Sermon Seasonings: Recent Episodes
Christ Church Gladesville
Christ Church Gladesville's weekly Podcast. Join us as we dig a little deeper into the passage of the week, add some extra thinking about things that came out of Sunday and answer questions we couldn't get to on the live stream so that we can become better readers of the Bible.
Join Mandy and Seb as they break down Hebrews 7 and 8 and look at the OT background to Melchizedek, and consider what it means for us to draw near to God.
Join David and Mandy as we explore Hebrews 1:5-2:18 and consider the nature and work of angels, and some of the big questions that people have about them.
Join David and Mandy as they finish reading Hebrews 11-13.
The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Join David and Mandy as we read through Hebrews 1-10 NIV
The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Join David and Mandy as discuss the beginning of Hebrews, and some questions that arise from the passage. Can you beat Mandy on the quiz?
Join Seb and Mandy as they discuss Matthew 6, answering a listener question about treasures and rewards in heaven, and exploring in more depth the concept of worry and anxiety.
A great resource:
When the Noise Won't Stop: A Christian Guide to Anxiety by Paul Grimmond
Join David and Mandy for the second half of the podcast discussing Matthew 5:17-48, where we address some of the questions raised after the sermon.
Doctrine Commission Report here
If you need help, contact 1800RESPECT the National Domestic Family Sexual Violence Counselling Service.
Join David and Mandy on the first of a two part episode looking at Matthew 5:17-48 considering Jesus' teaching on the law.
Join Braydon & Mandy as we discuss Proverbs 9. We focus on the similarities and differences between the calls of Wisdom and Folly, look at the significance of v7-12 and discuss why it is that Folly gets the last word.
Join Seb and Mandy on this week's sermon seasonings as we consider the personification of wisdom, the structure of Proverbs 8, and then reflect on what God has been doing in our hearts as we study the book of proverbs.
Join David and Mandy as they explore Proverbs 6, and answer some questions that have been raised about "The Solomon Conundrum".
Join David and Mandy as they kick start our series in Proverbs with a discussion of Hebrew poetry and what it means to Fear the Lord.
Join Dave and Braydon as we tackle four big questions that came up from Revelation 17-19 and reflect upon how much better investing in God's righteousness is than getting seduced by wealth and power.
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at some of the Old Testament passages that stand in the background of Revelation 8-11 and help us to more clearly understand the vision God gives to John.
Join Mandy and Seb as they walk through Revelation 4 verse by verse and unpack some of the imagery and OT allusions we see as we are taken into the throne room of God.
Join David and Mandy as they walk through the letters to the seven churches and discuss what they mean and the implications for us now.
Join Seb and Mandy as we kick off the Revelation series. We think a little bit about apocalyptic literature - including signs and symbolism (see if you can spot Mandy's error), the many blessings and reflect on the significance of Jesus holding the keys of death and hades.
Join Dave & Mandy for a bumper final edition of Sermon Seasonings for this term, where we look in detail at Hebrew narrative and some of the techniques used in it as we examine Exodus 32 and see how God acts in the face of the Israelite rebellion in making the golden calf.
Join Dave and Braydon as we explore both the passover and the parting of the Sea of Reeds and learn something about Israel in Egypt that Exodus doesn't tell us but Ezekiel does.
Join Seb and Mandy for the first of five podcasts this term in Exodus. We look back over Exodus 1-4 and consider the context of Exodus, the significance of the Angel of the Lord, and attempt to answer a tricky question on the significance and meaning of Exodus 4:24-26.
Join Dave & Mandy for the final episode of season 10 as they discuss Acts 20 in three parts: History, Narrative and Doctrine.
Join Mandy and Braydon (on his first foray into podcasting) as they discuss Acts 17 and reflect on evangelistic preaching, and a few key observations from the text that we didn't get to look at in detail on Sunday.
Join Mandy and Seb as they discuss Acts 16:1-15 and reflect on Timothy, the word of God and Lydia's hospitality.
Join Dave and Mandy as we discuss Acts 15, focussing in particular on the relationship between Acts and Galatians 2, and the relationship between Paul & Barnabus.
And we're back! Join Dave and Mandy as we discuss Acts 13 and the many Old Testament prophesies that find their fulfilment in Jesus' rejection by his own people, as well as reflecting on our place in God's mission as we seek to share the good news of Jesus.
