Brian Manning: Recent Episodes
Brian Manning
Introduction Isaiah 9 is a passage that is usually associated with Christmas (esp. 9:6-7) It’s actually climax of messages that begin in Isaiah 8 In this section there are 4 messages and 2 moments of reflection First 3 messages calling Israel to repentance & encouraging Isaiah & remnant 1st reflection…
Introduction Last week we started a section of Isaiah often referred to as the ‘Book of Immanuel’ It begins with the ‘sign of Immanuel’ - short prophecy of virgin birth That theme & prophecy continues through this next chapter Today, in Isaiah 8 , we see the safety of Immanuel’s people This section really…
Introduction Isaiah 7-12 often referred to like this Several prophecies of Messiah are given through this section Begins here in Isa. 7 with prophecy of virgin birth of Messiah Israel and Judah have both been brought to the brink of destruction because of their sin This prophecy made in 735 BC - Assyria…
Introduction e.g. Nearly hit by golf ball Playing golf at Whaleback with friends I hear a bunch of yells behind me, including ‘fore’, when I look around a ball is rocketing straight at my head. Diving to the ground the ball just misses me Early on in ministry it was popular to say that preaching needed…
Introduction Isaiah 5 is divided into 2 sections: Isa. 5:1-7 - song of the vineyard (it’s a disappointing vineyard) Isa. 5:8-30 - is about the fruit of the vineyard (wild, worthless grapes) We’re just going to listen to the song this morning I don’t know how good a singer Isaiah was but he’s a master…
Introduction e.g. It is inarguable that the greatest Easter song of all time is ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ from Messiah by Handel It has 2 of the most important elements that make a song great: Sung by a bass & wonderful trumpet part It uses the words of 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 “51 Behold, I tell you a…
By looking at the state of Judah and Jerusalem during the time of Isaiah we see what happens when a society rejects God.
The death and resurrection of Christ is primarily to save us from our sin and make us right with God. The death of Christ on the cross is also meant to be an example of how to live this life too. So how is Christ's death an illustration of how to live this life?
Introduction Last week we began our journey through Isaiah First chapter set the foundation for us Isaiah is about salvation, it’s about Jesus By looking at the message to Judah we were confronted with reality of our own situation, our own sinfulness We were also lifted to see the mercy of God He is…
Introduction Today we begin an epic journey together through the vision of Isaiah Isaiah (& prophets generally) often seem intimidating to us Isaiah is both familiar and mysterious - we know many of the passages yet so much of it seems difficult Isaiah is daunting - from very beginning we are overwhelmed…
Growing up is hard As families grow tensions grow between siblings E.g. Jeremy & I fighting & throwing stuff out of rooms Teenagers dealing with changes & finding place in family & life can be tense Growing older brings its own challenges Every stage of life has difficulties If we’re not growing, something…
Agur teaches us about developing Godly character by understanding our attitude towards poverty and wealth.Proverbs 30:7-9
Introduction Saying: “God never gives you more than you can handle” I’m on record as saying that is a lie - Bible doesn’t say that Bible says God gives you more than you can handle so that you will learn to rely on Him I know this is true from my own experience in life too In God’s great sovereignty…
How can we live our lives wisely? What does a wise life look like? Paul helps us understand how to live wisely.
Introduction Proverbs is an abundant wealth of great wisdom Teaches us that worship of God is deeply practical You aren’t truly worshipping God if your only idea of worship is about what we do at church Worship is about what you do with every detail of your life I’m choosing a few gems from the treasury…
Introduction E.g. Chasing the jet ski Fell off jet ski & had to keep swimming after it as it ‘snaked’ its way up the river By the time I caught it I was too exhausted and annoyed to keep going so I went back For many people happiness, contentment, satisfaction in life seems like chasing the jet ski It…
Introduction Sometimes these sayings sum up why the world is the way it is: I took an IQ test and the results were negative Most uncommon thing in the world is common sense Despite how frustrating people can be most of us want to live well and make good decisions Most people want wisdom and understanding…
Hallelujah! Praise Our God! ( Revelation 19:1-10 ) Hallelujah! God Saves! ( Rev. 19:1 ) 1. God saves sinners Salvation belongs to our God! Promise of Christmas is promise of a Saviour Matt. 1:21 – And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their…
Introduction Merry Christmas Some prefer Happy Holidays Either greeting is meant to express a joy or happiness that comes with this season Some people love Christmas: love the lights & decorations & the food, love family gatherings ‘Merry Christmas’ indicates there is a joy that is innate to this season/celebration…
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Seven ‘I Am’ Statements I Am the Bread of Life ( Jn.…
Continuing our 'Fiery Furnace Conversations' we answer the question, what does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?
