St. John's on Geddes - Sermon Audio: Recent Episodes
St Johns on Geddes
As we remember and proclaim Jesus' death through the Lord's Supper, Jesus communes with us through His Holy Spirit and strengthens our hearts with all his promises.
As those united in Jesus, we gather together to hear from God's word, encourage one another, and respond in prayer and song.
The book of James gives us wisdom for how we as Christians should face hard times. We are called to endure, call on God for wisdom, and remember the goodness of God.
Come with us and see from Exodus 23 how God calls His people to rest in His provision, to celebrate Him, and to live exclusively as His people.
Still today we find ways to dismiss and reject the truth of Jesus. We are an evil and adulterous Generation. This week we see from Matthew 12:38-50 that we should stop dismissing Jesus and come to him and repent and find ourselves in the family of God.
How can we know where we stand with Jesus? It’s an important question with eternal consequences. This week we see from Matthew 12:15-37 that, as God’s Spirit-Filled servant king, Jesus is gentle and gives real hope to those who trust Him but promises judgment to those who reject Him.
Rules are pretty useful, but they can never give us real rest and real relationship with God and others. This week we see from Matthew 11:25-12:14 that true rest isn’t found in keeping the rules under our own strength, but coming to Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, who frees us to truly love God and truly love others.
God wants you to complain to Him. Sounds weird, but it’s true. This week we see from Psalm 77 that in our suffering and sorrow God encourages us to cry out to Him and to remember his faithfulness.
Now that we’ve decided to live in God’s Kingdom, let’s keep going. We see from Haggai 2:1-23 that we can be strong for the Lord is with us. Be Strong for God’s Spirit dwells with us. Be Strong for God will bring about His Glorious Kingdom.
It’s Time to be more faithful in living in God’s Kingdom. We should Consider our ways. We see from Haggai 1:1-15 that as we’re more faithful our Lord promises to be with us and to make our lives more satisfying.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but who are we really dealing with? This week we see from John 1:6-13 that Jesus is the light of life who came into the world so that those who receive Him can become God’s children.
Christmas is about God with us. John tells us God has always personally communicated to us like a father with his family, especially at Christmas. We see from John 1:1-5 that Jesus is the Word who created everything and so has the blinding power to create unquenchable new life for us.
How is adoption the climax of the Bible and the ultimate blessing of Christianity? This week we look at our last and ultimate Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Adoption – Sinners Made God’s Sons. We see from Galatians 3:23-4:7 that in Christ, we are adopted as God’s sons so that we may live as His children.
What do you need to see real, long-term change in your life? Just trying harder won’t do it. Guilt and shame won’t work long-term. It’s only God’s grace that can do it… This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Redemption – Sinners Bought by God. We see from Titus 2:11-14 that in Jesus, God paid the price to redeem us from sin so we live for Him, able to turn away from sin and grow in Godliness by his grace.
If you’re united to Jesus by faith, then you get a new life now and a new body in the future. In our new life we consider ourselves as dead to sin and we conduct ourselves by presenting ourselves to God as instruments for doing righteousness. This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Resurrection – Raised from death to eternal life. We see from Romans 6:1-14 that because Jesus has been raised from the dead, we’ve been given new life to live for Him.
Starting over with a clean slate is a wonderful thing. But the problem with a clean slate is that you can mess it up again pretty quick! When it comes to our relationship with God we need something better than a clean slate… This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Imputation – Jesus’ Righteousness is Mine. We are going to see from Philippians 3:1-11 that God counts us as righteous in Jesus through faith, not through anything we do.
Justification can feel like a negative word. Afterall, people are always trying to justify themselves. But for Christians, justification is a beautiful word. Justification is what God has done for us through his Son Jesus. This week we see from Romans 4 that it is not we who justifies ourselves, but God who justifies us through faith. Knowing that we are justified by faith we are free to admit our mistakes, trusting in God who justifies us by faith in Christ.
It’s an awful feeling when someone is angry with you. It’s even worse when you deserve it. But what can we do if God is angry with us and we deserve it? This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Propitiation – God’s Anger Turned Away. We are going to see from Romans 3:21-26 that God’s anger towards us in our sin is completely turned away by Jesus’ death so that we can enjoy God’s love.
God has done everything needed to save you from hell. All you have to do is receive the gift. This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Salvation – Sinners Saved from Hell. We are going to see from Ephesians 2:1-10 that we were dead in our sin and destined for hell but through Jesus God saved us and gave us life to live for Him.
How would it feel to have someone who is willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect you? Someone to take your place? This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Substitution – Jesus Takes our Place. We are going to see from Galatians 3:10-14 that Jesus takes the curse in our place so that we might receive the blessing of forgiveness through faith.
How closely would you listen to someone’s last words? This week we hear Paul’s last words from 2 Timothy 3:10-4:22 and we are encouraged to endure to the end, holding fast to God’s word and teaching it to others, because we can have confidence in God’s presence, strengthening and promise.
Are you in spiritual danger? Do you need to run? This week we hear Paul sound the alarm in 2 Timothy 2:14-3:9 that we need to get out of danger by fleeing false teaching and trivial arguments and pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.
Living for God can mean being called to endure difficult things. We can find the strength for these things in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This week we see from 2 Timothy 2 the call to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and be willing to endure everything for the sake of the gospel.
When the time comes, will you speak up and stand for your faith? This week we see from 2 Timothy 1:1-18 that we should not be ashamed of the gospel but share in suffering because God has saved us by grace, called us to follow Him and empowers us by His Holy Spirit.
The best version of life for us is the healthy Christian life. This is a life of Godliness with contentment. This week we see from 1 Timothy 6:3-21 what is involved in a good and healthy Christian life.
What is most important to your family? If an outsider was looking in, what would they say? What about what’s most important to our church family? Watch our in-person service from Sunday 11 August 2024 as see from 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2 how as a church family in Jesus, we please God and honour Him before others by treating one another with godly honour.
