Kenmore Presbyterian Church - Bible Talks: Recent Episodes
Kenmore Presbyterian Church
Our Identity: Men and Women in Christ
Bible Reading: Genesis 1:26-2:25
“Women and Men are Equal and Interchangeable”
Equal – yes
Interchangeable – not so much
So how are we different and why?
Life in Christ, as women and as men..
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Reading: Psalm 19
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Torah is Special because it reveals God specifically
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Torah offers both warning and promises that are rooted in God's own character (v11)
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Jesus is the full revelation of the Torah...
05/10/2025 AM
Preacher: Thom Herbert
Who is Jesus?
(Reading Philippians 2:5-11 & Hebrews 2:6-18)
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God the Son became human like us
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To live the life we should have
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To die the death we should have
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So he could bring us to God
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Our Identity in Christ
Bible Readings: Colossians 3:1-4, Ephesians 1:3-10
“Be true to who you are” ?
Our Identity in Christ
Sinners or Saints?
Building ‘Christ-esteem’
(Steve Blencowe)
Jesus: The resurrection & The Life
John 11
(Reading 11:1-26)
John shows us Jesus’ humanity and his divinity
These events took place to glorify Jesus… (11:4)
…the resurrection and the life (11:25-26)
And these events are recorded that you might believe
As we finish our time in John’s gospel, can you declare with Thomas - that Jesus is your Lord and God (20:28)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Shepherd and His Sheep
John 10
(Reading 10:1-24)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
- He uses the gate (10:1-6)
- He is the gate (10:7-9)
- He gives his life for his sheep, voluntarily (10:10-13, 17-18)
- He knows all his sheep (10:14-16)
Jesus’ sheep listen to His voice (10:4-5, 16)
Beware of thieves, robbers and wolves....
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The right response to Jesus!
John 9
A man born blind demonstrates how we should respond to seeing Jesus’ signs
While the Jewish leaders display the sorry reality of spiritual blindness
Along the way John causes us to think about the relationship between sickness and sin
What can we learn from the once blind man?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus’ words: the diagnostic test for our hearts
John 8:31-59
Believing in Jesus will set you free
Jesus is denying the truth
There’s no one more important than Jesus. So how we respond to Him matters more than anything.
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Jesus: the true light, that gives life
John 8:12-30
John has told us Jesus is the light… (Jn 1:1-18)
Now Jesus says “I am the light…” (Jn 8:12)
John shows us the darkness of:
The Pharisees’ human judgement (Jn 8:12-20)
and the Jews’ worldly thinking (Jn 8:21-30)
Everything will be clearer – when Jesus is ‘lifted up’
Are you enjoying the life that the light gives?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Thirsty?
John 7
(Reading 7:1-13, 37-44)
This chapter of John’s Gospel shows us:
The sad irony of many who do not receive Jesus
And the boundless blessings for those who do!
Doesn’t it make you thirsty?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Where else have we to go?
John 6:22-71
(Reading vs22-42)
What is it that keeps you going?
In this passage there are many looking for Jesus, but very few really find him (v26, 66)
What does Jesus mean when he says: “I am the bread of life”? (v35)
And what does it mean to “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood” (v53)
Can we say what Peter said?
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
(Steve Blencowe)
More and More
Romans 5:1-11
More and more
Assurance troublers
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The Reality of Justification (v1)
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The Benefits of Justification (v1-4)
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The Security of Justification (v5-11)
Assurance can take time
(Preacher: Sam Hemming)
More than 5,000 reasons to trust Jesus
John 6:1-21
These two miracles mirror God’s provision for and God’s salvation of Israel.
Jesus calls people to trust him to provide and Jesus shows that he can save.
Jesus is not the king people expected but Jesus IS the king God has promised… a king who provides and a king who saves.
You can trust Jesus too.
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus: Don’t Miss Out!
John 5
(Bible Reading: John 5:1-30)
We’re back to John’s Gospel.. and John shows us more people who come face-to-face with Jesus.
- John records the sad indifference of a man who completely misses the point…
- …and the blind antagonism of the Jewish leaders – when Jesus explains who he really is.
Take care that you don’t miss the point… and miss out on life!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
God You Can Trust
Jeremiah 46-52
(Bible Reading: 51:1-24)
Kingdoms come & kingdoms go but God is always in control
God even uses the evil intent of the nations to bring about his good purposes
If God is so powerful and so faithful, then you can trust Him!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Hope for Hopeless
Jeremiah 32
Have you had a time when you felt hopeless?
Well, that’s how Jeremiah feels in this chapter (v1-25)
But God offers hope to Jeremiah (v26-41)
And God offers hope to us, as well!
(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)
A New Covenant!
Jeremiah 30-31
(Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:27-34 & Hebrews 10:11-25)
Jeremiah said:
days are coming…
… when God will cut a new covenant
The writer to the Hebrews says… those days have come in Jesus!
Are you enjoying all the privileges of God’s new covenant?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Living in a Fallen World
Jeremiah 27-29
(Bible Reading 29:1-14)
These chapters record God’s word to people He is judging
What can we learn from this as we live in a world that is being judged?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Hope is in Hearing God’s Word
Jeremiah 26
The ‘temple sermon’ is revisited as a reminder and summary of the serious situation
This time the glimmer of hope is highlighted
Hope that begins with hearing God’s word
And leads to
taking risks to defend the proclamation of God’s word
a desire to see justice done
Are we acting appropriately as we hear God’s word?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
God’s Plans & God’s People
Jeremiah 11-25
(Bible Reading 23:1-8)
Punishment is part of a plan
A plan that includes hope, beyond judgement
God’s plan then and God’s plan now
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Trusting religious observance?
Jeremiah 7-10 (Bible Reading 7:1-20)
Jeremiah’s “Temple Sermon”
A sermon with two points
“reform your ways…”
“do not trust in deceptive words…”
A sermon for then, and a sermon for now
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
What it looks like to turn your back on God
Jeremiah 2-6 (Bible Reading 2:1-13)
God’s peoplecommit two sins:
i.
ii.
We should learn from their unfaithfulness
(as the ‘prophet to the nations’ describes it for us)
- 2v6 starts with not seeking God
- 2v20 moves to a declaration of independence
- 2v23 then self-deceit – I have not sinned
- 2v25 abandonment – I can’t help it
- 3v3 and hard-heartedness
- 4v1ff God continues to call for them to return
And know the truth about:
i. ‘broken cisterns’
ii. ‘living water’ (John 4:13-14, Rev 7:17, 21:6)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Human Hearts can be Hard of Hearing
Jeremiah 1, 36, 52
(Bible Reading, 36:1-8, 13-25, 27-28)
Human hearts can be hard of hearing
Jeremiah and the reality of God’s Judgement
…for rejecting God and failing to listen to God’s word
…failing to listen to God’s powerful and effective word (1:9-11)
God’s word and the reality of Judgement … for us!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Thinking about Elders
1 Tim 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Titus 1:5-9
Elders are everywhere, and in the Bible
We have Elders in the Presbyterian Church
How should the Bible inform the way we think about elders for KPC?
You don't need to be an elder to love and serve your church
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
What more do you need?
John 20
We often think we need to see to believe…
But seeing can be hard to believe (20:14ff)
And we don’t really need to see to believe (20:29)
What more do you need, to recognise Jesus is your Lord and your God?
Dear God,
I am sorry for ignoring the truth about Jesus.
Thank you for sending Jesus to die my death and give me life.
Please forgive me and change me to live with Jesus as my Lord and my God.
Amen
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Inconvenient Truth?
John 18-19
Pilate: a man who couldn’t handle the truth
John 18:38
John 19:8
John 19:12-16
The truth that Jesus is King
John 18:36-37
John 19:11
The truth that means LIFE
John 3:16-21
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life…”
Dear God,
I am sorry for ignoring the truth about Jesus.
Thank you for sending Jesus to die my death and give me life.
Please forgive me and change me to live with Jesus as my King.
Amen
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Belief without signs and wonders
John 4:43-54
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A desperate request
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Seeing and believing
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Jesus' promises are fulfilled before they are seen, so we can believe without seeing
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Thirsty?
John 4:1-42
John wants us to believe Jesus is the Messiah, that by believing we would have real life in Jesus
He shows a harvest of Samaritans who put their trust in Jesus’ words
As he teaches us about living water, real food and true worship
Are you thirsty for real life?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Saviour of the World
John 3:12-21
Jesus is qualified to speak and able to save
Jesus is the way God has loved the world
Jesus is God’s light shining in our darkness
What matters now - is that you
come into the light
trust in Jesus
and keep your eyes on Him
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Born from Above?
John 2:23-3:12
Did Nicodemus really believe? And did Jesus entrust himself to Nicodemus?
What does it take for anyone to enter the kingdom of heaven?
Why is it so difficult to believe?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
New and Old
John 2:13-25
Renovate or rebuild?
Why did Jesus clear the temple courts?
And how does Jesus rebuild the temple?
What does all this teach us about the state of human hearts and the nature of true worship?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Signs of Glory
John 2:1-12
John records the first of seven signs that show Jesus’ glory
Jesus says his “hour has not yet come” (4)
as he gives a taste of what to expect when it does
by replaced the old with the new (6-8)
and revealing his glory to his disciples (11)
And John shows Mary’s appropriate response (4-5)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Come and see
John 1:35-51
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world..” (John 1:9)
John has shown us the ‘witness to the light’. Now we see people meet Him.
- Andrew and John?
- Simon
- Philip
- Nathanael
“Come and see” 1:39 and 1:46
“…We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son.. (John 1:14)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
A Witness to Jesus
John 1:19-34 and 3:22-36
(Bible Reading: John 1:19-34)
Meet John ‘the Baptist’ (1:6-8, 15, 19-34 and 3:22-36)
Some of the questions we want answers to?
What John and John want us to know about Jesus
Is there anything we can learn from John the Baptist?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus Shows Us God
(Bible Reading: John 1:1-18)
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How to put into words the miracle of the incarnation!
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Jesus shows us God
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Many do not recognise him
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Those who do, can become children of God
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Do you Believe?
(Bible Reading: John 20:24-31)
An introduction to John’s Gospel:
“..that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Thomas’ story: he needed to see, to believe…
But Jesus says you don’t have to see to believe... (v29)
and John has given us evidence so we may believe (v30-31)
Do you believe?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: What are we doing?
A topical sermon
(Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16)
A Bible Teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus…
as we each grow in knowing Jesus
in living for Jesus
and in making Jesus known
What we do when we meet…
What we do when we scatter...
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: Who Are We?
Reading 1 Peter 2:1-12
Who are we?
Why do we meet?
Christ's church in Kenmore...
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Standing Before God
Zechariah 3
Our accuser
Our advocate
Our assurance
(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)
SAYINGS PEOPLE LIVE BY: “SO LONG AS YOU’RE HAPPY”
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
What do people mean?
"So long as you're happy, that's the main thing?"
What does the Bible say?
What does Jesus say about being happy?
Where does that leave us?
Don't live for short-term happiness!
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Considering CHRIST at Christmas
Matthew 1:18-25
The birth of Jesus appeared to be somewhat of a crisis … which could have ended … badly
But God was working to a bigger plan…
A plan which had been unfolding since… a long time ago
A plan for God to be with us (Immanuel)
A plan to save people from sin (Joshua)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Considering CHRIST at Christmas
Matthew 1:1-17
A purposeful genealogy of Jesus the CHRIST (1&17)
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Shaped by 2 covenants (displaying God’s kindness)
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covering 3 epochs (showing God’s faithfulness)
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including 5 names which highlight God’ merciful sovereignty (over lives impacted by human sinfulness)
Agenealogy whichshows the CHRIST of Christmas as the climax of God’s plans for everything!!
