work of the cross.
1 Cor 12:11-27. Paul uses the example of the human body to teach about the unity and diversity of the church. He demonstrates that the church is a spiritual organism made up of individual gifted members who are joined to Christ’s life. But what is “body life” and how can we best experience it?
Tit 1:5-9. Why does it seem that many Christians have have bad experiences with leadership and authority in churches? How can it be that leaders, who are supposed to be serving, feeding, and nurturing the flock, end up being instruments of harm? Why are the sheep wounded by the shepherds? Jesus taught his disciples the […]
1 Cor 2:9-14. Among the invaluable ministries of The Holy Spirit is his work of illuminating the scriptures. Through illumination He reveals Christ, shares the secret of grace, shows us the hope of His calling and revives our hearts again & again.
Luke 7:18-35. John the Baptist began to wonder if Jesus was the one or if they should look for another. Jesus warned John not to stumble in his faith, but to continue and trust. When we might not understand God’s timing or ways, may we also not stumble, but rest in faith.
Luke 7:1-17. A humble centurion, a healed slave, a grieving mother and a dead man talking. These people’s lives are all changed because of meeting a compassionate and powerful Jesus!
Luke 6:36-49. Jesus says that the mark of a disciple is God’s Agape love in their lives. This love is an unconditional love that loves the unlovely, and even our enemies! But we are only able to love this way by yielding to His Spirit in us. The fruit of the Spirit is love and […]
Luke 6:20-36. Luke’s gospel lays out 4 blessings with promises and 4 woes with consequences. What heart attitudes and actions can secure blessings for a follower and disciple of Christ? How can we be blessed?
Luke 6:1-19. The Pharisees turned a day of rest into the most burdensome day of the week. May God keep us from becoming like Pharisees with how we think about the Christianity, externals and other people!
Harmonizing the gospel accounts gives us an insightful, composite view of the resurrection timeline as we consider the greatest event in history! Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, for He is risen!
1 Cor 15:1-4. All through the Old Testament, with prophecies, types and shadows, there are incredible predictions and allusions to the cross. The cross is the glorious centre piece of the scriptures and the gospel, where Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures.
Matt 21:1-17. On that first Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem presenting himself as the Israel’s Messiah-King. For the hearts that were ready, it was a time to rejoice, for others it was the opportunity to repent. What would our needed response be ?
Luke 5:12-39. These 3 encounters with Jesus speak to us regarding our own Christian life and walk. Jesus cleanses the leper, heals the Paralytic & calls the Tax Collector. In the same way Jesus cleanses us from sin through mercy, enables us to stand & walk with God through His Spirit in us and calls […]
Luke 5:1-11. When Peter saw the miracle of the catch of fish at Galilee, he knew he was a sinful man, in the presence of God. He initially tells the Lord to leave him, for he was yet to learn that the call is based on grace, not on merit. The miracle of the fish […]
Luke 4:31-44. Are demons real? What was the purpose and effect of Christ’s public ministry? Are Christians subject to spiritual warfare? Can a Christian be demon possessed? By what authority can we overcome? As we begin to explore the public ministry of Christ we see how light overcomes darkness.
Luke 4:14-30. As Jesus began his public ministry He identified himself as the one who would heal the broken hearted, set the captives free and He declared that the time of grace was here. Did he fulfill those prophecies? Is it only referring to physical healing and deliverance through his ministry, or spiritual also? Does […]
Luke 3:1-23. After 400 years without any prophetic voice, God finally speaks through John the Baptist. And what is his first word to men? “repent”! Ah, forgiveness awaits, but repentance is the key step.
