Devonport Church of Christ: Recent Episodes
Blake Moore
Sermons preached at Devonport Church of Christ, Tasmania, Australia. Blake Moore is the Senior Minister serving here since January 2014.
The Apostle Paul in his final writing to a young Timothy exhorts him to guard the good deposit of the gospel that he received. Before you can pass it on to others you have to guard it yourself.
Every one of us is investing somewhere. Every week, every pay cycle, every purchase is shaping our heart and telling a story about what matters most. Let's choose to invest in what lasts - treasures in heaven.
Stewardship is a rich theme woven throughout the library of scripture and in Jesus’ instruction to his disciples. Biblical stewardship begins with the truth that everything belongs to God, and we are entrusted with his resources to serve others, advance his purposes, and reflect his generosity.
In this episode we discover how generosity shapes our hearts, our faith, and the way we follow Jesus.
The fourth core value of Devonport Church of Christ is transformation - step by step, little by little, we grow and become more like Jesus.
If somebody asked; Who is responsible for making disciples in this church?” The biblical answer is ‘ALL OF US”. Following Jesus means more than attending a church service. It means embracing His mission, His people, and His purpose with our whole lives.
Every Sunday we gather to worship Jesus, hear His Word, and encourage one another. But the mission doesn’t begin when we arrive - it begins when we leave.
Paul teaches that Jesus is the foundation and template upon which everything has been made. He is first and went first to secure our salvation through the cross. The first and foundational core value of Devonport Church of Christ is 'Jesus First'.
Pastor Blake unpacks a brand new purpose statement for Devonport Church of Christ focusing on discipleship, obedience to Jesus and living out His words, ways and generosity and inviting others to do the same.
We have an enemy who desires to kill, steal and destroy our relationships, faith and lives; however through Christ we can find victory! The final movement of the Lord's prayer is 'Deliver us from the evil one'.
Today we explore the phrase, “Lead us not into temptation” and learn how Jesus teaches us to prepare for life’s tests.
Through Jesus we find forgiveness because of His work on the cross. Those who have experienced Christ's forgiveness must also extend forgiveness to others.
"Give us this day our daily bread" is a simple sentence with lots of history for the Hebrew people.
Jesus is not only our saviour but also our Lord and King. He wants to express his power and authority through us.
The Lord's prayer is a simple and repeatable prayer that provides a framework to approach God. 'Our Father in heaven' implies identity, access, affection and formation.
God speaks through His Word - so let’s discover together how to study the Bible more deeply - from the Book of Philemon
Where do you start when wanting to study the Bible? What are the basics for a beginner?
When you look closely at the Easter story, you don’t just see one kind of person—you see a whole range of people being changed by the risen Jesus. Different stories… different starting points…but the same turning point—an encounter with the risen Jesus.
A powerful moment of grace unfolds in Luke 23 as Jesus is crucified between two criminals. This message explores the depth of forgiveness, the simplicity of faith, and the hope available even in our final moments.
Spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, sabbath, scripture and service are among some of the habits that help move us towards maturity when consistently repeated.
A Rule of Life is a structure of habits and behaviours to support our spiritual growth.
Disciples of Jesus are called to do the things that Jesus did. We can make room for the work of God in our lives, live with our eyes up, offer hospitality to others and bear witness to the words and ways of Jesus
To become like Jesus is a long term process in community with others, learning to become a person of love in Christ.
How do we cultivate a deep relationship with God? Using key scriptures and church history examples, Ps. Steve shows that through abiding, we have access to the peace and joy that Jesus promised as we adopt the spiritual disciplines that Jesus exemplified.
Have you ever wanted to experience the abundant life of Jesus? Ps. Steve outlines the what, how, and why behind Practicing the Way, diving into the cultural context behind Jesus's identity as a first-century rabbi, and what that means for us as His followers as we practice being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did.
Every disciple of Jesus needs exposure to truth, a living breathing example to follow and be rapidly mobilized.
You can be a disciple maker if you live eyes up, radar up to see where God is at work in persons of peace along your already established relational pathways. What will you do next after listening to this podcast?