And gives HOPE for sinners like you and I
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
From Babel to Babble
Genesis 11:1-9
Babel shows the stubbornness and seriousness of sinful human hearts - like ours
1. New beginning..
…same sinful humanity
2. Limitless potential...
…with sin in the mix...
But our merciful God can save sinful hearts
3. Pentecost to Parousia - the resolution of Babel
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Abram The Rich Warrior?
Genesis 14
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Why does the Bible record this account - of Abram’s wealth and his success in battle?
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In the context of Genesis, this account reminds us to trust that God will keep His promises
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In the context of the Bible, we’re introduced to a king/priest – which helps us understand Jesus
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So, what do we learn from this account….
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The God who sees you
Genesis 16
Not following God’s ways gets messy
But God still sees Hagar in her mess …
… and will bless faithful connection with his chosen one
This is even truer for us in Jesus
(preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Have you had enough?
1 Kings 19
A very quick recap of 1 Kings 18
- Yahweh is God, anyone else is a pretender
What does Yahweh say to a prophet who’s had enough?
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Remember who I am (v11-12)
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And get back to work (v15-17)
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And remember that you’re not alone (v18)
Ministry is hard (2 Cor 4:7-12), but let’s keep going
(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)
The Beginning and God’s Sovereignty
Genesis 37:2-50:26
(Reading 37:2-20 and 50:15-20)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
The story of Joseph teaches us about God:
- God’s sovereignty over everything
- God’s faithfulness to His word
- and God’s mercy
The story of Joseph helps us understand the Gospel of Jesus
And the Gospel of Jesus gives us a decision to make!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Beginning and God’s Choice
Genesis 25:19-37:1
(Reading 27:1-33)
The account of Abraham’s son Isaac…
- .. is a selective account which shows God fulfilling his promises to Abraham
- .. and shows the way God chooses, despite human sinfulness
The account of Abraham’s son Isaac teaches us to trust in God’s mercy and to keep living for Him
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Beginning and Faith in God
Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 2
(Reading 22:1-19)
Abraham and God’s promises …
.. and God’s covenant
How is Abraham an example of trusting God?
Are you a child of Abraham?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Beginning and God’s Promises
Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 1 (Reading 12:1-9)
Genesis is an orderly and structured account
That introduces God’s creation and God’s unfolding plan…
..the promise of God’s People in God’s Place under God’s rule
Where do you fit?
Diagrams are available here
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The story of creation (2:4)
Genealogy of Adam (5:1)
The story of Noah (6:9)
Genealogy of Noah’s sons (10:1)
Genealogy of Shem (11:10)
The story of Abraham (11:27)
Genealogy of Ishmael (25:12)
The story of Isaac (25:19)
Genealogy of Esau (36:1, 9)
The story of Jacob (37:2)
THE BEGINNING AND THE END
Genesis 1:1-11:26 (Reading 3:1-20)
The beginning of life
… and death
The beginning of judgment
… and salvation
The beginning and The End
So, where does that leave us?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Power in Weakness
2 Corinthians 11-13 (Reading 11:30-12:18)
The apostle’s defence of the gospel and his ministry in Corinth is loaded with lessons for us, including these:
Don’t get distracted from the gospel of Jesus
Expect challenges while we wait for Jesus to return
And remember:
God’s grace is sufficient
God’s power is made perfect in weakness
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
BEWARE OF FOOLISH BOASTING
2 Corinthians 10-11
(Reading chapter 10)
A meek and gentle appeal..
...to Christians who are attracted to those who boast the way the world does
A warning for US too
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Colossians 3:17 - 4:18
- Why serve the Lord in every whatever?
- Serving the Lord at home & work (3:17 - 4:1)
- Serving the Lord in prayer & evangelism (4:2-18)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
2 Corinthians 8-9
(Reading chapter 9)
- What is this service/ministry of the Lord’s people? (8:4, 9:1, 9:12ff)
- And how is generosity a ‘grace’? (8:1-2, 8:7, 9:14)
- The amazing effect of genuine grace-shaped generosity (9:12-15)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Unevenly Yoked?
2 Corinthians 6-7
(Reading 6:11-7:4)
The apostle is making a heartfelt appeal… for 'holiness'
It’s a confident appeal …based on past 'repentance'
What about us? Are we perfecting holiness … out of reverence for God?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
God’s Glory Through Weak Messengers
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Our Weakness is God’s Strategy (7-12)
God will raise us from death! (13-15)
God’s glory is our good (16-18)
(Preacher: Aaron Ting)
A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2
A Christian Perspective
We know we have a permanent home
(meanwhile we groan in longing while we live by faith)
We know what it is to fear the Lord
(and we try to persuade others)
We don’t regard anyone from a worldly point of view
(and we know that now is the time to turn back to God)
The Heart of Gospel Ministry
2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6
Looking for signs of ‘successful’ ministry?
“are we beginning to commend ourselves to you again?”
2 Corinthians 3:1 – 5:12
Christ’s ministry changes hearts… (3:1-6)
This ministry is more lasting and more glorious even than Moses’ ministry (3:7-11)
So we have reason to be bold… (3:12-18)
… and not lose heart (4:1-6)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Do you smell like a follower of Jesus?
2 Corinthians 2:1-3:6
Conflict in Corinth, turmoil in Troas & mind-games in Macedonia… but the Gospel procession continues!!!
Unlike ‘many’, Paul’s confidence and competence to continue – come through Christ
We can learn, from the apostle, how to behave –
- with each other: compassionate correction of complicated Christians
- and in the world: the smelly task of speaking with sincerity
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
God’s Character & God’s Gospel
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4
Despite criticism, opposition and any challenge…
God’s grace should shape our motives and actions
God’s faithfulness gives assurance - which others should see through us
God’s character and God’s Gospel must shape us and the way we proclaim Jesus
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Growing in Christ, when it's messy!
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
“The Corinthian Diaries” – not particularly comfortable for anyone really!
But God is a God of comfort & deliverance
A very real example...
Growing together in Christ, through pain, opposition.. and mess!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
God will set the record straight
Joel 3
God will vindicate His identity as the one true God
God will vindicate His people because they are His
The enemies of God’s people will face justice
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
God will restore His blessings to His people
Joel 2:18-32
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Restoration of blessings
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Restoration of relationship
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Relationship restored through pouring out of God’s Spirit
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
The Problem of Injustice
Psalm 109
This Psalm as God’s Word…
… to Israel in the Psalter
… fulfilled in Christ
… to us today
This Psalm as our words to God
… our prayer
(preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Trust God!
Psalm 91
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
… and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Know you’re forgiven?
Psalm 32
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter * see below
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
… and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Come Back To God
Joel 1:1-2:17
Look at the desolation that comes from abandoning God
There’s worse ahead for those who don’t turn back to God
But it’s not too late to come back to God… even now
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Praise the God of Salvation
Psalm 65
For His salvation in the Temple (vv.1-4)
For His salvation in the World (vv. 5-8)
For His salvation in the Land (vv. 9-13)
(Preacher: Cornelis du Plessis)
A lamp for my feet and light on my path
Psalm 119
(reading: verses 1-8, 33-40, 73-80, 113-120, 153-160)
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter * see below
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
… and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 through the lens of David
Psalm 22 through the lens of Jesus
(Preacher: Jayesh Naran / Ithaca PC)
Teach us to number our days
Psalm 90
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
… and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
How Long O Lord?
Psalm 89
(Reading vv1-4 and vv38-52)
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
.. and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Sing to the Lord All the Earth
Psalm 96
Why do we sing?
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
.. and our Praise
(Preacher: Andrew Brown)
LEARNING TO LAMENT
Psalm 13
This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter * see below
.. fulfilled in Christ .. to us today
This Psalm as our words to God...
.. our Prayer
... and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
A Call to Praise
Psalm 146-150 (reading Psalm 149-150)
- This Psalm as God’s Word..
.. to Israel in the Psalter
.. fulfilled in Christ
.. to us today
- This Psalm as our words to God…
.. our Prayer
… and our Praise
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Introduction to the Psalms
Psalm 1-2
The Psalms as our words to God
The Psalms as God’s word to us
Psalms 1-2 as an introduction and invitation
The Psalms for Israel
The Psalms for us
(Preacher: Andrew Brown)
LIVING CHRIST-SHAPED
Colossians 3:1-17
Your true self: raised secure with Christ above (1-4)
So consider yourselves dead to worldly living (5-9)
Your new self: being renewed in Christ’s image (10-11)
So live as Christ-clothed people (12-17)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Good Friday?
Mark 15:16-39
Irony!
The king that isn't...?
The saviour that didn't...?
Good Friday?
Dear God,
Sorry, for living life my way like you don't exist.
Thank you for sending Jesus to take my punishment for me.
Please forgive me, and change me, to live for you.
Amen
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus Changes EVERYTHING
Mark 14:1-16:8
(Reading:14:27-72)
Mark shows us Jesus knew what was to happen… (10:33-34 ch14-16)
…and that Jesus knew the significance (14:32-42 & 15:33-34)
Do YOU understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Stay Focused!!
Mark 13
The fishermen are given their instructions (cf 1:16-20)
This section is ‘apocalyptic’, full of OT images of judgement – which remind us of the times we are in
- These are the things we should expect
- These are the things we should avoid
- These are the things we should do
We have a lot in common with the fishermen – they stayed focused, will you?
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Giving your ALL?
Mark 11:27-12:44
(Reading: 11:27-33 & 12:35-44)
Why does Mark tell us about the widow? (12:41-44)
What’s happening in the rest of this passage?
Jesus’ authority is challenged
While Jesus continues to teach
So, what can we learn about giving our all?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus: King and Judge
Mark 11:1-25
What Jerusalem saw…
What the disciples saw…
What Mark wants us to see…
- Jesus: the saviour-King of Israel, and of the nations
- Jesus: the Judge of Israel, and of the nations
- ..and what Jesus our King and Judge wants…
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
What it Takes to be a Christian
Mark 10 (Reading 10:1-34)
There are lots of ways to not let God be God and Jesus be King
Consider .. the Pharisees
.. the rich man
.. even the disciples
.. and what about us?
Think about what it cost Jesus to be King (v32-34)
And look at the examples Mark gives - to help us understand what it takes for us to let Jesus be King
So… how are you going?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: What are we doing?
Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16
As a Church we encourage each other to keep living with Jesus as Lord and Saviour (eg. Hebrews 10)
As a Church we are ALL involved (Ephesians 4)
We are a Bible Teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus
We want to grow in knowing Jesus
grow in living for Jesus
grow in making Jesus known
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: Who Are We?
Reading: Revelation 4
God’s Gospel Gathering…
… of people worshipping the risen King
God’s Plan and God’s Church … in Kenmore!
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Full Freedom in Christ Alone
Colossians 2:8-23
Don’t get captured … (vs 8)
You have full freedom in Christ alone (vs 9-15)
So don’t get caught up in anything else (vs 16-23)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Reconciled to The Supreme Son
Colossians 1:15-23
A Copernican Revolution …
The Son is Supreme over all Creation (15-17)
The Son is Supreme over all New Creation (18-20)
Reconciled to Revolve Around the Supreme Son (21-23)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Firm and Fruitful
Colossians 1:24-2:7
Gospel proclamation results in suffering, but that suffering is on behalf of Christ and His Church
Gospel proclamation involves revealing a wondrous mystery to all people
Gospel proclamation produces beautiful fruit in the lives of those who receive it.