Acts 20:24. Our theme for this year’s trip was “testifying of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24). We taught and spoke on grace as we ventured into the villages, visited churches and ministered at the children’s home. Oh may we continue in his grace, stay true to the gospel and help people be set free […]
Romans 11:18. Paul’s warning to the Gentiles in the Roman church, not to be arrogant towards the Jews, is a sobering message. As we look closely at this passage, and other relevant Scriptures concerning Israel and the Church, we examine whether this warning was heeded by Gentile churches and consider how Paul’s teaching should shape […]
Genesis 5-9. The genealogy of Genesis 5 gives remarkable insight into both God’s mercy and the timing of the impending cataclysmic flood which was global and not merely a local flood. We see in the account of the flood and the Lord’s rescue of the family of the righteous Noah, so many parallels to the […]
Luke 2:39-52. As a child, did Jesus need to learn, study, gain knowledge, grow in wisdom? Or because He had a divine nature, did he just know everything already? Luke records for us the only event from Christ’s childhood in the scriptures, which helps us consider these deep questions and what He meant when he […]
Luke 2:21-39. What does it mean to be “led by the Spirit” or “walk in the Spirit”? What is it that sets apart a “remnant believer” from any other Christian? What does it mean to be earnestly waiting for His coming? As we consider these 2 special characters at the end of Luke 2, Simeon […]
Matthew 6:25-34. Haggai 1:2-11. As believers, we are learning how to shake off anxiety and rest in faith. We are promised that, if we seek Him first, He will provide and meet our basic needs in life. But what does it mean to seek him? And how can I overcome worry in my life? Let […]
Ps 78:40-41. 2 Cor 5:7. God often sets the stage in our lives to challenge and develop our faith. He may ask us certain questions and is always looking for the answer according to faith. May this new year be one of growing in faith and answering life’s situations by faith!
Luke 2:1-7. The simple manger scene maybe shrouded with a certain mystery for the unenlightened, but for true Christians, the secret of the gospel is clear to us all. Now, the age old Christmas carols are filled with richest meaning and value, as we thank and worship The King, The Saviour, The Lord!
Luke 1:57-80. When the tongue of Zacharias was finally loosed at the birth of John the Baptist, his heart poured out praises to the Lord! His song is filled with insights into the covenants and the faithfulness of the redeemer! May we also sing our praises in light of His faithfulness and goodness.
Luke 1:39-55. The “Magnificat” records Mary’s response of faith as she magnifies The Lord. In her song there are astounding statements referring to God’s faithfulness, covenants, and promises. Just like Mary, may we also sing of “the great things God had done” for us and magnify Him each day.
Luke 1:26-38. As the gospel story unfolds in the book of Luke, Gabriel visits Mary and gives her the incredible news that she will be the virgin mother of the Messiah. Her response is one of faith, humility and servanthood. What lessons can we learn for our own Christian life and calling from the response […]
Revelation Chapters 6-7 present the scene for the breaking of the 7 seals. But is the scroll? what happens when the seals are broken? What events happen on the earth as a result? Who is the rider on the white horse? Who are the 144000 and the redeemed in chap 7? Let us seek these […]
The book of Revelation, chapters 4-5, usher us into the throne room, to behold the Lion of Judah take the scroll, poised to break the 7 seals. But what do the seals mean? What happens on earth when the seals are broken? Who is the rider of the first horse? How is this all contributing […]
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the 4 visions of Daniel lay down a prophetic timeline, sweeping across world empires to the final rule of the Anti-Christ. Oh how are hearts are stirred to see that God is working out His program and redemptive purposes.
Dan 7-9. The visions of Daniel lay down a prophetic foundation for the book of Revelation, spanning the ages, through world empires to the final, last Gentile Empire of the Anti-Christ. Oh how are hearts are stirred to see that God is working out His plan of redemption!
Luke 1:5-25. Does it ever seem that God is not listening? or not answering prayer? or you don’t quite understand what He is doing in your life? Then have a listen to this sermon. After the 400 “silent years” the silence is finally broken in the opening chapter of Luke with an explosion of miracles, […]
Luke 1:1-4. Ever wondered why we have 4 gospels and not just one? With a closer look at each gospel, we can see that each one has a different purpose and focuses on Jesus with a different emphasis. The King, The Servant, The Man, The Lord!
