Sermons from January 2016
What it means to follow Jesus
These days there are hidden costs on just about everything. Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what we are signing up for. Thankfully following Jesus doesn’t come with hidden costs. Jesus was always up front about the cost. Listen as Pastor Dave examines what it means for us to follow Jesus and why it is worth the cost.
Managing Money God’s Way
The whole question of money is one which makes many of us feel uncomfortable. Really… how much do we need to live comfortably? What is a reasonable lifestyle for a Christian today? What we can afford is not necessarily what God desires for us. The Bible doesn’t give us a simplistic formula for managing our finances. That’s our challenge! But it does give a lot of principles and good advice. Today we will mine some of the nuggets from the book of Proverbs which alert us to the dangers of wealth, and give us practical guidance about how to handle money wisely and generously. True wealth will never be found in an investment portfolio or a bank account, but in a relationship with Jesus Christ “who for our sakes became poor that we might become rich”.
How Can We Experience Life?
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, it is finally time for Israel to take possession of the land promised to their ancestors. But before they go into the land, Moses speaks to them, reminding them that they have a choice. They must choose between life and death. Join us as we listen to what Moses has to say, and hear him urge his people to choose life. Let us be reminded that we also face a choice in our lives, a choice with life or death consequences. Which will you choose?
The Power Of Words
History is littered with examples of the power of words. Famous speeches, heartfelt letters, words of comfort , biting criticism… The results of our words can last a lifetime, for better or for worse, and don’t we know it! In the book of Proverbs we find much wise advice about how we should and shouldn’t speak in many different contexts of life. This wisdom is startlingly practical and embarrassingly convicting. Luke 6:45 states: “Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks”. Ultimately what we say betrays who we really are. To be able to control our tongues requires more than will-power. It needs “heart surgery”. And only the Holy Spirit can change us in this way so that our words consistently honour God and build up others.
Khai Tan: Are your good deeds good enough?
We often think of ourselves as good people. Yet, we often fail. We feel bad. Most religions tell us to do better next time. We hope that our own efforts will give us credit before God. The Bible teaches us the exact opposite. In this passage, Paul uses his own life to show the foolishness of relying on our own merits to gain God’s favour. Jesus, the Son of God is the only perfect person ever lived. And He wants to OFFER YOU PERFECTION and a NEW LIFE if you follow Him. No more trying on your own. No more shame. No more guilt. What’s your response today?
The Marks of a True Friend
As the modern world becomes more and more “connected” through social media, there is a paradoxical increase in loneliness. More and more people today are looking for friends, even virtual friendships through online sites. God made us to live in relationships and enjoy the company of friends. In the book of Proverbs there is some excellent practical advice about how we should relate to one another as friends, and in today’s message Pastor Murray explores some of this teaching. However, there is only one person who can be the perfect Friend. Jesus referred to Himself as “the friend of sinners” and He proved this by dying for us. In the words of the old hymn: “What a friend we have in Jesus”! Is He your friend? He’s inviting you today!
Greg Beaumont: A wonderful picture of Christian relationship
Philemon is one of those books of the bible that you’d be forgiven for wondering “how on earth can I apply this to my life?” or even “what is this book doing in the bible in the first place?” But when you piece the story together about a runaway slave turn Christian returning to his old Christian master with a letter from the Apostle Paul – you might be surprised by what can be learnt about Christian relationships and the grace that empowers them.
Giving God our Leftovers
Our lives are often busy and full to the brim. We have a myriad of responsibilities to attend to, and a never ending choice of entertainment options. Too often we wonder how we are going to get everything done. Listen as Pastor Dave shares from Malachi 1:6-14 about the dangers of offering God our leftovers.
David Lamont: 2016 – It’s all about Jesus
New Year’s resolutions fail. Permanent and lasting change only comes through Jesus, because he is supreme in everything and gives the power to change. Indeed, the whole universe, time etc. including our lives is not about us, but about Him, and about God’s plan to bring us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Our response to this is to live accordingly based on the hope we have in the gospel and surrender every aspect of our lives to Him.
A Great Resolution…
The New Year for many is a time for planning, preparation and new resolutions. Listen as Pastor Dave looks at what we might learn from the Apostle Paul’s great resolution in Philippians 3:7-14.