Teaching matters. Because we have our hope set on the living God, we are to watch out lives and doctrine closely. From 1 Timothy 4 that we are to teach the truth, teach what’s important, and teach with integrity.
God’s household needs godly Leaders. Godliness is for every Christian which is why we should see Godliness in those who represent the Church. This week we see from 1 Timothy 3 the qualities which come together to make for a Godly Character
Did you know that how we live together as God’s people affects our prayers? This week we see from 1 Timothy 2 how as those saved by God’s grace to us in Jesus, we are to pray together for all people, living in quiet, dignified godliness according to our roles as men and women.
You’re in danger of spiritual shipwreck. How? This week we see how 1 Timothy 1 call us not to let our faith be shipwrecked by false teaching, but to hold fast to the gospel that leads to love.
Do you talk to yourself? Maybe you should… This week we see how Psalm 103 helps us remind ourselves of the goodness and graciousness of God.
Don’t you love a story of a good leader giving himself to save his people? This week we see how the surprising ending to 2 Samuel in chapter 24 shows us what true repentance looks like and points us forward to confidently repent to and rejoice in our better king.
How can we have confidence in God’s love when our lives are such a mix of good and bad? Can we come to God with the same scandalous confidence as David? This week we see from 2 Samuel 22:1-23:7 how because of His promise, the LORD saves his king and all who take refuge in Him.
King David returns across the Jordan river to Israel, Jerusalem, and home. What is this returned King like. This week we see from 2 Samuel 17-20 King David returns with compassion and forgiveness.
Is sin really so bad? Does our sin really matter for others? And if it’s so bad, what hope do we have? This week we see from 2 Samuel 13-16 that sin ALWAYS has disastrous consequences for us and for others, and leaves us longing for a better king who truly can save us.
How can we wait patiently when God’s promises seem so long in coming? This week we see from 2 Samuel 7 how God’s great promises to David were fulfilled beyond expectation 1000 years later in Jesus, God’s promised king, and how that gives us hope to wait patiently for God’s promises and cry out to Him in prayer.
Uzzah, one of the cart drivers, lies dead next to the Ark. What went wrong? This week we see from 2 Samuel 6 how God’s king leads us in learning to fear God and praise him together.
We just need to read the news to see that our world and our nation are a mess. If we’re honest, our own lives are full of mess too. Is there any real hope amidst all the mess of our fallen world? This week we see from 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5 how we can live with real hope because even in the mess of our broken world, God is faithful to keep his promises through His King.
Saul is dead. An Amalekite tries to use Saul’s death for political gain. David knowing full well Saul was a bad king also knew the good Saul did. And David honours and respects Saul, the Lord’s Anointed King.
Are you weary and tired? Feeling burdened? Labouring under a heavy load? This week we see from Matthew 11:20-30 how Jesus, the Gentle King who truly reveals the Father, pronounces judgment on those who reject Him but gives real rest to those who come to Him.
What do we do when we are struggling with doubt? This week we see from Matthew 11:1-19 that in the midst of our doubt, we can come to Jesus and see that He truly is the Messiah, God’s promised king.
True or False? Jesus didn’t come to bring peace, but division. This week we see from Matthew 10:34-42 that Jesus brings division between those who find life by receiving and following Him above all and those who reject Him and face death.
When we talk to people about Jesus not everyone is going to welcome you. You may find yourself in some uncomfortable situations. Be Alert. But Don’t be Afraid. Be wise. Be Innocent
How can ordinary people like us share Jesus with those around us? In fact, why should we? This week we see from Matthew 9:36-10:15 that Jesus equips and sends his disciples to continue his mission of proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of Heaven.
How can you tell when the world is changing? This week we see from Matthew 9:14-35 that Jesus has come to make things a new, bringing the Kingdom of Heaven and new life for all those who come to him.
Why does Jesus describe himself like a doctor? This week we see from Matthew 9:1-13 that Jesus has come to call and forgive sinners, so come to Him.
What is the focus of your life? This week we see from Matthew 8:18-34 how Jesus’ Ultimate Authority calls for our Ultimate Focus, Ultimate Allegiance and Ultimate Trust.
Where can you put your hope when modern medicine fails? This week we see from Matthew 8:1-17 how we can come to Jesus, the one who has authority and power to heal.
Does Jesus stand up under the assault of intellectual critique? This week we see from Mark 11:27-12:27 how Jesus shows his enduring authority by defeating ignorance, scepticism, autonomy and even defeat itself.
Would you like to have a full-time bodyguard who could keep you safe from any danger? This week we see from Psalm 121 that no matter what we face in life, we can be confident in the Lord’s help because of Jesus.
Have you ever longed for someone who truly knows you and understands what you’re going through? This week we see from Pslam 139 that because God truly knows us and is with us through his king Jesus, even in trouble and suffering we can be amazed, be comforted, praise Him and cry out to Him for help.
Have you ever wished for a REAL new start? Not just the change of date on a calendar, but something more… This week we see from Luke 2:21-40 how Jesus has come as the perfect, law-keeping, God honouring human to reveal our hearts and redeem all those who put their faith in Him.
Merry Christmas! For sure there are a lot of things that are merry about Christmas but Christmas can also be hard. It can be a time of anxiety, stress and sadness. But Jesus has come to turn the world upside down, by putting it right-side up! This Christmas Day we see from Luke 2:1-20 that Christmas is about Jesus turning the world upside down by bringing real Joy and Peace to all who trust in Him.
Christmas is about God showing his mercy and grace to us by keeping his promises. This week we see from Luke 1:57-80 how God shows his mercy to us in Jesus.
Christmas isn’t just about a nice story of a cute baby laid in a manger surrounded by cute and fluffy animals. Christmas is about a revolution. About the world being turned upside down. This week we see from Luke 1:26-56 how Jesus, God’s promisied king, is going turns the world upside down by blessing and exalting those who trust in Him for salvation.
The Christmas story as told in the Bible is true. And the best way to help people with Christmas and with life is to read the Bible with them. This week we see from Luke 1:1-25 that Christmas is a message of God reversing the lives of people.
