St Matthews Anglican Church 6pm Sermons: Recent Episodes
St Matthews West Pennant Hills
20250921 6PMp RI Know that Yahweh Breathes New Life
Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord has brought Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones, and led back and forth among them. He is told to prophesy about the bones and he does and the bones come together, with flesh and with breath, as a great army. These bones are the people of Israel! They are dead bones. The Lord declares what he will do with his people, the people of Israel.
Yahweh never gives up, and Yahweh never goes back on his word! We see this fulfilled in Jesus day, and we see this fulfilled in Jesus. In the woman who is healed. In the blind man who receives his sight. In the tax collector who repays double to those who he cheated.
And for us, God makes us alive in Christ. Be thankful, for Jesus has made our dry bones live!
This is our God. Jesus never gives up on his people, and He never goes back on his word.
Speaker: Ron Irving
20250914 6PMp GH Know that Yahweh gives a new heart.
Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-38
We begin with the story of a boy who realised he was treating God badly, and found that a verse in Ezekiel 36 applied directly to him. He found, over time his heart was changed and his life was changed in his attitude to God.
In Ezekiel, God explains that he will give his people a new heart. Why does Yahweh do that?
Israel have NOT depicted God faithfully, they have profaned the name of God. Yet, for the sake of His name, God will give them a new heart. And he will put his Spirit within them.
Jesus explains that a person must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Born of the Spirit.
How shall we understand what Ezekiel has written? His word talks of many events to come, not always understanding what time his words apply to.
God promises that he will give his people a new heart, a new start, a new life.
Speaker: Gary Hill.
20250907 6PMp JB Know that Yahweh is your Shepherd
Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-31
The circumstance: Jerusalem and the Temple had fallen and been destroyed. The people had been sent into exile and scattered.
The problem: The shepherds, the leaders, had failed to look after his people. And the people had gone wrong also.
The Sovereign Lord speaks out against the shepherds of Israel and declares that he will himself be the Shepherd of his people. The shepherds of the people had forgotten their God. They had turned away from his way, and from their duty to his people and just looked after themselves,
The solution: God himself will be the shepherd. God will shepherd with justice. God will send his shepherd, David. He will bring Shalom, Peace and well-being. Jesus declares, I am the good shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep. He says, “Do not fear, little flock.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
Speaker: John Batten.
20250831 6PMp RI God wants you to turn
Reading: Ezekiel 33:1-22
Ezekiel is released from his inability to speak, the night before he meets a man who has escaped to tell him that Jerusalem has fallen. Ezekiel is the watchman, and the watchman must speak and the people must listen and heed the warning, Yahweh wants all to turn to him. Presuming on righteousness is dangerous. On The Cross, he reaches out to all. He wants you to turn to him.
If you have turned to Christ, do not trust in complacency. Look up, Everyday turn to Christ. If you have not yet turned to Christ, What is it that stops you? Yahweh wants you to turn to him. Turn, and live. Choose to look to Jesus, choose to live.
Speaker: Ron Irving
20250824 7AMp CD The Name of Yahweh is Holy
Reading: Ezekiel 20:30-42.
Why does God do what he does?
Through Ezekiel, God makes himself known to the elders.
He will purge Israel of their idols and then they will know he is God.
What motivates God to do what he does? It’s His Glory!
Israel got it wrong, because they went to idols as well, until the idols changed them.
The problem of idolatry happens in our lives too. Our souls remain restless until they find their rest in him. We need to fall more in love with Jesus, and then we really will know Yahweh.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20250810 6PMp CD Vision in the Temple
Readings: Ezekiel 8:1-18. Ezekiel 10:18-22.
Ezekiel, intended to be a priest, but instead, in exile in Babylon. At a meeting in his house, in a vision, he is transported back to see what is happening in the temple, in Jerusalem.
He is taken to see detestable things that are being done in the temple. He then sees the glory of the Lord leave the temple. He is given a promise for the future.
A “take away message”: ‘God is a person; He goes where he is wanted, and stays where He is welcome.’ Is he welcome in our hearts?
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20250803 6PMp JT Ezekiel Acts out to model God’s Judgment.
Reading: Ezekiel ch4:1 to ch 5:8
Speaker: Jason Todd.
Ezekiel is given clear instructions how to model and act out God’s Judgment on Israel and on Judah.
His instructions are to carry out specific actions over a period of many days to illustrate the sinfulness of Israel and Judah, and also to point to the punishment to be inflicted in the sight of the nations.
20250727 6PMp RI Listening to God; Ezekiel's commission
Reading: Ezekiel ch2:1 – ch3:15
When Yahweh speaks, Listen!
His Word is not negotiable; rebellion is not an excuse; obedience is not optional. Ezekiel finds that when Yahweh speaks, there is no negotiation.
Ezekiel has been commissioned as God’s prophet. He has been given a message to take to the exiles. Ezekiel is told that they will not listen to him, because they will not listen to Yahweh. Ezekiel is taken to the exiles and sits among them for seven days, deeply distressed.
20250720 6PMp CD A Vision of God
Reading Ezekiel 1:1-28
In Exile, away from the Promised Land and from the Temple, Ezekiel, from a priestly family, has a vision of Yahweh. God Most High appears to him. God comes to him! And he is in awe. And he fell facedown.
God also comes to us! Let us bow before him in awe and wonder, and worship Him.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20250713 6PMp DT The gifts of Serving and ministering
Statistics indicate that Volunteering in Australia has been declining since 2009. In the church, God has given various “gifts” to different people to serve one another. A reason why we should serve others is because of what God did for us in sending Jesus who died for us. Paul urges us not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed, thinking differently to the world. As we minister, we set an example. There are various types of gifts. Some are in acts of service to others. Some are in the words of the scriptures. Together we grow and are built up, to become more like Jesus. And others are built up also. Even small acts of service can be significant.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20250706 6PMp JB Value in Memorising Scripture
Reading Psalm 119: 9-16
One of the ways that God imparts His Grace and blessing to us is His Word, through Scripture.
There is value in memorising Scripture. When being tested in the wilderness, Jesus used scripture to answer Satan. We are encouraged to memorise scripture and bring it to mind in various situations.
Abby and Dave also tell how memorising scripture has been significant in their lives,
Speaker: John Batten
20250629 6PMp GT Wisdom and Foolishness
1 Corinthians 1:26 – 2:5
Although the Gospel seems to be “Foolishness” to some who consider themselves “wise”, nevertheless it is “the Power of God for salvation” to those who are being saved. Though many may reject the gospel, some who hear and believe, will find salvation. However, there are still many who have not heard, and are yet to be told the Good News. What can we do?
Speaker: Glenn Turner.
20250608 6PMp JB On the road The Kingdom of God is Like…
Luke 13:18-20.
Jesus gives two illustrations to say what the Kingdom of God is like. fs
- The Mustard seed. From the tiniest seed a great tree grows, and the birds perched in the branches!
- The Leaven (Yeast). A little yeast spreads through a large amount of flour until it all the dough rises.
“From little things great things grow”! The Kingdom is about God’s Rule and Blessing.
The Kingdom in the Garden – then sin. The Kingdom through Israel. With failures, then rebuilding. Then Jesus comes. Then Pentecost, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. And the message is taken further and further to reach every nation proclaim the Good News.
And it is happening in the world today. God is at work today.
God is working to build his Kingdom. A question for us is, “How do we invest today?”
Are we investing in the Kingdom that will grow?
Speaker: John Batten.
20250601 6PM MS On the Road with Jesus on the Sabbath
Luke 13:10-17
The people don’t get it, because they are blind … blind to what Jesus came to do … blind to the spiritual realm. Jesus came to release us from the evil powers of the spiritual realm.
Jesus heals a woman who has for 18 years been oppressed by Satan with this bent over condition.
Jesus brings out the reason for the Sabbath. It’s a day for doing good, for saving life. The sabbath is a pointer to an ultimate sabbath rest with God.
This episode in Luke thirteen is an illustration of Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm. It points to his work on the cross. Jesus has come to set his people free.
Speaker: Bishop Michael Stead
20250525 6PMp GH On the Road with Jesus -Repent or Perish
Have you seen cases of poor behaviour followed by matching outcomes? Is it Karma? Is it fatalism?
Jesus talks about 2 examples of bad things that happened and raises the issue of whether or not it was deserved?
Examples in Old Testament of continual breaking of relationship as an illustration of our broken relationship with God.
Jesus tells the story of the fruit tree that bore no fruit, but is given another year of grace.
There is a challenge to all people: Produce fruit or perish.
Will we produce fruit that brings God glory?
What do we need to prune, and what do we need to feed to bring forth fruit?
Speaker: Gary Hill.
20250518 6PM CD On the Road with Jesus: in an uncertain future
Speaker: Chris Donald
How shall we live in an uncertain future?
When the future is an uncertain: 1. Practice dependence
and … pray, pray, pray!
When the future is an uncertain: 2. Practice obedience
Focus on things you know how to do.
Obey Jesus step by step
When the future is an uncertain: 3. Practice Remembrance
Remember, Jesus will return! Do not be afraid, little flock!
20250427 6PMp RI Fear God but do not be afraid
Luke 12:1-12
On the Road with King Jesus. On the road to Jerusalem Jesus has told to his disciples things in private, which will eventually be made widely known.
He calls his disciples his friends, and tells them to fear God, yet not be afraid.
Fear God means a proper respect for God, that keeps us from sinning. Yet we ought not be afraid because God is our loving Father who sees and cares. He does not forget even the sparrows.
He explains that the Spirit will give words to say, when the world coerces us to go its way. The times ahead may be very difficult for those who follow Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20250420 6PMp RI Don’t search for what you already have.
Matthew 28:1-7
Romans 6:8-11
Sometimes we search for what we already have. We search for:
Connection; Comfort; Cause.
What are you looking for, and where and when will you find it?
We may think we have what we are looking for, only to find that sin comes in and stops us finding what we are really looking for.
Jesus conquered death and those who trust in him, can also have that conquest.
Adopted into God’s family. Jesus, the resurrected Jesus, is the one you are looking for.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20250406 6PMp JB Spiritual Forgetfulness
Are we forgetful? Do we forget what God has done for us in Christ?
5 points
- We are adopted we are sons, as children of the Creator and Sustainer of the world. Children of the Father, not just slaves. Brought into the family as an heir, we have an inheritance. It also brings security and an intimacy with the Father. “Abba, Father. We are co-heirs with Christ.
- Life in the Spirit means that we have Life!
- There is now “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ. There is no fear.
- There is “a law” not the Mosaic Law, but “the law of the Spirit”. This motivates us to put to death sin. Put to death the misdeeds of the body. By the Spirit who helps us.
- No longer slaves, but sons. We are not in slavery but in sonship.
The antidote to spiritual forgetfulness is to be reminded of our privileged status, of our adoption into God’s family.
Speaker: John Batten.
20250323 6PMp RI Romans 6 – More Really Good News
Dead & Free from the Penalty of sin. Free from the Dominion of sin.
And now alive in Jesus
- Who are we? .. how do we describe ourselves?
In Romans, Paul talks about sin … and he also talks about grace.
He talks about sin increasing, and about grace also abounding.
- “How do we define ourselves in terms of sin and grace?”
In our experience, do we see a gradual change from sin toward grace? … otherwise called sanctification?
Here Paul sees it from a different perspective not just of our experience, but of our viewpoint:
He says: ‘Count yourself “dead to sin” and “alive to Christ … alive to grace” ‘
The grace that flowed to change my heart, also flowed to change my identity.
Grace is not the reason to continue in sin, Grace is the reason to live a new life… Dead to sin, but alive to grace in Christ Jesus.
The :metaphor of baptism” is not just washing away of sin, but also being baptised into Christ’s death, and rising with him in new life. Pardoned sinners, but more than pardoned sinners ..
In the symbolism of slavery .. We may choose the old way of the old master, or we may choose the new way of freedom, of a new master. We can choose to be slaves to righteousness, and reap holiness as a result.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20250316 as 6PMp CD Romans 5 Really Good News
Justified, by faith.