Encouragement: To urge forward, persuade, inspire with courage Act of giving someone support, confidence or hope God’s Purpose Joshua 1:1–2 “1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant…
We want a Jesus that is going to make our life better, easier, happier now. We want a Jesus that will quickly fix our problems. The Jesus we want isn't good enough, the Jesus we want is weak, sentimental and lame. What we need is the true Jesus, the one who came not for our best life now but to give us the best future. We need the true Jesus who came to fix the source of our problems not just the symptoms.
In the context of a dinner party we are taught the focus and importance of worship but also that worship has many expressions.
Jn 8 24 “24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Darkness of Unbelief Rejecting Christ Rely on Our Own Goodness Dark Destiny of Rejecting Jesus Realms Apart Rejection Brings Death Darkness Lifted by Belief in Jesus…
Light of the World Revealing His Nature I AM Light Of the World Revealing the Way Follow Lack of light Spiritual darkness Restoring Life Reveals the way Gives spiritual life Residence of the Light Lights the Way Rejecting the Light Conscience accuses Reveals the heart Required Witnesses His own word…
We are Made for Purity Christ’s View of Adultery Adultery is sin Adultery has consequences Christ’s Plan for Men and Women We were made to reflect God We were made for commitment Mistreatment of the Woman Callous Humiliation Missing man Used and abused Cruel, judgmental people Clever Trap What about…
Mystery of the Messiah Ignorant Misunderstanding Is this the Christ? It can’t be the Christ! Intimate Knowledge He’s a man He comes from Heaven He knows God Living Water Indication of His Future His resurrection and ascension Spread of the Gospel Invitation to Life Identifies the need Offers the solution…
As Jesus teaches in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles we are reminded we must listen to what Jesus says and not just assume we know Him. If we truly want to know the truth of God we must listen to His words and follow them.
As Jesus prepares to go celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles we learn what this feast was truly about. God dwelling with His people because of Jesus. Jesus is what this feast is celebrating!
After considering Jesus' claim to be the Saviour sent from heaven, how will you respond? Will you turn away finding His conditions unacceptable? Will you recognise that He is all you need and follow Him as a true disciple?
As the bread from Heaven Jesus teaches us why we need Him and how we can have the life He gives. In His words we are encouraged to believe Jesus for salvation, find encouragement in the knowledge that God is working to bring people to salvation and strengthen our faith in the promise that all those whom God saves He keeps.
Jesus came to provide for our deepest need and satisfy us forever. Believing Jesus is the most satisfying thing you can do.
When life feels like you’re overwhelmed in the storm Jesus is there teaching, protecting, comforting & rescuing.
God works in our life and tests our faith not to ruin us but to strengthen us. He is involving us in His work so that we will know Him better and remind us that no matter what we have to offer God can use it for His glory.
There is nothing more tragic in this life than seeing people reject Jesus as Saviour. In John 5:40-47 Jesus gives us a few reasons why people reject Him. Understanding this will help us in our witness but also remind us that, just like we did, there is hope still for people to believe.
To support His claims that He is the Son of God who alone can give life Jesus gives us several reasons why we should accept Him as Savoiur.
There is a real after-life and Jesus holds the key to your destiny because He holds the power of life and death. That life can be yours today.
Who is Jesus? The answer to that question is extremely important and it is a question we all must answer. Let's find the answer to that question in John 5:16-24.