You either follow God’s King or you don’t. Following God’s King does not mean no pain. This week we see from 1 Samuel 27-31 that we should follow God’s faithful King if you seek forgiveness of sins and the comfort of the Lord in times of trouble.
Things aren’t always what they appear. Sometimes God is working in ways that we can’t see. This week we see from 1 Samuel 16 that we see the outward appearances, but God sees the heart and his faithful plans for his people.
How can the fall of an ancient Israelite king expose the darkness of our own hearts, show us what it looks like to really repent and point us to Jesus, the better king? This week we see from the Story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15 how because we and our leaders deserve God’s judgment for our failure to obey his commands, we need a better king.
We can’t always see what’s going on behind the scenes. When things seem out of control, God is still faithful to his promises and still working to save his people. This week we see from the Story of Saul in 1 Samuel 9-12 how even though we reject God’s rule, He is faithful to his promises and works to save his people for His name’s sake.
Would you trade in a brand new Ferrari for a beat up old Corolla? No way! But sometimes, we don’t realise how good we’ve got it and we trade what is good for something worse. But the ultimate tragedy is that we all do this with God. This week we hear from 1 Samuel 8 how rejecting God’s rule always leads to slavery, suffering and loss, but coming under the good rule of God’s king means life.
Do we treat God like a cosmic vending machine, existing to satisfy our desires, instead of the mighty creator of the universe? Ancient Israel did, and look where it got them… This week we see from 1 Samuel 4:1-7:13 how the Lord is mighty in judgment against those who treat Him lightly, but mighty to save those who call on Him.
Why is it so important to listen closely to the Lord and hear what He says? This week we see from 1 Samuel 2:12-3:21 how God brings down the wicked who refuse to hear him but raises up his prophet, pointing us to the Lord Jesus and calling us to hear Him.
Paul acknowledges many people who are committed to Gospel work and service. They are from different nations, male and female, rich and poor, slaves and free. These folk are ‘in Christ’ and hold to the unity of the Gospel teaching.
What do you do when you are helpless? This week we start our series through 1 Samuel and see from 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 how God saves those who humbly cry out to Him.
Can we expect life to ever get better than this? This week we hear from guest preacher Rev. Glen Perkins from Miles-Roma how God’s people expect the full and perfect restoration they long for because we remember the great things he has done.
We know that now is the time to love our neighbour in the community and in the Church. But what are the actions of love? Here we learn about the link between the Law and Love. And we’re directed to love because we live in the light of day. This is Gospel love.
We all love stories of good triumphing over evil but did you know we are called to triumph over evil in our everyday lives together? In fact, the way we do this might surprise you… This week we see from Romans 12:9-21 how, being transformed in Christ, we overcome evil with good in our daily life together as God’s people by loving one another and others, even our enemies, with genuine love.
Does God keep His promises? Yes! But what about Israel? Has He failed them? No way! We just haven’t seen the end of the story yet… This week we see from Romans 11 that God has not rejected Israel, nor have they stumbled beyond recovery, but they are still part of his plan to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the good news of Jesus. So as Gentiles grafted in, we must consider his sternness, continue in his kindness, and praise him for his rich mercy.
If our salvation depends on God’s merciful choice, does our faith matter? Should we bother sharing the gospel with others? This week we see from Romans 9:30-10:21 how we are responsible to believe and to share the good news because in the gospel, God holds out his hands to offer salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus, rather than relying on their own righteousness.
Can we be sure we can trust God to keep his promises to us? What about God’s promises to his chosen people, Israel? Have God’s promises failed? This week we see from Romans 9:1-33 how God’s promises have not failed, nor is he unjust, because salvation depends on God showing mercy to those he has chosen. Far from undermining our confidence, understanding God’s merciful choice humbles us and gives us a deeper confidence in our sovereign God.
How would it change your life if you had rock-solid hope, no matter what happens to you? This week we see from Romans 8:18-39 how as we groan in our present suffering, those who are called according to God’s purpose hope in glory, assured that nothing will separate us from his love.
What does it really look like when the Holy Spirit works in our lives? This week we see from Romans 8:1-17 how the Spirit of Christ lives in us, setting us free from sin and death, giving us life and guaranteeing that we are God’s children through faith in Jesus.
No matter how hard we try rules and laws can’t produce real, lasting heart change. We need something better… This week we see from Romans 7:1-25 how God’s good law exposes and arouses the sinfulness of our hearts but Jesus Christ our Lord delivers us from the power of sin and the body of death.
You’re gonna have to serve somebody. Who will it be? Will you serve sin leading to shame and death? Or will you live in the freedom God gives us to serve Him in righteousness leading to holiness and eternal life? This week we see from Romans 6:15-23 that we have been set free from slavery to sin, leading to death, to live as obedient slaves to righteousness leading to life.
Is grace dangerous? Does more grace just lead to more sin? This week we see from Romans 6:1-14 how grace is actually the best motivator to put off sin and live for God as Paul calls us to be true to our (new) selves as those who are united to Christ in his death and resurrection by not letting sin reign in our lives but offering every part of ourselves to God.
Can Jesus’ one obedient life really deal with the countless disobedient lives of all of us? This week we see from Romans 5:12-21 how through Adam’s disobedience death reigned over all, but through Jesus’ obedience as our representative all who receive his gift reign in life.
How is it possible for a holy God to live with sinful people? Leviticus gives us the legal detail of how worship is to be done in and around the Tabernacle. This worship focusses on an atonement which is pleasing to the Lord God. This is what must be done so the Lord can draw near to us.
Some things aren’t optional extras. They are ESSENTIALS. This Easter Sunday we see from 1 Corinthians 15:1-26 that the resurrection of Jesus is absolutely ESSENTIAL for us to have true hope, so we should hold fast to the gospel.
How can we be absolutely, 100% sure that God loves us? Because Jesus died for us, even when we were his enemies. If we trust Him, we can be sure. This week we see from Romans 5:6-11 that God demonstrates the greatness of his love through Jesus’ death for his enemies, reconciling us to Him and guaranteeing our future salvation.