Join Dave & Mandy as we discuss Genesis 48-49:28. We reflect on Jacob's blessing on his sons, the details in chapter 49, and the great blessings that flow to us who are in Christ.
Join Dave and Mandy as we explore Genesis 42-47. We make some interesting textual observations, consider God's capital "P" plan, and then answer some of the questions that came in.
Join Seb and Mandy on a mini episode looking at Genesis 39-41. We reflect on the three chapters, the two years in jail, and the one secret to understanding the whole account, with some reflections on dealing with suffering and hardship.
Join Dave, Seb and Mandy as we reflect on Genesis 37 and discuss some practical tips for fighting against bitterness and envy. We also look at a couple of questions that came in, and zoom in on two disturbing 'side stories' in this part of Genesis.
With Mandy in Morocco, David and Jeremy are left in charge of the podcast. We have a closer look at the story of Jacob's ladder (or is it 'staircase'?), his stone pillow (or is it a weapon?), and solemn vow to the Lord (or is it a cynical bargain?). We trace the story of the blessing of the land so far in Genesis and reflect upon what it means for the Lord to be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We then finish with a Q and A based on some of the questions that were sent through on Sunday.
Join Dave and Mandy as we discuss Genesis 26:1-28:5. We focus in on Ch 26, and see what the sandwiching of this account of Isaac between the two Jacob and Esau narratives shows us, and examine the concept of blessing, addressing some of the questions that have been raised over the weekend.
Closer to normal length this week, as we get back into the rhythm of podcasting!
The return of Sermon Seasonings after break is a bumper edition, as Dave, Seb and Mandy reflect on Genesis 25:19-34.
For more reflections on the doctrine of election, check out S2 E3: Whose Choice
Join Dave and Mandy as the look at some textual details in Mark 14:27-52 concerning ears and naked young men, before turning to the use of the cup metaphor throughout the Old Testament, and then think about how we are to keep watch as we await Jesus' return.
Join Dave and Mandy as we dive into Mark 14:1-26 and consider the identity of the woman in the account, some differences between the gospel accounts and the control and certainty Jesus demonstrates as he heads towards the cross.
Join Dave, Jeremy and Mandy as we discuss Mark 13. We reflect on how to live in light of the age we live in and how to understand some of the trickier parts of this passage, particularly some of the Old Testament background.
Join Dave, Seb and Mandy at our latest roundtable looking at Mark 12:35-44 as we discuss Psalm 110, the hypocrisy of Israel's leaders and the generosity of the widow who gave her all.
Join Dave, Mandy and Jeremy for our first roundtable episode, where we consider the passage Tony preached on Sunday and reflect together on what it means.
In this bumper edition, Dave and Seb wrestle with Jesus challenging teaching on prayer in Mark 11.22-25 and how the Parable of the Tenants in chapter 12 is a fitting conclusion to the parables of Mark before finishing by reflecting on how important it is to be fruitful as we keep trusting in Jesus.
Dave's back and joins Seb and Mandy to look at some of the other passages in the bible that touch on marriage and divorce, before they take a walk through Mark 10:13-45 and consider what it says about entry into the Kingdom of God.
Further reading:
God, Marriage and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Dr. Andreas Kostenberger book available to purchase here
Divorce and Remarriage by Mark Thompson downloadable pdf
Divorce and Remarriage by John Woodhouse downloadable pdf
Divorce: A Consise Biblical Anaylsis by Don Carson downloadable pdf
Join Seb and Mandy as we interact over Mark 9:14-50. We respond to a listener question about evil spirits, examine the predictions of Jesus' death and think through the confronting reality of hell.
Join Mandy and Seb as we return to the podcast and reflect on Mark 9:1-13. We discuss in detail Bible Reading Plans.
Brian Rosner's article
McCheyne Plan
She Reads Truth website
He Reads Truth website
7 Genres reading Plan
Dwell Bible Reading App
Bible Project Book Overviews
Bible Reading Chart
Join Dave and Mandy as the discuss Genesis 22 and reflect upon Abraham's test and the way that the Lord sees and provides.
Join Dave and Mandy as we examine Genesis 18-19 and consider Lot's descendants, and reflect upon his righteousness, and ours.