It’s a scary thing if your hope is in politics or in technology, or in industry, or in institutions etc…
Our culture is creating ambient anxiety. We live in world where optimism is being replaced by anxiety. We are worried about many aspects of our society and lives. But we have Romans 5 – really good news.
Romans zooms out to give us the really big picture so that we can understand our place in the picture. The story of humanity – the first man sinned, and death came into the world.
Until there came another man, who did not sin, but died for our sins. And also defeated sin and death.
Paul wants us all to understand this bigger story. There are many implications of this bigger picture.
For example, reconciliation with God. Purpose in suffering leading to perseverance and character. Confidence in God’s Love. No need to fear Death. And a Hope that will not disappoint.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our sermon Series on the Book of Romans.
This sermon considers Paul's argument on who would be judged righteous whether Jew or not, circumcised or not, (even Christian or not), based upon what they have done and even on how they judge others. It uses an analogy of how "coloured dye can penetrate and get into chalk" to point out that sin really does get in! And it points to the Really Good News of what Jesus has done.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20250126 6PMp CD
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Using tools the wrong way, leads to broken tools.
So, “What is our purpose? What are you here for?”
Christopher Morley wrote: “There is only one success: To spend your life in your own way,”
Sums up our culture: just about self
The Bible explains our purpose – created in the image of God, but fallen through sin, redeemed through Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
Living for Jesus helps us reach our full potential.
- Live close to Him
- Copying Jesus.
- Be wise, make the most of every opportunity … to keep telling people about Jesus.
Paul’s life is for Jesus. He has co-workers, who also live for Jesus.
We were made for living for Jesus. This will affect our big decisions, but also our small decisions.
Speaker: Rob Denham
Are we living as a Caterpillar or as a Butterfly?
Are we living as before or are we living a transformed life?
20241201 6PMp RI Vision and Hope
On Vision Sunday, we look forward to what lies ahead. In a year, or in the next four years. There are various kinds of Hope. “Wishful thinking” type hope, or “Wait and see type hope” e.g. Christmas, exams, growth of children. What is your hope? What is your hope in Christ? In times of blessing, or in times of agony? Do we yearn for God himself, or just yearn for the blessings that God gives? Horatio Spafford in times of trying, he wrote: When peace like a river attendeth my way , when troubles like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well with my soul.” The Hope that comes from God is also different in that it is not dependent on us, but it depends on Him. It is sure and certain. It is a relationship with the Living God. Hope rests with God. “Hopeful people are prayerful people.” People with Hope are Bold people. May our hearts yearn for the Living God. Speaker: Ron Irving.
20241124 6PMpDT Some final exhortations
Many exhortations, but 3 to be considered here:
Respect your leaders: But respect is to be earned, not just demanded. It is correct that leaders should be respected, because of their good leadership.
Be patient, with everyone. Compassionate, slow to anger. Patience is a characteristic of God. Paul urges Christians in many places in his letters to be patient. With this comes the work of God’s Spirit. We may be called on for “forbearance”.
Rejoice always, for this is God’s will for you. We may find joy in many events in our lives. But particularly, joy is linked to the character of God. we may find joy in … The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the risen Lord. The message of the angels to the shepherds when Jesus was born, was one of “joy to all people”.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
Meet Secular Scott. Secular means "of this world".
In 1 Thessalonians ch 5 verses 1-11, Paul reminds them to live for the return of Jesus, and the Day of The Lord.
Speaker: John Batten.
20241027 6PM CD 5 Qualities in Kingdom Relationships w QandR
Background to the Thessalonian Church is from Acts 17. In a setting of persecution during the beginning of the Thessalonian church, Paul flees to Athens but wants to go back and spend more time with the new converts. He sends Timothy who brings news, and Paul writes to the Thessalonian Church.
From his letter, we can learn 5 qualities in Kingdom relationships for us to seek.
- Don’t settle for superficial. Be invested in each other.
- Don’t settle for “sarcastic”. Let’s be sincere.
- Don’t settle for self-centred. Let’s make it about “them”.
- Don’t settle for “spiritual stuntedness”. Let’s encourage growth!
- Don’t settle for “short-term”. Let’s push people to persevere .. for the long term. To the end.
There is a cost: It leaves Paul “vulnerable”. He is opening up his heart. He is in the relationship for them (not for him).
Remember: Kingdom relationships start with relationships with the King! Jesus.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20241020 6PMp RI How should we measure ministry?
Paul discusses his ministry among the Thessalonians, measuring it not by earthly standards, but before God. Shall it be measured by fruitfulness? Jesus’ ministry ended on a cross! What looked like failure turned out to be very fruitful – we are part of that fruit! God determines outcomes. Some, like Jeremiah, did not see the fruit of their labour, in their time. God will achieve his purposes, through his Word. Faithful ministry is resilient, full of integrity, pleasing to God, gentle, incarnate, toilsome, godly, and involves urging or inspiring people. It involves pleasing God, rather than pleasing people. It is gentle & nurturing, protective and also incarnate, lived out in the flesh. It is hard work. And it is like a father, inspiring, by word and deed. Paul imitated Jesus, following his way.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20241013 6PMp RI Anticipation of what is coming.
Term 4 in school is the last before Christmas. For many, it may also mean exams, or the prospect of the time after the exams. Anticipation requires action. Thessalonians anticipates the return of Jesus, but how do we see this? Anticipation for the Thessalonians, led to action. It radically changed their lives. The Thessalonians turned, they served and they waited. This is what the church everywhere said about them. 1. They turned to God from idols. In that society, this was not a small change. It led to persecution and severe suffering. For us, following Jesus is not just a turn to… but also a turn from … for us there can be many idols: money can be an idol for us. There are various practical actions we can take. 2. The Thessalonians were moved to serve. They served the living and true God. They served by working, labouring and enduring. With effort and time. Grace is about “not earning”; not about “no effort”. Serving is about sacrificing ourselves for others. 3. Waiting. Action in waiting for the return of Jesus. Awaiting a rescue from wrath. When Jesus returns, all will be made new! So, turn, serve and wait.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20241006
We don’t know what it is was in this psalm that the Psalmist, David, was seeking security from, but we know that for much of his life, he was escaping from people who wanted to kill him,
We can’t say to Jesus, “You don’t know what it is like", because he does know. He suffered for us. Furthermore he is in heaven pleading on our behalf.
We learn that God counsels us. David says, “I keep the Lord at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
In this psalm we can see that God’s plan of salvation for us as revealed in the New testament, is already foreshadowed in this psalm.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20240929 6PMp DT Psalm 22
The writer of this psalm wrote this down a thousand years before it happened. At least 9 specific events that were predicted and then happened a thousand years later.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? The broken relationship between Jesus and his Father is expressed here. He says, “I am a worm”, … Christ becomes unworthy, because he takes the sin of the world upon himself. The psalm is a reflection of what takes place in Matthew 27:41. The crowd, by their words were fulfilling what had been written a thousand years before. The bulls of Bashan grew powerful and strong because of the lush pasture. Lions are powerful. Dogs surround them. The clothes were divided, and lots were cast for his robe. And then, there is a change. Verse 22 on reflects the resurrection, which takes place after the crucifixion. The book of Hebrews tells us of what then happens. Verse 28 provides glimpses of the second coming of the Lord. We are living proof of what is written in the scriptures. The work of our salvation is fulfilled when Jesus says, “It is finished.” It is remarkable that God’s promises are fulfilled.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20240922 6PMp JB Psalm 40
Psalms and songs and words and meanings –
we can all experience the meaning these can have upon us.
Psalm 40 was written by David, who became king in Israel. It expresses a time turmoil and difficulties for David. But in this time of trouble, David found comfort in God. David looked to the past, when God had been his helper and comfort. He looked to the future, for the promise and assurance God has given. And he finds help, for the present circumstances.
David was in a miry pit. And has been rescued. David expresses the view that its not just sacrifices and burnt offering that God wants, but rather the genuine commitment of the whole heart. “I desire to do thy will.” This is what David expresses, and he wants others, likewise to have such commitment to God. And he looks also to the future, that God will continue his love and mercy, quickly and without delay.
Yet only one, has fulfilled God’s law completely. Psalm 40, is one of the Messianic Psalms, and points to Jesus, the Messiah. Only one, suffered death for us all, and rose triumphant from the grave.
In like manner, in our present time, we can look to the past, where we have seen God’s faithfulness and grace. We can look to the future, where we can consider the promises that God has revealed. And we can find help for our present circumstances.
God is faithful and will fulfill his promises and purpose.
Speaker: John Batten.
20240915 6PMp DT Psalm Two
First in our series on Psalms that point to the Messiah.
Psalms can be divided into different groupings, and Psalm 2 is ibn the group of “Messianic Psalms”. These psalms point to the Messiah: Jesus.
In troublesome times, like ours, people plot against other people. People may plot against Christians, people may reject God and Christians may be greatly affected by what other people do. We may ask, “Where is God, in all these troubles?” Psalm 2 reminds us that God is still in control. God has set his King on mount Zion, and he will reign. The kings and rulers of the earth are advised to serve the Lord and kiss the Son.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20240908 6PMp CD The Mantle falls on Elisha
Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-18
The most important day in my life. The story, told from Elisha’s viewpoint, leading up the last day he had with his master and mentor, Elijah. Having crossed the Jordan river on dry ground, while walking along, Elisha was separated from Elijah by the sudden appearance of flaming horses and a flaming chariot, and Elijah was caught up into heaven. And Elisha inherited a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit. What it means to follow and obey God’s commands.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
This sermon continues our series on Elijah.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21: 1-29
King Ahab asks Naboth to trade his vineyard to him so that the king can make it a vegetable garden. He sulks when, with good reason, Naboth refuses. Queen Jezebel writes letters to have Naboth falsely accused and killed, and, when Naboth is dead, tells Ahab to go and take possession. The Word of the Lord comes to Elijah to go to Ahab in the vineyard and to give a message of retribution. Ahab shows regret and humbles himself, and the Lord declares that the retribution that will occur, will be delayed until the next generation.
The lesson for us is that God knows what is going on, in Jesus, he knows it first hand. And God will bring retribution; yet he also shows grace to those who show regret. God will give the chance even to the most evil person, to repent and to humble themselves. God offers forgiveness through his Son. We will see justice done on that final day, when Jesus returns.
.
Speaker: Gary Hill.
20240825 6PMp TS Paul’s Mission and Method
Mission Week Service: Speaker Tim Swan, Anglican Aid.
In the year AD 48, Paul went to Jerusalem to confer with leaders in the church about the plan for mission. It was agreed that just as Peter’s mission was to the Jewish nation, Paul’s mission was to be to the Gentiles. It was added that Paul should remember the poor, “which he was glad to do”!
There are many examples from the Old Testament prophets, at the start of Jesus’ ministry, with Zacchaeus, and in Jesus explanation of the judgment of the nations, and also in Paul’s ministry of concern for the poor as part of the ministry priorities.
Anglican Aid is focussing attention on some of the poorest nations, seeking to provide practicl assistance, as well as the ministry of the gospel of Jesus.
More Information is available at: anglicanaid.org.au
What is persecution? What is its purpose and is it inevitable?
Mission Week Service.
Persecution and the spread of the gospel.
Meet Kumran. From Sri Lanka, went to find work, but instead, found Jesus. He was persecuted for meeting as a Christian.
What is persecution, and why?
Three key areas: 1. Persecution is painful. 2. Persecution is planned. 3. Persecution is purposeful.
It can be difficult. Read Acts 6 and Acts 7. The story of Stephen persecuted and killed. Saul, who later changed his name to Paul, witnessed what happened to Stephen. Then zealously persecuted the Christians until he too met Jesus, on the road to Damascus. It is Paul who many years later, writes to Timothy, “that all who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted.”
In Matthew ch. 10, Jesus explains that all his faithful followers will be hated – because of him.
Kumran became a pastor and in 2019, he lost friends and an 11 yr old son when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the front entry to his church.
