Welcome to the City North Baptist sermon archive! We offer most sermons online within a week of the message being given.
Finding Hope In The Real Jesus
So what do you believe about Jesus? And how seriously should we take Him? There has always been an element of mystery about Jesus, and even after three years with Him the disciples were still confused. But on this final night before being crucified, Jesus took the opportunity to explain once and for all who he really was. Still today the vital question remains: who is the real Jesus? Ultimately, how we answer that question will determine where we spend eternity. Jesus made the claim that night that: “no one comes to the Father (i.e.. God) except through me”. Do you want to spend eternity with God? Then ONLY JESUS can make that possible! You must give Him your life today.
Authority of the King
Listen as Pastor Dave shares about what we can learn about the authority of Jesus in Luke 20.
Jesus In Control
In a world where so often things happen in a random, even chaotic way, it is common to ask: Is anyone in control? But is life random? Do bad things just happen? In today’s message we take a closer look at how Jesus faced up to the looming prospect of being betrayed and denied by two of His closest friends. Yes, these things did happen, and they were low and vicious acts, but they didn’t take Jesus by surprise. He was Lord over the events of that night before going to the cross, and He is still Lord over the circumstances of our lives today. Nothing Judas, Pater or Satan did could derail God’s purposes, and the death and resurrection of Jesus proved that. When Jesus is Lord of our lives He uses even seeming tragedies to achieve His good purposes. He’s in full control!
The new King Arrives
A new kind of King is here. Jesus, the King of kings has arrived and everyone must decide how they’ll respond to this King. Listen as we begin a new series in the last section of Luke’s Gospel. Let us consider own own response to the new King.
Clean Hearts & Dirty Hands
What would you say to your closest friends if you knew you were going to die the next day? We find out what Jesus said in John’s gospel chapters 13 to 17. Jesus and his 12 disciples are sharing a final meal together and a few hours later he would be betrayed and handed over to the Jewish leaders and then the Romans. But before that, something most unexpected took place. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples …. even Judas! What was this signifying? What does it mean for us? Actually quite a lot! Find out as Pastor Murray explains the deeper implications Jesus was conveying through this humble action, and how every true disciple of Christ today cannot avoid being a servant for His sake.
Australians or Aliens?
Listen as Pastor Dave shares from 1 Peter about what it means for Christians to live as strangers and aliens in this world.
Making Things Right
The Bible is clear that our relationship with God has been broken by sin. The first verses of Leviticus give us an insight into what is required for this relationship to be fixed, Ultimately they point us to Jesus, the only one who can fix this relationship once and for all.
Fair dinkum or phoney?
The Christian “brand” these days is marketed by high-profile, so-called celebrity Christians – well-known public figures (sporting stars, movie stars, rock singers, even politicians) who claim to be Christians. In fact, there are many people who are happy to identify as “Christian” because it seems cool. But what does a genuine disciple actually look like? Fortunately Jesus answered this question for us 2000 years ago. According to Jesus, there are a number of specific indicators that distinguish those who are real disciples from those who are fake. In this message Pastor Murray looks at several passages that spell these out. Warning: expect to be challenged.
Passing on what is important to the next generation
If you could pass on one thing to the next generation what would it be? The reality is there is so much that we could pass on to the next generation. But what are the key things, the important things that matter to us, that we feel should be passed on? Listen as Pastor Dave looks at Psalm 78:1-8 on passing on what is important to the next generation.
Planning Properly
This time of year brings with it the chance to sit down and plan the year ahead. Most of us who are planners may have already done this exercise for 2015 and beyond. The bible tells us it is wise and proper to make plans, but that we must do so with a proper biblical understanding of time, and with the right perspective in mind. Listen as Pastor Dave shares from James 4 about how we can plan properly in 2015.
Suffering & serving in a “me first” world
Humility is not natural to 99% of people. And if it is, then usually we assume the reason is some sort of inferiority complex or psychological deficiency. Some form of pride lurks beneath the surface in every one of us, and this respect the disciples of Jesus were no different to us (as we see in today’s passage). Jesus seized this moment to teach them just how totally opposite His values are compared with the self-promoting, self-seeking values of the world. His followers are to embrace a life and lifestyle of personal suffering and serving others, just like He himself demonstrated when He went to the cross. But what does this look like in practice? Listen in as Pastor Murray helps us understand how to live as a servant of Jesus in today’s “me first” world.
The Struggle To Obey When God Calls
What are your plans for the future? Your career … your finances … your family etc.? According to tonight’s passage, careful planning has its limits, because God may have other ideas. Moses was in a comfortable groove, but God called him to take on a totally unexpected and scary challenge. Moses tried one excuse after another, till finally in desperation he said to God: “…please send someone else to do it”. But God wasn’t interested in his excuses. In so many ways we can be just like Moses when God comes calling. We convince ourselves that He is wrong and our plans are better. But when God calls, He also provides all we need to do the job He is asking. What is God asking of you today? Are you ready, willing and available?