It’s time to stop and admire the view. After working hard in chapters 1-4 of Romans it’s time to simply savour and enjoy the benefits of being justified through faith in Jesus. This week we stop to enjoy from Romans 5:1-5 that through Jesus, we are loved by God and enjoy his peace, grace, hope and Spirit.
What does it really mean to have saving faith? This week we see from Romans 4 how Paul looks at faith in the lives of Abraham and David, to show us that the God who gives life to the dead will credit righteousness to all who believe God’s promises, not counting our sins against us.
How can God count unrighteous people like us right before him without compromising his righteousness? This week we see from Romans 3:21-31 how through Jesus’ sacrifice of atonement, God demonstrates his righteousness and graciously declares us righteous through faith.
What could leave you in stunned silence before God? This week we see from Romans 3:1-21 how our sin leaves all of us utterly silenced before God and in desperate need of his righteousness now revealed in the gospel.
Everyone needs the gospel. Even ‘good’ religious people. This week we see from Romans 2:1-29 how we need the gospel because God’s wrath is being stored up against unrepentant hypocrites who show contempt for his kindness.
What is God’s call on your life? It’s actually pretty simple. Through the good news of Jesus God calls you to the obedience of faith. What’s that? This week we see from Romans 1:1-7 how Paul greets the Romans with God’s good news of the risen Jesus, calling all people (you and I included!) to the obedience of faith.
What Child is This? It’s not just a carol we sing, it’s a question we should ask at Christmas. What child is this lying in the manger? What makes him worth celebrating? This week we see from Isaiah 9:1-7 that we should come and worship Jesus, the child in the manger, who is God Himself come to restore His people and establish His perfect kingdom forever.
Sometimes we think of prayer like eating our veggies. We know it’s good for us, but we don’t want to. But what if prayer is meant to be something we can enjoy? This week we finish our series on prayer by seeing from Psalm 34 that Prayer is a gift from God for us to experience and delight in His goodness even as He delights in our prayers through Jesus.
God wants you to complain to Him. Sounds weird, but it’s true! In our grief, hurt, anger, sorrow and suffering God invites us to cry out to Him. To lament. This week we continue our series on Prayer to see from Psalm 77 how in our suffering we can look up to God and groan to Him and as we do so he helps us to look back and remember his faithfulness.
This week we continue our series on Prayer and see how we can ask God for His help from Colossians 1:3-14.
Why would King David pay someone to be a full-time thanker? Is thanksgiving really so important? This week we continue our series on Prayer and see from 1 Chronicles 16 that it is a vital part of our prayer life that we join in all creation in giving thanks to God for all He’s done as our saviour and creator.
When we’re feeling burdened and guilty, confession can be a huge relief. Especially if we confess to someone who we know will forgive us. As we continue our series on Prayer, we see from Daniel 9:1-23 how because our God is merciful and faithful we should confess our sins to Him freely and confidently, resting in his full and free forgiveness in Jesus.
Sometimes, it’s hard to pray on our own. We need help. Thankfully, God Himself helps us. This week we see from Romans 8:12-39 that we can pray with confidence because God Himself enables us, answers us and prays for us.
What is prayer? Sometimes prayer feels complicated and hard. But it doesn’t need to. This week we see from Matthew 6:5-15 in the first of our series on Prayer how Prayer is simply talking to God as our good and loving Father in heaven. That frees us up to pray simply, boldly and with confidence that God is good.
When should love include a warning? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14 that true Christian love reflects the love of our saviour King by seeking to build others up, even when it’s costly. This kind of love will spend itself for one another, warn each other with power, call for examination and strive for joyful peace.
Why would you boast about your weaknesses? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13 that because of Jesus we can boast in our weaknesses and suffering because it is in them that we experience God’s power and grace.
Talking about money can be a drag. But what if it doesn’t have to be? What if God’s cheerful, sacrificial generosity and grace can transform us to be cheerful, sacrificial and generous too? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 8-9 how God gives us great grace through the gospel that overflows in joyful, sacrificial generosity to others for God’s glory.
How do you receive correction? Do you get angry? Defensive? Hurt? Passive aggressive? What if correction could actually lead to joy? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 how correction will always grieve us, but it can be a godly grief that produces repentance and leads to great joy for us and for each other.
Sometimes a little perspective can change your life. This week we see from 2 Corinthians 5 how the good news of Jesus gives us a fresh perspective on everything in our lives so that we live to please God and proclaim Jesus in all we do.
Living as a Christian is hard. Sometimes it’s tempting to give up. This week we see from 2 Corinthians 4 that we don’t need to lose heart because God is graciously and powerfully working through us for our good and his glory.
Who on Earth is qualified to share such great news as the good news of Jesus with others? Well actually, you are! This week we see from 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18 that we can join the gospel parade to make Jesus known to all with confidence because God makes us sufficient and changes hearts by his Spirit.
How can someone live with a clear conscience, even when life doesn’t go according to plan? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13 that by God’s gracious work in our lives, God’s people are to live with gospel integrity that reflects God’s character in every area of our lives. We’ll see how this includes living with a clear conscience, Godly faithfulness, heartfelt love and true forgiveness.
What is God doing when you’re suffering? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 that we can depend on our good God to comfort us in our suffering and use us to comfort others.
Everyday life is hard. It’s moment to moment. A mixed bag. From family to work to money to relationships, every day brings different challenges. How do we learn to love God and love others in the moment to moment of everyday life? This week we see from Deuteronomy 19-25 that living as God’s people means reflecting God’s character in every area of our lives, but we can only do this through Jesus!
We long for good leaders in every part of our lives. Politicians, bosses, school principals, judges and business leaders. But even the best human leaders will always let us down. We need something better. This week we see from Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22 that God’s people need good leaders who love the Lord, obey his law and reflect his holiness. Only Jesus can fit this bill as our just judge, good king, faithful priest and true prophet.