(preacher: Thom Herbert)
Living Knowing our Gospel Lord
Colossians 1:1-14
Since the day you heard …
... Gospel-shaped hope
Since the day we heard …
... Gospel-shaped prayer
Live a life worthy …
... Gospel-shaped living
(Preacher - Andreas Mayer)
Time To Accept Help?
Mark 9
(Bible Reading 9:14-37)
- God tells us to listen to Jesus ...
“This is my Son, whom I love. LISTEN to him!” (9:7)
- ... and Jesus says...
“O unbelieving Generation..” (9:19)
“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed...”(9:31)
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be last.. (9:35)
- Is it time to accept some help?
The structure of Mark
chapters 1-8
chapters 9-16
*chapters 9-10
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe.. microwave sermon!)
The Ultimate Joy in 2024?
Philippians 1:12-20
For Paul, the gospel is more important than his:
-
Freedom
-
Reputation
-
Life
In what ways can you find joy in the gospel in 2024?
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Christmas Day 2023
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Arrival of Christ
Galatians 3:23-4:7
The arrival of Christ shows us…
…how much we NEED him
…how far God goes to keep his PROMISES
…the extent of God’s MERCY and GRACE
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Jesus: Is he Your King?
Zechariah 9:9 (reading ch 9)
“See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey”
What was Zechariah talking about?
What did Jesus do?
What’s this got to do with Christmas?
Is Jesus your King?
THE CHRIST: TOKEN LEADER OR TRUE LORD?
Mark 8
Bible Reading (vv. 22-38)
Who do you say Jeaus is?
What kind of King do you want the Christ to be?
- A Token Leader who gives you what you want?
- The True Lord to whom you owe your whole life?
Does the way you live bear witness to who you say Jesus is?
(Preacher: Thomas Herbert)
Jesus: Knows Your Heart!
Mark 7
Jesus hates people being heartlessly religious (vv. 1-13)
Our real problem is our evil heart (vv. 14-23)
Jesus solves our heart problem,
and his solution is for everyone (vv. 24-37)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Jesus: His Call for Repentance!
Mark 6-8 - Bible Reading 6:1-29
Mark shows us:
Who rejects Jesus
Who Jesus calls
Mark warns us:
Being part of God’s Kingdom begins with repentance
And calling for repentance will meet with rejection
Jesus: Just Believe?
Mark 5:21-43
Two examples of people learning to trust/believe …
A father who learned to trust Jesus’ power to give life to the dead
A woman who trusted Jesus to give peace when she was in despair
Mark challenges us to believe in Jesus too!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus: Can You Trust His Authority?
Mark 4:35-5:20
What do you fear the most?
Mark shows us that Jesus has authority over EVERYTHING, including:
-
outward storms (4:35-41)
-
inward storms (5:1-20)
-
and even death itself
…which leads people to fear him!
(4:41, 5:15, 5:33, 5:42)
What would you do if you saw God?
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Jesus: Are You Listening to Him?
Mark 4:1-34 (Reading 4:1-20)
Have you heard this parable before?
…be careful not to switch off! (vv. 3, 9)
Here’s how…
1: Lean into Jesus (v. 10)
2: Grow in Jesus (v. 20)
3: Don’t expect spiritual realities to be simple… (v. 11)
4: Be assured that God changes hearts! (vv. 26-29)
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Jesus: Do You Accept His Authority?
Mark 2:13-3:35
Bible Reading: 2:13-3:6
Jesus hates religion
- Mark gives us five examples
The gospel is ENTIRELY about Jesus… not religion!
Some accept his authority; others don’t…
…what about you?
(Preacher: Steve YOUNG)
Jesus: His Authority and Priority
Mark 1:14-2:17 (Bible Reading:1:21-38)
That is why I have come - to preach 1:38
-
his authority and his compassion
-
his priority and his ‘problem’
That is why I have come – to call sinners 2:17
-
his compassion and his authority
-
his ‘problem’ and his priority
Hard-edged compassion
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Proclaiming The Truth About Jesus
Bible Reading: Mark 1:1-20 & 16:1-8
Mark’s Gospel…
… the proclamation of Jesus as King (1:1)
Jesus is proclaimed by:
- Prophets: the King will come (1:2-3)
- John: the King is coming (1:4-8)
- God: the King is here (1:9-13)
- Jesus: The Kingdom of God is here, repent (1:14-15)
- Us? (16:8)
The right response to Jesus (1:16-20)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Gender: Speaking Truth in Love
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24
Gender and Identity: What’s the issue?
What does the Bible Say?
How should truth, love and acceptance intersect, for us as Christians?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Link to Patricia Weerakoon's book and other stuff
“Be True To Yourself”
Bible Reading: Romans 1:18-25
What do people mean when they say “be true to yourself” ?
What does the Bible Say?
Where does that leave us?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Waiting for Christ’s return
2 Peter 3
Don’t listen to scoffing
Christ’s return is delayed for a reason!
Therefore, live your lives knowing that Christ is coming
Trust the scriptures to be on guard against the errors of the world
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Trust The LORD
Deuteronomy 31-34
(Bible Reading: 31:14-22 & 34:1-12)
After Moses…
A song that highlights the problem of sin (ch 32)
Blessings which give hope for the future? (ch 33)
Trust The LORD
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
MAKING A NAME FOR OURSELVES
Genesis 10-11
(Reading: Genesis 10:21-11:9)
Humanity decides it doesn’t need God… again!
So God pays us a visit…
…and shows incredible grace in judgment
The curse is reversed in the New Testament, and ultimately at the end of time… (Acts 2, Rev 5:9)
Preacher: Stephen Young
Choose Life
Deuteronomy 27-30 (Bible Reading: 30:11-20)
- The Covenant The LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites at Moab (Dt 29:1)
the blessings and curses (Dt 27-28)
the Covenant Renewal (Dt 29-30)
- Two key verses
Dt 29:29
Dt 30:19
- The choice we ALL face…
Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses
-
a history lesson (chapters 1-4)
-
Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)
-
looking to the future (chapters 29-30)
transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)
(Sermon: Steve Blencowe)
THE NEW CREATION
Genesis 8-9
(Reading: Genesis 8)
Humanity gets a fresh start!
But sin survives the flood…
…which shows us that EVERYONE needs God’s grace
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Obedience and Holiness
Deuteronomy 12-26
(Reading: Dt 12:1-14 & 26:16-19)
Lots of laws for living in the land
laws which extend the 10 commandments
laws which show nothing is irrelevant to God
laws which remind the people of God’s holiness
laws for living as:
God’s People
in God’s Place
under God’s Rule
Israel were to be holy to the Lord their God
- in everything
What about us?
Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses
1. a history lesson (chapters 1-4)
2. Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)
3. looking to the future (chapters 29-30)
transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
GOD’S JUSTICE
Genesis 6-7
(Reading: Genesis 6:5-22)
The downward spiral of sin continues! So God judges the world
He waited patiently in the days of Noah… and is patient now
BUT just like the Flood…
…the final day of judgment WILL come
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
With All Your Heart
Deuteronomy 6-11 (Reading: ch 6)
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”
(4:29, 6:5, 10:12, 11:13, 13:4, 26:16, 30:2,6,10)
Implications for Old Covenant Israel, as the LORD God brought them into the land of Canaan,
Implications for New Covenant Christians?
Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses
1. a history lesson (chapters 1-4)
2. Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)
3. looking to the future (chapters 29-30)
transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)
Steve
LIFE AND DEATH
Genesis 4-5
(Reading: Genesis 4)
Eve gives birth…
Is this the one who will crush the serpent’s head??
Unfortunately, not! The problem of sin spreads further…
-
Cain murders his brother
-
Lamech follows in Cain’s footsteps (4:23-24)
Eve gives birth again…
This time, her offspring begin to proclaim the name of the LORD (4:26)
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
The Ten Commandments
Deuteronomy 5
(Reading:5:1-22)
God’s decrees and laws
- In Deuteronomy
- In the Old Testament
- From a New Testament perspective
What should we do with them?
Some worked examples
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
A Political Promise We Can Turst?
2 Samuel 7
1. David wants to build a house for God (v1-7)
2. But God promises to build a house (dynasty) for David! (v8-17)
3. A quick look at David’s response (v18-29)
4. So how is this promise fulfilled?
(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)
DISASTER IN EDEN
Genesis 3
The pursuit of WISDOM, ironically, leads to the most FOOLISH act in human history…
• The serpent attacks God’s Word (v. 1)
• Eve doubts God’s Word (v. 2)
• Adam completely ignores God’s Word (v. 6)
But there’s HOPE...
• The serpent will be crushed (v. 15)
• God’s judgment is death… but Eve becomes the mother of the living (v. 20)
• A NEW Adam has come...
Preacher: Stephen Young
GOD’S MASTERPIECE: HUMANITY
Genesis 2:4-25
Chapter two zooms in on the garden…
…showing that we were created:
-
in God’s image
-
male and female
-
to jointly rule over creation, and
-
to enjoy the presence of God
But this chapter of Genesis also leaves hints that sin will soon break these things…
Preacher: Stephen Young
The LORD is God, there is no other
Deuteronomy 4:1-40 (Reading v23-40)
The Lord is God - there is no other v39
-
God who is ‘a jealous God’ v24
-
God who is a ‘merciful God’ v31
Listen to the Lord your God
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
Joshua 3:1-5:12 (Reading 3:1-4:3)
Looking Back – Joshua 3:1-5:1
Looking Forward – Joshua 5:2-12
The God of Creation
Genesis 1:1-2:3
(Col 1:15-17; Rev 21:1-5)
What is the point of Genesis 1?
- The heavens, the earth… and the deep? (vv. 1-2)
God forms and fills the earth by his powerful Word, Jesus
Jesus conquers ‘the deep’ and will soon bring heaven to earth!
Preacher: Stephen Young
LEARNING TO LOVE AND OBEY GOD
Deuteronomy 1-4 (Reading 1:1-8 & 1:26-40)
-
Learning lessons, then and now
-
God is in control of everything
-
God is faithful to his promises
-
God calls on His people to obey him
-
Has anything changed?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Trust God’s Timing
2 Peter 3
The denial – Jesus will never come
The defence – he certainly will
Some advice – be prepared!
All you need to know... for life
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Beware Ungodly Teachers
2 Peter 2
- Beware false teachers (1-3)
- Don’t fall for them (10-19)
- Don’t be destroyed with them (4-9, 20-22)
- Do trust God
Preacher (Andreas Mayer)
Wake Up!
(2 Peter 1:12-21)
Truth needs to be repeated
The gospel of Jesus is the truth…
- Eye witnesses
- The Scriptures
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Make it Count
2 Peter 1:1-11
A reminder from an apostle with limited time
You have everything you need through your knowledge of Jesus
So do not be ineffective or unfruitful in your knowledge of Jesus
Make it count… a bit at a time… starting today
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Living as the flock of the chief shepherd
1 Peter 5
Lead and submit out of the knowledge that you have a chief Shepherd
Trust in God's mighty hand in all trials
Resist the prowling devil
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Suffering for God’s Glory
1 Peter 4:12-22
Expecting it
Rejoicing in it
(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)
The Christian Bucket list
1 Peter 4:1-11
The Christian Bucket List (4:2, 7)
1. Prepare your mind (v1-2, 7)
2. Say ”that’s enough” (v3-6)
3. Pray.. (v7)
4. .. and love (v8-11)
-
-
-
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Two Eyes on Christ
1 Peter 3:8-22
The two results of Christ’s suffering then resurrection (18-22)
Live reflecting your inheritance (8-12)
Suffer proclaiming Christ’s resurrection (13-17)
(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)
Living as Foreigners
1 Peter 2:11-3:7
The 'Fear of the Lord'
This is what it looks like in…
- Society
- Our homes
Jesus is our example of humble trust in God
Preacher: Stephen Young
Worship and Witness
1 Peter 2:4-10
Peter explains who Christians are, in OT language:
-
A temporary temple and the temple that really matters
-
A people belonging to God - a kingdom of priests and a holy nation
Who we are, in Christ, shapes our worship and our witness
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Grow Up!