Our priorities will always shape our choices and decisions. Make sure God's agenda is part of your priorities in life.
Jesus had different relationships with different levels of access. Jesus loved everybody but invested differently. Do you need to reset your inner circle of relationships and friendships in 2026?
Sabbath was built into the rhythm of creation and going against this rhythm has consequences. Pastor Steve lays out a biblical theology of sabbath, showing that sabbath is instituted by God, blessed, holy, made for worship, a command and a gift, and a day to rest and remember.
Songs of songs is a beautiful picture of courtship and marriage between King Solomon and his beloved. Yet also a warning of the dire consequences of infidelity when the marriage covenant is broken.
In chapter 2 of the Song of Solomon we find an emphasis on mutual belonging, and how the maiden longed for her beloved in a dream. We will explore the rich imagery of love, longing, and divine beauty woven through its poetic verses, gaining deeper insight into God's heart for both marital intimacy and His deep affection for his beloved people.
In this first message of our four-week series on Love Songs, Pastor Steve reminds us, from Song of Solomon 1, of some foundational truths about love that are helpful in navigating singleness, dating, and marriage. In the end, these earthly forms of love are intended to be a signpost, pointing us to the much greater love that God has for us.
What is God up to in the Australian Church and what opportunities does that present for the local church. We also celebrate the year of 2025!
Jesus will return like a thief in the night. Are we waiting or watching? Let us be alert and awake.
The Apostle Paul knew that the greatest comfort he could give to the bereaved Christians in Thessalonica was to remind them of the living hope they have in a resurrected Jesus.
Pastor Steve continues preaching through the book of 1 Thessalonians in this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 entitled, "How Christians Should Love One Another.
In spite of persecution and opposition, Paul’s greatest joy and desire was to be with the Thessalonians in eternity.
The credibility of the message is inseparable from the character of the messenger. The power of the gospel is heard in the message, but it’s proven in the messenger.
Paul writes to a very young church in 1 Thessalonians 1 about their faith, hope and love and how they turned from serving idols to the living God.
We focus on what can't be taken away so that if our plans fail, our relationship with Jesus is strong no matter what else is taken away.
Crisis can be a catalyst for change, but how do we change in the absence of one? We learn from the life of Elisha how to go through the unbearable and uncomfortable to reach the unstoppable. Discover what it takes and why it's important to take drastic action when it comes to changing your life.
We can see real change in our lives over the next 5 years if we want to. Time is not on our side, so take the steps today to make that change happen.
The coming Day of The Lord is a day of restoration, and also a day where God will judge all evil and injustices of the past.
As darkness looms, Joel pleads with the people to return to God with all their hearts. Exploring themes of repentance, compassion, and the hope that emerges even in the midst of crisis.
Joel, an Old Testament Prophet, prophesied about a coming day of the Lord - a time of both judgement and restoration - and the outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh. He used vivid imagery of a devastating locust plague to illustrate the coming judgement, urging repentance and emphasising God's mercy. The good news of the book of Joel is that everyone who calls out to God will be saved.
Are we listening to the voice of mammon or the voice of God when it comes to our money and resources?
The Bible is full of wisdom about money and also warnings. Jesus said you can't serve both God and money. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
Zacchaeus was a wealthy, disliked tax collector who climbed a tree just to see Jesus pass by - and to his surprise, Jesus called him by name and chose to stay at his house. That moment led Zacchaeus to radically change his life, showing that no one is too far gone for grace and transformation. Luke 19:1-10
The Apostle Paul was compelled by the Spirit of Jesus in the mission and message that Christ died for all.
Jesus' mission to make disciples of all nations is also our mission. Every Christian has a personal responsibility to make disciples. Where should you begin?
Matthew 24 primarily focuses on the signs leading up to Jesus' return, the importance of being prepared, and the need to remain alert, ready and faithful for his return. With the statement "...no one knows the day or hour..." Jesus directs the disciples' thinking to the issue of when.
