Welcome to the City North Baptist sermon archive! We offer most sermons online within a week of the message being given.
How rich we are!
In this message we begin a new series on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. He launches immediately into what one writer calls a “golden chain” of spiritual blessings that ought to thrill the heart of every Christian. How humbling it is to know that we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and given a glimpse of God’s eternal purposes! And there are more in the next few verses! May these wonderful truths drive us to our knees in gratitude and…
The King Commands Attention
For centuries the Jews had longed for a Messiah-King to save them as a nation. Finally the day came when Jesus presented Himself to them as that King. But what sort of king? A humble King riding on a donkey, yet a fearless King who would overthrow the whole broken religious system. King Jesus reigned from the cross five days later, and He still reigns in the lives of everyone who will receive Him by faith today. Matthew 21:1-22
Fear, Forgiveness and favour
Listen as we consider the experience of Joseph’s brothers who went from a place of fear to a place of favour in the presence of the brother they had sinned against. As those who have sinned against a powerful and holy God, let us remember that forgiveness is the path from fear to favour. Genesis 42-45
Gospel Shaped Greatness
Our culture celebrates greatness and high achievement in every sphere of life. As Jesus address the issue of greatness, he turns things completely upside down. Gospel-shaped greatness is the polar opposite of worldly greatness. It follows the pattern set by Jesus who gave his life up for others. Matthew 20:17-34
Almost a Wasted Life (Samson)
What should we make of a man like Samson? Incredibly talented, empowered by the Spirit of God, yet deeply flawed in so many ways. In this message Pastor Murray gives us a glimpse of his “playboy ” lifestyle and eventual downfall. But we also see how God chose to use him despite his many failings to deliver his Israelite people from the torment of the Philistines. Samson’s story gives hope to all those who have wasted the best part of…
Too big to get in
Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler reminds us that eternal life belongs to those come to Jesus like children, trusting not in themselves, but in the God who does the impossible. Matthew 19:13-3
Too Much Forgiveness
We all want God to be loving and merciful and compassionate toward us, but sometimes it can be hard to swallow when it is directed toward those who we think don’t deserve it. This was what Jonah struggled to come to terms with. In one sense, forgiveness is never “fair”, but God is can forgive whomever he chooses, no matter what they’ve done. Jonah 4
Worth the Wait
The writer of Psalm 130 puts their hope for mercy, in the word of God; His character, His promises, and His commands. Knowing God will keep His word, enables God’s people to wait with joy for God’s salvation to be revealed. We are urged to do the same. Having seen God’s salvation through Jesus, we too must put our hope in His word, waiting for His return. God is worth the wait. Psalm 130
Learning To Trust God … Patiently
Among the many godly women in the Bible, Sarah is specifically mentioned for her faith in the book of Hebrews. But her journey with God was a bumpy one, as we see in today’s message. Over 25 long years she waited …. and waited …. and waited, until finally God fulfilled His scientifically impossible promise and enabled her to have a baby! Her laugh of unbelief became a laugh of joy. Perhaps you have been waiting for God to answer…
Why Worry About Worry?
Anxiety is arguably the no.1 cause of ill-health in Australia today. Worry about finances, employment, illness, relationships, family, fashion, peer pressure etc. sap the joy of so many of us. So how should we handle our worries? Jesus uses two simple illustrations from everyday life, birds and flowers, to point us to the answer. Who cares for them? Of course, God does. And he cares even more for us! The question is, are we prepared to trust Him with our…
Going The Distance In The Life Of Faith
As we begin a new year with all its hopes and uncertainties, God calls us to keep on faithfully living for Him. One man who exemplified this was the apostle Paul. And in Philippians 3 he gives us a snapshot of his life – his early life, his conversion to Christianity, and how he pressed on as a Christian over many years. Clearly his personal encounter with Christ was life-changing. Whatever our age or stage of life, let us be…
A Unique Baby
Millions of babies are born every year around the world. Billions have been born throughout history. But one baby born 2000 years ago was unlike any other baby ever born. The birth of Jesus was absolutely unique, but why? Listen in as Pastor Murray shares with us three special reasons that help us understand the true meaning of Christmas, and make it relevant to each of us personally. John 1:1-5 and 1 John 1:1-4