Sermons from May 2017
Refugees to slaves
As we begin the story of Exodus, we encounter three themes which set the scene for the rest of the story: God’s promises, Pharaoh’s opposition, and Israel’s pain. These themes help us understand how the story of Exodus has become the story for all Christians.
A broken relationship restored
Relationships are an essential part of life. We are created as social beings. Yet how often do we see relationships break down – marriages, families, neighbours, workmates, long-term friends, fellow Christians in the church… and so on. In today’s passage we see the great apostle Paul discussing his severely damaged relationship with the folk in the church at Corinth. Clearly, he was deeply affected by this breakdown between them. How did he deal with it? How did they respond? What can we learn? Listen in as Pastor Murray unpacks this chapter and challenges us to consider more carefully the state of our relationships in light of it.
Mark Hockey: Hope for salvation, perspective to persevere
How can Christians live amidst trials and suffering in life? By setting our eyes on Jesus for our hope, our strength, and our salvation to come.
Who cares about holiness?
Mention the word “holiness” and you can be sure to stir some debate. Sure, there are some wrong views among Christians as to what it means to be holy. But correctly understood, holiness is to be a major goal of every Christian. As Hebrews 12:14 puts it: “… without holiness no one will see the Lord”. But why is holiness so important? And what does holiness look like in practice? In today’s message Pastor Murray unpacks these sorts of questions, helping us to see more clearly that as God’s holy people we are fundamentally different from the world around us. We are set apart to live distinctively for Him, and this inevitably affects our relationships and partnerships with those who don’t share our faith. That may seem tough… but it’s necessary.
Fitting praise
Listen as the Psalmist gives us three reasons why it is fitting that we praise God. May we always remember just how worthy of praise God is.
One amazing woman!
There are countless would-be female role models held up to us by the world of entertainment, sport, politics, the media and more. But what sort of woman does God hold up today as worth copying? Well, actually she was described 3000 years ago in Proverbs 31. Interestingly we are told nothing about her looks or sex appeal. But what a woman she was! No wonder she is “worth more than rubies”, “clothed with dignity and strength”, and worthy of praise. In many ways she has similarities to the 21st century working woman. But what’s her secret? Her role as a wife and mother, her relationships with others, her work and… well, everything about her revolves around her love and respect for God. O for more godly women like her today!
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.