In Matthew 24:15 Jesus speaks of the 'Abomination of Desolation'. Was Jesus referring to the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD or a future abomination still to be fulfilled?
This message challenges us to remain faithful, stand firm in times of pressure, and discern the signs of our times with wisdom and hope. We are reminded that history is going somewhere culminating in the return of Jesus.
In all of the Christian faith, Easter is the most significant weekend in the church calendar.
Easter is about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ - conquering sin and death on our behalf, and through Him we can have a relationship with God.
According to the Easter story, the Angel gave the women 4 invitations when they came to the tomb...
COME - SEE- GO - TELL
Matthew 28:1-8 NIV
If you are a believer - the command for you is to ... GO TELL - of the glorious life-changing good news of Jesus.
If you don't yet believe - you are invited to... COME SEE - and experience the saved life, found in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Saved by the Innocent One, saved by the suffering servant, saved by the power of the cross. Amen.
Entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is via the narrow gate where genuine Christianity always produces good fruit.
People like to quote Jesus' words, "Do not judge..." but does it mean what we think it means? Is Jesus telling us to never judge others? Here's a message on Matthew 7:1-6 that considers what grace-centered judgement in the church looks like!
Jesus calls that as Christians we should never try to get even or get back at another person. Rather, we should practice radical love over revenge. We should practice mercy rather than justice, go beyond what is required, and trust God with the results.
God hates divorce but loves divorced people. Marriage is a lifelong commitment of sexual faithfulness. Adultery breaks the commitment of sexual faithfulness. Divorce breaks the commitment of lifelong faithfulness.
Anger is the sin of murder and so we need to be careful to maintain good relationships with each other. If there is a wall between you and another brother or sister, there is a wall between you and God.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses two metaphors to describe His followers: "Salt of the earth", and "Light of the world". The world cannot taste and see the goodness of God if we aren't salt and light. We must engage the culture, promote Biblical values, speak the truth (in love) and tell people about Jesus where and whenever we can - this is being salt and light.
Jesus continues his countercultural Sermon on the Mount, and redefines what it means to be blessed.
James teaches us to not plan without first asking God and to never presume about tomorrow.
Jesus is returning and in 2025 we are heating up the value of evangelism and the urgency of reaching out to the lost.
Remorse is not the same as repentance. We need to develop the habit of confessing our sin quickly and repenting wholeheartedly.
The scripture encourages us to be still so that we may know God better. But what does that look like in such a loud world?
The world would tell us that more is better, but what does scripture say about living simply?
The Bible encourages us to develop a habit of self- examination, inviting God to search and renew our hearts.
The greatest Christmas surprise was God sending his one and only son for us. Happy Christmas.
The Christmas story contains many difficult challenges and opportunities for faith and trust in God.
The shepherds who were considered outcasts were the first to hear of the good news of Jesus' birth- what a great surprise!
God loves us regardless of what we do, but with that in mind, but with that in mind, what does God still require of us?
Abraham discovered that commitment opens the door for God to immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine.
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his one and only son, what is the one thing that prevents you from being fully surrendered to God?
Abraham and Lot teach us that our priorities and choices directly impact our unfinished story.
In week one of the series we learn that God asked Abraham to do something impractical so He could do something impossible.
Abraham was 75 years old when he first heard the call from God to leave his homeland. We are also unfinished followers of God.
Every single person must do emotional work in their lives, so as to discover their blind spots.
Relational blind spots such as insecurity, jealousy, and control push people away and cause damage to our relationships with others.
Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household we shall serve the Lord.
Blind Spots are parts of our thoughts, emotions and behaviors which we are unaware of. Jesus wants to help us uncover our blind spots for growth and self awareness.
What is your theology of money? Do you have an open hand or tight fist when it comes to financial resources?
We all have natural, supernatural and developed gifts that God gave us, so how do we best use them to honour Him?
This week we look at the four reasons God says we need to be in a community with other believers.
Romans chapter 12 provides us with principles for lasting transformational change in our lives.