Why do we not face persecution? Look deeply into the issue. Kumran’s other son wrote a tribute to his younger brother that died.
As with Daniel, “there was another in the fire!”
Speaker: Murray Watt
20240811 6PMp JB Elijah is recommissioned
1 Kings 19:10-18
No one likes to feel like a failure! No one likes that feeling – feeling like they’ve failed. Eljah is feeling devasted. Why does he feel like this? Is it like he has failed? Or is it the Israelites’ failure to turn back to Yahweh? Or like that God has failed him? Or like a combination of these?
Yet in his devastation, God has cared for him, and fed him. And he has gone on a journey for forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, (Horeb). And this is setting up for an awesome moment! Sinai is where the nation of Israel started, where the Ten Commandments were given, there Elijah is still devastated! There, the Word of the LORD came to him: “what are you doing here?” Elijah, feeling devastated, experiences the wind, the earthquake, and fire. And then a gentle whisper. And a voice said: What are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah expresses his feelings, “… I am the only one left!” Yahweh is gentle with Elijah. He is told to go back the way he came … and told what he is to do, whom he is to anoint! And he is reassured that the LORD has reserved 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him. Yahweh is calling him to trust.
Yahweh will bring justice, Yahweh will give him a companion, and that Yahweh is working to save His people. And this promise of God’s justice applies not only to Elijah, but also to us. In our world, God has not given up. Acts 17 declares that God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice, by the man he has appointed. Jesus, who died for us, and rose again!
Speaker: John Batten.
20240804 6PMp RI Elijah questions his self worth
Ahab tells Jezebel everything that happened to the prophets of Baal, and Jezebel sends messengers to threaten Elijah. Elijah sees that nothing has changed. Elijah is disillusioned with God. He runs to escape. He is feeling despair. And he questions his self worth, asking God to take his life. He lies down and sleeps. But Elijah is sustained by an angel, a messenger of God. God has not given up on Elijah. God never gives up on his people! Strengthened, Elijah then travels 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb (Sinai). And we have a greater messenger! Jesus shows us that we are never forsaken. Jesus is the greater messenger of God’s Grace.
12 years ago, at a time when Ron, (the speaker), felt very disillusioned with God, the song “Cornerstone” reminded him immensely of God’s grace shown in Jesus.
“When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.”
Jesus meets us with his grace.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240728 6PMp CD Elijah’s Message to us.
King Ahab meets Elijah and after an altercation, the people are summoned to mount Carmel. Elijah challenges the people to decide between the Baals and the LORD with a test by fire. If the Baal is God, serve him. But if the LORD is God, serve him! God is claiming Israel back as part of his promise to Abraham. The challenge is also to us! Choose this day, whom we will serve!
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240721 6PMp JB God, Why am I here?
Elijah is told by God to present himself to king Ahab. Elijah meets the king’s administrator, Obadiah, who recognises Elijah, and is then fearful for his own life. Obadiah has faithfully served the Lord God, Yaweh, and, in matters where there was no conflict, has served his earthly master, Ahab. At times, we may wonder, and ask the question, “What am I doing here?” yet God has us in the right place at the right time.
Speaker: John Batten.
20240714 6PMp CD Elijah he Prophet - God what are you doing?
Elijah The Tishbite, of Tishbe, the prophet of God, appears about some 900 years BC. He brings a message from God to King Ahab, whose wife is Jezebel, that there will be drought in the land. The drought and ensuing famine affects Elijah and others in the land. In the ensuing events, at the brook Cherith, and later at Zarephath, in the area of Sidon, they then come to know that there is a God in Israel!
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240707 6PMp RI Check your heart!
When jogging, and at various other times, we would do well to “Check our heart!”
In this final sermon of our current series in Luke: “On the Road with Jesus” Jesus accepts the Invitation to a meal at the house of a Pharisee. Jesus perceives that the Pharisee is critical of him because he does follow their practice of washing hands before the meal. Jesus responds with a critique of focussing on outward appearances whilst neglecting the inward attitude of the heart. And when an “Expert in the Law” protests, Jesus then points out issues in their behaviour also, that shows a need for them to “check their heart!”. On our journey, with Jesus, we too, need to check our heart! This is a fundamental need for followers of Jesus. “Check your heart!”
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240630 6PMp RI Don’t Just stand there Do Something
In Ulladulla, 2004, There was a situation in church, that required decision and action.
Continuing our series in “Luke’s Gospel: On the Road with Jesus” speaker Ron Irving explains the need for decision and action: siding with Jesus. In the matter of casting out a demon, and focussing attention on various other issues, the one issue of importance, is “siding with Jesus” as the signs of the Kingdom of God come upon the world. There are various other stances that are seen to be inadequate or to miss the point. “Blessed are those that hear the word of God and obey it!
20240623 6PMp GH Jesus Teaches his Disciples about Praying.
Jesus shows us that knowing how to pray is about knowing what God is like, knowing who He is. The more we know that, the more we are going to know how to pray.
In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus calls God “Father”. Even as a little boy, Jesus used that term for God. Teaching his disciples to address God as ‘Father’ is inviting them into an intimate relationship with God. This invitation is even to others who may not yet know God. In the words, “Your Kingdom come” Jesus shows that God is a King, a ruler, our Sovereign. He has power, and his name should be honoured. Forgive us our sins. We need His forgiveness, we can pray for this, we can do this in all sorts of circumstances.
In prayer we know better the nature of God, his character, his love and goodness toward us, and the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit.
We are encouraged to approach God our Father, in prayer.
Speaker: Gary Hill.
20240616 6PMp CD Mary and Martha with Jesus c QandA
In New Testament times, writings were written on scrolls, up to about 30 feet long. Luke’s writing in his gospel and in the book of Acts are the longest in the New Testament. Why did Luke include this story of Jesus with Martha and Mary in his gospel? The point in this story may readily be missed or misunderstood. In keeping with the way our world thinks, we may often seek to earn our way, by doing things for Jesus and for God. But we can never do enough to earn our way. Jesus, by his death and rising again, has provided the way for us. Mary chooses to be with Jesus, and to listen to him. This is better, this is what is needed. And it shall not be taken away.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240609 6PMp JB Who is the Good Samaritan?
An expert in the Law, comes to test Jesus, and asks him, “What must I do to inherit Eternal Life?”
Jesus turns the question around and asks the expert what his answer is. This leads to the question: “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus answers with a parable, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”.
In the parable, the priest, the Levite and the Samaritan see the man in need, but it is the Samaritan who has mercy on the man.
And who is the one who sees us in need, and has mercy on us?
It is Jesus! Jesus is the Good Samaritan! to us.
Speaker: John Batten.
20240602 6PMp FY The Kingdom of God has come near
Bible Passage: Luke 10:1-24
In ministry, introducing Jesus is the key intention; getting side tracked from this a trap which must be avoided.
In the passage, Jesus sends out 72, in pairs, ahead of him with specific instructions what to do, to preach and how to act.
- To preach: The Kingdom of God has come near. This message is a message of hope, and death will be defeated.
The people have been waiting for this promise for centuries. However, they may have been expecting something different to the what is coming through Jesus.
- To give a warning: to those who reject the message.
The message is to bring life, but there is a sober warning to those towns and people who reject his message. Jesus declares woe to those who reject him.
- Meeting Jesus, the King.
The fulfilment of God’s promises. The message brings a promise, and a message of warning,
The warning is of the reality of what it means to reject the message. To reject the message is to reject Jesus, and to reject Jesus is reject the one who sent him.
And the challenge is to us, to share the scriptures, to share God’s Word, with those around us. To bring people to know Jesus.
Speaker: Faraj Yusofov
20240526 6PMp RI Don’t Look Back. Choose Jesus.
4th in our current series on Luke’s Gospel.
Bible passage: Luke 9:51-62
Using an illustration of the disadvantage of looking back when running a race, “Don’t look back” is the key message when following Jesus. When Jesus sets his mind resolutely to go to Jerusalem. Where death on the cross awaits him. Multiple examples on this resolute path help to make clear just what it means to take up one’s cross daily to follow Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240519 6PMp RI Check your baggage
Third sermon in our series in Luke’s Gospel, On the road with Christ.
Why do we follow Jesus? As we seek to follow Jesus, we need to check our baggage, to check our motives, our desires. If our motive is simply eternity I comfort,
Bonhoeffer says, “Discipleship is not an offer that man makes to Christ”, and also, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
We go on the road with Jesus, because we get to follow the king, even to the cross.
Humble service is a way of checking our desires.
Check our passports, our “tribal links”. What of people who are not one of us!
God’s kingdom is defined by the king. Come on the road and discover what this king is all about.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240512 6PMp CD Who do you say Jesus is?
Second in our series: Walking with Jesus. On the road with the King.
Questions, Questions, Questions.
Do you like questions? What questions do you like?
There are many questions asked and many to be answered.
Who does the crowd say Jesus is?
Who do the disciples say Jesus is?
Jesus says who he is: that he is to suffer death, and on the third day rise again.
From the cloud God the Father says who Jesus is.
Jesus says anyone who wants to follow must take up his cross daily, and follow him.
Who do you say Jesus is?
Who does your life say Jesus is?
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240504 6PMp CD Walking with Jesus
We resume our series in Luke’s Gospel, ch 9., where Jesus calls his disciples together, gives them power to cast out demons, and to heal, and he sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God. Herod, the tetrarch hears about at what is happening. When the disciples return, they withdraw to a quiet place, but the crowds find out and follow them. Jesus welcomes the crowd, teaches them about the Kingdom, heals them and despite the disciples’ concerns, they are then fed.
What are the lessons we can learn from these events?
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240428 6PMp DT Facing Trials alone
Being alone and feeling alone is something many people may experience and this may be especially true for people who are Christians. Christian ministry is often doing something for someone else. But often this means being alone. True for Jesus and true for his followers.
Paul has been through many trials, yet Paul held the view that God is faithful. Paul was facing trial in Rome, he said that all had deserted him, and no one stood up for him, but yet the Lord stood by him, and at his defence, he was able to explain the gospel message to the Gentiles.
God has shown himself faithful throughout history of his people. Jesus declared that he will be with his disciples even until the end of the age. Paul knew God’s faithfulness explained in the Old Testament scriptures. Paul was empowered to stand before the Roman authorities and declare the gospel, to testify about Jesus, that he died and rose again to deliver us from our sins.
The situation can happen to us. What will we do? Will we stand firm and testify for Jesus?
We have been given a Hope, to be with Jesus, in the heavenly kingdom.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20240421 6PMp RI Paul advises Timothy on Preaching God’s Word.
What do you long for?
Paul’s word to Timothy is to preach the Word of God, (not just what people might want to hear!).
Teach in patience and perform the whole duty.
Advice to us, from the passage, is: Long for the appearing of Jesus. And be open to hearing the message from God’s Word.
Look for a preacher who you can trust. Look for the preacher of good character.
The faithful minister will prepare you for the Lord Jesus’s appearing.
The posture of our heart will influence the impact of God’s Word on our lives.
Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-6.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240414 6PMp RI How to shape your trust, Timothy
Continuing our sermon series on Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:12-14
Advice to Timothy to continue in the faith that he has learned, knowing those from whom he has learned it. The preacher explains that it matters who you follow, because by following the wrong guide, you may end up in trouble or in the wrong place! Timothy has been guided by his mother and grandmother, and by Paul, and he has known the Holy Scriptures since infancy. Through Scripture, God speaks to us! Scripture will make you wise to salvation, and through it God speaks to us. Through Scripture, we can be equipped for every good work. There are many resources available to us, but beware of relying just on them, because it is God’s Word which can make us wise and equip us for every good work.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240407 6PMp Advice to Timothy and to us
2 Timothy 3:1-13
Paul has been setting up churches, but now, from prison has been writing letters.
Paul is setting expectations for Timothy and explains what may happen in “the last days”. People will be lovers of self rather than lovers of God, and some will be led astray. This may happen from outside but also from within the church community.
Where can we find a different strength when there are terrible attacks from within?
Hold fast to the truth. And actually live out the way of truth. Hold firm in character, and in action.
