Wishart Community Church: Recent Episodes
Wishart Community Church
Weekly sermon podcast from Wishart Community Church in Brisbane, Australia. A church committed to knowing, obeying, and sharing the truths contained within the Word of God, for the glory of God.
We are continuing our short topical series related to stewarding our time, talents and treasures. Today we wrestle with stewarding our treasures, with the focus in relation to stewarding our money. This is not always a fun thing to think about, let alone preach about, but it is important. The reason is simple; the Bible makes it clear that the way we use money is a window onto our true devotion. Everything we have is from God (Psalm 24:1), so we need to ask how he would want us to invest that resource. God gives us opportunities to give to the support of the church we are part off as well as the broader work of the Lord. The challenge when it comes to financial giving isn’t about how much you can give. It’s for each of us to truly seek God’s leading on how much to give and where to give. The challenge is also to do the giving with joy in our hearts, knowing that God gets the glory as his kingdom grows.
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 9:6-15
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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We are continuing our short topical series related to stewarding our time, talents and treasures. Today we wrestle with stewarding our talents. The church is so much more than a handful of elite Christians ministering in various ways for an hour on Sunday mornings while everyone else sits and watches. Rather, it’s intended to be a vibrant community of believers in which everyone is actively loving and serving one another. This is what Peter writes as he calls every believer to use their unique gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Everything is then done to give glory to God through Jesus Christ. But what are our unique gifts? How do we use them well in service to others? Which will equip me best to serve others, whether in my job, family, church, or neighbourhood?
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-11
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We are beginning a 3-week series on Stewardship. We are stewards of our lives. Managers. Not owners. God is the Owner. He is the Lord. He entrusts us with all that goes on in our lives. In this series we will look at three areas in our lives we are to steward- time, talents and treasures. Today we will look at stewarding our time. As the Puritan Thomas Watson said, “Time is a talent to trade with.” How we spend our time both reveals and trains our hearts. Where our time goes, there our hearts will be also. The New Testament encourages every Christian to care for fellow church members in ways that require us to spend time generously. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). We can’t celebrate someone’s victory, much less mourn someone’s loss, if we’re always in a hurry. So, how are we investing our time to profit our church family?
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
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Stealing is a community problem, condemned by societies throughout human history. So, this commandment is relevant for all people. In Australia, the crime statistics and the public cost of stealing and robbery is huge. It is estimated that theft and retail crime cost Australia up to $9.3 billion annually. We have a problem, but our focus is going to be on us as Christians, rather than society in general. We need to pay attention to what God is saying to us in the eighth commandment. Because this commandment is more broadly about diligence, hard work, dealing fairly with others, paying your debts, justice for the oppressed, and trusting God for provision.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Exodus 20:1-17
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King Manasseh’s life was one of the darkest stories in the Old Testament. He defiled the temple, created idols and worshipped other gods. Yet despite all this, the story has a twist, Manasseh humbled himself in the lowest part of his life and God met him with astonishing mercy, grace and restoration. Join me this Sunday, as we discover that no one is beyond the merciful and gracious hand of God and see how Manasseh’s story shows us the depth of human depravity and the power of God’s mercy and grace.
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-17
Preacher: Dylan Patruica
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What can seem like acts of service that go above and beyond our expectations are in fact, the ordinary duty of servants in the Kingdom. In Luke 17:5-10, Jesus teaches that forgiving others and following Him are not extraordinary acts but the duty of those who have received grace. Even the smallest faith in a powerful Saviour is enough to do duty. Grace when properly understood, replaces recognition or reward freeing us to serve joyfully in humility and with gratitude.
Preacher: Tony van Drimmelen
Passage: Luke 17:1-10
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In the opening chapter of Galatians, Paul is at pains to express how important it is that we get the gospel right. If we get the gospel wrong, our eternity and the honour of Jesus are at stake. Since it is so critical to get the gospel right, we should also ask the question: how do we know which gospel is authoritative? How do we know whether the gospel we believe is authoritative? This Sunday, we will answer these questions by looking at the way Paul establishes his gospel-authority to the Galatian church.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:11 to 2:10
Preacher: Ben Ring
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One thing Paul makes very clear in Galatians is that we are free from the law. Free from judgement under the law and free from trying to win God's favour through the law. Does that mean we can just ignore it all together? That we can live however we want and God doesn't care at all? No, not at all. God rescues us from the present evil age, not just in the sense of forgiving us but by making us new and giving us a new love for Him and trust in Him. What does that new life look like however? We clearly aren't immediately perfect and this week we will see how God has planned for us to grow more and more like our saviour Jesus.