Eph 5:22-27. Paul reveals that one central purpose of the marriage relationship is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. He has a love that lays down it’s life to serve, the power to cleanse and the heart to care. As the bride, the church is to respond in a submission of love […]
Psalm 91. This psalm speaks faith into our lives in a powerful and personal way. But why isn’t every Christian blessed, healed and delivered according to the promises of this psalm? Let’s consider it together.
Psalm 51. How can we confess our sins? How do we find mercy? How can we be cleansed from guilt and shame? How can we, once again, be restored in the joy of salvation? How can we help others in understanding grace & mercy?
Lev 23:33-36. We realise how astounding Jesus’ claims to give “living water” and to be the “light of the world” were when we consider the context and practises of the feast. We also see how Sukkot was a foreshadowing of the Kingsom to come!
Leviticus 16. On the most high, holy day on the Jewish calendar, The Day of Atonement was a day for the annual, national foregiveness of the nationa of Israel. The High Priest would enter in to the holiest place in the temple by mean of a blood sacrifice. But what is the significance of this […]
Leviticus 23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Does the Jewish feast of Trumpets have a future prophetic fulfilment? If so, what does it foreshadow? And when that future trumpet will sound, what will it mean for you?
Psalm 84:1-11. In this “Psalm of Zion”, the pilgrim expresses his longing for the house of God and God’s very presence. He declares how blessed the pilgrim is, who finds his strength in God and places his trust in His God alone. What a joy to find our home in the house of God, the […]
Psalm 1:1-6. God gives a divine prescription for a blessed, spiritually healthy, fruitful life. One time, Billy Graham defined being “blessed” as being filled with God and satisfied (1 Tim 6:6). But how does that happen? There certain things the blessed man does not do and certain things he must do. What does the blessed […]
Col 3:16 & Eph 5:18. As Christians, we are told that we need to “let the word dwell in us” and be “filled with The Spirit”. The are crucial non-negotiables for a rich Christian experience. But what does that mean? How can I hide the Word in my heart? and how can I alway the […]
2 Cor 12:9. If we could Counsel God regarding His plan for our lives, we might suggest he leaves out the trouble, valleys, thorns, but maybe God had a plan to somehow work and bless us through those things?
Judges 6-7. God wants to bring us to a place of blessing, fruitfulness and victory, but the journey is often one that we would not choose. It sometimes involves a deep, even painful, work in our lives and hearts. The work of God involves God producing or revealing our weakness and need for Him, “reducing […]
Rev 20:1-11. Revelation chapter 20 describes the Lord Jesus reigning on the earth with the resurrected saints for a thousand years. It is a chapter that is avoided by many and has been a source of controversy for others. Is this passage describing a literal future reign of Jesus on this earth or is it […]
John 19:30. Just before he died, Jesus uttered on the cross the momentous words ‘It is finished’. What did Jesus mean by this declaration? What are some of the benefits and blessings that his followers should expect to experience from the fulfilment of these words? Hpw does understanding “the finished work” effect your life personally?
Did Christ ever appear in the Old Testament? Can we conclude that “The Angel of The Lord” in the Old Testament is speaking of a pre-incaranate appearance of Jesus? What insights can we gain of the person of Christ from studying these appearances? Enjoy this over view brought to us afresh by Brian Melia.
1 Thes 5:12-28. What are some of the key elements of Christian living? What should be seen in our lives as believers? What are the principles that we should be living by? As Paul closes out his letter, he gives a bullet list of grace-commands that can guide the Christian Life.
