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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.
Daily assurance
John closes his letter with a reminder of the daily assurances that all Christians can have.
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.
Greg Beaumont: No doubt
We live in a world where doubt is the default state. We are told that nothing can be truly be known. John pushes us to see that Christian’s have no reason for doubt by describing true faith in three areas – its origin, its object and its outflows. Finally, he wraps up by describing the witnesses for Christian faith. In all this he shows us that Christians can know for sure that we will inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Paul Minter: Reflections on mission
After spending 25 years translating the Bible, Paul Minter reflects on how the Bible portrays mission and God’s call to mission.
Encountering God’s love
The Apostle John encountered the extraordinary love of God on that first Easter. From his writings, it is clear that he never got over just how amazing God’s love for us is. On Easter Sunday, let John remind us again of the extraordinary, life changing love of God.
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.