Preacher: Jono Deenick
Passage: Galatians 5:13-26
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Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour." While often summarized as "do not lie," this commandment specifically protects human dignity, community trust, and justice. We need it because we know it hurts when people lie to you or about you. We live in a world that spins truth as relative or categorize some lies as big and others as “little white lies.” Sometimes these lies are intentional and malicious, other times they are partial truths or misunderstandings that we share. The Bible teaches us that lying tears down real relationships creating real harm. The commandment teaches us to guard each other’s reputation and to speak the truth. At first glance you may think “I got this one covered!” but like with the other commandments, historically and scripturally, there is a much deeper understanding that teaches us that God loves truth and we love our neighbour best when we speak the truth to them, about them and to each other.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Exodus 20:1-17
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Don’t murder seems pretty straightforward, and it is. The sixth commandment, you shall not murder, is grounded in the fabric of creation to the point that universally, everyone naturally knows it’s wrong. Murder is wrong, but in God’s eyes, there is more to it that just taking someone’s life. In the Sermon on the Mount, we see how Jesus transforms this commandment to reach the heart. So, knowing murder is wrong, how can live well in a way that builds our lives and communities? These are some of the things we will see as we dive into the sixth commandment.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Matthew 5:21-26
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Today we look at the open of Paul's letter to the Galatians. It is in many ways a stern and strong letter as Paul warns them against deserting the gospel of Jesus for a different and fake gospel. As he does so he helps us to understand and marvel at the good news of our rescue through Jesus Christ. But why Paul was so determined to make sure the Galatian churches, and through them us, understood the true gospel that of Jesus our saviour? Why should we share a similar passion to see the gospel maintained?
Passage: Galatians 1:1-10
Preacher: Jono Deenick
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Today is Mother’s Day, when we celebrate and give thanks for the love of our mothers. The relationship between a mother and her child is perhaps the strongest of all human bonds, forged as it is in nine months of pregnancy, the pain of childbirth itself and the intimate care of a newborn child. It is a relationship marked by a sacrificial gracious love. Much of this mirrors God’s love for us. Out of love, he sent His Son to die for our sins and out of love he offers us the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as mothers care for their children unconditionally, we are called to love others, as we, also, mirror God’s love for us. So, let’s give thanks for our mothers and their love, whilst also remembering God’s love for us. As we do so, let’s learn to love others in the same way.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: 1 John 4:7-12
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We are picking up our 10 Commandments series, under ‘Life’s Building Code’. The first four commandments focused on God and the worship of him. The final six centre on the treatment of other people, with the first speaking about family. It is the first commandment with a promise, as it calls for a heart posture of respect, gratitude and care toward parents, treating them with ‘weightiness’, rather than merely showing outward obedience. That brings up an interesting relationship. Why is it that respect for one’s parents equals longevity in Canaan? To put it simply, respect for one’s parents will equal respect for other authority figures as well. Obedience to parents in the ‘small things’, will inevitably translate to obedience to God. A child that doesn’t respect their parents won’t respect other sources of authority, such as school administrators and local police. Ultimately, they won’t respect God. Of all the things we can teach our children that will have long-lasting effects, respecting an authority outside of self is near the top of the list. It is critically important. But what does it mean to honour your father and your mother? What does this look like?
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Exodus 20:1-17
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We might be confident that we pray to the Great God of heaven and earth but, as we pray, we may not be so confident about praying to our Father in heaven. One of Jesus’ disciples asks, “Lord teach us to pray”. In reply Jesus gives them more than mere words to recite aloud. He goes on to tell them two stories. There is the persistent friend (v.5) and the little child (v.11) both of whom receive amazing answers to their requests. Are we prepared to identify with one or both? We are challenged to ask relentlessly, yet rest in His wisdom, knowing He gives not what we want, but what is truly good.
Preacher: Tony van Drimmelen
Passage: Luke 11:1-13
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We have spent a weekend contemplating the ‘What if’ question as we reflected on Christ’s sacrifice for us on Good Friday. And we celebrated that He is risen on Easter Sunday. But, so what? What does life look like for you after Easter? How do you live in the light of this momentous event? How does it change our lives? It’s now a week later so does everything go back to normal? Do we go back to living our regular everyday lives? The temptation is to treat Easter like it’s an ending, like a spiritual highlight of the year. The eggs have all been found, Jesus is risen, you went to church, and now it’s back to “normal life.” But nothing was normal after Jesus. It stirred a revolution and brough significant change to the world. So, the question to ask is, ‘What difference does the resurrection make to my life today?
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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What if Jesus didn’t really conquer the grave would you still be a Christian? If archaeologists in Jerusalem discovered the body of Jesus of Nazareth, would you remain a follower of Christ? Would you keep living for Jesus because of His compassionate example, His inspirational teaching, His noble moral standards? Or would you abandon any pretence of following in His footsteps? If Jesus had not risen from the dead, I would not be a Christian because that would make Jesus a false prophet. Paul explained the dire consequences of such a scenario and the effect it would have on every believer. Our Christian faith would be worthless. There would be no pardon for sin. We would have no hope after death. But, we can rejoice that Christ has been raised and our faith is valid, the Bible is true, our sins are forgiven, and our hope of resurrection is secure.
Preacher: Jim De Witte
Passage: Matthew 28:1-15
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What if Christ had not died on the cross? Then there would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All the little pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from certain and ultimate doom for every member of the human race. Yet, the writers of the New Testament answer this question by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us. The apostle Peter declared that “Christ died for sins, once for all” (1 Peter 3:18). The apostle Paul observed that “Christ died for our sins, according to Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
Scripture Reading: Mark 15:21-39
Preacher: Pastor Jim de Witte
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The question this week is, ‘What if Jesus had missed Gethsemane? What if we didn’t have this prayer time in the garden? What would we be missing in the story of Jesus death and resurrection?’ Gethsemane was where Jesus and His disciples regularly went to, but here it will be the last time Jesus will be there with them before the cross. All 4 gospels record the scene at Gethsemane, so it has a significance we would do well to consider. It is the place that shows the agony and pain Jesus had to suffer in order to save us. It is also a place where we learn what it really means to do the Father’s will. The Garden of Gethsemane was necessary because it was there that Jesus chose to take upon himself the sin, suffering, and infirmities of humanity. Without Gethsemane, we would miss that truth.
