Sunday Sermons: Recent Episodes
Moorooka Presbyterian Church
Bible Talks from Moorooka Presbyterian Church. We prayerfully proclaim Jesus Christ together as we teach from the Bible.
We're journeying by faith to be with Jesus face to face. God gives us what we need to know to get us there.
Some people are accustomed to worshipping idols. How can you love them when they turn to Jesus?
Are you anxious for freedom? Being known by Jesus reshapes our experience of slavery, service and freedom. In Jesus we find liberation and dignity.
How ought we approach marriage and consent? These were issues for the Corinthian church. The answers are found in who we are in Jesus.
David once again shows undeserved kindness to his enemies. He goes on two Mercy Missions to seek out people to show kindness to for kindness’s sake. And we get two completely different responses. One – Mercy Received – Mephibosheth recognises David for who he is, and accepts the undeserved kindness to wonderful abundant blessing.
The second – Mercy Rejected – the Ammonites can’t see past their prejudice – and so they don’t see the good thing in front of them when the have it to absolute disaster. This is where our series comes to an end – see God’s King for who he is.
In the chaos, the destruction, the suffering of the world – we long for the safety and security of a just and righteous ruler. Somebody we can cling to in the midst of the storm and know that we’ll be safe and protected and looked after.
Our trouble is that nobody fits the bill. Even our best leaders can fail and fall. They can’t fulfill that need – No matter who we campaign for – whose colours we regale our homes in every year – no amount of campaigning, nor door knocking – nor marching is going to set everything right. What we need is a good king ordained by God. God’s King reigns doing what is just and right for all his people – So we should know that he will bring rest. David does what is right and just by warding off death and defeating his enemies – so Israel could know that he would bring rest. Then Jesus does what is right and just by defeating death the greatest enemy – so we can know that he will bring rest.
We can confidently call upon God as our Father. He will build his kingdom, with Jesus as its head.
God's Messianic promise. God promises the Messiah a forever kingdom. Then God fuses himself to the Messiah as a Father to a son. These promises are the adoption papers for the Messiah, but by which we also get to call God our Father.
Jesus does not delight in the death of his enemies, but their reconciliation. Romans 5:10: "While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son."
God freely forgives all who give their allegiance to Jesus as Lord. His forgiveness saves us, can infuriate us, but can also softens us.
God has established Jesus as the Christ. Not human wars nor politics will take Jesus off God's throne, nor help advance it. God alone has established Jesus' kingdom. Repent, and believe!
When we consider what God has done, we can only respond in praise: 'Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.'
In Jesus' resurrection he has entered into joy - having been delivered from death, he can again encourage us that God does deliver, and world mission has begun.
Jesus is our perfect redeemer, able to present us to God. He perfectly bore our sin, and perfectly obeyed his Father - all for our sake!
As followers of Jesus we're constantly seeking to grow in our faith in God and our love for other people. We're seeking to grow together as a community and grow the church at large in the world. But how do we do this? Our foundation should always be in the precious hope of the Gospel.
Isaiah 53 shows us a profound hope. In the midst of Israel's imminent destruction - God promises something so glorious and wonderful, beyond expectations. The only problem is that without the right expectations - it's easy to miss. Isaiah urges us to see the truth for what it is. God has sent a substitutionary saviour, a saviour who took on judgement and exile he didn't deserve so we could have unearned grace and a share of the spoils of his excellent victory. Let's see it for what it is.
"...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials..." (1 Peter 1:6). Matthew teaches us that following Jesus is by faith (how) and into difficulty (where).
Jesus knows we instinctively clutch at a whole bunch of things to make our own lives easier. Which is why he prepares us to count the cost of following him. We will risk it all to follow Jesus because of how valuable WE are, and because of the glory of HIS kingdom.
What is going on?! Our times are confusing. How can we understand our times? Jesus helps us. We can see transparently into our times and see there is a focus to them: Jesus is building his assembly, and death will not defeat his building project. When he's finished, his assembly will be personal, social and eternal.
Jesus is inclusive. His gospel is equally for Jews and Gentiles. The inclusivity of his mercy is seen in where this text is based, why he's there, and what he does while there.
'Flee religion,' says Jesus. Why? What's at stake? Jesus calls us to run from false religion, and instead to follow him. For he is our ultimate spiritual doctor, who can really diagnose us, and truly heal us.