The Holy Spirit's work can be messy and chaotic at times but always strategic and purposeful.
Another value of the Restoration Movement is No Creed But Christ, No Book But The Bible.
The Restoration Movement has always focused on the ordinances found in Acts chapter 2 of practical care, baptism and communion.
What are the origins of the Restoration Movement? Why did it emerge as a unity movement?
In an awkward conversation with Peter, Jesus shows us his heart for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Jesus meets us on the road of life's journey and disappointments and turns us back around towards his presence.
Philippians chapter four teaches us how to overcome anxiety and discover the peace of God in difficult times.
Paul teaches us in Philippians 3 about his ultimate unfinished purpose this side of eternity: Pressing on to know Jesus.
In Philippians 2 Paul encourages us to join together in following the humble example of Jesus.
Paul's perspective on suffering was not from the victory side of suffering but from the middle of it. What can we learn from Paul?
God's work is unfinished in you and God's work is unfinished at Devonport Church of Christ.
Have you discovered the great worth and value of the Kingdom of God? A discovery of great worth leads to great commitment.
Just because something seems insignificant doesn't mean it is not germinating into something really significant.
Jesus will deal with the evil in our world. We are the workers and Jesus will sort the wheat from the weeds.
The parable of the Sower, the Seed and the Soil exposes the condition of our heart. Which soil are you today?
Why are we searching for God when he is not lost. Join us as we unpack the deeper meaning of the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
God sent His son, the Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, so that we could be saved, forgiven and made new.
Real peace can only be found when we discover vertical peace with Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
We all need hope! Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Followers of Jesus need to rethink their approach and mindset towards retirement to bring glory to Christ.
The empty nesting years are an opportunity to tweak your life, parenting, marriage and most importantly your relationship with God.
Singleness is not a problem that needs to be solved. What do you do in a season of singleness?
The Ethiopian eunuch learned that nothing could stand in his way of being baptised. God has removed all the barriers in Jesus.
How can we get through a season when we feel undervalued, under-resourced, underestimated and like we're underachieving?
Grief and loss is the most painful of human emotions. How do we navigate the pain of death and bereavement?
The role of Christian parenthood is to raise our kids in Christ and to then release them into the world, like an archer sends an arrow.
The role of Christian parenthood is to raise our kids in Christ and to then release them into the world, like an archer sends an arrow.
Guest speaker John Finkelde speaks to us about activating our faith in the various seasons of life.
Is your identity in a job or title? Or is it in a relationship with God? What questions should you ask before navigating a vocation transition?
God was in the details and story of Naomi and Ruth’s life and through Ruth’s family tree came King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.
How does Naomi's practical plan play out at the threshing floor? What do we learn about Boaz and Ruth's character?
In Ruth chapter two we learn that kindness attracts kindness and generosity attracts generosity.
Even during tumultuous and difficult circumstances the hand of God is still at work throughout every season of our lives.
Moses teaches us that when Jehovah Nissi is in your corner there is no battle He will not fight on our behalf.
Abraham teaches us that even in the most trying seasons and circumstances of our lives, that God sees and God is our provider.
How can we find true peace, when nothing around seems peaceful? Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is Peace.
Instead of looking at the storm, look through the storm to Elohim, the God of all creation. For even the wind and waves obey Him.
Yahweh is the personal name of God. He is completely self sufficient, yet meets us in our inadequacy.
Jesus expects that Christians serve the local church, so too does the Apostle Paul. I am a Christian so I am a servant.
Just as the human body needs its parts to fully function, so does the Body of Christ. Church membership is functioning membership through generosity and contribution.
All believers must spiritually grow! It indeed is the end to which we have been made according to the Apostle Paul.
The antithesis of thankfulness is grumbling. In everything we need to give thanks and be grateful.
What does it actually mean when we talk about revival, and how can we cultivate revival in our communities?
Easter Sunday is a morning like no other, because of a power like no other, pointing to a king like no other.
According to the Apostle Paul suffering for a believer is refinement, character shaping and glory producing.