Scripture reading: Matthew 26:36-46
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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As we draw closer to Easter, we are continuing to apply ‘What if’ questions to the events of Jesus’ last week before his death and resurrection. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the Passover meal that Jesus and the disciples celebrated. What if Jesus had not celebrated this ‘Last Supper’ with the disciples? What if the way Jesus used it to teach was not recorded for us? What significant understanding of the gospel would be lacking if we did not have this account?
Scripture reading: Matthew 26:17-30
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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With Easter just a few weeks away, we are going to look together at some of the events that mark Jesus final week leading up to his crucifixion. We are going to apply ‘What if’ questions to the accounts, wondering how things might be different if the event was omitted. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the triumphal entry, as Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. What if Jesus had just slipped into Jerusalem unnoticed, as he had done a few times before? What if Jesus had hidden away from the crowds; what if he stopped the chanting crowd. What would we be missing if we did not have this
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 19:28-44
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When we look at the third commandment it seems, on the surface, and easy one to avoid breaking: just don’t swear using the name of God. Simple, let’s move to the fourth commandment. If that’s all that is at stake, a little self-control would bring compliance. But names in the Bible do more than identify and individual and delving into the name of God is key to a deeper obedience to the command. It is more than misusing God’s name, but ensuring we honour him.
Passage: Exodus 20:7
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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Psalm 90 is a psalm of meditation and reflection. It reflects on two massive truths about God and life here on this earth. But these reflections aren't just an exercise in navel-gazing, they lead to a response. Psalm 90 shows us how to respond to God in light of the truths that it reflects on. Knowing what God is like, and what our lives are like, drives us to make him our help and our dwelling place.
Passage: Psalm 90
Preacher: Jacob Greatbatch
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Last Sunday we looked at the first commandment which makes it clear who the object of our worship must be: YHWH alone. But how is he to be worshipped? That is the question addressed in the second commandment, which in brief says, with no idols. God’s uniqueness requires unique devotion. The warning is about avoiding any representation of God as if he is a part of creation, or even a created animal or being. So then, the commandment teaches us how we are to think of God, and it also teaches us how we are to worship God. It means we must worship God as he has revealed himself and as he has required: in Christ, through his Word and the sacraments, received by faith, in spirit and in truth.
Bible Passage: Exodus 32:1-24
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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Psalm 15 is one of the shortest psalms, but it packs a punch as it asks the daunting question, ‘Who is worthy?’ Who is righteous enough to dwell in God’s presence? Who has the right, by the way they live, to be accepted with God? Our response might be that we long to be that kind of person and we pray that God’s empowering grace to help us. But the psalm doesn’t end with that. Instead, it points to Jesus, the ultimate answer to the question. Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life all of the time and in every way. He did that as our substitute because God knew that we would never live that way. Jesus, in his righteous life and acceptable death, purchased for us our acceptance with God. So, because we are now righteous in Christ, we can live in the presence of God.
Passage: Psalm 15
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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In Psalm 13 there is a recurring question, “How long?” David wants to be delivered. He thought God had forgotten him and more. David faith is tested as he feels abandoned by God and so doubts his goodness. Can anything be worse than that? Maybe you have experienced the same painful feeling of being abandoned by God. Yet this kind of fear and doubt is not the opposite of faith as we are sometimes told, but an element of our faith. How do we know that? We have Psalm like this one that demonstrate ways we can cry out to God, taking our pain and complaints to him and trust he is with us. As Alistair Begg has written, ‘God’s care for his children is like the sun: it’s constant. Even though clouds obscure it, it doesn’t mean the sun is not there.’