Israel shared our fear of the climate. How Jesus walked on water showed him as the one who can control our cosmos, which changes our faith, our confidence, and our worship.
Jesus provides for us as we follow him. We might be dismissed like he was, or meet with the hurtful consequences of people's disobedience against him. But he will bring us safely to the promised land.
We don't leave people alone if they don't know Jesus. For in Jesus we fully and finally know God; know the world's ultimate ruler; and know the worlds' only saviour.
God seeks our maturity over our comfort. His wisdom helps us face trials and temptations.
Christmas is the greatest gift of all. We can have certainty about what really matters - Jesus was born to save.
God helps us in our powerlessness. In his love, he gives the mercy that we need - to deal with the sins committed by us. In his love, he gives the judgement that we need - to deal with the sins committed against us.
Jesus came to present us unblemished before God. By his death, he succeeded. Thus Jesus has cleansed us, so in clear conscience we seek to serve him, by teaching faithfully and, if we marry, by marrying faithfully.
Jesus came to restore a deep, personal and whole-hearted relationship between you and God. This is the news of Advent. God has been all-in through Jesus. Through Jesus, we now offer ourselves and are all-in for God.
We can do more together than we can apart. Mission partnership involves a shared plan, determined prayer and active people.
The cost of following Jesus always sounds shocking, but your future self will thank you. Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.
God is full of grace. He gives mercy and righteousness to the humble, but humbles the proud, leaving them without righteousness.
Jesus is the Lord of all who brings peace. His life, the Apostles and the Prophets all testify: the risen Jesus will judge all, but in him is forgiveness for all who believe in him.
God does not want you to mock Jesus but to - because he died for you - trust him as your saviour. Why? Do not mock him because of the distance of time or culture. The mockers in Jesus' time also got it wrong. The dying of Jesus does not point to him not being able to save. Rather, his dying was the very act by which he is able to save.
We need to know about Jesus in order to know God. Why? Jesus was God's plan. He is God's king - who has authority over all things, even to reconcile us to God. He is to be our king, and he will bring us to God.
We live in a day and age where when it comes to religion and spirituality, everyone is right. All paths lead to heaven, so you can pick and chose as you like, right? Israel had the same problem in the book of Judges. But Jesus says that the only religion that brings lasting hope and life is following Him.
Psalm 1 is a poetic prophecy that uses various images – roads, trees, streams – to describe the character and destiny of the person who meditates on the Law of the Lord. Understood as prophecy, this psalm finds its fulfilment in the one truly righteous man, Jesus Christ, but it also tells us that he is the source of eternal life for all who follow him.
God wants all to be saved. He desires godliness for all, to spread geographically and generationally. Hence, we pray.
Teaching the law well leads to the glory of God. You avoid licentiousness. And you emphasise grace. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst."
Ordination Sunday. The audio is not great, sorry. If you can clean it up for us, we give you permission to do so. Please email admin@moorooka.church with the cleaned version, and we will upload that instead.
God's vision for the gospel is to grow the saints and reach the lost. To work to this end, God lays down two markers for the church. What to do? Teach the truth. Why do it? The goal is love.
Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as his children. His discipline will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. The Queensland Government is proposing legislation to legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying.
Jesus gives dignity through the resurrection. Through Jesus, we do not need say goodbye our 'one wild and precious life'. The Queensland Government is proposing legislation to legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying.
Jesus gives dignity through the church. In Jesus, no one is dispensable. The Queensland Government is proposing legislation to legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying.
What does Genesis say? That we are right with God through faith in God. Talk 1 in our 4-year Bible reading series.
Its All About Jesus. Talk 2: Jesus is the mediator we need to bring us to God. Simon Nugent
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 7: Issues always come up in relationships, and God's people are competant to deal with them - and we should, for we are brothers and sisters.
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 6: In Jesus, change is not just possible, it is inevitable. As a society, we used to believe we could master our own destiny. But now its hard to change anything about ourselves. Against this background, the hope that is ours in Jesus shines bright.