God favours the poor and afflicted. When we give to the poor or serve them we are literally serving Jesus himself.
Self-denial is a key tenant of the Christian faith and discipleship. Jesus said you must deny yourself and carry your cross.
During Lent we are encouraged to pray more earnestly. Prayer to a believer is like surgery to a surgeon.
Jesus faced temptations while in the wilderness, what can we learn from the ways He defended Himself.
Lent focuses on spiritual preparation as we approach the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus prepared 30 years for 3 years of public ministry.
Every Christian will experience different spiritual seasons in their lives. What are the seasons and what can we learn?
Just as in nature we have four seasons, there are also many seasons in a person's life. God controls and appoints the seasons of life.
Where is God? Why should I fear God? Is God really all-powerful? Some of the questions answered through Psalm 84
Christmas Day 2022 - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The light shines in the darkness.
This Christmas God is wanting to exchange gifts with us. He wants to exchange them for wonderful gifts from Himself. He wants us to exchange our worries for His peace.
God can make a way in the wilderness and bring water in a barren desert. Because of Jesus' birth God can turn our grief into joy.
God's Word is trustworthy and His will is merciful. God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
"Beware of false teachers who claim that there will not be a final reckoning for sin and people's actions. Many false teachers are slaves to sex, money and power. "
"Beware of false teachers who claim that there will not be a final reckoning for sin and people's actions. Many false teachers are slaves to sex, money and power. "
In 2 Peter chapter 1 Peter raises some of the objections that false teachers have been making and really the question that they raise is; Can I trust Jesus' promises?
What would Jesus say to our church about the last 12 months? We look forward to 2023 with excitement and also faith.
Knowing Jesus and growing in Jesus is foundational to overcoming difficult times and discerning false teachers. We have the divine nature!
There are many areas in life that are grey, but there are some things which are black and white.
There are many areas in life that are grey, but there are some things which are black and white.
We were created by God for responsibility. Irresponsibility affects a Christian's witness in the world.
Who are your friends? Choose wisely as we often become the average of who our friends are.
Who are your friends? Choose wisely as we often become the average of who our friends are.
People will come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Very few people will travel with you to your final destination.
John Finkelde, our guest speaker from 'Grow A Healthy Church' is sharing the story of blind Bartimaeus.
What is it that you are struggling with at the moment and need a break through for? What do you need to shout to God with a shout of faith for?
There is blindness worse than physical blindness, but one thing to know is that Jesus can heal even that.
There is only one thing to believe. We are not saved through our good works or good deeds, but rather through the work of Jesus on the cross at Calvary.
We learn from Mary and Martha that hospitality can sometimes lead us away from the presence of Jesus and that our doing for Jesus must flow from our being with Jesus.
Often we can get caught up in the getting lots of good things done in life. Our focus gets locked on to good things in the world around us, but while they are good things are they the most important things we need to focus on?
What one thing would you ask God when facing difficult and challenging circumstances? In Psalm 27 King David tells us what he asked of God.
Do you own your possessions or do your possessions own you? The best investments are made in heaven not on earth.
Do you rob God? Jesus spoke more about money than He did heaven and hell combined. You can trust God with your money.
Conflict is often inevitable in a church because we are all different. Why and how should we approach conflicts, disagreements and disunity in a church?
The workplace has people from many different walks of life... They all have different values, ideas and expectations. Add in to that the primary reason you spend time with them is because you work together, it's easy to see why this can be such a big area of conflict in our lives.
We often think conflict originates from other people and outside ourselves, but James makes it clear that most conflict emerges from within.
What are you building the foundation of your life upon? Are they things which will last for eternity or are they temporary?
Are you someone who likes to be in control? That's a challenge for many of us. If we want to live a life that matters and has the right priorities we need to Learn Humbly.
Living a life of no regrets means we need to Love Completely where love risks rejection, action, forgiveness and commitment.
If you only had one month to live, you'd want to make it count. How do you Live Passionately, not just for the moment, but in a way that will last?
What would you do if you only had one month to live? Throughout the month of May we will unpack the principles of Living Passionately, Loving Completely, Learning Humbly and Leaving Boldly.