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Psalm 13
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It seems strange to have this song of John as the last in our Christmas series of songs of Jesus. We don’t often include John the Baptist in our Christmas celebrations. Maybe that’s on purpose because he is a very upsetting figure in dress and in words. Yet, before we get to the ministry of Jesus, we meet John. In Luke’s account, the birth of Jesus is book-ended by John with his birth and his ministry. So, the way to Bethlehem’s manger is through John the Baptist. And John the Baptist is the one who prepares that way, as prophesied 700 years earlier by Isaiah.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 3:1-18
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Christmas and peace. How do those two words fit together in your mind? For some, peace at Christmas means getting together with and tolerating family members you dislike. For others, peace is only possible after Christmas, when the pace of everything slows down for the summer break. This week we look at the angels’ song in Luke 2 and the peace that they sing about. This peace is not the end of military conflict, family discord, financial anxiety, or even a frantic lifestyle. No, the peace they are proclaiming is peace with God and it’s linked to, not just the birth of the Saviour, but also his death on the cross that brought genuine forgiveness and peace. That is lasting peace. It's the peace we need more than anything else. By trusting in who Jesus is and what Jesus did, we receive the greatest Christmas gift of all. Peace with God! And if you have received it, savour it. Let it bring joy and praise to your heart and glory to God in the highest.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 2:8-21
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Zechariah has spent nine months in total silence turning his thoughts over and over in his mind till they have blended into this amazing song. And what do the words teach us? That God has come to his people and redeemed them, just as he promised. That we are set free to worship him through forgiveness and for illumination. It is a song of exhortation to praise God, God who has stooped from heaven in the person of Jesus Christ, who has been faithful to his promises, who lights up our lives with the warmth of his love and who will lead us home. Interestingly, his song is not firstly about the son born to him in his old age, but praise to God who has remembered his promises. This is the joy that flows from the heart of Zechariah, and this joyful praise flows from our hearts that are stirred as we reflect on the God-man in the manger.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 1:67-80
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Can you imagine Christmas without Christmas carols? Christmas carols are one of the things that make Christmas, Christmas. Songs praising the Saviour’s birth have always been a part of this celebration. Some songs were sung before the Saviour was even born, proclaiming his birth. Songs that proclaim a very special event, God taking on human flesh. Luke records songs from Mary, Zechariah, Simeon and angels. This Sunday we will look at the first song in the gospel, Mary’s song known as the Magnificat. It is a song that glorifies Jesus Christ as Lord, even before he was born. Her song of praise helps us praise our great Lord and saviour too.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 1:39-56
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We can’t share the good news of the gospel and leave Jesus dead. His death is certainly important, because through it we receive forgiveness. But there is so much more, with the resurrection also central to our faith. The Heidelberg Catechism asks the question: How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us? The summary of their answer is that by Jesus’ resurrection he has overcome death, we now experience resurrected life, and we have a glorious future guaranteed. Paul supports all this as he writes 1 Corinthains 15. Without the resurrection the good news becomes bad news. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead all our praying, serving, church attendance, God honouring ways of life and more have been a waste of time. But the good news is Jesus has been raised from the dead. That brings hope; that changes everything. The resurrection of Christ is not a theory or an idea. It is a historical fact, and a demonstration of the power of God.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
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Why did God send Jesus, his one and only Son to live as a man? Have you ever asked yourself this question? When we truly begin to grasp the significance of our sin against God, it is natural to wonder what could possibly motivate God to send his Son Jesus. Yet, God loves the world he created, and he loves us, so he didn’t leave us to suffer the consequences of our rebellion. He sent his own Son into the world to save us: the man Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus not to deny the fact of sin or help us forget about our sin. Death is the punishment for rebellion, and Jesus died our death. Jesus took on himself the judgement and punishment that we deserved, by dying on the cross in our place. In Christ, God forgave sin and released us from its penalty. Through faith in the Son, we have full deliverance from guilt, and we have peace with God. And all of this is completely undeserved by us. We rejected God, but because of his great love, God sent his Son to die for us, and we praise him for it.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Romans 5:1-11
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When Jesus returns, every knee will bow and tongue confess him as lord as he rules with love, justice, and wisdom. As we wait for that day however, we journey together and persevere by his grace. Paul writes Philippians from his prison cell to encourage the church. As we prepare and are prepared for that great day, Paul reminds us that Jesus will complete the work he began in us. Together, we look back to what Jesus did for us, and what he began in us. Then we can look forward knowing that he will be with us as we serve him, until that day he returns.
Preacher: Troy Smalley
Passage: Philippians 1:3-11
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Last Sunday we saw that our sin has ruined the world that God gave us to rule. And what’s even more, our rebellion against God makes us deserving of His righteous judgment. We don’t like this idea of God’s judgment, do we? Many argue that God’s love should stop Him from judging those He loves. The wrath of God is difficult to grasp. This is especially so when each of us are in rebellion against God and we also deserve God’s wrath and eternal judgement for our sins. It’s true that from a purely human perspective God’s eternal judgment of sinners can seem at best harsh and even absurd. Yet, in a way, God’s justice is good news. Evil is not going to have the final say. Those who have suffered abuse and mistreatment need to know that God hates those things, and He will someday make it right. The justice of God is a difficult, but crucial, component of the gospel message. We can proclaim that ‘Jesus Saves’, but from what does he save us? We need the bad news for only then will sense the beauty of God’s grace and mercy.
Bible Passage: Psalm 96
Pastor: Jim De Witte
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Last week we were introduced to God as the good ruler and creator of a good world. We were placed in that good creation to take care of it. So, have you ever wondered why so many things in this life are relentlessly so difficult, so painful, and so frustrating? Why so many things are so far from what they should be? As you look at the world around you, do you ask yourself where it all went so wrong? As Christians, we believe that the fundamental problem rests within each one of us; it lies within our own hearts. We call it sin. But what is sin? How did sin come into the world? ‘Everything that is wrong in our lives and in the world stems from the fateful choice humanity has made. From the very beginning, we didn’t want God to be our ruler. We rejected him as God by deciding to live our own way, in defiance of him.’ How this happened and how it impacts everything is what we will look at today.
Passage: Genesis 3:1-24
Preacher: Jimm de Witt
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Pastor: Jim De Witte
Passage: Genesis 1:1-2:3
Over the next 6 weeks we are going to look at some key points of the Gospel, based around the ‘Two Ways to Live’ tract. And we start with who God is. Why? The basis of the whole gospel is that God is the ruler of the world. He rules because he made the world. He also made us. God created people who were something like himself and put them in charge of the world— to rule it, to care for it, to be responsible for it, and to enjoy all its beauty and goodness. He appointed humanity to supervise and look after the world, but always under his own authority, honouring him and obeying his directions. We exist to the praise of God’s glory, not our own, so we are accountable to him. We start here because, unless we can establish God’s authority, we have no basis as to why we should care or answer to God.