- We and others can learn by following faithful followers of Jesus, such as Paul.
- We can find a different strength by knowing and holding fast to the truth.
- Our positive examples can point others to Jesus.
Speaker: Chris Donald
20240331 6PMp RI Jesus is risen!
Mark 16: 1-8. John 11: 25-27.
When you witness something amazing, you don’t just watch.
As you are invited into this empty tomb, what do you see? Do you see “He who is the resurrection and the life”? He who is risen invites you know new life. Jesus wants to call you “his friend”. If Jesus has been raised, then to just sit idly by makes a person irrelevant.
Jesus was crucified. Jesus has risen! He calls us to follow him. His arms are wide open to welcome you.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240329 7PMp CD Jesus is crucified nailed to a cross
What were the circumstances in Jesus crucifixion and death? Who was involved and what part did they have in this hugely significant event. Who was there? Who noticed, what was their reaction and what did they think?
And what about us? What about you?
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240324 6PMp JB Lessons from 2 Timothy
A question to ask ourselves, “Am I useful to God?”
Some vessels from a house are for honourable use, some for dishonourable use.
Three things we need to do: Look up, simmer down, clean out.
Paul is aware of the spiritual realms. How is your relationship with God?
Live in the presence of God. Simmer down, do not be quarrelsome. Correctly present the word of truth.
Avoid the false teachers, flee the dishonourable, cleanse yourself from the things that are stopping you from being useful to God.
Pursue righteousness.
Speaker: John Batten.
20240317 6PMp CD Lessons from 2 Timothy.
Second in this short series on Paul’s second letter to Timothy.
The sermon briefly compares Paul’s advice with the idea of “Utilitarianism”.
Jesus’ path involved suffering for our sake, and following Jesus may involve us in suffering also.
It concludes that in the “long view”, to follow Christ is still the best way.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20240310 6PMp RI BP Encouraging Timothy, guarding sound teaching.
Reading 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Paul reminds Timothy of the faith that he, Timothy had, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, he had received by the laying on of hands, by Paul. Paul encourages Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel nor be ashamed of Paul, who was in prison for the sake of the gospel. Timothy was confronting false teaching and idol worship. The city of Ephesus has some parallels with modern day Sydney. God’s spirit does not make us timid, but rather gives us strength, love and self discipline. This may entail relying on God’s spirit when faced with difficult situations of testimony about Jesus. Jesus suffered and, in following him, we may face suffering too. Sound teaching is called for, and it needs to be guarded. The gospel is about Jesus, the son of David, the promised Messiah, who came, and who died for the sin of the world. Wandering away from sound teaching can happen gradually. We walk away from one thing, then another and other beliefs begin to take over. Commitment to Christian community is an important part of maintaining sound teaching. Make a commitment to maintain the links with sound teaching and community. Find strength in God’s Spirit.
Speakers Ron Irving and Bri Parsonson
20240303 6PMp RI BOLD Do Life together.
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians, 2:1-18.
For the speaker, experience of support, in a time of physical weakness (after an operation) led to deep respect for the supporter. Considerate, caring support in “Doing Life Together”, fosters respect!
Paul dared to share Jesus. Even in the face of strong opposition Paul did not give up. How did he manage this? He did it, together in community, not with impure motives, nor trickery, flattery nor greed.
Take an interest in them
Remember little things, friends, families. Go with them, show care for them. Be patient with people, develop healthy relationships. And do life with others. Example is Kairos ministry.
Love is the motivation – it looks at the needs of others, at the deep needs of people, also.
Jesus is the perfect example of “Doing Life together”. He lived, he taught, he healed, he gave his life for those he came to save... and thus brought reconciliation. He calls us to follow him, to follow his example in doing life with others, to take up our cross for others, in love.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240225 930Amp JB BOLD for Jesus Linking them in
In the Early Church (Acts 4:32-35) Christian community:
What did the early Christians do? They listened to the apostles teaching about Jesus.
Where did they meet? In their homes sharing in fellowship meals.
How did they use what given them? By generous living and giving.
And God added to their number daily!
What does this mean in 2024? Why should we be bold to link them in?
We want to take risks.. Through a compelling community of believers.
A survey of views of non-Christians about their Christian friends: Many found them Caring, Honest, Loving and Generous
Question? Is this how your non-Christian friends see you?
Lord, we pray that you would help us to walk in the paths of Jesus.
Ref Book by Sam Chan, “The Plausibility of Jesus.”
How can we link in our not-yet-Christian mates with our Christian friends?
Speaker: John Batten.
20240218 6PM CD BOLD Be Opening up about faith in Jesus
We want to be BOLD about faith in Jesus
Develop habits that help us share Jesus with others. Following the advice of in the letter to the Colossians, there are three main points.
- Pray for opportunities, pray for us too. Christianity is growing, in Africa, and in Latin America.
g. Use me, use others, to share good news about Jesus. - Open up by making opportunities to share Jesus with people who are not yet Christians.
Be watchful and alert because Jesus will come back. God wants us to involved.
Redeem the opportunity. Let our conversation be “full of grace”, “seasoned with salt”. Salt is flavoursome, making it better.
We can gently, and with curiosity deepen our interactions with people.
- Take opportunities. e.g. How was your xyz…? or, I was praying for you, how did it go? or, can I pray for you? Now? or, What gives you hope? or, Would you interested in coming to church with me this week? or, Would you be interested in reading one of the biographies about Jesus in the Bible? etc.
Keep asking questions. This encourages conversation.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
B for BOLD: Be curious
Reading: Acts 17:16-34
B – Be curious.
- Curiosity connects. Paul discovered much about the people of Athens. Many idols. How observant are we of the people and life around us? Curious before jumping to conclusions. Reasoning and debating were part of the culture of the people of Athens.
- Curiosity shows genuine concern. Does our curiosity lead to genuine concern.
- Curiosity breeds curiosity. Comments occur when making a point.
- Curiosity needs care. It may lead to people feeling uncomfortable – and ourselves too. The ALPHA course may be a way for people to ask questions without feeling uncomfortable.
- Curiosity is not a cure. When people sneer, do not lose heart.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20240204 6PMp RI et al Bold for Jesus
Bible Reading: Acts 4:1-31.
Be bold for Jesus. Boldness comes, not by skill, but by the Holy Spirit.
Peter and John spoke with boldness about the man who was healed in Jesus name (v, 10). The authorities saw that Peter and John were unlearned men, but recognised that they had been with Jesus! (v.13). After they were further warned by the authorities, the group lifter their voices in prayer.
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L. Moody prayed for his list of 100 people, each of whom became believers. Let us pray for 3 people we know.
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Though our culture is trending against “having faith” and “believing in God”, yet, as the tide goes out, it will strongly return. And people will again return to faith in Jesus.
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Peter and John had been with Jesus. Though we may feel our own sense of insecurity, yet when we lean on Jesus, boldness overcomes our insecurity.
Speakers: Ron Irving, Brie Parsonons, John Batten, Chris Donald.
20240128 6PMp JB Salt and Light shaping what we do at work
Matthew 5:13 Salt and Light
How can different people, in their particular circumstances, act to shape the community?
Examples were suggested by members of the congregation:
High School Student: Show good attitudes and behaviour in sport, show respect regarding teachers. Talk to fellow students about church activities.
Unit Student/ Part time barista: Show up on time, work hard, make contacts, …
Working Parents: discipling their own children. Interacting with children/ other parents at school drop off; loving and supporting each other.
Teacher in a school: Avoid gossip. Do things to show genuine caring. Support Christian activities.
Next in our sermon series: Work Matters.
20240121 6PMp KM Shaped by Work, Shaped by God
Work may be paid or unpaid, and may be thought of as anything we do with intent or purpose, housework, caring work, something we put a lot of energy into doing, including study. An example is given of Christine, whose experience in her workplace was quite bad, yet that experience and subsequent events have greatly shaped and deepened her faith and trust in God. The Bible example is of Joseph, who, as one of 12 brothers, became hated and mistreated and sold into slavery. In his work as a slave, he was further mistreated, even thrown into prison, yet through It all, God’s purpose was through him to preserve his family and many others. We can get shaped by our work, yet God can use our work to shape us for his purposes and his glory.
Speaker: Kara Martin.
20240114 6PMp CD Working to Love our Neighbour
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Work Matters: Work provides Opportunities to Love others.
- Loving others with the benefits we receive from our work. As in Leviticus, the people are commanded to leave some of the fruit and produce for others, for the poor and the stranger, so we can ensure that others also receive from the benefits we receive from our work.
- Loving others where we work, as we work. Not doing harm in our work, but also with the benefits we receive in our work. Who else that we work with, can we benefit through our work. Loving people, praying for people, with whom we work.
- Love our neighbour through the work itself. Examples: plumbing bringing clean water, removing waste. Garbage collection: serving in love to our neighbour. We are blessed through many. And we can bless others, by loving them.
We love others because Jesus first loved us. As with an oasis in the desert, we can pass on to others the love which Jesus has already provided to us.
20230107 600PM DT A New Year with Hope
Speaker: David Tyndall.
Many news articles and summary items considering the situations and events of the past year or so suggest that there is little or no hope for the world, of which we are a part. However, for the Christian there is Hope which is of a different dimension. This hope of which St Paul writes is certain and sure, and does not depend so much on our current circumstances as it does on God’s grace and action already revealed and established through the life and death of Jesus. For those who have heard and believed the gospel have this sure and certain hope, which does not depend on themselves but on God. It begins with the pardon which we have received through Christ’s death, and will be fulfilled when we go to be with him forever. For the future and for now, we stand in the grace which God provides.
20231231 930AMp DT A New Year with the Lord
Colossians 3:1-10 Put off the old / Put on the new.
Notoriously, New Years Resolutions may not last more than a few weeks.
As Christians, we are urged in this sermon to put off the old and put on the new, because of our new standing with Christ, in the heavenly places. Christ’s death for us, on the cross, provides a different perspective, for us to put on the qualities such as longsuffering and patience.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
St Matts AM/PM sermon series: Advent: Christmas
20231224 10PM RI Embracing Grace
When young, Christmas seemed simple, such as happy emotions and joy. But the older we get, it seems, more complexity is added into Christmas. In a world where there are troubles, unresolved wars and issues between people and groups the is a need for changes to the approach that people take. Author and journalist, Julia Baird, wrote a book, “Bright Shining: How Grace changes everything.” Baird, says that there is a need for “reservoirs of grace.” For Baird, society needs to “embrace grace” for our survival, Grace involves mercy.
We need the grace, we need to “be embraced by Grace”.
The “Appearance of Grace” in the Titus bible passage, is about grace for us, that has come in Jesus. It is about God reaching into our brokenness.
Jesus appeared. His coming is as the Grace for us. Offering salvation to us. Accept God’s offer for us to be “embraced by Grace” that provides us the great reservoir of Grace to release us from our sin. Jesus brings freedom. At Christmas, accept the Grace, offered to us in Jesus. Be embraced by Grace.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20231217 6PMp CD Our God will come!
Speaker: Chris Donald.
At Christmas, in the “festive season”, some people think of it as the “Most Wonderful Time” of the year. Yet this is not true for everybody, and some find it to be a sad or lonely or difficult time. It may bring back sad memories or other issues. In Advent, we celebrate the long promised coming of the king, as a child and then as a Teacher and Leader and as our Saviour. Jesus is The Way, the path back to God. But the story is not ended yet. We await the return of Jesus. Isaiah tells us that the “Redeemed of the Lord will return and come with singing unto Zion, with Everlasting Joy. Your God will come!
Refs: Isaiah 9:1-7, John 1:1-13.
It was prophesied long ago that a great Light would be seen by those who dwell in darkness, in the shadow of death. In Advent, we celebrate the coming of the great light into the world. But, what is the meaning of the Light and of darkness?
From early in the bible, it is seen that relationship with God based on covenants, and promises, … made to Noah, Abraham, Moses, David.