We want to live lives with No Regrets, but despite the intention we still manage to gather regrets through our life. How are we meant to move on through and past regret?
The tomb is empty! Jesus is alive! We now live with one foot in resurrection life and the other in this world.
Good Friday 2022. Before we get to Sunday we must embrace Friday and the cross of Christ.
On Palm Sunday Jesus only had one week to live. What would you do if you only have 7 days to live?
We have all made mistakes, and we have all failed. However, like Peter we can learn that failure does not have to be final.
Hell is real and people are going there! The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus challenges us to consider our choices towards wealth and poverty in this life.
You can be lost with the pigs or lost in the pews. The parable of the two lost sons demonstrates the vast scope of God’s grace towards us.
Jesus asks us to follow him without excuses, reservations or mixed motives. To follow Jesus means no turning back.
How we respond when things go wrong says more about who we are, than how we respond when things go right. What are you building upon?
Riches and wealth are not the secret to contentment and meaning in life, but rather enjoying what God has given you.
Solomon has considered wisdom, pleasure and work as the ways to find meaning in this world... but none of them have worked. This time he moves to internal motivations to see if envy, obsession and discontent can help him find the meaning we all crave.
Our work life can be a gift from God but can be meaningless when it is viewed apart from God.
King Solomon put pleasure to the test to see if it could provide meaning to life and purpose. What did he discover?
Where are you looking to find meaning? What are you putting your hope in? Is it something temporary or is it someone eternal?
Why do you love Jesus? With the new year upon us its a good opportunity to
Re-focus, Re-member & Re-read and find the why.
This Christmas time let us remember that the gift of Christmas is not found in presents or belongings but in the presence of Jesus.
Going through the motions of religious acts means nothing when the rest of your life isn't in obedience to God.
Our God is a loving God, but He's also a just God. In Amos 3 we see a warning of punishment to the Israelites because they were not fulfilling their responsibilities as the people of God... What about our responsibilities today? What is God expecting of us?
The book of Amos teaches us how our spiritual walk with God affects our pursuit of righteous justice.
God asks us to forgive just as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness is an essential part in our marriage and also in our relationships with others.
God brings us out of our tents so that we can go were we've never been before and do what we've never done before.
We need to wholeheartedly embrace today that God uses both singles and married people for His glory. Singleness is a gift and we must honor it the same as we do marriage.
Our marriage will never be what God intends it to be until we make Him our one and our spouse our two. I will always seek the One with my two.
In James we see that our final words are important, they are often what we want people to remember as they leave a conversation.
James challenges us that conflict comes from within ourselves and he gives practical ways to reverse the pride and selfishness that we allow into our lives.
God is impartial regardless of people's race, gender and background. He shows no favoritism and calls us to always obey the royal law according to James.
In the church Development Weekend three of our young adults tag team preached from James 3 on taming the tongue.
James 1:12-25 demonstrates three markers where Christianity is working in a persons life through perseverance, overcoming temptation and being a doer of God's word.
James little brother of Jesus teaches in chapter one of his letter that perseverance under trials is possible when Jesus is the foundation of our lives.
The greatest example of hospitality we know is Jesus' death on the cross. Whilst we were still sinners Christ died for us.
In the midst of spiritual winter its encouraging to know that nothing shall separate us from the love of God.
John Finkelde from Grow A Healthy Church challenges us about stepping out in faith with a Phoebe like heart from Romans 16.
When we are in a time of winter in our lives and are filled with questions about where God is in this time. Job's story is an important encouragement for us as we are in times of winter.
What's true in the natural realm is also true in the spiritual realm. There will come a time when we all experience the sense of winter in our spiritual life, where God feels distant and even silent.
What aren't we trusting in God for today and tomorrow? Let us place our needs and anxieties on our Father.
We can't serve both God and money. Jesus calls us to not accumulate our wealth but rather distribute it.
We need a conscious plan or rule of life so that we can keep Jesus at the center of our lives.