How are God’s people meant to be weird? This week we see from Deuteronomy 12:1-16:17 that because God has saved us, we love God by living different, holy lives that remember and rejoice in His rescue and reflect His holiness.
“It’s not about you.” Israel isn’t righteous and is unfaithful. But the Lord has set His heart to love them. This week we see from Deuteronomy 9-11 the Lord love Israel and calls Israel to love the Lord in return. “It’s not you”, says the Lord. “I’m the one who loves you and forgives you and will drive out the nations. It’s really all about Me.”
What does it look like to really love God? This week we see from Deuteronomy 6-8 how in response to God’s saving grace, we are to love Him with a wholehearted, all of life love. A love that remembers and obeys his commands, takes holiness seriously and remembers all He has done.
What do 10 ancient commandments have to do with God’s grace, relationships and the good life? This week we hear from Moses in Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33 about how the 10 commandments point us to God’s grace and show us how living as God’s people means hearing and doing what he says for our good.
What does it take for you to really trust someone? Time? Reliability? Honesty? What would it take for you to really trust God? This week we see from the history of God’s people in Deuteronomy 1-3 that because God is always faithful, even to an unfaithful people, we can trust him, obey him and live without fear.
Have you ever started a job, gotten side-tracked and found yourself finishing a completely different job hours later? It happens to all of us. But when it happens to the church, it’s tragic. This week we see together from Colossians 1:24-2:5 that the main task Jesus has given his church is for us to proclaim Jesus Christ to all in order to present everyone mature in Him. With God working in us, we stay focussed and work hard towards this goal.
Is Jesus’ resurrection fake news or real good news? This Easter Sunday we see together from Matthew 27:62-28:20 how the real good news of Easter is that Jesus is the Risen, victorious King. This real good news calls for us to respond by seeing, believing, following and telling this good news.
Does the cross show that Jesus is forsaken by God? This Good Friday we see together from Matthew 27:32-54 how Jesus, God’s own son, is forsaken for us, enduring the separation of God’s judgment so that we can come to God with confidence that he will never forsake us.
Is the Good news of Jesus just for Sunday mornings at church? Or is it something that is good for all of life, especially in the ordinary, everyday-ness of our lives? This week we see together from Acts 13:13-52 that while there are big moments when the Good News is spoken in front of large crowds, is also something that belongs in the other parts of life too, in the in between times of our whole lives.
Listening to instructions is great. But instructions are useless unless you actually do them. Watch our in-person service from Sunday 3 April 2022 as we sing God’s praises, pray together, read God’s word and see from Matthew 7:13-39 how Jesus shows us that those who truly belong to his kingdom don’t just hear his words, they do them. The consequences are serious if we don’t.
Warning: self-righteousness is annoying. Don’t go there. Instead, keep your perspective. How? This week we see from Matthew 7:1-12 that the radical, heart obedience of Jesus’ kingdom means acting towards others from a right perspective of our own sinfulness and the goodness of our Heavenly Father. This will mean humility toward others, dependence on God and doing good to all.
How do birds and flowers point us to an antidote for anxiety? This week we see from Matthew 6:19-34 how Jesus uses these things to show us that the antidote to anxiety is to seek God’s kingdom first because we can trust in our Heavenly Father’s loving care.
Praise is a fickle thing, and yet we all want it. How can we be free from living for praise? This week we see from Matthew 6:1-18 how Jesus calls us to radical, heart obedience that is not motivated by the praise of men, but by the reward of our Heavenly Father. A heart obedience that can set us free from slavery to the fickle master of praise to live for our loving heavenly Father.
Are you really wise? This week we see from Proverbs 3:1-12 how God graciously gives us instruction through the book of Proverbs to see that true wisdom starts with trusting and leaning on Jesus, God’s Son, the truly wise King. It continues by learning from him. In wisdom, in Christ, there is great blessing, even in the difficulties and uncertainties of life.
What does living for Jesus now have to do with the Old Testament? This week we see from Matthew 5:17-37 that Jesus has come to fulfill the Old Testament and so calls his people to the radical, heard obedience of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus, the King in God’s Kingdom, gives to us the blessings for choosing to repent. This week we hear Jesus in Matthew 4:25 – 5:16 offer blessings to Jew and Gentile who come with humble, contrite hearts and who long for real righteousness.
How can we be sure Jesus is worth following? Thankfully, He’s already been put to the test. This week we see from Matthew 4:1-25 that we should repent and follow Jesus, who has been tested and shown to be the righteous and faithful Son of God who brings light to his people in the shadow of death.
How do you get ready for the coming of the king? This week we see from Matthew 3:1-17 that we must repent and bear fruit, because the Kingdom of Heaven has come in Jesus, God’s own Son.
After Jesus is born, how do you find him? And how do you find out what Jesus is like? Matthew gives us both where to find Jesus and contrasts Jesus Kingship with Herod’s kingship. This week we see from Matthew 2:1-23 how to find Jesus.
The fruitful Spirit brings his fruit into the way we gently restore a brother; patiently bear with each other; with self control test your own work; joyfully share; and don’t be deceived. This is the ‘how to’ of loving each other.
How is the Christian life like learning to dance? This week we see from Galatians 5:16-25 how through faith in Jesus we have been set free to live in step with the Spirit, not according to the flesh.
Freedom is an emotional subject. The freedom we have in Christ Jesus isn’t a general freedom. We’re to stand our ground on being free from Works of the Law to be made right with God. This freedom is grounded in Faith in Jesus Christ and leads us to love one another.
We’re often tempted to skip or skim over the long genealogies in the Bible. This week we see from Matthew 1:1-17 how the family line of a Jesus shows us his place in God’s amazing plan for the world.
Don’t go back to being a slave! This week we see from Galatians 4:1-31 how because we have been set free to be sons and heirs of God through faith in Jesus, don’t go back to being slaves under the law.
What do we do with the Old Testament law? Do we sign up wholesale or ignore it completely? But what if the Old Testament law can actually point us to Jesus and give us greater confidence in him? This week we see from Galatians 3:19-29 how the law reveals our sin so that we might be heirs through faith in Jesus.