The prophets point to the future, and also the past, to God’s faithfulness, and man’s unfaithfulness and sinfulness. The prophecy of Isaiah, tells of the Light that shall come to the people who dwell in the shadow of death. The people of Zebulon, Naphtali, Galilee.
A child will be born, a son will be given, Wonderful – amazing, worker of miracles, Counsellor – who can advise the nations. The mighty God, the everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.
The forerunner, John the Baptist, told of the one who was about to come, Jesus.
Speaker: Bishop Chris Edwards.
20231203 6PM JB The Promise not a Quid Pro Quo
First in our series in Advent.
David, King of Israel, in Jerusalem, thinks to build a house for God, but through the prophet Nathan, God reminds David the history who he is. God declares He will give his people a place. He will build David household line. God is the one who promised Abraham that he would make him a nation and a people. God has made his promises and he does and will keep his promises. It’s not a “quid pro quo” relationship in which we earn a place with God. God promised a Messiah would be given, which he fulfilled in Jesus. And he has promised that Jesus will return. And this we celebrate as we look for the return of the one who dies for us, on the cross, taking upon himself our sin and the sin of the world.
Let us tell the good news to others as we celebrate the coming of Jesus, and await for his return.
Speaker: John Batten.
20231126 6PMp RI Vision for the future
Vision Sunday is a day we set aside to consider and look to the future for the church and for St Matts.
Census data indicates that Christianity has been in decline in Australia for many years – more than a lifetime for many people. However, that is not a pointer for despondency. Yet, in the past, it has happened at least five times, and each time, Christianity has revived.
There are indicators that people are open to look beyond the world’s offerings. Jesus said that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against his church.
Christ’s love compels us. Does this carry over into our local community? Into all the places God puts you.
Considering our vision at St Matts, our vision is “to be boldly fulfilling our purpose”.
“Bold for the gospel, bold for reaching people, bold in Christ.”
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Final in our current series on Philippians: Worth It
Thanksgiving Day each year is exciting because it allows us to support worthwhile projects around our city, around the world and in our own community. It calls for generosity, but that raises a concern … “What if I then don’t have enough?” If I keep more for myself, I’m likely to have more. It’s painful for us to “not have enough, enough money, wisdom, strength, education, … ” Our modern world want us to feel discontent.
God speaks to us through this ancient letter of Paul to the Philippians.
Paul looks at reasons for his rejoicing at their generosity.
- The Philippians are life long followers of Jesus.
- They are generous.
- He wants them to receive benefits and blessings from Christ.
- This gives them the opportunity to learn how to be content whatever the circumstances.
Paul says he doesn’t need the gift. Paul says he has learned to be in need, or in plenty and he is able to do this through Christ’s enabling power.
Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord is worth it!
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our series in Philippians.
Philippians 4:1-12: A Peace that is Worth It
What do we mean by Peace? How do we get it? In Philippians, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord, have no anxiety about anything, in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know unto God, and the Peace of God that passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This may sound like a recipe, but it is NOT about a recipe, it is about a relationship. This relationship with God in Jesus, brings Peace. “In Jesus”, even conflict between Christians can often be resolved perhaps with help of others. A final piece of advice Paul has two aspects. Firstly, thinking and secondly, doing. Thinking about what is true, honorable, just, true, gracious, excellence, praiseworthy. Think about Jesus! Who he was, his character, his actions. This relationship will bring us into peace, with God.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our sermons series on Philippians: Philippians 3:12-20.
St Paul urges his fellow Christians at Philippi to press on, like him, running the race toward the prize, for which Christ has taken hold of him, and us. He urges us not to fix our eyes on earthly things; that would result in us being enemies of the cross of Christ.
Our Prize is NOT ourselves, NOT getting our own way. But bringing the hope of heaven into our lives. Analogy of Philippi as Roman colony. We are a colony of heaven. We persevere in bringing the hope of heaven into our world. How can we bring the hope of heaven into this world.
Christ has taken hold of me to be part of the colony of heaven.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20231029 6PMp RI Count only on Christ
Many things can cause harm, some obvious, others not so obvious. This is so in life, but also in faith. Some obvious matters are a clear denial of faith, but some subtle issues can make even seemingly good actions and behaviours become detractors from faith. Some seemingly good things we may do, such as attending church, involvement in spiritual activities, serving, giving, knowledge, are all dangerous, if we count on them for “the Christian Life” then we are in grave danger. Paul’s remedy: “Count on Christ”. Rejoice in the Lord rather than in our self, in “the flesh”. Counting upon those things as a basis for salvation turns out to detract from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. If we count on anything other than Christ for salvation, baptism, church attendance, our Christian morality, or even our doctrinal conviction or our personal views, we stop counting on Christ. Do we treat “counting on Christ” as more valuable than anything else that we do or have? Counting on Christ is to know Christ and his sufferings, even to death, and the power of the resurrection. In each situation, difficulties, or success, Count only of Christ. Counting on Christ rather than ourselves is Worth It.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20231022 CD Community that is Worth it.
We desperately need community, not just any community; but community that is Worth it.
Paul and the Philippian church love each other. The Philippian church may have included Lydia, the seller of purple cloth; the gaoler who was saved and baptised, after the earthquake. Perhaps the slave girl from whom Paul cast out a demon. The church shares with Paul in a partnership in the gospel. There are two mindsets, one can save a community, one which can wreck a community. It applies to every person in the community. Self-entitlement, putting yourself first, versus putting others first. Complaining and fault finding. The other mindset is self-sacrifice. When “I” die, “we” live. Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples. And look to the example of Jesus. Self sacrifice instead of self entitlement.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20231015 6PMp RI A death that is worth it.
Second in our series on Philippians: Worth It.
Often we may ask, Why? Or What’s the point? Paul’s circumstances are difficult. He is in prison, in chains. Paul’s focus in not on the What? or Why? of his the circumstances, but rather on the Who? .. on Jesus Christ and his death for us. Paul sees positive results for the gospel and Jesus emerging from his difficult circumstances. For example, the whole Praetorian guard knows Paul is in chains for the sake of the gospel. And many have confidence to preach the gospel. Paul’s approach to death is that it is a gain for him to die and to be with Christ, but to live on, provides benefit to the Philippian church. Like a three legged race, we in part, are bound together, and in the church, we are bound together in Jesus. Whether Paul lives or dies, his focus is on Jesus. Whatever the situation we find ourselves in, Jesus has already won the victory, and Jesus is worth it.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
The first in our sermon series: "Worth It", on the Letter of Paul to the Philippians.
As is clear in the book of Acts (ch 16) there was a great work of God in Philippi
But there were many difficulties for Christians because of the opposition f the people there.
Paul writes to just one person but to them as a church, as the group of people.
Paul is writing from prison. He is writing and praying with joy. It was not easy for the Philippians and is often not easy for us. Paul realises that God’s saints need to be encouraged, and spurred on to live a life worthy of Christ. That is why Paul writes this letter. It is all about partnership. Partnership requires active participation. The Philippians were active mission partners, active financial partners, and active prayer partners. For the sake of the gospel, they were active in financial matters from the beginning. It was not an easy place in Philippi for the gospel. Paul and Silas were put in prison and were beaten. The citizens were putting themselves out of the norm in their society, declaring that Jesus is Lord, rather than Caeser! Paul knows that Jesus will enable them to fulfil their part in their partnership. Jesus will do this for us too! He will bring it to completion as we step out in gospel partnership, in financial partnership, in prayer partnership.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20231001 6PM JB Fasting What When and How
Fasting: Laying Down an appetite of yours to increase your hunger for God.
3 Reasons in the bible: as Response, for Readiness or as Rhythm.
Readings: Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 58:3-7
Fasting is an invitation to you to use your whole body to hunger for God. There are some practical steps to think about in considering taking up fasting. This can be complicated by by our “relationship with food.” There are practical issues for people with an eating disorder, or with conditions such as depression. 6 suggestions: 1. Start small. 2. Make a plan. Use your fast for a purpose e.g. as a Response, for Readiness, or Rhythm. (N.B. drink water!!). 3. Be aware how your fasting may impact others. 4. You may fast together with others, or may fast on your own. 5. Can fast from appetites other than food. e.g. music or podcasts, etc. 6. In fasting, turn your attention to Jesus. Focus on Jesus, rather than that from which you are abstaining.
Speaker: John Batten.
God has a plan and He sends people.
God has a plan. The Bible begins with Paradise and ends with Paradise. But in between, already by page 3 (ch3), sin has entered in and marred the ideal. In God’s plan he calls Abraham with promise, and says Go! but trouble and sin in the family leads to Egypt and slavery. Yet God makes them a people. God calls Moses and tells him to Go! But Moses gives reasons and excuses, ending with saying, “Send someone else!” God brings them into the Promised Land, but they behave badly and get carried off into exile. Later they return to the Promised Land, and then there is 400 years of silence. Then God sends Jesus. And when faced with the Cross, Jesus goes to the Cross, fulfilling God’s plan to deal with sin. Now he says to us to “Go!” and we too, make excuses. But many have gone, and have given reasons why those excuses are not valid.
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation, and surely I am with you, even until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20.)
Speaker: Steve McKerney.
Continuing our Series: We come to Meditation as a means of Grace
As a cow chews the cud, and ruminates, so meditation can help us to digest and better assimilate God’s truth into our lives. Biblical meditation doesn’t just mean emptying our minds, but focussing our thoughts on scripture to better understand its meaning for us. As an example, meditating on the Old Testament character of Job and his circumstances in which he has lost everything and even his own skin is severely affected. Job sees beyond his current circumstances to a future in which, he declares, he knows his redeemer lives and will stand upon the earth. Meditation may help us for our “head” and “heart” to be more aligned. We can create and find ways to remember key parts of scripture, and plan to use them at key times. God gives grace in many ways, and as we meditate on His word, we can incorporate parts of scripture into our surroundings and into our lives.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20230912 6PM CD Meeting together is a means of Grace.
Resuming our series on the means of Grace: With a focus on Hebrews 10:19, 23 we see that the writer to the Hebrews, to a Jewish Christian group who may have been in danger of giving up their faith, explains how God’s grace has been revealed, through Jesus, in opening up a way into the Holiest place. The passage is full of references to the Leviticus series of sermons which we have just completed. These Christians are urged “not to give up the practice of meeting together, as some have done, but to keep encouraging one another”. The speaker explains that to be filled with grace, we need God’s Grace and that through using the “means of grace”, we can more readily receive grace. Grace, which is so freely given through Jesus and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the midst”. Thus, by God’s grace, when Christians gather together, God is especially present. We are urged to meet and encourage one another, and especially reach out and encourage those who may not have been meeting. As God’s people, through meeting, we take hold of this means of receiving God’s Grace.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Final in our series on Leviticus.
20230903 6PMp CD Holiness in all aspects pointing to Jesus.
Our schedules and calendars shape our activities and lives. What is important and what is trivial in our calendar? For example, ANZAAC Day, “Lest we forget”. But what if God were to shape our calendar?
For the Israelites they have the year with its seasons, the months from the moon, but also the week, seven days as a sabbath, a rest, a gift, reflecting also the creation. A sabbath for rejoicing, gathering together, relating to others who are also resting, rejoicing in God. The sabbath is also for resetting. For Israel, there are also 6 annual events, 3 springtime festivals, (Passover and festival of Unleavened bread and Firstfruits). Then Festival of weeks, also known as Pentecost. Then 3 more festivals in the seventh month, (Festival of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and the 5 day long Festival of Tabernacles). After 7 years, a Sabbath Year for the land, and after 7 time seven years, The 50th year is the Jubilee. All set free, and property rights returned to those originally given. Their schedule reminds them to reset.
For us, we have a New Covenant relationship with God, through Jesus. We are not bound by the patterns of the law, by the sabbaths and festivals. The festivals were a shadow of that which was yet to come,… to a better covenant, that is fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus, who died as our Passover Lamb, who rose from the dead as first fruits of a new life we can share in, whose Spirit was poured out abundantly on the festival of weeks (Pentecost). Jesus, whose coming was celebrated at the festival of trumpets, whose self-sacrifice made, once for all, a sacrifice for sins; Jesus, who tabernacled with us.