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Five imperatives that flow out of verses 1 to 12:
1. Set your hope on our future blessings (v13)
2. Be Holy (v14-16)
3. Live in reverent fear of God (v17-21)
4. Love one another (v22-25)
5. Crave spiritual milk (2:1-3)
We have tasted that the Lord is good, so lets grow up and live like it!
(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)
Hope and Holiness
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
What is holiness and how do you be holy?
Focus on Jesus (1:13-14)
.. as God’s people who fear our Father in heaven (1:15-17)
.. and who trust God through the work of Jesus (1:18-21)
Let God’s powerful word keep transforming your heart (1:22-2:1)
.. and keep being thirsty to grow (2:2-3)
For Christians being holy is being who we are in Christ!
Rejoicing in Christ
1 Peter 1:1-12
We are not home…
...but this should be a source of hope and joy!
Jesus has already paved the way forward
Preacher: Stephen Young
Only God Gives True Meaning & Purpose
Ecclesiastes 1-3 & 12 (Reading: 1:1-2:3)
1. The frustrating and futile search for ‘meaning’ in a
life without God
The conclusion at the beginning
“everything is meaningless”
The conclusion after various tests
“everything is meaningless”
2. It is God who gives true meaning and significance to all we do
The burden …
The conclusion at the end
“Fear God and keep His commands”
- Some implications:
THE ‘PROBLEM’ OF SUFFERING
Job 1-42 (Reading: Chapter 1)
-
The pain of suffering - Job’s suffering (Job chapters 1-3)
-
‘Foolish’ attempts to answer the unanswerable question - why me? (Job chapters 4-37)
Life is a mystery to us - so if we try too hard to know why things happen we’ll end up getting it wrong. And getting it wrong only hurts more.
- The ‘wise’ response to pain and suffering!(Job chapters 38-42)
The wise person can’t necessarily explain why everything happens, but the wise person will want to know God and to trust Him, because God knows why things happen, and He can be trusted.
- If only Job had a friend who could understand (Hebrews 4:14-16)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 54-58
What if dead men don't rise?
How do we know Jesus was raised?
The glorious resurrection of believers?
(preacher: Rayk Platzek)
The Foolishness of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 & Luke 23:35-43
Why preach an unpopular message?
Because it’s the most crucial event in human history
The cross highlights:
- The seriousness and severity of our rejection of God
- Our inability find God on our own terms
- Jesus’ death in our place, as the only answer
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Like the thief, you can be forgiven and saved through Jesus’ sacrifice in your place…
…will you accept this unpopular message?
Tremble at His Word
Isaiah 66
The conclusion of the vision of transformation (1:1)
What God wants is people who are humble, contrite and tremble at His word... (66:2)
...and that is what God will ultimately have
We’re either in or we’re out…
…are you in?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: Order and Worship
(1 Corinthians 14)
The best thing we can do is build up the Church
Paul uses the Corinthians’ obsession with gifts to make this point clear (v. 12)
If we love and build in an ‘orderly way’, we reflect the nature of God himself
Preacher: Stephen Young
Trust and Prayer
Isaiah 36-39 (Bible Reading 36-37:4)
Isaiah shows us the importance of trusting God..
.. by recounting two parallel situations
Two situations where trust led Hezekiah to pray
Hezekiah was not perfect, but he knew to pray..
.. do you?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Church: Love
(1 Corinthians 13)
What love isn’t… (vv. 1-3)
What love is… (vv. 4-6)
What love does… (v. 7)
How far love goes… (vv. 8-13)
Preacher: Stephen Young
The Perfect King
Isaiah 11-12
(Bible Reading 11)
Who He is
What He does
Where He leads us
(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)
Church: Gifts and the Body
(1 Corinthians 12)
-
Recognise the Spirit’s work by expressing submission to Christ (1-3)
-
Serve as God’s gifted you, for the common good (4-11)
-
Realise your diversity’s a crucial part of Christ’s united body (12-20)
-
Share united concern by accommodating others’ diversity (21-26)
-
Eagerly desire gifts that build the body (27-31)
Preacher: Andreas Mayer
Learning to Trust
Isaiah 7:1-10:4
(Bible Reading 7:1-17)
The shape of these chapters:
- 7:1-25 Isaiah speaks with King Ahaz
- 8:1-9:7 Reflects on 7:1-25
- 9:8-10:4 Describes the end of the Northern Kingdom
Look more closely at 7:1-25
- Ahaz is in a messy situation (7:1-2 cf 2 Kings 16)
- Isaiah tells Ahaz what God would have him do (7:3-9)
- Ahaz refuses listen (7:10-12 cf 6:9-13)
- Isaiah continues speaking - in signs (7:13-25)
Look a little more closely (v13-16 in particular)
Now stand back and look accross 7:1-10:4 again
What can we learn, from Isaiah, about living for God in our own real-life (often ‘messy’) situations?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Freedom in the Church
(1 Corinthians 11:2-34)
This passage has a few tricky bits:
- man/woman or husband/wife?
- head coverings?
- headship?
o angels (v. 10), and long hair on men? (v. 14)
So, we should start by looking at what we do know from the text:
- We worship a God of order
- There are God-given differences between men and women
- Love builds up the church
Preacher: Stephen Young
Before The Throne of God
Isaiah 6
God's glory is incomparable
Hearts will inevitably be changed
Repentance is met with cleansing atonement
This encounter with God ends with proclamation by his messenger
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Freedom and its Dangers
(1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1)
Reading 1 Cor 10:23-11:1
The dangers of abusing our freedom… (an example from history!)
We do not have freedom to sin…
…but God is faithful (v. 13), and will help us live for him
Preacher: Stephen Young
Who Do You Trust?
Isaiah 2:6-4:6
(Reading 2:6-22)
God has a vision… (1:1-2:5)
… that focuses on ‘the Day of the LORD’ (2:6-4:6)
Isaiah gives a ‘poetic’ summary of what will happen ‘in that day’ (2:6-22)
The conclusion and application are in the last verse of the summary (2:22)
So, who are you putting your trust in?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Freedom to Restrict Ourselves
(1 Corinthians 9)
Reading 1 Cor 9:13-26
For Paul, running the race means giving up his own rights…
…because he would rather do this, than hinder the gospel of Christ
Where are you running ‘aimlessly’?
Preacher: Stephen Young
Hope For The Nations
Isaiah 1:1-2:5 (Reading 1:1-20, 2:1-5)
Isaiah’s vision – of hope in the midst of defeat
A vision of the transformation of Zion
A vision of hope for the nations
Do you know this hope?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Freedom and Others
(1 Corinthians 8)
The Corinthians seek answers about Christian freedoms...
...but Paul highlights the REAL issue at hand
True knowledge loves and builds up the church
Preacher: Stephen Young
Church: And Generosity
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:13b-9:5
Think about what ‘generosity’ is… and isn’t.. as we consider the topic of Church and money.
Church, money… and the Bible
Some principles from 2 Corinthians
Let’s be a church that excels in everything… including the grace of giving (2 Cor 8:7)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Giving Generously
(Readings: Matt 6:19-24, 1 Tim 6:17-19)
What is the good life?
God is the source of gospel-generosity...
...so “train yourself to be Godly” (1 Tim 4:7-9)
What IS the good life?
Preacher: Stephen Young
Church: What We Are Doing
Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:1-25
(and Ephesians 4:11-16)
- As a Church we encourage each other to keep living with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour (Hebrews 10)
- We’re all involved (Ephesians 4)
- We are a Bible teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus
we each want to:
grow in knowing Jesus,
grow in living for Jesus, and
grow in making Jesus known
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
What is the church?
Ephesians 2
The Church is NOT a human invention…
…it is a divine institution
So belonging to the Church is not a matter of external attachment…
…it’s about Jesus
Preacher: Steve Young
Church: Who We ARE
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29
-
We are SINNERS made part of Christ’s Church
-
We GATHER around Christ, and His Gospel
-
We seek to GROW followers of Christ
-
as we grow in KNOWING Jesus
- and grow in LIVING for Jesus
- and grow in SHARING the gospel of Jesus
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Stand Firm
Philippians 4:1
-
A letter to partners in the gospel …
-
… with some final instructions…
-
…that we can summarise in two words: stand firm!
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Worth the Most
Philippians 3:1-11
-
No other worth (1-6)
-
Compares to being in Christ (7-9)
-
And becoming like him (10-11)
Preacher: Andreas Mayer
Humility in Christ
Philippians 2:1-11
Why humility is so important as believers:
Because Christ is the supreme example of humility
Humility is necessary for unity
Christ shows us that humility is:
Valuing others above yourself
Meeting others where they're at
Not self-glorification, but trusting in God's promises for the future Glory
Preacher: Thom Herbert
(Readings: Gen 2:15; Matt 11:28-30; 1 Cor 10:31)
-
Why do we work?
-
Why do we need to rest?
-
What’s the right motivation for work?
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
The Christmas Feast
Exodus 16:11-22, John 6:22-42
-
The crowd loves free food…
-
…but they ignore what the miracle pointed to
-
Jesus was sent to fix a spiritual starvation
-
This leaves you with an important choice to make...
Preacher: Stephen Young
Christ: The Heart of Christmas
(Luke 2:1-21)
The first Christmas...
...setting
...sermon and hymn
...response
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Responding to God’s Mercy
Romans 12
The Christian life is motivated by God’s mercy (vv. 1-2)
It changes the way we think about…
…ourselves (vv. 2-8)
…and others (vv. 7-21)
Preacher: Stephen Young
The ‘Mystery’ of God’s Mercy
Romans 9-11
(Reading: 9:1-5, 10:1-3, 11:25-12:1)
The problem of an unbelieving Israel... (Romans 9-11)
The ‘mystery’ is - God shows mercy to Israel & the nations
And Israel’s ‘fall’ is not complete… (11:1-10)
… nor is it final (11:11-24)
This ‘mystery’ demonstrates the mercy of God (11:25-32)
Are you living in the light of God’s Mercy (ch 12)
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery … so that you may not become conceited…” (Romans 11:25)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Hope in Suffering
Romans 8:18-39
Suffering in this life shouldn’t surprise us
How we persevere through the present suffering
- Patience in prayer by the Spirit
- Hope in the glory to come
Amidst our suffering, one thing remains certain…
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Sin in the life of a Christian?
Romans 6:1-8:17
(Reading: 6:1-14 & 8:1-17)
The problem of sin in the life of a Christian?
The gospel reveals the gift of righteousness that comes by faith (1:16-17)
- beware of legalism
Christians live under grace, not law…
- and of licence
we are freed from sin and ‘slaves’ to righteousness
The apostle shows us the struggle (7:14-25)
And encourages us to ‘live by the Spirit’ (8:14-17)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Through one Man…
Romans 5:12-21
Like it or not, our actions impact on others
Adam has put us ALL in a predicament
But Jesus’ actions can undo it
Is Jesus your representative?