Don’t be tricked! We’re right with God and we live for God through faith in Jesus, not what we do. This week we see from Galatians 3:1-18 how Paul gives us 5 pieces of evidence that we are counted righteous and live for God through faith in Jesus, not through the law.
How can you be confident that you’re right with God? This week we see from Galatians 2:11-21 how we can live with confidence that we are right with God and can live for God through faith in Jesus, not anything we do. This frees us to live with confident joy, whether we feel like we’re doing well or we’re struggling.
Heaven’s Good News. Hear how Paul make clear he’s pleasing God by delivering the gospel which is 100% made in heaven and 100% about Jesus. In Galatians 1:10-2:10 Paul recounts the history of his plan for religion being changed by a revelation.
SCAM ALERT!!! This week Paul warns us from Galatians 1:1-10 that we must hold fast to the true good news of Jesus. Only the true gospel can set us free, anything else will only enslave us.
According to Jesus, our shame needs dealing with. This week we see from John 21 how the Resurrected Jesus meets with Peter, who had denied him three times, to insist that Peter allow Him to graciously deal with his shame.
Following Jesus can be really hard, how do we know we won’t be disappointed in the end? This week we see from Psalm 133 and Psalm 134 how we can look forward to enjoying the peace God gives His people, praise the Lord and know his blessing and be spurred on to live in these now.
How can a Psalm that’s not about you be great news for you? This week we see from Psalm 132 how in our need, we can cry out to God to remember all that Jesus our King has done and rejoice that we get to share in all God’s promises to our King.
Sometimes shame can be overwhelming. How can we deal with shame? This week we see from Psalms 130 and 131 how in our sin and shame, we can look to the Lord with patient and humble hope, because he is forgiving and steadfast.
Where is your safe spot? Singing and praying for evil to finally come to an end. See from Psalms 129 that the Lord is righteous and righteously deals with evil. Psalm 129 is for those who are weary of evil.
What does it really mean to be #Blessed? And where can we find true Blessing that lasts? This week we see from Psalms 127 and 128 that because every true blessing comes from the Lord, according to His promises, we should depend on Him and fear Him.
We’d all love to have more joy. But how can we grow in joy? And what if joy is missing from our life altogether? This week we see from Psalm 126 that because of the joy of God’s restoration, we can remember joy, cry out in faith, and look forward to perfect, eternal joy in the future.
How can we be sure that God will keep us safe as we follow him, even when bad leaders would seek to lead us astray? This week we see from Psalm 125 how in Jesus, we can live in confident trust, even in the face of bad leaders, because the Lord is the sure security for all who trust in Him.
How have Christians throughout the last 2,000 years faced suffering, sickness, opposition and even death with confidence and joy? This week we see from Psalms 123 and 124 how in Jesus, we can face any persecution, trouble, or suffering with confidence of mercy and help, because the Lord is on our side.
Amidst all the war, conflict and strife of our world how can we find true, lasting peace? This week we see from Psalm 122 how in Jesus, we can join David’s song to rejoice in the peace that God has given his people, pray for peace and seek to live in peace.
Who can we look to for help amidst all of life’s troubles? This week we see from Psalm 121 that no matter what we face in life, we can be confident in the Lord’s help because of Jesus.
In a world of sickness, sorrow and pain, we often long for something better. We long for our true home. This week we see from Psalm 120 how, when we are longing for home in a world of lies, conflict and sorrow, through Jesus we can cry out to God in our distress with confident hope.
Who is it you want? This week we are confronted in John 18 with two very different characters. One who seems like the saviour we would want, bold, headstrong, and willing to fight, and the other who is the saviour we desperately need, willing to go to the cross for his people. So, who is it you want?
What does Jesus pray for you? This week we see from John 17 how, by praying for himself, his disciples and all those who will one day believe, Jesus gives us a vast, cosmic perspective of how the loving unity of the godhead will unite us in His love, so the whole world will see that we share in the Father's love for His Son.
How does Jesus comfort his followers in their sorrow and grief? This week we see from John 16:4-33 how Jesus comforts his disciples by revealing how the Father, the Son and the Spirit will transform our sorrow to joy and peace because he has overcome the world.
What is the secret to a fruitful Christian life? This week we see from John 15:1-16:4 how at the height of his farewell, Jesus commands his disciples to bear the fruit of love by abiding in him in a hostile world.
How can we find real peace in an uncertain world? This week we see from John 14 how Jesus comforts his disciples in their uncertainty by assuring them of his preparations for them, comforting them with his rich promises and ultimately pointing to his certain presence with them through the Holy Spirit.
What does it look like to be truly loving? This week we see from John 13 how Jesus acts out the gospel pattern which shapes true Christian love and calls us to truly and deeply love one another as he has loved us.
Welcome the King of Glory. At least that’s what we should do. But everyone reacts differently to all of Jesus miraculous signs and teaching. See some people honour, respect, and treat Jesus with dignity. While others hide their belief or treat Jesus with scorn and contempt. How do you treat Jesus?
Resurrection is the ultimate miraculous sign which deals with our ultimate enemy, death. Jesus resurrects Lazarus and will be resurrected himself. See Jesus work out his plan for Lazarus life as he says, “This illness does not lead to death.” See the heart ache and the glory as we come to know Jesus who is the resurrection and the life.
Why do some people get Jesus and others are blind to him? This week we see from John 9 how the good news of Jesus gives sight to those who are blind and blinds those who think they can see. So, are you willing to admit you are blind and come to Jesus for sight, or will you stay blind to Jesus?
Jesus is the light of the world, but not everyone is happy about it. This week we see from John 8:12-59 how when the religious leaders attack Jesus, like a judo master Jesus turns the table on his accusers by exposing their shocking identity, revealing his true identity and authority and calling us to hear, believe and continue in his word.