There are principles here for us. We are taught that the whole of life is for relationship with God. Every decade, every year, every month, week, day, every hour that we live, belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we were bought. We can structure our time, putting it in the calendar.
How can we readjust our calendar, our schedule, that will allow our relationship with him to flourish? We may reflect on our weekly calendar. Building in rest, a spiritual reset. Building our relationship with God and God’s people. To Rest, Remember, Reset. We can build our schedules so that all our lives are set in relationship with God.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
20230827 6PM JB Living as God’s Holy People.
Reality is some matters is without half measures. For example, either married, or NOT.
Leviticus 19 is the focus of ch 18 to ch 20. The focus is on Holiness. God says, to the entire assembly of Israel, “Be Holy, because I the Lord your God am Holy”. Though God is a God of grace, God calls them to live differently towards each other, … keep the culture I have given you and don’t be polluted by the nations around you. Be Holy at home, in the way that you do harvest. Be Holy towards God, toward neighbours, in our bodies, toward aliens, in business. The Lord has brought you out of Egypt. Let Holiness be in every part of your lives. Let Holiness be extensive. Be Holy in every way. This applies to Israel, but it applies also to us. Jesus says the same things. Be perfect, like your Heavenly Father is perfect. The goal of the Christian is to be more like Jesus. To be a Christian, is to be set apart. To be Holy in every part of your lives, every relationship. How? How do I? Drawing near to God and imitating him. One cannot be a part time Christian. We are called, not to be conformed to the world, but conformed to Christ. Our holiness is to be extensive. To be more and more like Jesus.
Speaker: John Batten
20230820 6PMp RI Holy God gives atonement for his people.
Leviticus Series. In family life, when one has nothing, someone gives. When we realise that we have nothing, we need someone else to give. We have seen in Leviticus, God has given this offering system that allows them to remain with God but it doesn’t fix the core of the issue. The central point is that when Israel has nothing, God gives. In this sermon, we see God gives atonement to his people who have nothing to give. Atonement is God’s gift; it is not something they are doing to appease him. It is something God is giving to them.
In the details, we find God has prepared meaningful links to other aspects of need.
Blood is associated with Life. Sin leads to death. Purification is given by God.
Symbolically, Aaron is transferring the sin of the people to the scapegoat. The goat is then sent into the wilderness – going to the East. The psalmist says, As far as the East is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us.
Followers of Jesus understand that Jesus has become the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Once and for all, obtaining eternal redemption. We can do nothing for it. Nothing more is needed, Jesus has done it all.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
2020813 DT 6PMp A special people to a Holy God
Fourth in our series on Leviticus. Physical Training, singing, studying may be of some value to us, now and in the future, but how does one become “fit for God”? In Israel, there were 3 levels, sinful, ritually unclean, and ritually clean. Laws and rules about foods and behaviour were given, some seemingly arbitrary, some with health relevance: but many were different to the rules for the peoples around them. In each family, there are some specific rules that are applied to members of the family, and this may make the family distinct. The Lord reminds the Israelites that he rescued them and brought them out of Egypt, to be his people, and says to them, “Be holy for I am Holy!”. Thus they are different from the people around them. Now, what about us? for those who believe in Jesus, Christ has made the sacrifice for us.
Can people tell that you are committed to Christ? Principle: The whole life is committed to it. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. Training, music, etc… can be of some value, but, do people around you see you as different? Do people see this? Are you fit for God?
Speaker: David Tyndall.
20230806 CD 6PMp The priest is a go-between to reach a Holy God.
Third in our series on Leviticus: reaching the Holy God. How good, in life, it is to have a go-between, to speak, advise or act on our behalf. Physically and also spiritually, this seems fairly universal, in many and various cultures. In Leviticus 8-10, we see Moses, then Aaron and his eldest sons in this role of priests through sacrifices, and rituals to reach the Holy God. But even as these are accomplished, the system breaks down through human sinfulness. Yet it foreshadows Jesus, the High Priest of the second covenant, our go-between and perfect sacrifice, and how all believers are priestly go-betweens to reach the whole world.
Speakers: Chris Donald, Bri Parsonon.
2nd sermon in series on Leviticus
Readings: Leviticus 3:1-17. Romans 12:1-2
Ambiguity in conversation or in a relationship is difficult but clarity is much easier. Three principles help us to understand Leviticus for us today. Leviticus was written first as the terms of a covenant agreement between God and ancient Israel, and to understand it we need to see it the light of Jesus actions for us. Leviticus defines how an unholy, imperfect people can live with a Perfect and Holy God. Separation from God is a life and death matter, sacrifice of animals is costly, sin is costly. Leviticus chapters 1-7 define 5 types of voluntary sacrifices: 1. Burnt offering, 2. grain offering, 3._Fellowship offering, 4. sin or purification offering and 5. Guilt offering.
These can be associated with 5 summary words : 1. Reverence, 2. Reclgnition, 3. Relationship, 4. Repentance, 5. Restitution. In Isaiah and through David, it is made clear that God does not just want sacrifices from the people of Israel. He wants relationship, he wants their hearts. And he wants our hearts too.
Considering these 5 summary ideas in relation to ourselves, how do we stand in relation to God? Does he have our hearts?
We need a sacrifice made on our behalf, too. A perfect sacrifice, without blemish, provided for us by God. Jesus, on our behalf, gave himself to restore our relationship with God. God wants our hearts. We are urged to present our bodies, our lives as a living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1-2)
Speaker: Chris Donald.
First in our series on Leviticus.
20230723 AM/PM CD Leviticus: Its place in the bible.
How shall we describe Leviticus? A book of Rules? Difficult Book? ... Foundational! Leviticus provides understanding of items throughout the bible, e.g. loving our neighbour, atonement, Jesus our high priest, holiness, kingdom of priests.
What is the context of Leviticus? How describe the whole bible? The story of God who seeks and saves to create a people with whom he can have a relationship. We see this story developing in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers …
Unresolved distance, Leviticus begins.
May seem just like a bunch of laws … but actually telling a story:
We can best understand Leviticus when we understand that living for God is NOT about a set of rules, but about a relationship with God. Being a Christian is NOT about a following a set of rules, but about having a relationship with God.
The question: HOW to Resolve the problem about how an unholy person can have a relationship with a Holy God, and live in relationship with him. And this indeed is the message of the Bible: that God wants a relationship with us, that he sent his Son to enable the restoration of that relationship.
Leviticus is about God’s people learning how to be holy, so they can relate to a holy God, reflect him to each other and reveal him to the world. Our aim this year is to be a people of grace and a place of grace, where God is being reflected and revealed again and again.
But the story of the bible is not over, it is continued through the birth of a son, Jehoshua, Immanuel, who saves and who is God with us.
Speaker: Chris Donald
God's grace is seen in resolving immediate issues for Boaz, Ruth and Naomi, both in the timing and in the outcome of events. Ruth is incorporated into the people of God, and through a child, blessing flow both to Ruth and Boaz, and also to Naomi.
And God is at work preparing the way through the child Obed, Jesse to king David, (by-passing Saul), and subsequently to Jesus, who is also born in Bethlehem!
In our families, we too, through Jesus, can be assured that "nothing in all creation shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:38).
The lineage of Boaz, is traced via Perez from Tamar, (a Canaanite) and Judah. The Lineage of Ruth (a Moabitess), is traced back through Moab to Noah's daughter with her father.
God's extraordinary grace reaches beyond the Israelites to all nations!
Speaker: Ron Irving.
20230709 6PM
Again we see that God’s extraordinary grace is unleashed in the ordinary routines of life, in daily needs, in hopes and prayers of his people. It was the beginning of the barley harvest, and Ruth, with her mother-in-law’s approval, goes to glean in field after the harvesters, as it happens, in one of the fields owned by Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s husband Elimelech. Boaz notices Ruth and though she is an outsider, he treats her well, inviting her to his table. He knows of the blessing (“hesed”) she has provided to Naomi.
God unleashes his grace in many of the ordinary matters of life, and we may recipients of that grace, or, indeed, instruments of that grace to others. How do we, in our lives, show kindness to others, to the needs of others. There is so much hesed in this story.
And there are parallels for us… we get extraordinary grace, released to us, in Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
The Book of Ruth and God’s Grace
In what situations does God meet us with his Grace? What is our experience of God’s Grace? This question is considered as we begin our series of sermons on the Book of Ruth. After moving to the land of Moab from their place in Bethlehem, Judea, because of famine, Naomi experiences the death of her husband, and then of her two sons who are married to Moabite women. Though with a severe sense of bitterness she sets out to return to Bethlehem, she tells her daughters-in-law, for their own welfare, to return to their original homes and people. Orpah does so, but Ruth holds firmly in her resolve to go with Naomi, to adopt her people and her God. Naomi’s bitterness may be seen as form of lament. A parallel to this may be where we see Jesus’ crying out on the Cross. Even there, God is not missing. God still clings to his people! … more to come next week.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
A further sermon in or series on the Means of Grace.
Hospitality and the means of Grace
Biblical Hospitality what is it? What is it NOT? Not like King George III, who knew how to hugely over cater for his guests, thinking that popularity would flow from that. This isn’t the popularity that God holds out for us. Jesus calls us to a different hospitality. In the bible, hospitality is associated with two Greek words: “phile-o” (brotherly love) and “xenos” (a stranger), to lovingly invite into your life, someone who doesn’t belong. When we show hospitality, we get to show God’s generous “stranger-love” -- love of the stranger. Isaiah 55 tells us of the Lord’s invitation “to come!” Hospitality is the very heart of the gospel because of Jesus. It’s a practical way to invite the “stranger” into our life. People can get to experience how generous, kind and caring God is. . This is a means of grace, when we get to show His love, we get to know His love!
Speaker: John Batten.
20230618 6PM CD Gratitude as a means of God’s Grace.
Starting with an anecdote on saying “Please” and “Thank You” this sermon explores how showing gratitude becomes a means of God’s grace. Five ways giving thanks may help us to grow in grace:
- We notice grace more
- We appreciate grace more
- We rejoice more
- We receive more
- We trust more. Give thanks in all circumstances.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Corrie Ten Boom provide great examples of gratitude leading to Grace. Gratitude opens us up to grace.
2nd in our series on "The means of Grace". In the midst of our busy-ness, the creation invites us to ponder and consider our place. We are tempted to inflate ourselves and deflate God, yet, as reminded by an excerpt from Luis Giglio on our place in the universe, that God is so big and we are so small. Yet, even as we are so small, yet God calls us by grace, into relationship with him.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
A sermon in our series on "The Means of Grace".
Prayer in one of the means of Grace.
It is an invitation rather than an obligation.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Final in our series: "That's my King", on chapters 4 to 8 of Luke's Gospel. We are brought face-to-face with the concerns and worries of two persons who came to Jesus for help, and received the miracle of healing. Jairus, the ruler of a synagogue, begs Jesus to come to save his very ill 12 year old daughter. The woman, suffering 12 years of bleeding, does not wish to be identified, so touches his clothing, in faith.
In this sermon, their thoughts, fears and concerns are portrayed for us as they meet Jesus. And Jesus' way of reassuring comfort and his words to them and to others is brought to our attention! That's our King!
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Bible: Luke 8:40-56.
What do we take for granted? There is contrast of the actions and thoughts of the Pharisee and other uncommitted observers with those of the woman who washed and anointed Jesus’ feet. Self-righteousness blinds us to our need for forgiveness.
We are challenged to consider: Do we take the gift of salvation for granted? Or do we constantly think and act in appreciation of the gift of love?
Speaker: David Tyndall
20230507 6PM.
Jesus heals the Centurion’s servant. Jesus is amazed!
What difference perspective makes. Perspective is how we view things, it changes what we see. It helps us to see things differently. In this story, people saw things from different perspectives. The Jewish elders saw the centurion as worthy to receive healing for his servant. The centurion saw himself as unworthy to receive Jesus into his house. He addresses Jesus as ‘Lord’. Jesus saw the centurion, not as being worthy, or unworthy. Jesus sees him as having greater faith than anyone in all of Israel. This is the miracle in this passage. A man of authority sees a man of Greater Authority.
