Individual Message (Page 10)

Individual Message (Page 10)

Individual Message

Living as a Christian in a pagan world

As modern society becomes more secular, it is gradually becoming more difficult to publicly identify as a Christian. In many instances these days it is actually risky to stand up for Christ. Yet that’s the way it has been for most Christians over the past 2000 years. The idea of Christians being a triumphant majority in society is the exception rather than the rule! So how should we live out our faith in a predominantly pagan world? Tonight’s message explores this question and shows just how radically counter-cultural the Christian life should be. We’re not meant to fit in too comfortably. Our lifestyle ought to be different. And rejection is actually an expected part of following Christ. That’s the theory. Now to put it into practice!

Healthy choices

The letter of 3 John centres around three characters, Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius. Each of them teaches us a lesson about what it means for us to nurture healthy Christian lives.

The search for satisfaction

Is there something missing from your life? “If only… then my life would be happy!” How often have we had thoughts like these? Despite all the possessions, relationships, experiences and self-help resources that are supposed to make our lives complete, the reality is that the vast majority of people are dissatisfied with their lives. In so many hearts there is an emptiness or restlessness that won’t go away. Jesus met a woman one day who was like this. Multiple marriages and other relationships had repeatedly left her feeling empty. As they talked, He helped her realise that only He could quench her spiritual thirst. What are you trying to cure your emptiness? Why not turn to Jesus? Only he can truly satisfy our deepest needs and longings.

The resurrection changes everything

The burial of Jesus’ body on that first Good Friday evening seemed to bring His short life to a sad and emphatic end. The disciples were convinced it was all over. No one even remotely expected what would happen the following Sunday morning. Was it true? Did it really happen? Could a dead man come back to life again? If so, what did it accomplish? Today’s Easter message explores these questions and the difference it makes to followers of Jesus today that He is alive. Without the resurrection, the death of Jesus is a tragedy. But with the resurrection… that changes everything!

Why did Jesus have to die?

For many Christians it is a mystery as to why Good Friday, the day of the year we especially reflect on the greatest act of evil, is called “good”. On one level it is the most horrific of days. Yet, without Good Friday there would be no Christianity, no Christians and no churches. Jesus simply had to die. And that’s the great paradox of Easter! In this message Pastor Murray shares five convincing reasons why the death of Jesus Christ is absolutely essential to the Christian faith. The damage caused by sin is plain for all to see. And if we’re honest, we too are sinners in desperate need of a Saviour. Praise God that Jesus is that Saviour. His death was not in vain. Are you trusting Him today to make you right with God?

Ben Peacock: Keep calm, Jesus is on the throne

The book of Acts describes the ripple effect of the good news of God’s Kingdom launching in Jerusalem and spreading throughout Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ grew significantly during this time, however, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was also significant opposition, suffering and persecution that rose against the Church. As people who live in a ‘post Christian’ society, it’s very easy for us to fall into the trap of either running away from suffering or fighting against it. However, the book of Acts reminds us that God will grow his Church in spite of opposition to His Gospel message. The true hope that the Church has is found in Jesus’ promise that He will grow His Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

The cynic’s view of the crucified Christ

The crucifixion of Jesus has always been a point of division among people. For Christians it’s the very heart of our faith. But for others it’s a sign of the weakness and eventual failure of Jesus and his mission to save the world. In today’s message we take a look at three groups of people who were eye-witnesses of the final hours of Jesus’ life. We see their cynical attitudes toward Jesus as they mock his claim to be king and joke at his apparent powerlessness. Little did they realize how their words would come back to bite them! Still today so many people fail to grasp the true meaning of the death of Jesus. They dismiss the cross too quickly. There he proved that he really is God’s eternal King with all the power to save people like you and me today.

Agony in the garden

Today, on the east side of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives, there is a grove of olive trees. The original Garden of Gethsemane was somewhere in this vicinity, and it was here that Jesus prayed the night before His death. And what a gut-wrenching prayer. Two things stand out about this incident: firstly, the immensity of the pain Jesus was going through that night, and secondly, his unwavering commitment to fully obey His Father’s will. In order to begin to understand the message of the cross, both of these truths are essential. As Jesus “tasted” the cup of God’s wrath His agony was very real. But why did he did he have to drink it? It was for you and for me. That’s why!

Peter Francis: Developing a fruitful faith

In these opening words of Peter’s second letter he is concerned to remind believers about the importance of having a growing and fruitful faith. Here Peter seems to draw our attention to three key things which will keep us growing in our faith: (1) Remembering the Foundations of our Faith; (2) Fostering the Fruit of our Faith and (3) Remembering the Future of our Faith.

Andrew Prince: God owes you no favours

Christians are to obey everything God has commanded in Scripture, and yet when they do they are simply doing their duty rather than something particularly commendable or worthy of reward.

David Lamont: Is life fair? Is God fair?

Jesus is confronted with unjust suffering and death caused by an evil tyrant. He addresses unjust suffering and death caused not just by people, but by natural disasters, and then issues a surprising challenge and gives a parable that illustrates the real issues from a divine perspective.