(Preacher: Steve Young)
God’s Love Changes Everything
Romans 5:1-11
God’s Love changes who we are
God’s love changes what we do
God’s love changes what we hope for
(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)
Have you accepted God’s gift? (Romans 4)
Romans 1-3 The Gospel of Jesus reveals the undeserved gift of being right with God
Romans 4 Abraham is THE example of receiving the undeserved gift of being right with God
- Abraham was not declared right with God by works
- or by circumcision
- or through the law
- Abraham was justified by faith
Have you accepted the undeserved gift of being right with God?
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Are YOU right with God?
Romans 3:21-31
The Bible says no one is right with God
But, in Jesus, God provides a way for us to be right with God (vv. 21-24)
Jesus deals with our sin and God’s need to punish sin (vv. 25-26)
If we are right with God through trusting in Jesus, then
… we have nothing to boast in
… and we can be sure that we are forgiven
So, are you right with God?
Preacher: Stephen Young
Stuck Under the Power of Sin
Romans 2:12-3:20
(Bible Reading: 3:1-20)
Limited obedience to the law does NOT make us right with God…
The verdict: No one is righteous
How do we solve the problem of sin?
- The world’s answers
- God’s answer
“But now…” (v. 21)
Preacher: Stephen Young
How to Respond to God’s Anger at Sin?
Romans 1:18-2:11
The reality of God’s anger at sin
- the fact of God’s wrath (1:18)
- the reason for God’s wrath (1:18-20)
- the expression of God’s wrath, now (1:21-32)
- the coming day of God’s wrath (2:5-11)
God’s wrath is justified
How should we respond?
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Experiencing God’s Power
Romans 1:1-17
-
Introducing Paul and his Gospel (1:1-7)
-
This Gospel is the Power of God (1:16-17)
-
And this Power changes lives (1:8-15)
-
Have you experienced God’s Power?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Preacher: Rayk platzek
Title: From fear to fullness of joy
Outline:
1) Refuge in God
2) Content with God’s providence
3) Counselled by God
4) Trust in the faithfulOne
Singleness… or singlemindedness?
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
1: Don’t hold tight to the things of the world
2: Because they are passing away (v. 31)
3: Instead, honour God the “right” way (v. 35)
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Living by the Word of our Powerful God
Nehemiah 13
(Reading 13:1-13)
Another messy ending!
Neither Ezra nor Nehemiah could change people’s hearts – only Jesus can do that
What else can we learn from their attempt to live by the word of our powerful God?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Christian Marriage (Part 1)
Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24
1: God has given “gifts” to all Christians (v. 7)
-
What they are
-
What they aren’t
2: Paul addresses questions about marriage...
3: ...but being a faithful follower of Jesus is what really matters
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Taking God’s Word to Heart
Nehemiah 8
(Reading 7:73b-8:12)
An introduction to the OT Book of Nehemiah
Ezra the Priest and Teacher of the Law is still at work
Taking God’s Word to heart…
- then…
- and now…
Sex and Freedom
1 Corinthians 6
1: How things END… should affect how you live NOW
Paul provides two examples in 1 Cor 6:
a) Christian Lawsuits
b) Sexual Immorality
2: God also wants you to live differently because:
- you have been washed, sanctified and justified (v. 11)
- your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (v. 19)
- you were bought at a price (v. 20)
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
God’s Word and Holiness
Ezra 9-10
God’s people show deep faithlessness… (9:1-2)
…and the mess is complex to unravel (9:3-10:44)
Holiness and faithfulness still matter for Christians
though much has changed…
…God remains the same
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Immorality in the Church
(Reading 1 Corinthians 5)
-
The Corinthian church is proud of their sin?!
-
Paul warns that unrepentant sin affects the whole gathering
-
Don’t tolerate even a small amount of unrepentant sin
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
A First-hand Example of Living by God’s Word
Ezra 7-8
(Reading 7:1-10, 8:31-36)
A passage that shows a powerful God at work
And a first-hand example of living by God’s Word
-
Ezra practiced what he preached (7:10)
-
trusted his sovereign God (7:28, 8:22)
-
and was busy himself (7:6b, 8:15-17,21)
Some tips for Living by the Word of a powerful God
Overview of the passage
7:1-10 Narrator’s introduction
7:11-26 Artaxerxes’ letter
7:27-8:36 Ezra’s account
- 7:27-28 – praising God
- 8:1-14 – names of the returnees
- 8:15-32 – the journey to Jerusalem
- 8:33-36 – arrival and sacrifices
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
Fools and Kings!
1 Corinthians 3-4
(Reading 1 Cor 3:18-4:13)
1: Paul highlights the ‘rewards’ of faithful Gospel ministry…
2: These ‘rewards’ are the opposite of what some of the Corinthians expected
3: Be careful not to look for glory in the wrong places
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Expect Opposition to Living by God’s Word
Ezra 4-6
(Reading 4:1-5, 5:1-2, 6:13-18)
The Israelites faced opposition as they attempted to build God’s temple.
But God’s prophets continued to speak His word
And God continued to show His supreme sovereignty.
There are lessons we can learn.
-
We too should expect opposition to living for God.
-
But we know God still speaks through His word.
-
And God does not change. He is unfailingly faithful, supremely sovereign and desires people to live by His word.
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
The Folly of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16
The Wisdom of the Word
The Folly of the Cross
Wisdom from the Spirit
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Living by God’s Word is the Priority
Ezra 3
In Ezra 3 the people prioritise living by God’s word..
.. and the temple plays an important part
God is still working to the same plan
.. but His temple looks a little different
Our priority should still be - to live by God’s word
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Christ Divided
1 Corinthians 1:1-17
1: Unity troubles plague the Corinthian Church
2: Paul reminds the Corinthians of who they are in Christ
3: Three truths about Jesus which help our unity…
-
Christ is Whole
-
Christ was crucified for you
-
Christ is your Lord
Preacher: Stephen Young
God’s Word is Powerful
Ezra 1-2
(reading: chapter 1)
We all have times when we wonder why anyone would live for God. But this part of God’s word shows:
- God is unfailingly faithful
- And God is supremely sovereign
That’s two truths we also see in the Gospel of Jesus
So, let’s keep learning to live by the word of our powerful God
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Rejoicing in God’s Justice
Esther 8-10 (reading: Esther 8)
1: God’s people are delivered from an irrevocable annihilation…
(Esther 8)
2: …which leads to celebration
(Esther 9-10)
3: Celebrating our undeserved deliverance!
Preacher: Stephen Young
Trusting in God’s Timing
Esther 5-7 (reading: Esther 5)
1: Our times are in God’s hands... (chapter 5)
2: ...so we can trust in his timing (chapters 6-7)
3: Three ways we can remember to trust:
· God’s timing is always perfect
· Our ways are not God’s ways
· God always has the final say
Preacher: Stephen Young
When God seems Distant
Esther 1-4
1: Esther is invitation to look for God’s hand at work
2: Trouble in Persian-Paradise leads to Esther’s rise… (Esther 1-2)
3: But an enemy threatens Genocide to God’s people (Esther 3-4)
4: God is always at work
Preacher: Stephen Young
Standing Firm in the Gospel(Ephesians 6:10-24)
1: Know the enemy
2: Understand our equipment
3: Know your tactics
Preacher: Thom Herbert
Mercy that helps us remember
Titus 3
1: Remember to be ready for every good work (vv. 1-2)
2: Remember who you used to be (v. 3)
3: Remember the gospel (vv. 4-8)
4: Remember God’s people(vv. 12-15)
Preacher: Stephen Young
The Truth that Leads to Godliness (Titus 1)
The gospel is the truth that leads to godliness (vv. 1-4)
Chaos in Crete?!? False teaching is damaging the local church (vv. 5, 10-16)
The solution – appointing elders to safeguard the truth (vv. 5-9)
Preacher: James Kasherman
Godliness That Truth Leads to (Titus 2) Godliness because of the Gospel Godliness for the Gospel Youth Group Notes
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
False teaching is ruining entire households (1:11)
The solution is to teach “healthy” doctrine (2:1-10)
-
Older men
-
Older women
-
Younger women
-
Younger men
-
Healthy living comes from healthy doctrine
This is made possible because of God’s grace (vv. 11-15)
Preacher: Steve Young
The Truth That Leads to Godliness (Titus 1) Paul, preaches the gospel truth which leads to godliness (v1-4) He wants godly men appointed to defend and teach the gospel truth (v5-9) Because there are damaging lies lived in Crete (v10-16) Some thoughts for us as we seek to proclaim, defend, model and live the truth of the gospel…
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
THE CHRISTIAN WALK - Relationships
Ephesians 5:21-6:9 We worship a God of order – and this is GOOD! Our relationships should be ordered too - Slaves and Masters (6:5-9) - Children and Parents (6:1-4) - Wives and Husbands (5:21-33) What does this look like?
Preacher: Stephen Young
THE CHRISTIAN WALK - GODLINESS Ephesians 4:17-5:20 (Reading: 5:1-20) 1. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling part II (4:1) 2. Put off the old… and put on the new (4:17-24) - Change how you speak and act (4:25-4:2) - Avoid immorality and greed (5:3-14) - Be careful how you live (5:15-20) 3. The Christian Walk: Godliness!
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
THE CHRISTIAN WALK - CHURCH Ephesians 4:1-16 Living a life ‘worthy of our calling’ involves love and unity – in Christ’s body (1-4,16) Within this unity there is diversity – for the purpose of building the whole (7-11) The goal is growth and maturity, in Christ. (14-16) Putting this into practice in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane…. * Be taught to serve * And serve to grow * Love Christ’s Church
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Maturity in Christ
(Ephesians 3) Paul prays for his reader's maturity (vv. 14-19) But first, he explains the mystery, now revealed (vv. 2-13) All of this leads Paul to praise God... again! (vv. 20-21) Preacher: Steve Young
Reconciliation in Christ
(Ephesians 2:11-22) You were once far off: divided, excluded, without hope, without God But now... Christ has brought you near: reconciled, members of God's household Together, we are God's temple: with Jesus as the cornerstone
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Transformation in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10) Remember who you WERE: dead in your transgressions and sins Remember who you ARE: alive, raised up, seated in heaven Remember what you are to DO: good works which God prepared for us to do
(Preacher: Steve Young)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
The Christian PRAYER Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul's prayer
He gives thanks to God for working in the Ephesians
And he asks that God would continue to work in them, so they would:
- Grow in knowing
- the hope ...
- the riches ...
- the power ...
And a reminder of God's power
What is your prayer?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
The Christian IDENTITY Ephesians 1:1-14 The Christian Identity
We have been blessed (1:3)
- with every spiritual blessing
- in the heavenly realms
- in Christ
We have been...(1:4-10)
- Chosen and adopted
- Redeemed and forgiven
- Shown God's plans
We are secure in Christ (1:11-14)
Is that who you are?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
What actually happened on Easter Sunday? (Why the bodily resurrection of Jesus matters)
Matthew 28:1-15
Point 1: Jesus’ teachings live on… but so does Jesus himself!
Point 2: Jesus’ bodily resurrection is a historical fact
Point 3: Therefore “do not be afraid ... go and tell” (v. 10)
Preacher (Steve Young)
-
Feeling forsaken
-
A Psalm of David
-
A prayer for help (vv.1-21a)
a. Cry of desperation (vv.1-2)
b. ...to a holy and faithful God (vv.3-5)
c. ...by a despised and mocked man (vv.6-8)
d. ...remembering God's past care (vv.9-11)
e. ...from real enemies (vv.12-21a)
- Praise for deliverance (vv.21b-31)
a. ...among the people of God (vv.21b-26)
b. ...to the ends of the earth (vv.27-29)
c. ...for all generations (vv.30-31)
- Not forsaken by Jesus
Preacher (Andrew Brown)
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Encouraged by the Kingdom of Heaven’s...