Join Dave and Mandy as we dig into Genesis 16 and consider what we learn of God's character - in particular his compassion on the oppressed.
Join Dave and Mandy as we dig into Genesis 13 and 14, taking a deep dive into those passages that we skimmed over on Sunday.
The Patriarchal Age: Myth or History? by Kenneth A Kitchen https://www.baslibrary.org/biblical-archaeology-review/21/2/3
Dave and Mandy are back as we begin our Genesis 12-25 series: Abraham, the Father of Faith. We discuss the toledot of Terah, check in on how we're going with Seb's Genesis 12:1-3 challenge and consider Abram's journey to Caanan, before zooming in on Genesis 12:10-20 and Abram's sojourn in Egypt.
Join Dave and Mandy for the final podcast in the Ephesians series as we tackle the very end of Ephesians 6, think about the Armour of God, some Old Testament background and allusions and then reflect on the way Chapter 6 is a fitting end to the cosmic scale of the book of Ephesians.
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at Ephesians 4:17-5:14 and think about the inner and outer life, the old man and the new man and corporate ethics as we consider how to walk in love.
Andrew and Mandy reflect this week on unity vs loyalty, apostles and prophets and caring for one another in light of Ephesians 4.
Join Dave and Mandy for a COVID special, thinking through how knowing that we are in Christ impacts how we approach live during COVID. We tackle this by answering three key questions:
-
What big truths can we hold on to?
-
What faith challenges should we watch out for?
-
What opportunities does this forced lockdown provide for us actually to flourish?
Join Andrew, Dave and Mandy as we dig into Ephesians 2:1-10 and think about the amazing move from being dead in our transgressions and sins to being made alive in Christ, all through God's amazing grace.
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at the way that Paul prays throughout his letters as a model for our prayers, before Dave shares 7 tips to improve our own prayer life.
Books we mention: Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation, Don Carson, A Praying Life: Paul E Miller, The Art of Prayer, Timothy Jones and Our Father, Richard Coekin.
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at the importance of introductions, some key elements of the eulogy in v3-14 and finally share some reflections on how the beginning sets us up for the rest of the letter.
Join Dave and Mandy as we reach the end of our series in Jeremiah. We take a deep dive into Lamentations - a poetic response to the events described in Jeremiah, and then take a look back at the structure of the book and what we have learned as we studied the hard word.
Join Mandy and Andrew as we take a deep dive into Jeremiah 34-44 and think through the importance of hearing God's word, understand more of the process a preacher goes through in understanding a passage and working out how to preach it, and tackle some questions from Sunday. Stay tuned right to the end for a special something.
Join Mandy and Dave as we think more about prophecy: how it is conveyed and fulfilled. We also think through the theological significance of Jerusalem, explore some wonderful promises that point us to Christ and consider another lens through which we can view Jeremiah 30-34: the lens of grace.
Join Dave and guest host Andrew Levy as we explore further into Jeremiah chapters 25-29. Dave and Andrew ask the question 'which exile are we talking about?' as we look at Judah's complex history of multiple sieges and deportations to Babylon, they then talk about what makes the prophetic showdown between Jeremiah and Hananiah so climactic before thinking through the nature of true and false prophecy in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and today.
Join Dave and Mandy for a special edition on speaking the hard word in love, inspired by Jeremiah. We think practically about what it looks like to be courageous and speak the hard word, and how to listen to it.
Join Dave and Mandy on Sermon Seasonings first birthday as we did into Jeremiah 7 and think a bit more about the relationship between Jeremiah 7 and 26, the pathos of the judgement poetry and reflect on the relationship between continuing to sin and presuming on grace.
Welcome back for Season 5 of Sermon Seasonings where Dave and Mandy are joined by Paul Hallam, who works with us a few days a week helping Dave in the Maturity space, and also doing all our graphic design. We dive deep into Jeremiah 1 and consider the Structure, Historal Period and then a comparison with Jeremiah and Moses.
While Mandy has a well earned week off, in our final podcast of Season 4 Dave talks with Andrew Levy about the powerful message behind an unusual miracle as Jesus chooses to heal a blind man in two stages. We also talk through what it means to declare that Jesus is the Messiah before finishing by reflecting on what it means to take up our cross and follow him.