Jesus heals a man who shows no evidence of faith or belief in Jesus. In this we not only see the great mercy of God for sinners but also the power that God has over sin and all of it's affects.
A desperate man comes to Jesus to heal his dying son and in a wonderful example of faith believes Jesus based only on His word, a promise. In this we learn that true faith in Jesus requires action based on His word.
Knowing Jesus and living for Him is completely satisfying so lift your eyes off of yourself and get involved in God's work.
Jesus satisfies our deepest need. In a world where we're looking for answers and satisfaction, looking for someone or something to make sense of it all Jesus is the one that makes sense of everything.
John the Baptist reminds us not to seek our own glory but to give all glory to Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God, Saviour of sinners so my joy is found in exalting Him.
This verse has become so well known because in a few words it is able to communicate the wonders of salvation. In perfect love the Father sent the Son to give eternal life.
To enter the Kingdom of God, to know eternal life and joy, to be saved from your sin you must be born again. That is to be spiritually transformed, made new. To enter into eternal life you must become something that you are not and only Jesus can do that.
As Jesus literally clears the Temple which has been defiled by greed and self-righteousness we learn that through His death and resurrection He is able to clean the defiled temple of our lives.
Jesus begins His public ministry with a silent miracle quietly but amazingly turning water into wine. In this event we are reminded that everything God does is to lead us to glorify and believe in Jesus. At this wedding we are shown the eternal, glorious, all-powerful God is personally interested in you. He wants to build the faith of His people and for us to know true, joyous life.
Practicing what we've learned about praying from the book Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson. We learn to apply these lessons in 1 Peter 5.
Continuing our study on prayer using the lessons from the book Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson we begin to learn how to practically use what we have learned through our study. We write a prayer together based on what we learn from Psalm 46.
Without doubt the Resurrection of Jesus is the most important moment in Christianity. It has changed everything. How did it affect those that were there, how did it shape their faith? Let's learn some lessons in faith from those there that day and see how God works to make the shadows of uncertainty break into the dawning of hope.
Jesus taught us how to have satisfying and powerful prayer lives. How can I follow His teaching, what are practical ways to apply what Jesus said?
When we are looking for a leader, a savoiur, we usually look for someone that's like a lion. Here John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God. Why? Before the Lion we need the Lamb. In these few words John the Baptist tells us about a suffering, saving and supreme Lamb.
How does beginning our prayer with worshipping God move us to respond to God? What will that response be like? Studies on prayer based on the book Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson
John the Baptist's life and message caused people to ask questions about who he was. He answered those questions by pointing people to Jesus. Our lives too should raise questions because we're different and we need to use that to point people to Jesus.
In these verses we’re reminded of what God has done for us, what He has made us to be. It gives us much to be thankful for and a reminder to pursue godliness.
Part 5 in our study of Transforming Prayer based on the book by Daniel Henderson. What role does the Spirit play in our prayer life? What does it mean to pray in the Spirit?
One of the fundamental truths of Christianity is that God came in the flesh. Jesus, being fully God, came to earth as fully man so that He could redeem us. Jesus communicated to us about God to transform us.
Jesus, the Light, has come into the world and like John the Baptist it my calling to be a witness of that light. To reflect the Light of Jesus in this world.
Why is it important to seek God's 'face' before His 'hand'? At the heart of prayer is knowing God.
A Disciple Loved by Jesus Chosen by Jesus Followed Jesus Captivated by Jesus Overwhelmed by Jesus Exalting Jesus With a Glorious Purpose To Know Jesus To know Jesus To love Jesus To Believe Jesus To follow Jesus To worship Jesus To find life To Reveal Jesus To Direct us to the Real Jesus Jesus is the…
Our role as Christians is to shine the light of God in this world, to be a light to both the unsaved and the saved. So how do we light the way? As a light, I will lead you to truth, I will encourage your heart and I will strengthen your service.