**...humble beginnings
...continuous growth even amidst evil
...fixed destination**
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Trust and Anxiety Matthew 6:19-34
Treasure on earth or treasure in heaven?
Life of anxiety or life of peace?
Hearts that trust or hearts that doubt?
Growing in trust
(Preacher: Thom Herbert)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
ALL AUTHORITY
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission) (Jesus’ authority comforts, empowers and ensures his work continues in the world)
Point 1: Jesus’ authority comforts and assures
Point 2: Jesus authority shows us he is God
Point 3: Jesus’ authority ensures the future of his work
Preacher: Stephen Young
Jesus' Teaching: Christian Relationships Matthew 7:1-12
Three warnings...
1. Don't be judgemental (v1-5)
2. Don't be undiscerning
3. DO persist in approaching your Father in Heaven (v7-12)
The Christian Life (5:16, 5:48, 6:1, 6:20...)
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
JESUS’ TEACHING: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Matthew 5:1-7:29 (Bible Reading: 5:1-12 & 7:24-29)
The Good Life!?
As followers of Jesus we:
``` give up everything to live for Jesus (4:12-25)
and seek to build our lives on Jesus and his word (7:24ff) ```
That means we will:
- stand out (5:16)
- aim for perfection (5:48)
- guard our motives (6:1)
- live for heaven (6:20)
- …
Are you living the Good Life?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Jesus' Teaching: Christian Ambition Matthew 6:19-34
Home is where the heart is...
Remember where home is...
- where your treasure is, there you heart is (19-21)
- ambition reveals your heart (22-23)
- you can't serve two masters (24)
... and you won't have a worry in the world
- food, drink and clothes...
- worrying doesn't help (v25-27)
- God cares (v28-30)
- remember where your home is! (v31-34)
Where is your home?
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
The Light Shines in the Darkness Matthew 4:12-25
1. Jesus preaches "repentance" as we approach the Sermon on the Mount
2. This repentance is for ALL nations
3. Jesus went to GALILEE as the Light that exposes the darkness (We need the Light to Repent)
The Word of God is a MIGHTY Weapon (Matthew 4:1-11) Main Point: Jesus shows us that the devil has been disarmed
Point 1: The devil is real
Point 2: Jesus shows us that he’s been defeated
Point 3: He does this with the Word of God
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Jesus’ Teaching: Christian Religion Matthew 6:1-18
1. A matter of motives... motinves matter!
.
.
2. Secrecy safe-guards sincerity
- as you give
- as you pray
- as you fast
.
.
Christian Religion?
.
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
Jesus’ Teaching: Christian Obedience Matthew 5:17-48 (Reading: 5:17-48)
1. Be perfect... as your heavenly Father is perfect!!
.
.
2. Jesus wants maximum devotion, not minimum compliance
.
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
From Warning to Hope (Matthew 3)
-
John’s Message and ministry
-
Why was Jesus baptized by John?
(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)
Three Responses to the King (Matthew 2) Main Point: What you think about the person of Jesus really matters
Point 1: The Magi come to WORSHIP king Jesus
Point 2: Herod tries to KILL king Jesus
Point 3: The Chief Priests and Teachers of the Law IGNORE king Jesus
Point 4: Jesus reveals hearts...
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Jesus’ Teaching: Attractive Christianity
Matthew 4:12-5:16 (Reading: 5:1-17)
-
Jesus calls people to follow him (4:18-25)
-
This is what it’s like as a follower of Jesus (5:1-16)
-
you are blessed
-
you already have it all
-
with much to look forward to
-
you can expect to be persecuted
-
but keep pointing others to Jesus
-
Are you living The Christian Life?
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
- Interesting:
- Question:
- Pray:
(preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Trouble in the Nativity? (Matthew 1:18-25) Main Point: Even a "righteousness man" needs God's intervention... Point 1: Mary’s pregnancy leaves Joseph stuck between a rock and a hard place…
Point 2: Joseph’s decision affects a whole lot more than just himself… (could Joseph end God's plan of salvation?)
Point 3: God intervenes – and Joseph obeys
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
The Trinity John 14:1-21 What do we need to know about the Trinity?
- God the Father...
- God the Son...
- God the Holy Spirit...
Why does it matter?
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
The Identity of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)
Main Point: God uses broken people to fulfil his purposes
Point 1: Matthew is extremely concerned with the identity of Jesus
Point 2: Genealogies are very important!
Point 3: God uses a messy family tree to bring about his purposes
(Preacher: Stephen Young)
Clear on What We’re Doing
Ephesians 4:11-16
1. Loving and serving our Church...
2. …is easier when we know who we are and what we’re doing:
a. we are a Bible teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus
b. so we each want to:
- grow in knowing Jesus,
- grow in living for Jesus, and
- grow in making Jesus known
3. And this is how it works… Ephesians 4:11-16
(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
2022-01-30 1 Peter 4:1-11 Steve Young The Character of the Church (Night Church)
The Character of the Church (1 Peter 4:1-11) Main Point: Our Church should be characterised by loving service of one another - for God's glory
Point 1: Our character is shaped by what has been done
Point 2: Our character is shaped by what is to come
Point 3: Our character is shown in loving service of one another
Clear on Who We Are Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 Let’s be clear on who we are as a Church (even during a pandemic!)
1. We have been made ALIVE in Jesus…
2. We GATHER around Jesus and His Gospel…
3. We seek to GROW FOLLOWERS OF JESUS…
- by growing in KNOWING Jesus
- growing in LIVING FOR Jesus
- growing in SHARING THE GOSPEL of Jesus
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
The Aroma of Christ 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18
Sharing and growing the Gospel relies on:
-
A victorious saviour not victorious messenger
-
The power of God not the competence of the messenger
-
A glorious message, not a glorious messenger
Preacher: Thom Herbert
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
Pray for each other .. really!
1 John 5:13-21
Another tricky passage?
- A letter written to reassure Christians
- Christians should pray with confidence (v14-15)
We should pray for Christians who sin! (v16)
But not for … ? (v16-17)
- And keep ourselves from idols! (v21)
WHAT TO BELIEVE AND WHAT NOT TO… 1 John 4:1-6
-
What to believe and what not to
-
How to tell the difference
-
comes from the world
-
comes from God
-
And the reassurance that comes with getting it right
thoughts on tackling a tricky text ?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
Loving Life
1 John 3:11-4:1
John writes to Christians who need to know they are alive…
Love for brothers and sisters in Christ is a sign of being alive in Christ
- it will mark us out as different to the world
- it’s part of being obedient children of God
Are YOU alive and loving?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Know You’re Alive!
1 John 1:1-2:11
Know you have eternal life (5:13)
- A life in fellowship with God (1:1-4)
- A life of walking in the light
- growing awareness of sin (1:5-2:2)
- and growing obedience (2:3-6)
- A life of love (2:7-11)
You’ll know you’re really living when….
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Who do YOU see in the Manger?
Philippians 2:5-11
-
God in human form?
-
A humble servant, obedient to death?
-
Now exalted, as Lord over all?
-
Who do YOU see in the manger?
Dear God
Sorry, for ignoring you.
Thank you, for sending Jesus to obediently live as a man, and die my death for me.
Please, forgive me and change me, to live for you.
Amen
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
LOOK TO JESUS AND PRESS-ON Numbers 22-36 (Reading ch 25)
-
Battle at the end of a forty year journey
-
A second census (Numbers 26)
- At the end of a long journey (Numbers 33)
- Enemy on the outside (Numbers 22-24)
-
And enemy on the inside! (Numbers 25, 31:7-15)
-
A battle to persevere and not be deceived
-
A battle we still fight today...
... so look to Jesus and press-on
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
Numbers 20:1-22:1 (Reading 20:14-21,21:1-9)
Israel rejects the Giver of life (again!)
Snakes sent by God in judgement
Salvation is found simply by looking at the curse(d)
Our salvation is utterly dependent on the provision of God
Preacher: Steve Young
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
How’s Your Heart?
Numbers 13:1-19:22
(Reading 13:26-14:12)
Never under-estimate the hardness of human hearts…
“How long will this people treat me with contempt?” (14:11)
and never under-estimate the goodness of our Great God
“The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love…yet…” (14:18)
Encourage each other not to fall for sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:7-19)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Two Ways to Live in Response to God’s Promises 2 Peter 3 1) A reminder of a reminder Purpose of the letter
God's word is trustworthy
2) The scoffer's... Lives and response to the promise
Peter's reply
Outcome
3) The Christian... Lives and response to promise
Peter's support
Outcome
Youth Group Notes What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Just KEEP TRUSTING
Numbers 10:11-12:16
(Reading 11:1-17)
- On the way home… “Are we there yet?”
God’s obedient, optimistic people march (10:11-36)
But they soon begin to complain
11:1-3
11:4-9
12:1-2
* they do arrive (12:16)
-
Lessons learned…
-
Lessons that apply to us as well
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
On Our Way Home? Numbers 1-10 (Reading 1:1-19, 44-54)
1. God guides his obedient, ordered army of people…
2. … to the home he is preparing for them
3. What about you, where are you heading?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
What is ‘holy’ and why does it matter? Leviticus 17-27 (Reading 24:17-25:18)
1. ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy’ (19:2b)
2. God has exacting standard of holiness... and of mercy!
- e.g. the blasphemer (Lev 24:10ff)
- e.g. the year of Jubilee (Lev 25)
3. What does this mean for Christians?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
THE AMAZING GIFT OF COMPLETE FORGIVENESS Leviticus 16 (Reading Hebrews 9:1-14)
1. Yom Kippur is the day to make things right with God
2. The same procedure was repeated every year
1-10 Preparations
11-14 Sin offering for the priest
15-19 Sin offering for the community
20-22 Scapegoat
23-25 Burnt offerings for the priest and the community
26-28 Finishing up
29-34 Instructions to repeat
3. Understanding all this helps us appreciate the finished work of Jesus – and the amazing gift of complete forgiveness! (Hebrews 9)
*Dear God,
I am sorry for rebelling against you and living like you don’t exist.
Thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice that atones for my sin.
Please forgive me, change me, and help me live for you.
Amen*
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
An Education in Purity
Leviticus 11-15
- Leviticus gives us an education in purity
• Rules, rules, and more rules…
• The lessons behind the rules
11:44 God is holy and His people are to be holy
15:31 No-one can approach God without being ‘clean’
- Jesus can make sinful hearts pure
• Mark 5:24-34
• Mark 7:1-23
- Lessons continue: only Jesus can make us clean! Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Youth Group Notes What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about this week?
-
Interesting:
-
Question:
-
Pray:
THE VIRTUE OF INTOLERANCE
(2 PETER 2)
-
NOTHING is more damaging than spreading lies about Jesus:
-
It is damaging to those who listen (recall 2 Peter 1)
-
And to those who spread them (2 Peter 2)
-
We should EXPECT people to propagate lies about Jesus
-
And recognise the character of those spread such lies
-
While humbly trusting God to JUDGE
-
and God to SAVE
-
Consider the virtue of INTOLERANCE…
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
YOUTH GROUP NOTES
What is ONE thing that’s interesting from today’s sermon, one question to keep thinking about and one thing to pray about this week?
