Sermons from April 2015

Sermons from April 2015

Core Values (Part 2)

In this message we are considering the remaining six Core Values that help shape and define us as a church. Each of these values has a strong biblical foundation and therefore deserves to be taken seriously. While City North is far from a perfect church (what church is?), all of us who are a part of it have the opportunity to help it live out these values, and in doing so, honour Christ who is our Chief Pastor.

City North Values – Love, Bible, Gospel, Relationships

Earlier this year, the young adults of City North gave some feedback on what it is that they think defines us as a church and as a young adults group. We talked about our values, our strengths and our weaknesses. Tonight, we’ll have a look at some of this feedback, consider what the Bible has to say about what we should value and then think about some of the practical ways we can express our shared values as a church.

The prayer of Jesus (part 1)

The Bible records many prayers and they come in many different forms. In John 17 we get to listen in to a very personal prayer, prayed by Jesus only a few hours before he went to the cross. No doubt His heart was very heavy. But what is obvious is a very clear awareness that in His death and resurrection He was bringing to completion the mission God had given Him. God the Father and also Jesus the Son would both be glorified through this. But now it was time for the disciples to continue that gospel mission. So Jesus picks up these themes as he prays for Himself, His eleven disciples ….. and indirectly for all of us who live faithfully for Him in the world today.

Good News for the Confused

Confusion …. questions …. doubts …. fears. We all know what these feel like. And that’s the way it was with the disciples of Jesus on the night before He would die on the cross. What would it mean for these men that he was leaving them? So Jesus took the opportunity to reassure them and give them hope. Sure, life would be different (and even difficult), but in a positive way. As we face the uncertainties of our lives, there is one great certainty that we must cling to, and that is Jesus Christ Himself. He takes our questions, doubts and fears and assures us that in Him we can know joy, answers to our prayers, and God’s peace, whatever we may be facing. Are you trusting Him today?

Hearts Warmed Up

At the end of Luke 23, things look pretty bad for Jesus’ followers. They have seen him, the one who was meant to redeem Israel, tortured and crucified. They are grief stricken (23:48). And yet, by the end of Luke 24, we read this; “And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God” (24:53). What has happened? How do these cold, sad hearts become warm, joyful hearts? The answer, of course, is that the Crucified King has become the Risen King! Listen as we explore Luke 24 and consider what Jesus’ followers saw that made their cold hearts warm.

Why Christians Are (or should be) Optimists

Christianity is a religion of hope! Christians should be people of joy! Why? Because of the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the ultimate game-changer that validates Jesus Christ and His message in a way that nothing else does. In today’s message Pastor Murray explores what it is about the resurrection that makes it so significant. It guarantees the forgiveness of our sin …. the certainty of heaven …. the future destruction of Satan, evil and death. But more than that, it gives us a reason for living with courage and purpose in the 21st century. Jesus is alive! He is Lord and King. One day He’s coming back. And that changes everything!