A Great City A Great Storm A Great Fish A Great God He Warns Sinners of Judgment He Provides Salvation from Judgment He is Gracious and Merciful He is Patient
The Courage of Daniel His Superiority In leadership In wisdom In Integrity 12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.…
What do you want? To be wise matt 7 24 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Wisdom starts with Worship So, seek wisdom How can I be wise? Admit you need wisdom Follow God’s instruction Keep Seeking Wisdom…
A Battle with the Philisintes Goliath He was Terrifying He was Intimidating He is Not Your Giants David The Little Brother The Confident Warrior You are Not the Hero The Battle God will Defend Himself God will Have the Victory Two Giant Lessons Be Passionate about God’s Glory 31 Whether therefore ye…
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. It’s Important to be Brave The Cycle of Judges ( Judges 2:11-19 ) Key to Gideon’s Victory: Obedience not bravery All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them. It’s More…
The story of Joseph doesn't end with the payoff we think? It does help us understand why God leads us down hard roads. Along these roads we find the payoff of faith is far greater than riches and a good job.
As we examine Paul's ministry in Athens we soon realise that it's not very different to ministering the Gospel in Perth. So, by watching Paul in Athens, we learn how we can communicate the Gospel to people with little understanding of who God is or what the Gospel is.
The Gospel has the power to break every barrier. Where God leads us He is already at work.
The greatest changes in the world aren't made by mighty leaders but by faithful ministers. You can turn the world upside down one life at a time. Yes, we need people of renown like Paul, Luther, Tyndale, Graham and all but what the world really needs more of is ordinary, faithful ministers.
After the tragic break up of Paul and Barnabas, Paul sets off with Silas on another journey. Nothing in this passage seems to go to plan and that is how we learn a great lesson. When things don’t go as we planned we can be certain they will achieve God’s plan.
This is perhaps the most important message any of us will need to hear. It is at the centre of Christian belief. Jesus alone can save! There is no possible way that you can achieve or attain salvation on your own. You need Christ and only Christ.
Living for Christ and serving Him is a life that is both agony and ecstasy. Along this first missionary journey we’ve been reminded that we need to declare the Good News because we are Ambassadors for Christ. How do we do that? How can we each live as ambassadors, missionaries as we’ve been called to? We go in the power of the Lord, we go for the glory of the Lord, we go in the strength of the Lord.
In this final summary of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, Luke repeats an important concept of being committed or entrusted to the Lord. This has to do with our life and work as believers, as a church. Passing the Gospel along to others and to the next generation. So here are some, I hope encouraging, thoughts on our role of passing the torch of the Gospel along.
Paul reminds us that we are to be lights in the world, ambassadors of Christ. As ambassadors we represent our King and His Kingdom in this world. We are also called to encourage the citizens of the Kingdom. So, how can we be good ambassadors of the King? Encourage the people of the King, reach the people of the King and experience the power of the Kingdom.
How does God spread the Gospel through the world? He works through His church as they serve the purpose of God, seek the will of God and send the people of God.
In the Gospel, God reveals His goodness to us. In declaring the Gospel we are declaring the longsuffering goodness of God that saves from sin. See God's goodness and declare it. The goodness of God prepared, provided and produces salvation.
It was in Antioch where we were first called Christians. A derogatory name we were happy to keep. What is a Christian? A follower of Christ and here we learn from the first Christians something of what that means.
Saul's salvation is an example of the great change that takes place in our life when we accept Jesus as Saviour. We become a new person, with a new purpose gathered with a new people on a new path and in pursuit of God we find a new propserity.
The moment Luke has been longing to tell us about, the most famous conversion in history. The glorious call of Paul to salvation has much to teach all of us about God's ordinary work in saving people from sin. No matter who you are, what you've done or where you come from Jesus is the way of salvation.
From Stephen's martyrdom the Gospel begins to spread like a fire through the world. We are reminded that we must carry the Gospel with us always and everywhere we go.
The growing church at Jerusalem faces a problem with the potential to divide and even destroy their testimony. Through grace and humility the church and their leaders are able to work out the solution together for the good of everyone and the glory of God.