Speaker: John Batten.
3rd in our series on Luke: That’s My King.
Jesus is followed and confronted by the Pharisees, who seek to find fault with him because of his attitude to the Sabbath Law and their Sabbath rules. Jesus responds with a scriptural example and the example of doing good on the sabbath. Jesus declares that “the Son of Man” is Lord of the Sabbath. William Wilberforce provided an analogy for our lives of a field partly fenced off for Jesus … but in reality it becomes a field partly fenced off from Jesus. Chris challenges us to consider the question, “what parts of our lives do we NOT want Jesus to have power over”?
Speaker: Chris Donald.
2nd in our series: "That's my King!"
Bible: Luke 4:14-30.
Speaker: John Batten.
Jesus, having been well received elsewhere, came to his home town of Nazareth, reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares that the prophesy of Isaiah is fulfilled before their eyes. Not believing that Joseph’s son could be the Messiah, the anointed one. Jesus asks the question as to why the prophet Elijah was sent to “non-israelite widow”, and why the “non-Israelite Naaman” was the leper who received healing through Elisha. The people are angered and want to kill Jesus, but he passes through their midst. This is King Jesus.
Do you know him?
First in the Series on Luke Chs4-8: "That's My King!"
Covers the Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan, its meaning and key importance leading into Jesus' ministry and his death on the cross.
As our King, Jesus is an example of how to deal with temptation, knowing & using the bible as a help.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
Easter day Service
Taking the Initiative in Love is very meaningfjul.
God, who knows us, first loved us.
On Good Friday, we heard that Jesus willingly died in our place and took the consequences of all our brokenness, he took it all and he died for it so that we could be freed from our sin. We took black cloths symbolising our sin, and hung them on this bare cross.
Jesus took all our sin and died for it. But that’s not all. The story does not end on Friday. He stepped out of the tomb and offers a life transforming relationship to anyone who wants it.
We may think we must clean ourselves up before we can come to God. But that is getting the order wrong, because … he first loved us. We love because he first loved us. We can love others, we love because he first loved us. The cross is not just a place to discard, the cross is a place also to receive. Come and take a flower to symbolise and to remember that he first loved us.
If you choose, you can also accept the life transforming relationship, by believing in him.
Speaker: Chris Donald:
Good Friday Service.
Good Friday is not about happiness. It is about Love. On the eve of his death, Jesus said, “Greater Love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Things in the world around us are not good, not happy. They come about through sin, that of us and of others. Jesus fixes the problem of our sin. Our sin places us under judgement and we cannot solve it because we keep sinning. Jesus paid the price. He stretched out his arms, on the cross, for us. Jesus atones for all sin, not just some. “This is Love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Speaker: Ron Irving:
Continuing our series on1 Peter : "Here for Now".
God is a God of Love and Comfort and one day He will remove all suffering, but for the present, God uses suffering ... suffering is not enjoyable, but it is rejoicable!
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When suffering for Jesus, you are being tested, proved.
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Being alongside him, you are suffering with him.
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There will be future recognition and glory.
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God is close - His Spirit rests on you.
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You are being purified through suffering for Christ.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our series in 1 Peter: "Here for now."
A change in attitude can make a major difference to our life. Peter urges his readers to have the same attitude as Christ. An attitude of ”not what I will, but what you will” changes life from living for selfish human desire to living for the will of God.
A “Not what I will” attitude will result in three things: Love each other deeply, Show Hospitality (Love of the stranger), Serve each other rather than seek to be served. These are especially relevant when under persecution, in exile. These come at personal cost.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Continuing our Series in 1 Peter: Here for Now
Peter is the disciple who saw Jesus, saw him heal others, calm the storm, and saw him on trial. Peter ate with him, after the resurrection, and saw him taken into heaven.
Christians may have differences, disagreements, various views about what is important. Peter addresses the issue of our attitude toward one another: Loving and caring for each other. This can then shape our behaviour. This is extended to those outside of Christ. Jesus has shown us by example how to respond to suffering. We are chosen people, chosen to serve others by the example of Jesus, serving others in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ resurrection is an event which announces both judgement and new life! Jesus’ resurrection shows us that God is in control and that he can be trusted … both today, … and forever!
Speaker: Gary Hill.
Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”.
Ron Irving expounds the meaning 1 Peter 3:1-7 about Husbands and Wives. He explains that even in the culturally different times of then and now, submission to one another does not entail suffering humiliation. In discussion with Linda Dunstan, they cover the sensitive issue of domestic abuse and domestic violence.
Speakers: Ron Irving and Linda Dunstan
Continues our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”.
From his “Red Frogs” experience, John Batten tells how "doing good" can point people to Jesus. This sermon discusses some difficult ideas presented in Peter’s letter to the exiles.
Peter tells them to submit to the earthly authorities, including the Emperor, (Nero), as we submit ourselves to God. Show respect to all people. To slaves he says, "Submit to your masters, both to the considerate but also to those who are harsh".
There are implications for our modern day. Christ’s example is that though he did no wrong, yet he suffered for our sakes. His example is for us to follow. John urges us to choose Christ, not comfort. To follow Christ’s way, not just choose comfort!
Speaker: John Batten.
Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”.
Some beautiful old church buildings, in our area, have now been taken over for other uses. The view may be that the church does not matter to the world. Peter’s letter is written to the Christians in a similar situation.
In this sermon, Chris explains the rich and dense theological ideas in this part of Peter’s letter. Chosen – Royal -- Priesthood – Holy Nation – God’s Special Possession. We are Living Stones. Jesus is the Foundation Stone on which the house is built. Because of Jesus, we are holy, we are special, to God: now a people who now have received mercy: We are to declare his praises. We may not matter to the world, but we matter for the world.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: Here for Now.
We are reminded that as God's people, we are foreigners, strangers, visitors who are just passing through. Here for now. This is our identity. We are redeemed at great price, by the precious blood of Jesus. Our Hope is in God, is everlasting, and therefore are called to be Holy. There are 6 practical ways which can help us to live as God's Holy people. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid self of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, do not conform to evil desires, set our hope on grace, and crave the spiritual milk to feed us.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
First in our Series on 1st Epistle of Peter. Peter addresses a scattered group of Christians, whom, he declares, has been chosen in accordance with the foreknowledge of God. These are exiles, living on the edge of a non-Christian society. They have a living hope, a hope that lives when others fail. Peter reminds the believers as to their true identity: Chosen yet exiles. This may parallel with what happened to Jesus. There are parallels for us ... Christians may suffer, but that is not a reason to give up hope. Christian hope is not just optimism, but a hoe that is sure, certain and secure in Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Re Vision Sunday
St Matts Vision: A Place of Grace and a People of Grace.
A Place of Grace: A place where people Love God and Love Others around us.
A loving community that provides for people, welcomes different people, eats with people of different backgrounds.
A People of Grace: people who are generous with time, money, attention and gratitude.
How to become a people of Grace isn’t by just following rules. To be a person of Grace is to realise our need for Grace, to know God’s Grace for us, that Jesus died for us!! and to practise Grace.
Older people, parents, children and young people may have different lessons to learn. Christians may also need to re-orientate to be people of Grace.
Know that by Grace, God’s help will change people and do things with people who live in Grace.
Speakers: Ron Irving, John Batten & Chris Donald.
Final in our current series on the Holy Spirit.
On Harvest Day, a phenomenon occurred that amazed everybody. Teaching about the Holy Spirit confounds and perplexes many and there are different views on the work of the Holy Spirit in the church and in our lives today. Jesus taught his disciples to pray and to Ask Seek & Knock and God will give his Holy Spirit to those that ASK.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our series on the Holy Spirit: Spiritual Gifts.
Four questions about spiritual gifts: What are they? What are miraculous gifts? Who gets spiritual gifts and how? and Who are the gifts for?
And four personal questions: 1. Do you know the gift of life the Jesus is offering you?
2. What gifts do you see in others?
- What gifts have you been given?
4. Are you using your gifts for building God's people?
Second in our series on the Holy Spirit,
Speaker: John Batten
John encourages us to raise our expectation of the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit change us, sanctify us, make us Holy. God wants us to be Holy, to be in relationship with Him. Sanctification is being made Holy, being made more like Jesus. Walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Self-control. It’s God’s will that you be sanctified, for God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
The Holy Spirit is a person.
He was at work in creation and the writing of the scriptures. He is at work in the lives of people, bringing them to God.
John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace", was brought through many dangers, trials and snares. Eventually he realised " ‘twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will bring me home.”
We are saved by grace. God has been at work in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit.
It is by God’s Spirit that we know that sin is sin, and that we are sinners. We are being transformed by God’s Spirit.
John 14 is a passage of great comfort to his disciples. Jesus speaks plainly to his disciples of his death and departure, but also of the Counsellor, the Comforter and helper who will be sent and be with his disciples forever. The Holy Spirit guides us to heaven when this life is over.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
This Christmas, again, the world is not at peace. We often seek to "Make Peace" by various methods, but the things we do, don't resolve the chaos of the world.
We cannot make peace, but God wants to make Peace with us. We can meet Peace in Jesus, and when Jesus returns, he will bring Peace as the curse is removed.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Who is this John, this son of Zechariah?
The third in our advent series of sermons, Whis is this John, the son of Zechariah going to be? Speaker: Chris Donald.Zechariah prophesies about who John will be, in thirty years’ time! John is an announcer of God’s Love, God’s forgiveness, calling people to repent and turn to God. John will announce that Jesus is coming. John is like an Alarm clock,… an Alarm Clock, on which we may hit snooze …Are you a believer? Are you saying, “I’ll get to Jesus later…”. But while hitting snooze, you are missing out on the things he has for you right now. Are you not a Christian? Hitting snooze again? Yes, but we don’t know when we will have left it too late!
In this sermon on Vision Sunday our senior minister considers our response when many things are needing to be done. Do we respond by taking on more, and then taking on still more? He realises now that he is being taught, that Grace will lead us home. Our language may reveal much, for example, our use of the word “should” implies duty, however it is Grace that will lead us home. It is God’s grace that helps us in our time of need.
It is not about us "trying" to be a “good Christian”. We actually can’t do it! Rather is it saying that Grace leads us home. Jesus takes us to the throne of grace, and we find Grace to help in time of need. Christians may often wallow in “’dis’-grace” But followers of Jesus, people of Grace are never “dis-graced’.
The final in our current series on 2 Corinthians: Jesus is enough.
In this sermon, Jesus is our Generous Provider, Chris Donald tells us of his own struggles and experience in being generous, and in trusting God. He also relates to us, his experience in rock climbing (don’t look down) with belaying equipment (kick out and trust the equipment). He examines Paul’s words in 2nd Corinthians about “sowing generously or sparingly and reaping generous harvest or reaping sparingly. Chris warns us of two pitfalls in understanding this passage: 1. The “Prosperity gospel” or “get-rich-quick” pitfall, and 2. The “Religion Pitfall” of trying to get God’s attention and favour. Instead, he reminds us that God has already taken action in our favour by giving us Jesus who died for us, and what we need is, as in rock climbing with belaying equipment, learn to let go and to trust Him.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Our actions can become habits. In our series in 2 Corinthians, this sermon considers Paul’s concern for the Corinthians in their preparedness and the management of giving for others.
When Zacchaeus met Jesus, he became generous. Jesus in his generosity gave all for us. Our giving is part of our participation in the gospel.
Take care how we use money, or money will use us.
Speaker: John Batten.
Continuing our series on 2 Corinthians. Jesus is Al we need.
This sermon first draws attention to the limited capacity of what we can cope with. Focussing on the part of Paul’s words to the Corinthians about being unequally yoked, it considers what it means to be yoked together and what impact that has on our lives, … where we are drawn and where we go. We may be drawn away by people, by our interests, habits and attention. A contemporary example is the communication devices that we use. The speaker then reminds us of Jesus’ words, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light, and you shall find rest unto your soul.”