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 5: To life a pure life that honours Jesus, you need to know WHO you are in Jesus: a (1) secure, (2) new, (3) community. Geoff Tacon
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 4: God is patient with you to see you grow up to maturity in Jesus. In his Fatherly nature, he does not abandon you in your immaturity. He goes ahead of you, wraps around you, and stays with you; all to the end that you end up like Christ. Geoff Tacon
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 3: No more boasting in your leaders, says Paul! Boasting in leaders is dangerous, short-sighted and futile. The doctine of grace is the remedy. When we realise that all we have is by God's grace, then we will act with humility and inclusiveness within the church. Geoff Tacon
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 2: How do we live together in God's household? The church is to treat its leaders as servants. The leaders are to treat the church with great care, preaching and living nothing more or less than Christ. Finally, God will protect his church, for he has taken up residence within her. Geoff Tacon
Gospel Life Together series. Talk 1: The pathway to pride in Jesus is paved by the Spirit. He steps us from dismissing to accepting to revelling in Jesus. Geoff Tacon
There are logicial implications arising from Jesus' resurrection. We will also be raised. Our resurrection life will be non-judgemental. Geoff Tacon
1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Good Friday. Geoff Tacon. Jesus is the way of salvation, but he doesn’t look the way of salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Gifted: Humility. Geoff Tacon. Salvation in Jesus breeds humility, by giving you a new appreciation for yourself and your competition, and the grace of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:10-25. The Agnosticism of Atheism. Geoff Tacon. Power, politics and perspective. The message of Christ crucified brings an end to your pursuit of power. Stop being tribal, for real power is in Christ crucified. Christ alone is powerful to bring us to God.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9. Thankful. Geoff Tacon. Take heart because of what God has done for your in Jesus. You are not excluded. You are not missing out. You are not strangers.
2 Timothy 4. Partners for Jesus. Geoff Tacon. In view of the Jesus' kingdom, we are to preach the word of the kingdom. How? With patience, partners, and protection.
2 Timothy 2:14-22. Purposed for Jesus. Geoff Tacon. Avoid ungodliness. Know that God is faithful. So, teach truth and live godly.
2 Timothy 1. Not ashamed of Jesus. Geoff Tacon. Reasons for confidence we can rise to the challenge and not be ashamed of Jesus. Faith. God’s power. The camaraderie of suffering.
Suffering for Jesus. You must suffer. But you will experience the real power of God. And have real intimacy with Jesus. This is talk 2 from our Fit for Purpose series from 2 Timothy.
Success: A Tale of Two Glories, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16, Geoff Tacon. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Socially Distant Faith, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Geoff Tacon. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Destined for Glory, John 17:1-26, Richard Gibson. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Jesus' Burial & Empty Tomb, Luke 23:50 - 24:12, Geoff Tacon, Easter Sunday. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Understanding Good Friday, Matthew 26:1-30, Geoff Tacon. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Called by the Gospel, 2 Timothy 1:1-12, Richard Gibson. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Justified by Faith, Acts 16:25-34, Richard Gibson. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
Sanctified by the Spirit, John 3:1-16, Richard Gibson. From our Together in Spirit podcast, to continue prayerfully learning about Jesus together from the Bible during COVID-19.
What price would you put on Jesus? What value would you place on entering his kingdom? Jesus is of unsurpassed value. To gain him is worth the loss of all things. Geoff Tacon
Jesus is the place where God is bring about a re-creation of humanity. This means we can deal with our ruin and not hide our corruption. It also means there is genuine hope of renewal for all who come to Jesus as Lord. Geoff Tacon
Jesus is inclusive of all who turn to do his Father's will. In the face of ugly protest, he was determined to be the servant of peace who overlooks offences, and even gave his life so that rebels and outsiders might be reconciled to God, and included into the family of God. Geoff Tacon
Who is Jesus? He is Lord, life-giving, and restful. That is, he uniquely has everything we need. Lord, so power. Life-giving, so a character that uses his power for our sake. Restful, since he will use his power to bring us to God. In Jesus, we really find rest for our souls. Geoff Tacon
In this talk, we see that God reveals why Jesus appears irrelevant to some. But also why Jesus' relevance remains unsurpassed. Because of who Jesus is, we ought to come to him, for real rest. Geoff Tacon
Would physically seeing Jesus help unbelief? In this talk, we find help for belief, the power of unbelief, the nature of unbelief, and the call to hear Jesus' words. This also begins our Green Shoots & Bearing Fruit series. Matthew 11:1-24. Geoff Tacon.
Enjoy life! 1. Even though it is still hard and unjust and way too short. 2. Because God wants you to. 3. Know that Jesus has secured our eternal joy.