1. Interesting:
2. Question:
3. Pray:
A Reminder Of The Truth
2 Peter 1:12-21
-
Its content
-
Its necessity
-
Its trustworthiness
-
Its application
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Warning: God is Holy
Leviticus 1-10
(Reading 1:1-9 & 10:1-3)
-
We read these chapters in biblical context:
-
They teach us the enormity of approaching our HOLY God
-
And help us appreciate the undeserved access Jesus has made possible
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Everything We Need
2 Peter 1:1-11
-
Christianity is all about God-help; not self-help
-
"Knowledge" of God and his promises motivate and equip us with all we need to live godly lives
-
We must never lose sight of what Jesus has done
Preacher: Steve Young
THE GLORIOUS END
Haggai 2:1-9
-
Discouraged by the reality of current efforts
-
Encouraged by the promise of future glory
-
Enabled by the presence of God
Preacher: Andrew Brown
It’s all part of the plan!
Daniel 10-12
(Reading 10:1- 8, 12:5-13)
-
Don’t be put-off by this ‘strange’ part of the Bible
-
Consider Daniel’s point of view (and remember all we’ve read in chapters 1-9)
-
Daniel is given a look ‘behind the scenes’
-
at what will happen to ‘his people’ (10:14)
-
and told to patiently continue to the end (12:13)
-
Perhaps consider the historical perspective
-
But take to heart our Christian perspective
-
this vision shows again that God is sovereign
-
and God is working to a plan
-
so we patiently continue to the end…
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
A Prayer of Confession
Daniel 9
(reading v 1-19)
-
Daniel’s earnest prayer, to our merciful God (v1-19)
-
a prayer of confession, for not listening or obeying
-
an appeal for mercy based on God’s Character and His plans
-
A rapid response to Daniel’s prayer! (v20-27)
-
the short and the long answer
-
hope and perseverance
-
Our own earnest prayer?
-
a prayer of confession, for not listening or obeying
- an appeal for mercy based on God’s Character and His plans
- filled with hope and assurance that God hears our prayer and will help us persevere
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
It's Only a Matter of Time Daniel 7 (Reading v1-18)
-
Another troubling vision... (v1-18)
-
four beastly kingdoms (v2-8)
- One sovereign judge (v9-12)
-
And his 'human' ruler (v13-14)
-
... and another interpretation (v15-28)
-
the short explanation - God is in control, there's light at the end of the tunnel (v17-18)
-
the longer explanation - God is in control, there's light at the end of a very dark tunnel (v23-27)
-
It's only a matter of time...
-
Jesus is the 'one like a son of man' (v13-14, 18, 27 compared with the gospels e.g. Mark 14:62)(
- Christians will reign with Jesus (v18, 27 compared with Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:5-10)
- in the meantime....
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Trusting God in a Hostile World
Daniel 6
(reading 6:1-18)
-
Daniel counted the cost of living for God in a hostile world, just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (in ch 3). And their trust was rewarded.
-
Daniel chapter 6 tells a story of…
… competition, conspiracy, a command (vv1-9)
… the cost of uncompromising trust in God (vv10-18
… complete vindication (vv19-28)
- Trust in God will be rewarded because God will always be vindicated and victorious
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Don't Learn the hard way Daniel 4-5 (reading 4:1-18)
- Confessions of a ‘self-made-man’ (Daniel 4)
(key verses 4:29-32 and 34-35)
- And the fall of his fool-hardy son (Daniel 5)
(key verses 5:20-23 especially v22)
- Should Belshazzar have been given a second chance?
(Jeremiah 25:12-14, 27:1-7)
- What should we learn from all this?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
O King, live forever!?
Daniel chapter 2
(Bible Reading - Daniel 2:1-23)
-
The great king has a recurring & disturbing dream (v1-13)
-
A dream which God mercifully reveals to Daniel (v14-23)
-
A dream that puts all rulers in their place (v24-45)
-
Nebuchadnezzar is relieved, but did he really understand the dream? (v4649)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
God Hasn’t Finished Yet
Daniel 1
- It's easy to give in when you're a long way from home?
Deuteronomy 28:45-57 (cf 2 Kings & Lamentations)
-
But God has the whole world in his hands
-
Daniel 1:1-2, 9, 17, 21
-
Daniel 9:1-3 (compare Deuteronomy 30:1-3)
-
Romans 9:1-9 & 11:1ff
-
So keep trusting – even when you feel far from home!
-
1 Peter 1:1, 13-17
ARE YOU SEEING JESUS CLEARLY? Luke 9:28-56
-
After 14 weeks in Luke’s Gospel, are you seeing Jesus clearly?
-
The disciples show us that literally ‘seeing’ Jesus doesn’t guarantee that we truly see him.
-
A good place to start is to ‘listen to him’ (v.35)
Preacher: Steve Young
Following Jesus? Luke 9:18-27
-
The way of the disciples?
-
The way of the Messiah
-
The way of us following Jesus?
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Missing The Signs of Jesus' Kingdom? Luke 9:1-17
- Why has Luke included this section in his Gospel?
i. Jesus commissions 12 to proclaim the kingdom (1-6)
ii. The only response Luke shares - is confused (7-9)
iii. And on their return the 12 appear no wiser (10-14)
iv. Jesus shows yet another sign of his kingdom (15-17)
- What are we to make of this?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Signs of Jesus'Kingdom Luke 8:22-56 (reading 22-39)
-
Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God (8:1)
-
He does miracles along the way
..8:22-25 - restoring order in nature
..8:26-39 - restoring an exiled Gentile
..8:43-48 - restoring an excluded woman
..8:40-42, 49-56 - restoring life in a place of death
-
Jesus’ miracles give a taste of the Kingdom of God which he proclaims
-
Do you have ears to hear the message of the Kingdom of God? (8:8b)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Hearing God’s Word
Luke 8:1-21
-
Jesus preaching changes lives
-
His parables save some and harden others
-
The parable of the soils shows 4 responses to Jesus
-
Our response has eternal consequences
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
The Scandal of Grace
Luke 7:36-50
The Scandal Part 1: Simon’s Hospitality
The Scandal Part 2: The Sinful Woman
The Scandal Explained: Understanding our own Sinfulness
Preacher: Steve Young
Jesus and Rejection
Luke 7:24-35
-
John prepared the way for Jesus (24-27)
-
Now Jesus changes everything (v28)
-
Those who rejected John reject Jesus (v29-30)
-
Rejecting is …. (v31-35)
-
Lessons for us to learn about Jesus and rejection
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Jesus and Faith
Luke 7:1-23
-
What makes Jesus say: "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel"? (7:9)
-
And what does Luke show us about faith in Israel?
7:4-5
7:16-17
7:18-20
- Is your faith in Jesus like the faith of the centurion?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Jesus Changes Us
Luke 6:12-49
Followers of Jesus build on firm foundations (46-49)
We expect to change...
- in what we value (20-26)
- in how we love (27-36)
- in how we view others (37-42)
It is a change that begins in our heart (43-45)
How firm are your foundations?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Jesus Changes Everything
Luke 5:33-6:11
Luke's orderly account has shown Jesus' authority, his compassion, his purpose...
Now Luke includes three incidents that show growing opposition to Jesus
- the question of fasting and a parable (5:33-39)
- picking grain on the Sabbath (6:1-5)
- healing on the Sabbath (6:6-11)
Can you see that Jesus changes everything?
But opposition to Jesus continues!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Jesus has the Power and Authority to Forgive Sins
Luke 5:17-32
The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal (v17)
Jesus heals the paralytic, twice!
Jesus came to call the spiritually sick
Preacher: Steve Young
JESUS GOES ‘FISHING’
Luke 5:1-16
Luke has shown us Jesus’ baptism, temptation, teaching, miracles and now…
- a fishing miracle which shows Simon he’s a sinner - unworthy of being in God’s presence (v1-10)
- and a miracle that shows Jesus restore an outcast considered unworthy of being in God’s presence (v12-16)
Jesus says Simon will do a different kind of ‘fishing’ (v10-11)
So, what does all that mean for us?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
JESUS’ MIRACLES (Or is it Jesus' Authority?)
Luke 4:31-44
Luke has shown us Jesus’ baptism, temptation, teaching and now Jesus' miracles
Jesus did various miracles in Capernaum:
- v33-37 freed a man oppressed by a demon
- v38-39 and a woman suffering from a fever
- v40 healed individuals from various kinds of sickness
- v41 and cast out demons from many
But what Luke wants us to see if Jesus' amazing authority...…
and Jesus' priority
How do YOU respond to Jesus’ authority and his priority?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
JESUS’ TEACHING
Luke 4:14-30
Luke has shown us Jesus’ temptation and now his teaching
Jesus preaches a message of fulfilment and freedom
Jesus’ teaching will generate mixed responses……
many will not accept Jesus as Son of God and Saviour
How do YOU respond to Jesus’ teaching?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Jesus and Temptation
Luke 4:1-13
Luke’s Gospel is written to show us Jesus…
God The Son who became one of us (3:21-37)
The Son of God (3:22)
When Jesus was tempted by Satan……
- He trusted the word of God (Dt. 8:3)…
- continued to serve God alone (Dt. 6:13)…
- and did not put God to the test (Dt. 6:16)
Jesus is perfectly equipped to help us when we are tempted! (Heb. 2:14-18)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
How do we stand firm in the Lord?
Philippians 4
Paul's instructions for standing firm in the Lord (v 2-9)
- Resolve conflict and work in gospel partnership
- Rejoice in the Lord always
- Do all things with a prayerful attitude of thanksgiving
- Be active - living a gospel shaped life
Paul as an example of how to stand firm in the Lord (v10-23)
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
DO YOU KNOW JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOUR?
Luke’s Gospel – Chapter 24
Luke’s Gospel was written to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah – our Lord and Saviour
Luke tells us about Jesus’ Resurrection
Shows us genuine responses to an unlikely event
An event with lasting significance
Do you know Jesus as Lord and Saviour?
BIBLE READINGS First Reading: Luke 24:1-12 Second Reading: Luke 24:13-35 Third Reading: Luke 24:36-49
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
DO YOU KNOW JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOUR?
Luke’s Gospel – Chapter 23
Luke’s Gospel was written to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah – our Lord and Saviour
Everyone failed to recognise Jesus as they had him crucified – they mocked him because he didn’t save himself
But Jesus understood completely what he was doing – as our Lord and Saviour
Do you know Jesus as Lord and Saviour?
BIBLE READINGS First Reading: Luke 22:39-44 Second Reading: Luke 22:63-23:4 Third Reading: Luke 23:26-43
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
I Want to Know Christ
Philippians 3:1-4:1
“I want to know Christ… ” Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
1. Christians are citizens of heaven (3:20, 1:27)
2. What matters to us is knowing Jesus (3:1-10)
3. And making Jesus known (3:10-4:1)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
It’s what God is doing that really matters
Philippians 2:12-30
“It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose” Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
As Christians we should conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (1:27)
Therefore … we “work out” our salvation (2:12 and 14-16)
some examples (2:17-30)
But we knowing it is God who is at work (2:13)
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Have the same mind as Christ
Philippians 1:27-2:11
Live a life that is worthy of the Gospel of Jesus (1:27)
Don't be afraid of opposition from those who do not believe (2:28-29)
And let humility shape the way you relate with those who do believe (2:1-4)
- have the same mind as Chris (2:5-11)
A life that is worthy of the Gospel of Jesus begins with humility and repentance...
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Think of yourselves as Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1:12-26
Paul writes to encourage the Philippians to stand firm (1:27 & 4:1)
He shares his joyful prayer for his partners in the Gospel (1:1-11)
and his positive perspective on challenges to their Gospel work (1:12-18)
He expresses his resolve - to do everything for Christ and His Gospel (1:18-26)
All of this encourages US too… as partners in the Gospel
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Main point: The Gospel Changes Lives
Point 1: Some Characteristics of the Christian Life (Phil 1:1-11)
SufferingHumilityPartnershipJoy
Point 2: These Characteristics are Found in Jesus (Phil 2:5-11)
Point 3: These Characteristics in Us
- Timothy (2:19-24)
- Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
- Paul (3:4-17)
- The Philippians themselves
- Us?