Sceptical about Resurrection Sunday? You’re not the first. This Easter Sunday we see from John 20:24-31 how Jesus meets Thomas, and us, in our scepticism as we see that He truly rose from the dead and offers eternal life to all those who believe in him.
Do you long for integrity rather than hypocrisy? This Good Friday we see from John 18:28-19:30 how Jesus, the only one with true integrity, goes to the cross for a world overrun with hypocrisy.
Are you thirsty? Thirsty for true life? For rich joy? For restored relationships? This week we see from John 7 how Jesus reveals his hour, his origin, his destination and his offer of true life to all those who come to him. Despite this, many are still left confused about him. Will you be confused? Or are you thirsty?
How can understanding analogies change your relationship with God? This week we see from John 6 how Jesus as the True Shepherd uses a hard analogy to sift those who really want to feed on him, from those who just want a feed.
“Do you want to be healed?” Jesus’ asks this question of an ambivalent invalid in John 5 and he asks you the same question now. This week we see from John 5:1-47 how when the Jews put the elusive Jesus on trial for his ability to give life, he gives them the slip so that they end up on trial for rejecting life and we end up confronted with Jesus’ offer of true life.
How could an outcast, ashamed and sinful woman become the most faithful and fruitful disciple in all of John’s Gospel? This week we see from John 4:4-54 how an awkward encounter between Jesus and an outcast Samaritan Woman reveals both Jesus and a stunning, surprising ideal disciple and calls us to find life in Jesus.
It’s hard to be a sidekick. You’re always in the shadow. Always waiting just off-stage. But what if that’s the way to true life and lasting joy? This week we see from John 3:22-4:3 how John the Baptist is always a sidekick, but rather than grow in jealousy he grows in joy as he joyfully spotlights the arrival of Jesus, the true bridegroom. “He must increase, I must decrease.”
Jesus comes to replace empty religion with something far greater. Himself. The one who reveals our hearts, reveals God to us and offers us eternal life. This week we see from John 2:12-3:21 three stories which reveal Jesus as the revealer who has come to replace empty religion with himself and who offers us real life.
How could a wedding disaster be an abundant, joyful taste of new life? This week we see from John 2:1-11 how in his first sign, Jesus offers a taste of eternal life to everyone, yet most of those present don’t recognise who is behind the celebration. And we’ll see how this taste of eternal life points us to the true source of abundant, joyful life.
What are you seeking? What are you really seeking? This week we see from John 1:19-51 how in a world of people claiming to seek God, the Messiah, instead, insists on asking us what we’re really looking for. And gives us an answer we may not expect…
Jesus offers you eternal life. But you must accept it on his terms. This week we see from John 1:1-18 how John announces the arrival of Jesus with a broadside of mysterious titles about the One who offers us the right to become children of God.
What makes a good Christmas carol? Angels? Shining stars? Santa? This week we see how Mary sings the very first Christmas carol in Luke 1:39-56. A carol about how Jesus, this little baby, will save his people and restore the downtrodden and oppressed.
Mary is the first person to know just how special her baby, Jesus, will be. This week we see from Luke 1:26-38 what Mary learns about God’s precious Gift through Gabriel. God’s precious gift is King Jesus, the Son of God. And King Jesus with the power of God acts as a Good King. He’s gracious and merciful. Because Jesus reign will never end neither will his grace and Mercy. Come and take Jesus as your King.
When we know that a story has a happy ending, we can keep going even when things are hard. Wouldn’t it be nice if life was like that? This week we finish our journey through the big picture of the Bible story by seeing the guaranteed happy ending God has in store for his people in Revelation 21:1-22:5. An ending which means we can live in confident, faithful hope in Jesus no matter what we face because God will save his people and come to dwell with us forever in a perfect garden city in a new and glorious world.
True reconciliation is a rare and wonderful thing. As followers of Jesus, we get to be part of the grand story of reconciliation between God and his people. This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 how Jesus’ death gives us a new purpose, new life as part of his people and a new mission as ambassadors for Jesus.
What signs do we pay attention to in life? Road signs? Advertising? Life changing events? This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from Acts 2:1-41 how the great sign of the Holy Spirit points to the risen King Jesus as the fulfillment of all God’s promises and calls us to trust him and live for him.
Jesus Death. It’s the moment everyone was waiting for, but no one was expecting. This week we see from Luke 22:39-23:49 how Jesus was God’s promised, faithful king who died the death of a guilty man so that we can come to God through him. Find out how this helps us when we make too little or too much of our sin.
How do God’s promises answer the disappointments and doubts of our lives in a broken world? This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from Jeremiah 31:31-34 how God’s great new covenant promises answer the disappointments and doubts of a people in exile for their rebellion against God
This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see how King David secures Jerusalem and Israel so they have peace and rest. King David also sets up the mobile reminder of the Garden of Eden and the Exodus, the Tabernacle, in Jerusalem. King David plans to make the mobile Garden of Eden permanent, but the Lord promises to make one of David’s sons a king in an eternal kingdom. King David’s greater son, Jesus, is a better king than David. King Jesus makes real and brings to life all that the Tabernacle and the Temple had pictured and promised.
When we feel abandoned by God, how can we know he will keep his promises? This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from Exodus how God keeps his promises by rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt to live as his people, to dwell with them and to point us forward to the rescue we need in Jesus
What is the biggest promise ever made in history? This week we continue our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from Genesis 12 how God continues his great plan by promising Abraham a land, offspring and a blessing which will flow out to all the Earth. A great promise that can give us hope for the future, patience as we wait and a purpose to live as a blessing to others.
Sometimes you need to take a step back and see the big picture for anything to make sense. This week we begin our journey through the big picture of the Bible story to see from Genesis 1-3 that God created the world and created mankind to live in relationship with him and to rule over it but mankind rebelled against God and was cast out of God’s place into the wilderness. Despite this, God graciously promised a snake crusher who would undo the curse of judgment, rescue God’s people and restore all things.