Join Dave and Mandy as we explore Mark 7:1-8:21 and consider the remarkable cleansing that Jesus offers. In today's podcast we consider Mark's gentile audience and have a look directly at some excerpts from the Mishnah to better understand the pharisees, before returning to the structural question raised last week. In the final section, we look in more detail at the Syrophonecian woman, the deaf mute man and the feeding of the 4,000 as we see the gospel going out to the gentiles as well.
Join Dave and Mandy as we dig in to Mark 6:30-56 and look at the way the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water and healing many. We explore many of the Old Testament allusion and see how they fill out Jesus identity. His is God, but he's not just a powerful divinity, he is the redeemer and saviour of his people.
Join Dave, Mandy and Mike as we explore Mark 6:1-30 and think about the reasons for Christian faith and the reasonableness of belief.
Some books to think about:
The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel
Who Moved the Stone - Frank Morrison
The Reason for Faith - Tim Keller
A Spectators Guide to World Religions - John Dickson
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at Mark 4:35-5:20 and see Jesus' remarkable authority. We dig into the context and some of the significant language used in the passage, before taking a brief look at the use of "sea" in the Bible, before turning to the concept of faith and the way Mark uses it.
Join Dave and Mandy as we discuss Mark 4:1-34 and consider carefully the remarkable teaching of Jesus and the call to respond to God's word. We consider the interpretation of parables, the meta structure of Mark's gospel, Jesus' use of Isaiah 6, the curious reference to the lamp stand and how we are to use the parables today.
Dave and Mandy are joined by Andrew and Henry to discuss Jesus' remarkable power, seen in Mark 3:7-35. We talk about the structure of the passage and some of the narrative devices that Mark uses to tell us of Jesus (learn all about Markan Sandwiches and the Messianic Secret), then turn to some of the key themes and ideas raised by the passage, particularly looking at the appointment of the 12 and Jesus' mother, brother and sisters, before Andrew turns to spotlight on the hosts as we look a little more at what being family means for us at Christ Church Gladesville.
Join Dave and Mandy as we look at Mark 2:18-3:6.
Section one looks at the text in detail and the narrative structure.
Section two takes a deep dive into the pharisees.
Section three looks at fasting.
References to fasting in the Old Testament - Judges 20, 1 Samuel 7:1-15, 1 Samuel 31, 2 Samiel 1:11-12, 2 Samuel 12:15-23, 1 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 10, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah 9-10, Esther 4:1-3, Psalm 35:13, Psalm 69:10, Psalm 109:24, Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:10-11, Jeremiah 36, Daniel 9, Joel 2:12.
Sermon Seasonings returns for season 4 as we jump into Mark's Gospel.
Join Dave and Mandy as we chat about the Synoptic gospels, trace the theme of the Son of Man through Mark and then deep dive into the text of Mark 2:1-17 and then end as we reflect on the scandal of grace and remarkable forgiveness that Jesus offers to sinners.
Hold on to your hats - its a long one!
Join Dave, Mandy and Mike as we explore Psalm 119, including a word study on honey.
Everything's so Clear by David Mears
Join Mandy, Dave and Seb as we reflect on Psalm 107 and give thanks to the Lord.
The book that Seb referenced was The Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson, published by New Growth Press.
Join Andrew and Mandy as they discuss Psalm 96. We talk about the context of the Psalm, demonstrate that Dave really is the Hebrew expert, and talk about God's desire to see the nations come to him.
Bailey also put together a playlist for us on Spotify, so we can Sing to the Lord, and fill our hearts with the things of God. You'll find it here.
Join Sarah, Mandy and Dave as we explore Psalm 73. Also included is a special interview with Dave and Jabbs, with a musical treat.
Join Dave, Mandy and Andrew as we explore in more detail Psalm 36. We continue in wonder and contentment at who God is, tackle the translation question raised in verse 1, think more generally about Bible translations, then look at the poetry of the Psalm and some of the things that stood out to us. We then ask the Mission Director how we can better engage with our friends and family and help them to see their own evil, before enjoying a beautiful Third Day song based on Psalm 36 performed live by Bailey and Melody.
'Your Love Oh Lord' by Brad Avery, David Carr, Mac Powell, Mark D Lee, Tai Anderson, (c) 1999 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.), Vandura 2500 Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). CCLI Licence 1894255.