In this comedy of events that takes place while trying to stop the Apostles preaching the Gospel we are reminded that the Gospel can't be stopped and so we should never stop proclaiming the Gospel.
Not church is perfect but that doesn't mean a church can't be great and know the power of God. In the examples given of Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphira we see how God can make a church great even though it's full of sinful people. A great church is filled with great grace, filled with great fear of God and has a great testimony.
There is power in the name of Jesus! Not simply in the saying of it but in believing. The name of Jesus is powerful because of what He has done - died, risen and reigning. Faith in His name brings forgiveness, refreshment and blessing.
This is what God calls a church to be. A church that passionately desires to know His Word and that is steadfastly committed to each other in fellowship and prayer.
A miracle happens on the day of Pentecost. A prophecy is fulfilled because Jesus is alive, a miracle which shows us that Jesus is Lord.
Before Jesus died He told His disciples it was better for them if He went away. What a puzzling statement – how can the world be better without Jesus in it? In fact, isn’t the promise of God from beginning that we’re aiming for a Kingdom in which Jesus reigns? We know the disciples were confused by this, still waiting for Kingdom right to moment Jesus leaves. Now, we’re about to find out what Jesus meant and realise He was right – for a time it is better that Jesus is gone.
In this time of waiting between the ascension of Christ and the arrival of the Spirit we learn some things about how God works. Waiting is a big part of the Christian life so in the waiting we are to be preparing.
These verses, especially Acts 1:8, are what Acts is all about. It is what Christianity is all about. Luke encourages us to go forward with purpose because the mission is great and our reward is coming.
Continuing from his Gospel Luke gives us the account of God's continuing work through the Church. He writes this to encourage and strengthen us in our confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He starts by reminding us of what Jesus began, to believe what Jesus did and to hope in what Jesus will do.
As the night before Jesus' crucifixion intensifies the disciples will see the power of God at work and we will learn through Jesus the power of trust, the power of prayer and the power of the cross.
After everything that Jesus has taught about what to expect before His coming what do we need to learn? How should we live in expectation of His coming again?
As the world moves towards its end, getting increasingly rebellious to God we can give in to fear or we can stand and fight evil in the power of God.
Jesus has been describing the characteristics of the world leading up to His return. Now Jesus gives some definitive signs. When these happen Jesus is on His way.
So much about Christ’s return can confuse us, trouble us or stir anxiety. No-one wants to endure persecution, none of us want to see false teachers direct people away from Christ and the events leading up to Christ’s return are terrifying and even gruesome. So, Jesus leaves us with some words of encouragement and advice to be able to endure. He reminds us to look beyond the events and see God at work in His great purpose and then to set our lives on course to be ready.
As we think about the doctrine of Eternal Life we have looked at God's side in preserving the saints and now we look at it from our point of view in the perseverance of the saints. That is that all true believers will believe until the end, pursuing Christ to the very end.
God hasn’t left out one detail of your salvation. It began in eternity past, was made possible by Christ’s death and continues until God completes His work. God has given you eternal life and that life is guaranteed for all who truly believe. He will not lose you!
As Jesus addresses signs of the the last days he tells us the first and most consistent sign is the persecution of God's people. He also encourages us not to fear because as we stand up for Jesus He stands up for us.
Salvation through Jesus Christ gives us a new relationship with God and a new relationship with people, especially other believers. What once divided us no longer does. We are the body of Christ.
The second coming of Christ is proceeded by increasing calamities (wars, distress, disaster) so Jesus teaches His people not to be caught off guard by His coming but to prepare for it and not to be afraid of these events.
In Luke 21 Jesus warns us not to follow false teachers. How do we know who they are? How can we avoid be deceived? Find out in today's sermon.
The end of the age, apocalypse, Second Coming is an intriguing topic to many. Especially in unusual times. What does Jesus say about the end and when He will return? Are you ready for what comes next?