How does our new life in Jesus change our families and our work? This week we see from Ephesians 6:1-9 that, as those saved by Jesus, we all live under his authority by living in the ordered relationships that he has established. Those under authority willingly and lovingly submit and those in authority love and serve. Tune in to see how this can shape our families and our workplaces for good so they reflect the beauty of the gospel.
Today, submission is a dirty word. But did you know that submission could be something beautiful? Something that leads to good and flourishing marriages? Something that reflects the beauty of the gospel? This week we see from Ephesians 5:22-33 that, as those saved by Jesus, we all live under his authority by living in the ordered relationships that he has established. For wives, this means faithful, respectful submission out of respect for the Lord. For husbands, this looks like loving, humble service as those under the authority of our Lord.
Do you sometimes feel like you’re lost in the scrub when it comes to how to live in the world? This week we see from Ephesians 5:1-21 that as those who have been saved in Jesus, we can walk as his people by walking in love, walking in light and walking in wisdom.
What does taking off muddy clothes have to do with living as a Christian? This week we see from Ephesians 4:17-32 that because we’ve been given new life in Jesus, we must put off the old ways of living together and put on the new.
How do we live together as God’s new people in Jesus? This week we see from Ephesians 4:1-16 that as those who are called together as one people in Jesus, we live together in unity, use our gifts to equip all, and grow together towards maturity.
This week in Ephesians 3:1-21 we see the mystery of God’s great love in Jesus for all people has been told to the world through the Church. By explaining this mystery through the Church then the rich and bright love of God is displayed to everyone.
Without Jesus, we’re out in the cold. Separated from God and all his promises. This week we see from Ephesians 2:11-22 that though we were far off, separated from God and his people, in Jesus we have been brought near to grow together as God’s new family.
We were dead, but God has made us alive. This week we see from Ephesians 2:1-10 how though we were all dead in our sins, God saved us in Jesus for his glory, so we live for him.
Sometimes, you just don’t realise what you’ve got… This week we see from Ephesians 1:15-23 how Paul prays that the believers would grow in their understanding of all the blessings they already have in Jesus. A prayer that we can pray too because knowing God more leads to growing more as his people.
God is worthy of our praise, but what if your praise muscles don’t seem to be working? This week we see from Psalm 103 that by remembering together who God is and all he has done for us in Jesus, we can respond by joining all creation in thankful praise.
This week we see from Ephesians 1:1-14 that the Lord is worthy of all blessing because he has blessed the church. The Lord has blessed you. The Lord has lavished upon us blessing after blessing. These blessings are ours now and they’re safe. They’re in the heavenly places so the they can’t be stolen. Moths and rust won’t destroy them.
Jesus has absolute power over life and death. How can we be sure? This week we see from John 11:1-54 that we can face death with confidence because Jesus has power over life and death, and has faced death for us.
How do we follow Jesus with endurance? This week we see from Hebrews 12:1-3 that we need to get down to race weight, keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep our eyes on the prize.
This week we see from Mark 15 that Jesus died in our place. Jesus took our place when he was forsaken by God. Jesus did these things and more for us. Jesus connects with us and loves us.
This week we see from Mark 14 that we should join together with Jesus and support him as He goes to die to ransom us. This is gut-wrenching, hard and painful. Let’s be on guard, stay awake, and follow Jesus.
Is it the end of the world? No one really knows. This week Jesus will warn us in Mark 13 that while no one knows, we should be on guard, depend on Jesus alone and be ready for his return.
What does it look like to truly love God and love others? This week we'll see Jesus show us in Mark 12:13-44 what it looks like for God’s people to love God and love others, even though the religious leaders didn’t get it.
When Jesus finally comes to the impressive temple he’s not impressed. Instead he passes judgment on its showy, plastic religion and calls his people to authentic, fruitful faith. This week we'll see from Mark 11:1-12:12 that while showy, plastic religion only leads to judgment, through Jesus we can have fruitful faith.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Imagine Jesus’ asked you this. What might you say? We'll see Jesus ask two people this question in Mark 10:32-52 revealing that the road to true glory is the road of the cross, both for Jesus and for us as we follow him.
What must we do to have eternal life? It might not be what you think. We'll see from Mark 10:13-31 that the only way to have eternal life is to depend on Jesus like a child and follow him.
It’s a beautiful thing to see someone truly serving others. This week we'll see from Mark 9:30-10:12 how following our suffering, servant king means serving others, taking sin seriously and being faithful in marriage.
At times, all of us struggle with doubt and anxiety. This week we'll see from Mark 9:14-29 how in our doubts and anxieties, we can cry out to Jesus in faith because of his mighty power over evil and death.
It’s worth listening closely to Jesus. This week Doug, one of our elders, will show us from Mark 9:2-13 how Jesus is worth listening to because he is the Christ, the Son of God and the suffering King.
Who is Jesus? Why does it matter? Why is it worth the cost to follow him? This week David, one of our Elders, will show us from Mark 8:22 to 9:1 who Jesus is and what it means to follow him.
Christians can endure suffering with confident hope. This week we'll see from Romans 8:18-39 that we can suffer with confident hope because we have hope for a glorious future, hope of God’s present help and sure hope because of Jesus.
How can we be sure Jesus rose from the dead? At first, the disciples weren’t convinced. But Jesus convinced them and can convince us too. This week we'll see from Luke 24 why we can be convinced that Jesus truly rose from the dead, and we truly have forgiveness for our sins.
Jesus was able to work mighty miracles. Why didn’t he save himself from the cross? This week we'll see from Luke 23 that Jesus is God’s saving King.
What is Palm Sunday all about? We'll see this week from Luke 19:28-48 that on Palm Sunday God’s promised king presents us with a choice: will we rejoice in God’s king and find peace or reject God’s king and face judgment?
In anxious times, Jesus gives us an antidote for anxiety. This week we'll see from Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-34 that the antidote to anxiety is to seek God’s kingdom first because we can trust in our Heavenly Father’s loving care.
How can we have confidence in God in the midst of everything that is going on? We'll see this week from Psalm 16 why we can have confidence in God, even in the midst of a pandemic.