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Christian contentment has been referred to as a ‘rare jewel’. It would be nice to always be content in life, whatever our circumstances. But so often we feel discontent, unsettled, and even envious of others who seem to have more. 1 Timothy chapter 6 teaches us some great lessons about contentment. If we heed the lessons of this chapter we’ll see that true contentment really is possible, and the secret to it is not what you might think.
Preacher: Jacob Greatbatch
Passage: 1 Timothy 6:2b-10; 17-19
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This Sunday we have Murray Capill bring us God’s Word from Matthew 16:18. Murray led the sessions at our Elder Training Conference yesterday and has stayed on to be with us in worship today. Murray is the Dean of Ministry Development and Lecturer in Pastoral Ministry at the Reformed Theological College in Melbourne. We thank Murray in advance for the message he will bring.
Preacher: Murray Capill
Passage: Matthew 16:13-23
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In Joshua 24:14-18, Joshua gives the most famous of all that he ever spoke. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” With a baptism and a family being brought into church membership this Sunday, it is good to affirm this truth. It is a promise to do the best we can to make sure that everything that takes place inside the home honours God. It is also a prayer that the children raised there will follow in the faith of their parents. That will require loving communication of our faith to our children and, ultimately, a work of the Spirit of God to change their hearts.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Joshua 24:14-28
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Today we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of Wishart Community Church. This celebration is a way to give thanks to God for His faithfulness. As we look back on the past, we are reminded of the many ways that God has blessed our church. We are grateful for our members, our pastors and members, and the countless opportunities that we have had to serve our community. We also remember our heritage. We are thankful for the pioneers of our faith who laid the foundation for our church. We are thankful for the pastors and staff who have served our church over the years. And we are thankful for the countless members who have given their time, talents, and resources to build up our church community. And, as we celebrate our anniversary is a way to look to the future with hope, excited about what God has in store for us. We are committed to continuing to share the love of Jesus Christ with our community. We are committed to raising up a new generation of leaders. And we are committed to building a church that is known for its love, its compassion, and its commitment to serving others.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Colossians 1:3-14
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Luke had just given a marvellous description of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Antioch. The church was growing by leaps and bounds (Acts 11:21). Everything was going well. Reading that, what happens here in chapter 12 is shocking and unexpected. One of God’s chosen apostles is brutally killed and another is arrested and awaiting execution. From the chapter we learn lessons important for us as the church. We see that the church is called to pray in crisis. We see the Lord’s answer to the church’s prayers. We realise that sometimes we can be surprised when the Lord does in fact answer our prayers. Finally, we see that nothing can withstand God’s purpose to glorify his Son through his Word. Not the opposition of tyrants, the indifference or hostility of public opinion, the feebleness of the church, nor the death of his faithful ministers. The remarkable progress of the Word in the first half of Acts is traceable ultimately to the Lord’s purpose and power. That was the confidence of the church in the first century, and that must be our confidence today.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Acts 12:1-24
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There are lots of times when we’re fearful to go somewhere or do something. Some people are particularly intimidating and we avoid them or have to work up our courage to speak to them. This week we see the fear of Joseph’s brothers coming before a great and scary power – and we’re taught a lesson about how God deals with us – with mercy!
Preacher: Phil Popping
Passage: Genesis 43
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Today’s passage sends the church further north to Antioch where the church grows and expands and followers of Jesus are first called Christians. This church will keep popping up in Acts as a major launch pad for the missionary movements of Paul. But the church begins because of the persecution that originated from Stephen’s stoning back in Acts 8. People from the island of Cyprus and all the way from Cyrene on the northern coast of Africa come to Antioch and begin proclaiming Jesus to either Greek Jews, or straight up Gentiles and the church takes off. The church in Antioch is both diverse, and incredibly focused on mission and spreading the good news of Jesus in their community and across the known world. It raises questions like, ‘What are some ways the church today can take on characteristics of the church in Antioch? Who are the Barnabas like people in the church? How might we take on a Barnabas role of encouragement and support within the church and on mission?’
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Acts 11:19-30
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We’ve been working through the book of Acts, and we’ve seen how the apostles took seriously Jesus’ command to go and make disciples. We have tracked the gospel going out from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. We met Saul (Paul) who, following his dramatic conversion, begins to preach the gospel in Damascus and Jerusalem. But, for now, Saul, having travelled to safety in Tarsus, leaves the stage, and the focus shifts back to Peter, as he travels about the region encouraging the believers. We now come to two stories where God used Peter mightily, first to heal a man who had been paralysed for eight years; and second, to raise a Christian woman from the dead. We need to ask, and try to answer, why Luke included these two stories. And we need to ask what it means for us today.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Acts 9:32-43
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This Sunday, we begin a new journey through the book of 1 Peter, a letter written to people feeling scattered, pressured, and out of place. Maybe that resonates with you too. In this first message, we’ll slow down and let Peter remind us of something easy to forget: who we are. Chosen. Set apart. Not home yet.