One word often used to describe church and Christianity is boring. What we do and who we are isn’t empty or dead. Our boredom comes from forgetting who God is. We’re reminded today that God is great, satisfying and living. Remembering that makes the life of the believer anything but boring.
In 'What Belongs to God' (26/04/2020) we learned we belong to God. So then, what do we give to God? Worship If you have any questions please contact us at cbc@cambridgebaptist.org.au
Cambridge Baptist Service 26/04/2020 Jesus answers a question by telling us we need to give to God what belongs to God. So, what belongs to God and why do I need to give to Him? 3 reasons we must give to God: You are His creation You bear His image You carry His presence
In this time when we're all being told to get used to the 'new normal' we are reminded that the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings in a new normal for those who believe. A new path, new relationship and new life. 2 Corinthians 3:12-19
Jesus' actions have infuriated the religious leaders. They refuse to see the truth of who He is and submit to His authority. In response to a question designed to trap Him Jesus tells a parable to expose their hearts and warn them of their fate of rejecting Him. A parable which reveals our own hearts as well.
The climax of the Triumphal entry of Christ isn't a coronation but rejection. This leads to two events where Jesus shows deep emotions. Weeping over Jerusalem and clearing the temple. Why do these situations bring such strong reactions? In these we learn that Jesus wants you to avoid judgement and He wants you to know Him.
Jesus leaves crowds and the Pharisees behind to talk with 12. His purpose is to help them understand why Jesus came. He would speak of His death more often in the weeks ahead because we all need the reminder of why He came to keep us on track. Perhaps too, we can gain strength in seeing how God works.
Jesus uses the two events in Luke 18:15-30 to teach us who will enter His eternal Kingdom (have eternal life). The children show us our need of dependence on God for salvation. The young ruler illustrates our need for God's grace and power for salvation.
Jesus' teaching on prayer here is in context of His coming Kingdom. This is a call to look beyond what we see and experience to see God’s great purpose. It is a call for us to fix our prayers not in what is but what will be. Jesus is encouraging us to keep praying and not get discouraged because He will answer His people's prayers.
Jesus Christ is coming again. He promised He would. Christ’s coming Kingdom is important part of our faith and we need to grow in understanding it and in our desire for it. Here Jesus gives us a little more detail about His Kingdom. His Kingdom has come, His Kingdom will come and His Kingdom is forever.
In Isaiah 9 we are shown the first coming of Christ break into the glory of the second coming. We are certain Christ is coming again and this time He will come to reign as King and judge the wicked. Knowing this truth we are encouraged to live in expectation of His reign. Isaiah 9:7
Psalm 89 is a psalm about God's covenant with King David. It is a psalm of praise for God's mercy and faithfulness which is to lead us to trust and praise. It's a psalm which leads us to Christ. It is a reminder that God's people are blessed.
The people of God are to be a people of gratitude. We’ve recognised that what God does for us is undeserved, that God has seen us from afar and brought us near. In a society of entitlement we are reminded that He deserves our praise and thanks.
Luke 17:1-10 opens with a topic less controversial than the previous topics but no less difficult to hear. In a rebuke against the heartless Pharisees Jesus teaches us a lesson about being Christlike, about forgiveness. For the believer, forgiveness isn't really a choice it's a command, a way of life, which is to flow from a heart of humility. Freely you have received, freely give.
In this story about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus Jesus leads us to consider our assumptions about where we think we will go when we die. Most people assume it will be heaven but how do you know for sure?
Most people go into marriage with high hopes and blissfully unaware of how hard it will be. God knows the struggles and understands and is there to strengthen you through the tough times. He is using marriage to make you a better person so commit to God and to one another. Also be assured that if you’re past has the pain and hurt of divorce in it God cares, it’s not ideal but He understands and He will work in you for your good, forgive the sin that led to it, heal your heart and give you grace.
There are always going to be people who want to profit off God, who will lead people away from God in the name of God. As God’s people we mustn’t remain silent our love for God and His people should move us to speak the truth in love, to expose false teachers and save some from doom. We do this to advance God's Kingdom by proclaiming the Gospel.