We're discovered from Ecclesiastes that we are to step out in life with wisdom, but we cannot control the outcome. The implication is that risk is okay, so try your hand at life. Our comfort is that Jesus has secured for us eternal life.
God has gifted to us a great freedom: to enjoy life. But there's more to the enjoyment of life that God brings than just having some fun before you die. The joy God brings is not a concession to death, but an overflow of knowing eternal life through Jesus.
Wisdom leads to life, but foolishness to death. However, God is the one who determines every outcome. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
God & Money. Money is temporary power. God is a genuine alternative in which to put our hope. Ecclesiastes 5. Geoff Tacon.
Our relationships are a mixed bag: some ugly, some sad, some good. Our hope is that Jesus is our keeper. He cares and supports us. Knowing Christ, we seek to live new lives for him and for each other.
How do we life given the uncertainty of life? Life is uncertain. Judgement is certain. Living godly lives in the present. Geoff Tacon
What does pleasure achieve? Pleasure and fun are glorious in the moment, and a great gift from God. But what is the longterm purchase? 1. Wise people are sad in a broken world. 2. Pleasure and fun. 3. Gift, not gain. Speaker: Geoff Tacon.
Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless! This is a strange and depressing thing to hear from God's word! Ecclesiastes teaches about the repetitiveness, and hence meaninglessness, of our common life. A depressing read, but of great service to us. We learn wisdom, that we ought to fix our hope on Jesus Christ and his eternal life. Speaker: Geoff Tacon.
Jesus is the prince of peace. He proclaims peace, in peace, but his kingdom brings division. Some welcome his peace. Others reject him. What does this mean for Jesus' disciples? They are shamed along with Jesus, but welcomed by him and by his Father. Speaker: Geoff Tacon.
This is an OH&S talk from Jesus to his disciples! He prepares them to join him in proclaiming his kingdom of forgiveness. They need to know they'll be betrayed and hated by people; that Jesus is loving and loyal; don't fear, instead confess Christ.
In God's compassion, he sent Jesus to gather the harassed and helpless. Jesus' kingdom is a kingdom of pardon, for the forgiveness of sins. God continues to compassionately raise up workers to proclaim Jesus' kingdom to the world.
Jesus' amazing miracles raised the question of, 'Who is Jesus?' The answer is that Jesus is the Messiah. When you realise Jesus is the Messiah, what does it then look like to trust him?
Jesus has authority to forgive sins. Jesus was amazing. God forgives. Rely on Jesus for God's forgiveness.
Jesus came as the saviour of the world. He would not be drowned at sea, for he came to later be crucified for our sins. He would cast out demons, for later he would defeat the devil and his schemes, by dying for our judgement on the cross. Jesus truly is the saviour of the world.
While facing life's insecurities, we follow Jesus to a heavenly security. Face life's insecurity. Trust Jesus' control. Follow Jesus.
Paul's focus is to hold on to Jesus and to make him known. So, devote yourself to prayer. Be intentional. Encourage each other's hearts.
Knowing Jesus brings these changes into our relationships: Let the peace of Christ rule; Let the message of Christ dwell; Live to please Jesus.
Renewed together. A good friend stays close even when we cause them hurt and pain. We have such a friend in Jesus. See how far our friend has carried us. Be who you are in Jesus. Love one another.
Playing Defence. Know Jesus' supremacy. See Jesus' allegiance. Push back against religion. Jesus has set us free. We are called to defend the freedom he won for us.
Jesus is Lord. Pray we love each other. Don't be deceived. Know Jesus even more. Jesus Christ is a dine-in meal, not take-away! So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Endgame. See the mercy. Stick with Jesus. Listen to the Bible. God's endgame for our lives is to present us before himself without blemish and free from accustion. He does this through the death of Jesus.
Jesus is Lord. Meet your maker. Meet your peace-maker. Be of good courage. Jesus is the creator and the restorer of all things. The whole world dangles in his hand. God has calmed himself down about us through the death of Jesus.
Prayer. Live for Jesus. Know your redeeemer. Pray thankful and confident. The gospel of Jesus Christ completely reshapes our understanding of prayer.
An Origin Story. What of Christianity? Gospel hope stored up in heaven produced faith in Christ and love for one and other. The Christian origin story teaches that any discussion of the demise of Christianity misses the mark. Instead, the preoccupation of the church is to be the proclamation of the hope of the gospel.