Through this passage, we’ll see that the gospel isn’t just something we receive, it redefines us. And in a world that often feels like it’s pushing against our faith, we’ll be invited to anchor our lives in the living hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Preacher: Dylan Patruica
Passage:1 Peter 1:1-12
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The story of Saul’s conversion is probably one of the most startling and simultaneously encouraging stories in the entire Bible. It is startling because in this story, God executes his eternal plan of redemption in the life of a man who went from being the hunter and persecutor of early Christians to a radically transformed apostle of Jesus Christ. It is also deeply encouraging because in this story we are reminded that no one is beyond the power of the gospel; no matter what you have done, no matter how far you have fallen, God can still save you, he can still make you his own, and he can still use you in his great kingdom work. It is startling and amazing because here we see that salvation, from beginning to end, is a work of God’s grace. God’s grace is given to the undeserving, like Saul. God’s grace humbles people before it saves. God’s grace reveals the glory of Jesus, and God’s grace opens eyes to truly see. It all comes back to grace, and it is all seen in the conversion of Saul.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Acts 9:1-19
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How have you responded to seeing the worth of Jesus? In Mark 14 we see that there are various ways to respond to the worth of Jesus – each of them leading to some kind of waste. It might sound strange, but Ben hopes to unpack the idea that our response to Jesus will either be an anxious waste, a deadly waste, or a beautiful waste.
Passage: Mark 14: 1-11
Preacher: Ben Ring
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In this section of the gospel of Mark we see Jesus predicting his own death. Again the disciples misunderstand and even begin to argue about which one of them is the greatest. And so Jesus begins to teach them about kingdom ambition. Not an ambition for personal gain and advancement, but of service in Jesus' name.
Preacher: Jono Deenick
Passage: Mark 9: 30-50
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How ready are you to face hard times? What can a person do to prepare for trouble in the world? In society and at home? Habakkuk explores those questions and in so doing accuses God of doing nothing. He deals with the issues of evil, God’s sovereignty and our relationship with God. “How long and why?” are honest questions from someone who is prepared to “wrestle” with God. We do well to consider what honest, faithful wrestling with God looks like. We need to come to know that in the gospel God has granted salvation out of the worst evil the world has ever known.
Preacher - Tony van Drimmelen
Passage: Habakkuk 1: 1-17
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In the book of Psalms, we find many types of Psalms. There are hymns of praise, Psalms of lament, confidence, and thanksgiving to name a few. One of the reasons the Psalms are so cherished by the people of God is that they express the whole range of human emotion, from utter despair to jubilant celebration. No matter your situation in life you will find an inspired song that expresses the condition of your heart. Today we will look together at Psalm 66, a Psalm of thanksgiving, as the Psalmist remembers some difficulty in times past that caused despair, from which the Lord has delivered them. The response of the psalmist is praise. We too have been delivered by God and our appropriate response is praise and thanksgiving.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Psalm 66
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At our Church Family Camp, which was held from Friday 2nd of May to Monday 5th of May, we had Rev. Josh Hartog sharing this message with us on Sunday Morning. (4th of May).
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At our Church Family Camp, which was held from Friday 2nd of May to Monday 5th of May, we had Rev. Josh Hartog sharing this message with us on Saturday Afternoon. (3rd of May)
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At our Church Family Camp, which was held from Friday 2nd of May to Monday 5th of May, we had Rev. Josh Hartog sharing this message with us on Saturday Morning. (3rd of May)
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As we continue our journey with Jesus to the cross, we come to this watershed moment in human history. We come to this place where what is anticipated in the Old Testament celebration of the Passover is realized here in the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Here we see that Jesus himself is the true Passover Lamb. Here is a passage which does not really have practical application as the best goal, but for it to capture our hearts with a sense of wonder over our Saviour Jesus. We become participants in the story as we see ourselves as desperate sinners, in need of rescuing & in need of God’s divine grace. It’s why we will also celebrate this moment together as we partake of the Lord’s Supper together, as commanded by Jesus.
Passage: Mark 14:12-26
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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What was it like for Jesus in the last week of his life? He knew that he was heading to Jerusalem to die, according to God’s plan of redemption. So, what did he do? How did He act? How did He stay focused? What can we learn from Jesus? We will touch on these things over the next few weeks leading up to Easter, as we follow Jesus to the cross. We begin today with Jesus’ resolute determination to lead the way into Jerusalem. He, again, told his disciples what would happen to him, and we note their response. They were astonished and afraid but really don’t get it because they ask for places of power and influence. Against the disciples we can then measure our response to following Jesus.
Passage: Mark 10:32-45
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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As Dylan introduced to us last week, we are in a short series where we are looking at the different parts of our Church’s Mission Statement. Dylan reminded us of the call from God to love him with all our heart, mind and strength. Today we pick up the second part of the Mission Statement, ‘Loving one another’. This line in our Mission Statement is closely linked to our love of God. In his famous response to the question of which is the greatest commandment, he gives two different, but alike, commandments. The question to wrestle with today is why and how we can love one another, in response to God’s love for us.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Scripture Reading: John 13:34-35
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Today we look at Joseph, husband of Mary, and note that he is very much a part of the Christmas story. Matthew’s gospel tells us about Joseph, a descendant of Abraham, and an honourable man. While we do not know much about him, we know that, in God’s plans, he had an important role in the biblical story. We discover that Joseph must learn to align his life to God’s plan, as he leads. Joseph is a man who lives in obedience to the Lord, as God revealed his plan to him. Joseph’s resolve was to immediately follow the Lord’s directions, as God used him to protect Mary and Jesus from Herod, and to see prophecy fulfilled. This is a truth every believer in Jesus, the Messiah, must learn.