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continuing our series on 2 Corinthians: Jesus is All we need.
Following on from the complete reconciliation available in Jesus, Paul explains that despite circumstances of plenty or of lack, he serves God through the grace available in Jesus. He identifies the weapons on righteousness: purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech and the power of God, by which he fights. He seeks that his work may not be in vain.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Resuming our series in 2 Corinthians: "Jesus is All we need", this sermon considers Jesus as our complete reconciler. Through Jesus and his sacrifice for us, we can be reconciled to God. Through this grace, we can bring reconciliation to others. It is in our actions that we show our true colours.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
2nd in our series on "Hard things to talk about" : Why do bad things happen to good people? This sermon considers the issue of people who suffer, perhaps through no fault of their own. It also looks at Jesus' response when confronted with similar questions such as some who were killed when making sacrifices at worship. It relates a case from the speaker's own experience.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
Ron Irving explains principles of understanding the bible in the light of God’s revelation, beginning with creation, leading to the work of Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and for the future. He considers the place of women in leadership in the bible and the culture of the times, and the place given to women by Jesus, and in the early church. He then examines the specific passage of 1 Timothy 2: 8-15. He urges us to treat each other with Christian generosity even while holding to our understanding of the scripture. Finally, he urges us to NOT be ridiculed for unchristian behaviour over such matters. If we are to be ridiculed, let it be for believing in one who died on a Roman cross; that he died for our sins; and that through his sacrifice we may have life beyond our earthly existence.
Preacher: Ron Irving
Final in our series in Genesis on "the messed up family of God". Joseph, now governor in Egypt, sees first 10, and later, all 11 of his brothers, come and bow before him seeking grain. Joseph has the opportunity and power to take revenge. But his heart is moved when Judah offers himself in place of the youngest, Benjamin. Joseph reconciles with his brothers. In God’s plan, we too can be reconciled to God, because generations later, the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, dies on the cross for us.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Eighth in our series in Genesis on "the messed up family of God". Joseph experiences multiple setbacks and difficulties: he was sold into slavery, he was accused of sexual impropriety, he was thrown into gaol; he was forgotten by the royal cup bearer; yet at each stage, God was with Joseph. Speaker: Chris Donald.
Next in our series in Genesis on "The messed up family of God".
Favouritism brings jealousy and hatred for Joseph from his brothers. His dreams make it even worse. His brothers take and sell Joseph into Egypt for 20 shekels of silver, and deceive their father causing severe grief.
Hate rules us, but Jesus’ love brings a better way.
Speaker: Ben North.
Continuing in this series in Genesis on "The messed up family of God" Jacob is tricked by Laban into marrying both daughters, Leah and Rachel. Rachel is Jacob’s favorite, yet God blesses Leah with four children first. The names given to the children reveal how the two sisters feel in jealousy that has emerged. And God chooses to build his blessings through some of the less favorite. Through the line of the youngest son of the "less loved Leah" the king David is chosen and in due time Jesus is born. Yet he is described as "despised and rejected of men", The world chooses favorites, but God chooses otherwise.
Speaker: Ron Irving
St Matts Special Service of Baptism and Confirmation.
Bishop Chris Edwards challenges the members of the church to prayer and support for one another. He considers the "riddles" of two parables of the Kingdom of Heaven and discusses the meaning of Commitment and Cost in following Jesus. He points to the cost for God to send his only Son to die for us.
Fourth in the Genesis Series on the Messed Up Family of God.
God tests Abraham to offer his son of promise, Isaac, in sacrifice. Abraham obeys and God himself provides the lamb. The parallel is drawn with God providing his only Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice on the Cross for us.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Third in our series on Genesis: The Messed up family of God.
When Abraham is 100 years old, God provides his the promised son through Sarah. She rejoices in laughter, but then asks to be rid of her slave Hagar and son Ishmael who almost die. Yet in the joy and the pain God is still working.
Speaker: Matt Lo.
Second in our series in Genesis on: The messed up family of God. Though Abram fears and makes sinful mistakes, God gives words of assurance, and continues to see, and make & fulfill his promises.
Speaker, Chris Donald, draws attention to the pattern that "hurt people" hurt other people, though "healed people" can bring healing to others.
First in our series on Genesis: The messed up family of God.
God calls Abram and promises him blessings of descendants, land, riches and blessing to all people. Abram heeds the call, but goes on to mess up. Yet through a son, Jesus, we learn that God's grace is greater than our mess.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
The last in part 1 of our series of sermons on 2nd Corinthians: Q & A on our present and future with the Lord -- drawn from various parts of scripture, including 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Continuing our series on 2 Corinthians: Ron discusses the difference it makes on where you fix your eyes. St Paul explains that the temporary things we see will pass away, but the eternal things will remain. Where do we fix our eyes?
Speaker: Ron Irving
Continuing our series in 2 Corinthians:
Does Christianity need a more slick advertising campaign?
The treasure we have in Christ comes in vessels of clay and in dying to ourselves life is brought to others through Christ. Life comes after death.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Another in our Series on 2nd Corinthians:
We are encouraged to give true and genuine service to others. Such ministry may lead others to faith in Jesus. Speaker: David Tyndall.
Continuing our sermon series in 2 Corinthians, Ron Irving considers the use of the term "glory" such as after a victory in sporting events etc. St Paul considers the fading glory evident on Moses shining face in the giving of the Law on tablets of stone. He contrasts this with the glory from the Lord which does not fade. Speaker: Ron Irving.
Fourth in our series on 2 Corinthians: Jesus is all we need.
Paul explains that as captives in Jesus' victory procession, he has confidence of competence for ministry. No need for letters of recommendation, the Corinthian Christians are themselves letters of recommendation.
Speaker: Ron Irving
3rd in our series on 2 Corinthians: "Jesus: all we need".
Forgiving is key part of living in community in Grace and Truth.
Speaker: Chris Donald
2nd in our series on 2 Corinthians.
God is faithful and can be trusted. He fulfills all his promises in Christ.
Speaker: Nate Foord.
We can't live an unshakeable Life. Many things that happen in our lives may cause them to be shaken: changes in people, job, relationships, unforeseen events, ... But we can comfort one another and we have an unshakeable hope in Jesus.
Speaket: Ron Irving/
Last in our series on "Hard Things to talk about"
Chris Donald and Steph Ng talk candidly about personal experience of Mental Health issues. This is considered in light of the apostle Paul's personal testimony of his "thorn in the flesh" and of Jesus' Grace being sufficient for him.
From the prophet Habbukak we learn that God has a plan for the nations. There is severe trouble as punishment for the people because of their sin, yet God's plan will be fulfilled to bring overflowing blessing to the nations.
Second in our series on "Hard things to talk about".
Considering how Jesus responded to the rich man who came to him enquiring about Eternal Life, this sermon examines the implications for us in terms of our relationship to our money.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
First in a short series on "Hard things to talk about"
Jesus teaches about Heaven and Hell.
It's not just about a place but a relationship with God.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
The last in our series on Mark's Gospel: Drop your nets! Follow Jesus!
The women come to the tomb with spices, expecting to anoint Jesus' body. But in the great reversal, they are told, "He is not here! He is risen! Go, tell Peter and the others, and go to meet Jesus in Galilee." But they are afraid and flee. We are challenged not to flee but to go!"
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Continuing our Series in Mark's Gospel.
Jesus warns about the Teachers of the Law who love attention, and points instead to a poor widow who has given all her living in an offering.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Continues our series in Mark's Gospel: Drop your nets! Follow Jesus!
Jesus comes to Jerusalem, and cleanses to the temple. His authority challenges the religious authorities!
Continuing our Series in Mark's Gospel: Drop your nets, Follow Jesus!
Jesus again teaches his disciples the way of the Cross through serving others.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Continuing our Series in Mark's Gospel.
The disciples still get things wrong, while Jesus teaches them about the way of the cross.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Continuing our series in Mark's Gospel.
A question for all ages. Who is Jesus and what does it really mean to follow him?
Seeing it clearly!
Continuing our series in Mark's Gospel:
Hardness of heart will cause us to stray from truly following Jesus.
In testing times Jesus by his love, his presence and by who he is will guide us back.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Continuing our series in Mark's Gospel:
Drop your nets and follow Jesus!
Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!
Speaker: David Tyndall
Continuing our Series on Mark's Gospel: Drop Your Nets.
The Parable of the Sower explained. The implication for us is to Repent and Believe and to follow Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Second in our series on Mark's Gospel: Drop Your Nets.
Jesus has Authority to Heal and to Forgive sins.
Speaker: Chris Donald
Beginning a new series on the Gospel of Mark:
The Time has come! Drop your nets! & follow Jesus!
Speaker: Ron Irving
Fourth in our series on the Holy Spirit.
By His Spirit, God brings a Unity which we are to guard.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
The third in our series on The Holy Spirit:
Chosen by God before the foundation of the world, God has given us the Holy Spirit as his seal and guarantee for the present and future.
Speaker: David Tyndall.
Second in our series on the Holy Spirit.
In times of conflict walking in step with the Spirit can help to heal the conflict. Walking in step with the Spirit means not walking in the flesh, but comes with the fruit of the Spirit, such as forebearance, kindness, gentleness and self-control.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
The First in Series of four sermons on the Holy Spirit.
Promised by God through Old Testament Prophets, and by Jesus.
Fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. What is the Holy Spirit's work in us?
Initial Sermon in our Advent Series:
From the first Epistle of John.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Final in our series on The Gospel of John.
For the World: The time has come: Dying for Life.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Continuing our Series on John's Gospel: For the World
Death or Life?
Speaker: Ron Irving
Continuing our series in John's Gospel: For the World.
Follow Jesus The Good Shepherd who cares for the sheep.
Speaker: Ron Irving
Another Sermon in our series on John's Gospel:
John Chapter 9: Jesus Gives Sight to the Blind.
Speaker: Chris Donald.
This sermon takes up the series in John's Gospel
Chapter 7 with Jesus teaching in the Temple
The speaker is Ian Batey.
Sermon 3 in our Titus series.
Live and do Good.
Speakers: Chris Donald and the Titus Team
Sermon 2 in our short series on Titus.
Speaker: Chris Donald and the "Titus team"
Scripture Ref: Titus 2:1-15
Sermon 1 in our series on Titus:
Speakers: Chris Donald and the "Titus team".
In our world of many voices and sources, whom shall we trust?
Scriptures: Titus 1:5-16; Matthew 7:12-17
Sermon 2 in our series on Habakkuk: God is Faithful
Speaker: Ron Irving
Bible Passage: Habakkuk 2:1-20
Q and A on Habakkuk 2;
Q and A on the second sermon in our series on Habakkuk
Speaker: Ron Irving
God is faithful
QandA on the first sermon in our series on Habakkuk: How Long O Lord?
Speaker: Chris Donald
4th and final sermon in our series on Jonah.
God's Better Justice comes to us through Jesus.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
Sermon 2 in our Jonah Series
Speaker: Nicolle Todd
Readings Jonah 2: 1-10; Matthew 12:38-41
The Third in a series of 3 discussions on the Book of Revelation.
Jason Todd and Chris Donald discuss key ideas and the significance for readers of the Book.
The Second in a series of 3 discussions on the Book of Revelation.
Jason Todd and Chris Donald discuss key ideas and the significance for readers of the Book.
The First in group of three discussions on the Book of Revelation.
Jason Todd and Chris Donald discuss how to read the Book and it's significance
Sermon 5 in our Colossians series: "Continue in Christ"
The summons to God's people 2
Speaker: Murray Noble
Sermon 4 in our series on Colossians "Continue in Christ"
Speaker: Ron Irving
Colossians 2:6-23
Sermon 2 in our series on Colossians:
"Continue in Christ".
Speaker: Peter Rodgers, CMS
Sermon 1 in our series "Continue in Christ"
Speaker: Ian Batey
Reading: Colossians 1:1-14
Sermon 3 in our Ethnos Series: Race in our Hearts
Speaker: Chris Donald.
Reading: Matthew 15:21-28