Join Dave, Mandy and Mike as we explore Psalm 23. We continue to wonder at God and his creation, chat with Mike about his interpretation of the Psalm and the sheep metaphor, and explore the image of shepherds and the way that it is used extensively throughout the Old Testament and into the New Testament too.
Welcome to Season 3 of Sermon Seasonings, where we begin our deep dive into our Psalms Series: Songs of the Soul. Today Dave and Mandy talk about what are the Psalms and how do we understand and appreciate their poetry, before looking closely at some of the poetic techniques as they are used in Psalm 8. Join us as we wonder at all that God is and has done.
Join Mandy, Seb and Simon as we discuss 1 Peter 5 and conclude our journey through 1 Peter. In this episode we discuss leadership and the rector drought, the mighty hand of God and present suffering, the role of glory and the crown that motivates our service, before sharing some personal reflections upon what God has been teaching us through 1 Peter.
Dave and Mandy welcome Mike Gore from Open Doors to consider what it looks like to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
To find out more about Open Doors head to www.opendoors.org.au
This week we examine 1 Peter 4:1-11 and think through how to live now for God. Listen in as Dave answers some questions from Sunday, we explore the concept of hospitality and look at the preposition "through'. Hang on until the end for a special musical treat!
Dave and Mandy chat through 1 Peter 3:8-21 and think about living a life of grace. We look at Psalm 34 and it's background, and tackle the tricky section regarding the spirits in prison.
1 Peter 2:13-3:7 raises the whole idea of submission. What is it and how do we do it? Join Dave and Mandy as we take a deep dive into the murky waters, and see just how good God is, and the way that living out a life of submission brings honour and glory to God.
Dave is back for a special extended edition of Sermon Seasonings, taking a deep dive into the topic of predestination. We look at 1 Peter 2:4-10 and examine what God's word has to say about his sovereignty and human responsibility, and in the end the comfort that the scripture provides for those who trust in him.
In today's episode Simeon and Henry join Mandy to talk about 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 as we reflect on holiness, the fear of God, what it means to be born again, and some personal reflections from the guys on how they were challenged to apply God's word.
Dave and Mandy are back for season 2 of Sermon Seasonings, where we get stuck into 1 Peter and notice the details in the text and what they mean for us. Today we look at the Old Testament and Jewish background, triumphalism and the tone of 1 Peter.
Our special edition of Sermon Seasonings includes an interview between Andrew Levy and Ed Yorsten talking mission.
Join Dave and Mandy for the final episode of Season 1 of Sermon Seasonings as we look at the final chapter of 1 Samuel and the death of Saul. We talk about the Amalekites, the structure of 1 Samuel, and the way that David and Saul point forward to the leader we really need, Jesus.
In this week's sermon seasonings, David Mears and Henry Pascoe explore 1 Samuel 29 and 30, and the issues of friendship, sin, and generosity.
Join David Mears and Mandy Curley as they discuss Chapters 27-28 of 1 Samuel. We cover the details of Ch 27 and David the shrewd, talking with a dead person and what happens after you die, how God speaks and how God works his plans through other's evil.
Join David Mears and Mandy Curley as they explore 1 Samuel 25-26 and notice some interesting textual parallels and the significance of Abigail and Nabal. Dave explores the whole idea of polygamy, and we finish with a fun look at the significance of names.
Join David Mears and Mandy Curley as we examine 1 Samuel 23-24 and notice the parallels and details in the text.
Dave is back to take us through 1 Samuel 20-22, and we think about how to be better readers of the Bible as we notice details and connections that give us insight into God's word and how he is at work in the world.
Sermon Seasonings continues with special guests Seb Lane and Simon Graham, who preached at our morning and evening gatherings on Sunday. This week its a three way conversation as we hear how Seb and Simon were impacted by God's word, and a few things they would have loved to have shared on Sunday in the sermon. We also tackle one of the questions from the floor as we think through how to correctly handle the word of God.
Welcome to our first Episode of Sermon Seasonings, Christ Church Gladesville's new podcast.
This week Dave Mears and Mandy Curley discuss 1 Samuel 17 and some of the extra material we didn't get to cover on Sunday