Preacher: Steve Young
Psalm 2
Why are people rebelling against God and His Messiah?
How is God responding to it?
What is God calling us to do?
Preacher: Rayk Platzek
Church: Growing in Generosity
Bible Reading 1 Cor. 15:58-16:9, 2 Cor. 8:1-9
Who we are: A Bible teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus
What we’re doing: Growing followers of Jesus, by growing in knowing Jesus, growing in living for Jesus, and growing in sharing the gospel of Jesus
Growing in Generosity is part of growing in living for Jesus.
A bit about how we do things as a church…
-When it comes to giving: In the New Testament ‘generosity’ is the overriding principle
-Let's be a Bible Teaching Church that seeks to Grow Followers of Jesus, and excels in ‘generosity’
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Church: Clear on what we're doing
(Bible Reading Colossians 1:3-14)
-
Last week: Clear on who we are
-
We are sinners made alive in Jesus by responding to the Gospel
- We gather around Jesus and His Gospel as people who belong to Jesus and want to live for Him
-
we seek to GROW as followers of Jesus (by growing in knowing Jesus, growing in living for Jesus and growing in sharing the Gospel of Jesus)
-
Structures to help GROW people..
-
A Bible teaching Church in the western suburbs of Brisbane …
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Church: Clear on Who We Are
(Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23)
Lets be clear on who we are as a Church
1 We are sinners made alive in Jesus......
by responding to the Gospel of Jesus
2 We gather around Jesus and His Gospel......
as people who belong to Jesus and want to live for Him.
3 We seek to grow as followers of Jesus......
- by growing in knowing Jesus,...
- growing in living for Jesus...
- growing in sharing the Gospel of Jesus
Next week: Lets be clear on what we're doing
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
True Wisdom is Gospel Wisdom
James 3:13-18
-
If you claim to be wise, show it in your actions (v13)
-
Wisdom and understanding are seen in actions motivated by meekness (v13)
-
Wisdom and understanding are not seen in jealousy and selfish ambition (v14-16)
-
Godly wisdom is – pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere. (v17-18)
-
It is the gospel of Jesus that makes us truly wise!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
The Tale our Tongues Tell!
James 3:1-12
-
Tongues are POWERFUL (3:1-6)
-
and Tongues are UNTAMABLE (3:7-8)
-
The Tale our Tongues Tell ABOUT US! (3:9-12)
Fix your heart and you'll fix your tongue!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Faith that doesn't save!
James 2:14-26
-
'Faith' that cannot save (James 2:14-20)
-
a useless example (v14-17)
-
the ultimate example of 'faith' that cannot save (v19)
-
Faith that saves (James 2:18-26)
-
faith and actions - "don't just say it, do it!" (v18)
-
two examples of faith that saves
-
Abraham (v20-24 see also Gen 12:1-4, 22:1-20, Heb 11:17-19)
-
Rahab (v25-26 see also Joshua 2:8-13)
-
what James is NOT saying
-
Take context into account
- Notice the way words are used
- Compare with the rest of the Bible
- Faith in Action - don't just say it, do it!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
The Gospel Flatters No-one!
James 1:19-27
1. Be quick to listen... v19-20
to the implanted word v21
the perfect law that gives freedom v25
(Jeremiah 31:33)
2. ... to the truth... v21
the truth that doesn't not flatter
but the truth that saves
3. And keep walking... v22-25
... not just talking v26-27
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
James 4 - "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow": Thinking about 2021
This passage is for everybody
Your life is a like a mist
Therefore we ought to say “if it’s the Lord’s will”
Preacher: Steve Young
Repentance at Christmas?
(Bible Reading: Luke 3:1-18)
John Prepared the way for God's salvation
- by warning of judgement
- and calling for repentance
John explained what repentance might look like
- Jesus IS God's salvationhe is also judge
- and he demands repentance
Do you understand what repentance looks like?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Peace at Christmas
Bible Reading Luke 2:8-20
Peace and quiet
Peace with God
Peace inside
Peace with people
Check it out and tell everyone
6 Dec - Luke 1 - Jesus is for real
13 Dec - Luke 2 - Peace at Christmas
20 Dec - Luke 3 - Faith at Christmas
25 Dec - Have a Mary Christmas!! (Luke 10)
Preacher: Rodney Brydon
“If only I could meet the right person"
(Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-4, Corinthians 7:1-16)
1. What do people mean?
-
What does the Bible say?
-
Where does that leave us?
Sayings people live by:
Talk 1: "so long as you're happy"
Talk 2: "be true to yourself"
Talk 3: "if only I could meet the right person"
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
“Be True To Yourself"
(Bible Reading: Romans 1:18-32)
1.What do people mean?
-
What does the Bible say?
-
Where does that leave us?
Sayings people live by:
Talk 1: "so long as you're happy"
Talk 2: "be true to yourself"
Talk 3: "if only I could meet the right person"
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
"So long as you're happy..."
(Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-12)
1. What do people mean?"So long as you're happy, that's the main thing?"
-
What does the Bible say?What does Jesus say about being happy?
-
Where does that leave us?
Don't live for short-term happiness!
Sayings people live by:
Talk 1: "so long as you're happy"
Talk 2: "be true to yourself"
Talk 3: "if only I could meet the right person"
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
But you, keep your head in all situations…
2 Timothy 3:1-4:8
Why “keep your head”? (3:1-5, 13, 4:3-4)
“there will be terrible times in the last days” 3:1
How do we ‘keep our heads’? - the remedy (3:10, 14-17)
What is at stake? - the faithful transmission of the Gospel (4:1-8)
2 Timothy so far…
A Gospel Heart 1:1-7, 4:9-22
Guard the Gospel 1:8-18
Endure Hardship for the Gospel 2:1-13
The Power of Words… 2:14-26
Preacher: Steve Young
The Power of Words…
2 Timothy 2:14-26
The power of words…
DON’T
-
quarrel about words v14
-
be drawn into godless chatter v16
-
have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments v23
DO
-
remind, warn and gently instruct v14, v25
-
correctly handle the truth v15
Words that lead to repentance and godliness
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Guard the Gospel
2 Timothy 2:1-13
1. Stay strong in the Gospel
2. And pass it on
2 Timothy so far:
11 Oct - A Gospel Heart 1:1-7, 4:9-22
18 Oct - Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel 1:5-18
25 Oct - Guard the Gospel 2:1-13
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Do not be ashamed of the Gospel!
2 Timothy 1:5-18
1. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus
2. But share in suffering for the gospel
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
A Gospel Heart?
2 Timothy 1:1-7 & 4:9-22
-
Genuine joy, sincere faith, Gospel heritage …
-
… and a willingness to suffer for the Gospel …
-
… while working together to see the Gospel of Jesus fully proclaimed
Does all that describe us?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Trusting God When Life is Hard
(Isaiah 36-67)
Bible Reading Isaiah 36:1 - 37:7
Trust God when things are difficult (36:1-22)
-
because God has not abandoned you (36:1-12)
-
because God alone works for our good (36:13-22)
Trust God to hear your prayers (37:1-20)
-
because we are powerless (37:1-4)
-
because God's word is powerful (37:5-7)
-
because there is no one like God (37:14-20)
Trust God to achieve his plan for you, and for our world (37:21-36)
Preacher: Andrew Brown
As we have opportunity, let us do good: what it means to be Spiritual
Galatians 5:25-6:10
Point 1: Let us do good to all people (the extension of the fruit of the Spirit)
Point 2: Bearing each other's burdens (in humility)
Point 3: Bearing each other's burdens in covid-times
Preacher: Steve Young
Come, Lord Jesus
Revelation 21:9-22:21
Bible Reading: 21:9-221.
Revelation recap:
a letter to Christians caught in the overlap of the ages
a vision with multiple scenes – like camera angles on
- The final scene:
The Preview - God will make everything new (21:1-8)
The Final Scene: The fulfilment of all hope (21:9-22:6)
- God’s city (21:10-21 - Ezekiel 48:30-34, Isaiah 54:11-12)
- God’s sanctuary (21:22-27 - Isaiah 60:19-20)
- God’s garden (22:1-5 - Genesis 2:8-14, Ezekiel 47:1,12)
Come Lord Jesus (22:7-21)3. Some warnings
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Behind The Scenes
(Revelation 19:11-21:8)
-
Part of the Bible where Christians differ
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It is another look behind the scenes...
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Visions which challenge and reassure Christians as we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Freedom to Serve
(Galatians 5:13-26)
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Through Christ, we are free to live a life of loving (and willing) service of one another
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This Spirit-led freedom helps us love our neighbour as ourself…
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… therefore, keep in step with the Spirit.
Preacher: Steve Young
The Fall of Babylon – Again!
Revelation 17:1-19:10
Another ‘scene’ in the vision John saw and recorded for the churches
Some background: The name ‘Babylon’ out-lives the city itself
- Genesis 11:1-9
- Isaiah 14:12-15
- 1 Peter 5:13
In Revelation 17-19 we see the fall of ‘Babylon’… But who or what does she represent?
This scene in the vision motivates us to live for Jesus… … and not for the ‘world’
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
God Knows How to Judge!
Revelation 15:5-16:21
God’s wrath is real… and reasonable
The scenes in Revelation are not chronological, but they are connected:
- trouble sweeps the word (seven seals),
- God warns (seven trumpets),
- God punishes (seven bowls).
Each scene portrays the situation now and the at the return of Christ
Consider the reality of the reasonable wrath of God…
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
What do we have to fear?
Revelation 11:19- 15:5
Bible Reading: Revelation 12:1-12
The war is won But battle continues…
for a time
What do we have to fear?
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
A Message For Those Who Are Waiting
Revelation 6-11 (Reading: chapter 6:1-7:4 and 11:15-18)
A message for those who are waiting for Jesus
Jesus triumphs over tyranny and terror
Seven Seals (6:1-8:5)
And Jesus conquers chaos and catastrophe
Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19)
So, patiently persevere with your faith fixed on Jesus!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
The Control Room of The Universe
Revelation 4-5 (Reading: chapter 4)
John sees a vision of the control room of the universe…
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God is worthy of all praise and worship (4:1-11)
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The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll!! (5:1-10)
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… and the Lamb is worthy of all praise and worship (5:11-14)
This revelation of Jesus is an encouragement to see the world from God’s perspective and keep living for Jesus!
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Whoever Has Ears – Let Them Hear
Revelation 1:12-3:22 (Reading 1:12-2:7)
A letter from Jesus A letter to Christians caught in the overlap of the ages
A letter which encourages all Christians to listen and be victorious
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
Don’t Be Afraid of Reading Revelation
Revelation 1 Don’t be afraid of reading Revelation
It is ALL about JESUS the King/Christ
It’s a letter to Christians who need to patiently endure
Preacher: Steve Blencowe
THE GOSPEL IS CHRIST + NOTHING
Galatians 2:11-21
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Paul's gospel of freedom is confirmed by the apostles
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Peter denies this gospel by his lifestyle
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The gospel is Christ + nothing
Preacher: Steve Young
These Things Happened as Examples… for US!!
2 Kings 18-25 (Reading 2 Kings 24:20c – 25:21 and 25:27-30)
These things happened as an example and were written down for our instruction…
Lessons learned in the demise of Israel and of Judah:
What happened Lessons learned while in exile And lessons for US to learn now
Three things to consider
- the true nature of sin
- the faithfulness of God’s word
- the hope we have in King Jesus
Preacher: Steve Blencowe