1 Thes 5:1-11. After explaining the “catching away” (or rapture) of the church (1 Thes 4:13-18), Paul goes on to speak about the “Day of The Lord” which will follow. This will be a series of events at the end of the age, when Judgment is poured out on the unbelieving world. But how do […]
1 Thes 4:13-18. The Thessalonians were waiting expectantly for the Son’s return (1:10). They knew the church would be removed before the day of wrath, but had a question about those Christian’s who had passed on before them? Had they missed the resurrection? What would happen to their bodies? Were they now with the Lord? […]
1 Corinthians 15:8-10, Ephesians 2:8-10. Two important truths for us to understand more and more are (1) how unworthy we are to receive anything from God as sinners, and (2) how much His grace has been abundantly poured out upon us. Oh how that should create such thankfulness and praise in our lives! (One mistake […]
1 Thes 4:1-12. This passage opens up the theme of sanctification, or purification, in the believer’s life. A Christian’s life is to be different from “those who don’t know God”. But how are we purified? How do we get victory of certain sins? And where do we go from here?
1 Thes 3:1-13. Are you standing fast in The Lord? That is the question at the heart of this passage. Paul was concerned, that as the Thessalonians had faced trouble and persecution, that they may have fallen away. He was deeply concerned for them, just as we should be for our brothers. Where are they? […]
1 Kings 1:39-40. As practised at our queens coronation, the “anointing of oil” is modelled on the anointing of Solomon and other Monarchs. When Jesus began his public ministry, he was not anointed with oil, which was the shadow, but with The Holy Spirit Himself. Likewise the horn of oil from heaven was poured out […]
Job 28:1-28. Prov 2:1-6. While man seeks for treasure on the earth, there is a treasure from above, far more precious than all we could desire. The Bible shows us that this treasure is “Wisdom”, a wisdom that comes through fearing God. But how do learn the Fear of the Lord? And how do we […]
1 Thes 2:1-20. In reflecting on the ministry they’d had in Thessaloniki, Paul lays out many characteristics of heart and attitude that should be evident in church ministry. Are you in it for the right reasons? Is it an occupation or a vocation? Do you truly love and care for the flock? May God search […]
1 Thes 1:10. How sad it is that teaching on the 2nd coming and End times seems so rare in churches today! The scriptures speak so much about it. In this study, we consider the 5 portions at the end of each chap in 1 Thes that look to His return. To be actively waiting, […]
1 Thes 1:5-9. The Gospel came to the Thessalonians “in word, in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance”. Their lives were changed and the fruit was there for everyone to see. We also pray for the Word to continue to powerfully change lives in our church and community.
What does it mean that the Thessalonian Christians were called “the elect of God”? How do we know if we are the elect? Does God choose us? Or do we also have a free Will to choose? Is faith a work? And how can we reconcile God’s sovereign will and man’s free will? We must […]
The Apostle Paul commends the Thessalonian church for their faith, love, and hope, but also prays for them to keep on growing. We are comforted that while we may have faith, love, and hope in some measure, we also have the potential to grow and abound in them. May we not be satisfied or stuck […]
When Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, he fulfilled countless prophecies, shadows, and types. Among them were the Jewish feasts, just awaiting fulfillment by the reality of Christ and his work. As we consider the Spring feasts together, our hearts stand in wonder at Jesus, our Passover, and our Firstfruits!
Ex 12:3-11. Not only was the Passover a memorial, in that it looked back to the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, but it was also prophetic or typical in that it looked ahead to Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. We stand in wonder as we recognize how the various elements of the Seder meal […]
Dan 9:24-27. The road before Jesus was paved with prophecy and He fulfilled each one so specifically. Even the day he rode into Jerusalem was according to prophecy and a very specific timetable. The prophet Daniel laid out a remarkable prediction that gives us the actual day the Messiah would ride into the city and […]
1 Cor 15:1-4. The centre-piece of the glorious gospel is the astounding fact that Christ died for our sins. This timeless truth echoes through the scriptures, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and brightly shining forth in the New!