Passage: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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When we tell the Christmas story we generally start with the story of Jesus and his parents. But, in our lead up to Christmas, we are going to look at the story through the lives of people we typically don’t think of as part of the story. Here in Luke’s gospel, the biblical account of Christmas begins with Jesus’s cousin John, as Luke describes the unusual circumstances leading to John’s birth. So, today we will think about Zechariah and Elizabeth and their part in the Christmas story. They form the link between the revelation of God in the Old Testament and that in the New Testament. When Zechariah is finally able to speak, nothing could hold him back in praise of God and what he had done and was about to do, through his son, John and the coming Saviour. We, too, have the opportunity to share that same good news that Zechariah announce. We get to tell the gospel that brings us to faith and sends us out to witness, as we share the Christmas story.
Passage: Luke 1: 5-25; 57-80
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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In this passage we join Philip on a road through the wilderness. He is trudging on this road on a mission from God, unsure what he will find, but none-the-less faithful. He ends up running alongside a chariot of a man he’d never met before, all to share the good news of Jesus Christ with him in the middle of the desert. Here we are given the scene of a divinely ordained encounter that reminds us again that the growth of the church was a result of God opening the doors for his word. If this was the case then, it means that God is still opening doors for his word to touch people hearts and lives through us. When the door of opportunity opens for you to speak about Jesus, what is your response?
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Acts 8:26-40
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Passages: 1 Cor 3:1--15
1 Thess 4:13-18
2 Pet 3:1-13
Preacher: Bill Berends
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After spending time in Jerusalem, the disciples returned to Galilee. We find them by the shoreline, almost in suspended animation. They have the air of a group of men who are not sure what to do. They have not the slightest clue as to what will happen next. They are marking time, waiting for something to happen. So, they do what they know best, they go fishing. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus shows up. Perhaps they have a sense of Déjà vu, as they pull in a net full of fish. This was followed by a memorable breakfast on the beach. What’s going on here? And why does John include this? Jesus was telling them, ‘I will care for you. I will look after you. I will abundantly supply all your needs.’ And he has the same message for us. Like the disciples, we may want to return to our own agendas when we get discouraged in our walk with Jesus. But then Jesus shows up again, on the shore of our lives to extend forgiveness and to draw us back to those moments when He first called us.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: John 21:1-14
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Good Friday is a momentous day in the Christian calendar and many of us know the story so well but as we look at the account of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and death, we have some questions we need to ask ourselves. Why was Jesus overwhelmed as he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane? What does a cup have to do with his death? What did Jesus mean when he cried from the cross 'It is finished'? Together we look at these questions and give thanks to God for gracious provision for us.
Preacher: Jim de Witte
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Colossians 1:1-14
Pastor: Jim De Witte
Special testimony from our brother and sister, Daniel & Pricilla Gollan - Missionaries from Ukraine.
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Preacher: Adrian de Bruyn
Passage: Judges 2:7-10, Judges 3:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11
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Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3
Preacher: Mark Meenks
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Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Preacher: Francois van der Walt
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Passage: Mark 15:21-32
Preacher: Gerhard Oberholzer
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Passage: Revelation 3:1-6 & 14-22
Preacher: Jack De Vries
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Passage: Psalm 29
Preacher: Juhan Klooster
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Passage: Daniel 2:44-45
Preacher: Francois van der Walt
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Passage: Revelation 2:12-29
Preacher: Jack De Vries
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Passage: Ephesians 4:29-5:2
Preacher: Gerhard Tromp
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Passage: Deuteronomy 14:1-21
Preacher: Nathanael Remminga
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Passage: Revelation 2:8-11, 3:7-13
Preacher: Jack De Vries
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Passage:Genesis 27: 1-29
Preacher: Tony Van Drimmelen
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Text: The Book of Daniel
Preacher: Francois van der Walt
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Passage: Revelation 2:1-7
Preacher: Jack De Vries
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Passage: Psalms 42 & 43
Preacher: Tony van Drimmelen
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"I have seen and I testify that Jesus Christ is God's Chosen One"
Passages: John 1:1-7, John 1:29-34
Preacher: Gerhard Oberholzer
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Preacher: Ben Fien
Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Genesis 50:15-21
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Preacher: Jim de Witte
Passage: Luke 14:25-35
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Preacher: Jono Deenick
Passage: Romans 9:30-10:21
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Preacher: Francois van der Walt
Passage: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32
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Preacher: Jono Deenick Passage: Romans 9:1-29
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Preacher: Andrew Nugteren
Passage: Hebrews 11:1-7 & Genesis 5:1-32
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Preacher: Nathanael Remminga
Passage: Acts 5:12-42
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Ephesians 4:7-16
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Ephesians 4:1-6
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Preacher: Juhan Klooster
Passage: Romans 12:9-21
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Preacher: Adam Schoenmaker
Passage: John 14:1-14
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Mark 8:22-30
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Preacher: Francois van der Walt
Passage: Hebrews 11:7
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Genesis 4:1-16
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Preacher: KJ Tromp
Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Acts 6:1-7
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Text: 1 Cor 11:17-34
Preacher: Br. Francois van der Walt
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Date:16th May
Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Theme: How to receive the kingdom
Bible reading: | Luke 18:15-17
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Text: John 15:1-17
Preacher: Br. Francois van der Walt
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Scripture: Acts 4:23-31
Preacher: Ettiene de Wilzem
Date: 18/4/21
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Preacher: Jack de Vries
Text: Luke 24:13-35
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Preacher: Rev. Gerhard Oberholzer
Text: Luke 6:12-16, Luke 22:47-51, Luke 23:32a-34a
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Preacher: Rev. KJ Tromp
Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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Date:18/02/2020
Preacher: Nathanael
Theme: God's perfect Provision
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Acts 19:11-20
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Preacher: Brother Francois van der Walt
Text: 2 Peter 1:3-11
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Date:24 Jan 2021
Preacher: Jack
Theme: who do you follow
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Preacher: John Van Dijk
Text: 10:17-27
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Theme: eternity
preacher: Jessy Gollan
Date:10-Jan-2021
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Date:13/Dec/2020
Preacher:JK
text:John 11 21&32
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Date:06/12/2020
Preacher: Francois
Theme: Is the world bisically good or bisically bad?