This presentation serves to present the Missions work in India from 2008 to today. The 3 main parts of the work are the children’s home, The leper Ministry and the mountain village churches (OPEN Ministries). It is an hour-long, which we appreciate is quite long, but the various speakers and pictures will stir your heart. […]
Hannah was a fervent believer in dark times for Israel and difficult times personally. God brought her to a place of deep need and faith, that she might seek Him all the more. In her need and separation, she came in faith and prayer and God answered her with an answer that delivered a nation! […]
What should the leadership structure of a local church look like? What is the difference between the different terms used for leaders in The New Testament? What are the criteria for choosing leaders in the church? What are the characteristics of a good pastor? These questions, and many more, are answered in this all-important teaching […]
How often do we out things down to chance or coincidence, when actually God may well be working? Although God’s name is not actually mentioned in the book of Esther, His hand is so clearly seen. God’s seeming silence does not mean his absence, for He is surely at work to providentially bring about his […]
John 14:1-6. What did Jesus mean when He said He was The Way, The Truth, and The Life? And How do we know we have it? He also made the qualifier that no man comes to the Father unless it’s through Him. That seems so narrow and exclusive, doesn’t it? Can it really be that […]
Jonah 1-4. This insightful overview of The Book of Jonah explores important principles we can learn from these chapters, including the divine providence, the heart of God, the nature of repentance, and the ways of man. There are certainly key lessons we can learn and apply to our worldview and daily living from this great […]
The prophet Daniel lays out an all-important timeline of seven years that marks the end of the age. During this period there are 3 specific revealings (Apokalupsis) that will take place. The first will be when a final Gentile ruler unifies a world government and then is revealed to be The Anti-Christ. Secondly, at the […]
2 Chronicle 34 & Jeremiah 36. How each Judean King responded to the Prophets determined so much. If they were proud and rejected God’s Word, they would forfeit blessing, protection & prosperity. If they humbled themselves and were correctable they would find such grace. This directly speaks to us as we sit under the Word […]
Ezekiel 37. Despite all of the persecution and trouble endured by Israel, a scarlet cord of hope runs through their history and all through the scriptures. Our hope as Christians is tied up together with the hope of Israel and we can rest knowing that He is faithful who has promised. We can rest in […]
Nehemiah 13:1-31. Christians must learn how to “shut the gates” on temptation, compromise and the enemy. Rather than set ourselves up for failure, we must plan for victory. This doesn’t happen by accident but by giving no place to the devil, resisting evil, making no provision for the flesh or by “shutting the gates”
Nehemiah 12:1-47. What a spectacle it must have been! Two large thanksgiving choirs marched around the circuit of the wall, in opposite directions, meeting together at the temple. The voices, singing, cymbals, shofars & stringed instruments sounded out across the city. On this special day of dedication, recognizing what God had done, the rejoicing of […]
Nehemiah 11. As We consider how Israel-of-Old repopulated Jerusalem after many years of exile and rebuilding, we are reminded how important it was for them to keep God at the centre. Especially in days like these, how careful we must be as Christians to order our lives with a focus on The Lord and His […]
Deut 4:9-23. On the banks of the Jordan, on the Plains of Moab, a new generation gathered to hear Moses’ last farewell address before crossing over to the Promised Land. Moses had to prepare them for a new beginning, a fresh start, the next chapter. As we embark on a new year, we can find […]
In the opening chapters of Matt & Luke, several prophecies are noted to have been fulfilled around the time of the birth of the Messiah. In Matt 2 alone, 4 prophecies concerning geographical locations are wonderfully fulfilled. Oh, What encouragement and persuasion we find for our faith in these passages!
The last prophetical voice of the OT left us with a promise of a forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal 3:1, 4:5-6). 490 silent years left us waiting, until that silence was broken with an angelic visitation and the promise fulfilled. Luke opens with a flurry of angelic visitations and announcements […]
Throughout the Old Testament, 4 veins of prophecy spoke of one who was to come. Matthew opens to say “the King is here!” Mark says “The Servant is here!”, Luke says “The Man is here!” And John says “The Lord is here”. Let us marvel at the one who came, the one who will come […]
Considering various scriptures and examples from nature, we ponder the wonder of creation and divine design. How clearly we see the principle of design in the migration of a bird, the life-cycle of a salmon, the hinge of a human knee, the order of the solar system, and galaxies. Oh what a joy it is […]