Scripture: Genisis 3 14-19
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Date:
29/11/2020
Preacher: Jack
Theme: Waiting in Hope
Scripture: Titus 2
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Revelation 22:6-21
Preacher Br. Francois van der Walt
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Scripture Reading, Revelation 21:22-22:5
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Revelations 3:14-22
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Genesis 45:1-24
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The Woman of Samaria - Part 2
Text: John 4:34,35
Preacher Br. Francois van der Walt
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Brother Francois van der Walt
Acts 5:12-42
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Date:05/07/2020
Title: God made everything and it was good
Preacher: Francois
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21-Jun-2020
Title:A Beautiful Storm
Preacher: JK
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Titel: Just One Thing
Scripture: Psalm 27
Preacher: Jack
Date:14/June/2020
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Title: Love that is Painful
Scripture : John 13 8-38
Preacher: Ben Fien
Date:31-May-2020
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Luke 12:13-34
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Title: Meeting Jesus in our Doubts
Preacher: Nathaneal Remminga
Text: John 20:24-31
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Mark 4:35-41
Brother Francois van der Walt
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Preacher: Andrew Nugteren
Passage: John 11:1-44
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Luke 7:1-17
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Preacher: Shane Paxa
Text: Matthew 5:17-48
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Date: 22-March-2020
Pastor: Jack de Vries
Reading: Proverbs 30:24-28
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage: Luke 6:1-11
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Passage Luke 4:1-13
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: 1 Cor 1:1-9
Theme Grace and Peace
See: www.mansfield-crc.com for more information
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Preacher: Johann Eloff
Date: 23/Feb/2020
Text: Luke 22:7 21
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Guest Preacher // Phillipians 3:2-11 // February 9
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Elders in God's Church by Jesse Gollan, 1 Timothy 3: 1-7
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Date:19-Jan-2020
Pater: Ben
Theme: He will built it
Scripture reading: Mathew 16: 13-19
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If you constantlky asking "Why" and it destroys your joy, just "Stop it".
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Louw Malan - Live in a place of peace and great joy - Phillipians 4 : 4-9
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Text: Philipians 3:3-11
Preacher Louw Malan
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Pastor:Tony Vin Drimmelen
Date:15/Dec/2019
Theme: Joy to The World
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Revelation 20:10 - 21:7
Satan. Christ. Victory. What the Lord's victory means for us
Jesse Gollan
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Date:17/Nov./2019
Pastor: Jeremiah Meliendrez
theme:How not to be an antichrist
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time:10/Nov/2019
text: | Mark 10:13-16
pastor:Johann Eloff
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Title:oh,that you would enlarge my territory...
Text:1 Chronicles 4:10
Preacher: Johann Eloff
Date:13th Oct. 2019
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Theme: The whole book of 1 Peter
Text:
Preacher Jesse Gollan
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Title: Oh, that you would bless me!
Preacher: Johann Eloff
Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9,10
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Title: Elders
Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-11
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Do not be ashamed of your faith
Rev. Nobin Shunmugam
23 June 2019
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Text: 1 Peter 4: 7-11
Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Theme: Living in the Light of the Last Days
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Preacher: Johann Eloff
Text: Psalm 46:10
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Theme: Our identity in Christ
Preacher: Juhan Klooster
Date: 26 May 2019
Text: Colossians 3:1-4
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Preacher: Lourens Nel
Text: Romans 11:11-24
Date: 19 May 2019
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Title: Living in the Light of the Ultimate Truth
Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Date: 5 May 2019
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Pastor: Johann Elloff
Psalm 8:2-3a
Date: 14 April 2019
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Preacher: Jesse Gollan
Text: Luke 9:18-26
Date: 07 April 2019
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Text: Acts 17:22-23
Theme: In Him we live and move and have our being
Pastor: Johann Eloff
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