Sermons by Murray Lean
Murray Lean
New life – New lifestyle (part 2)
Ephesians 5:1-20 Flowing on from the previous chapter, this message continues to give practical advice about how to live as a Christian. Paul makes it clear that there will be times when the Christian lifestyle needs to be distinctly different from those around us, especially in the area of sexual morality. And as we “walk in the light”, simply obeying God’s word, the sins of society will inevitably be exposed. Our part is to consistently and carefully take the opportunities…
Peace be with you
Luke 24:36-49 Try to imagine how the disciples were feeling by Sunday morning after the crucifixion of Jesus. Without doubt they would have been scared, confused, and exhausted mentally and emotionally. It’s no wonder they were behind locked doors trying make sense of everything that had been happening. Then all of a sudden Jesus appeared before,speaking these words: “Peace be with you … why are you troubled?”. There’s nothing like a good resurrection to restore peace to a troubled life!…
Two ways of seeing the death of Jesus
Matthew 26-27 How are Christians supposed to feel about the death of Jesus … sad? angry? happy? In this message Pastor Murray explores this question. Certainly the events leading to the crucifixion are excruciating. The graphic nature of the gospel accounts is meant to fill us with horror. What Jesus suffered on our behalf was unbelievably cruel. But there was a divine twist to this cruelty. In the tragedy of the cross, God was defeating Satan and opening the way…
New life – New lifestyle
Ephesians 4:17-32 What difference does becoming a Christian actually make? A massive difference according to the apostle Paul. And in today’s passage he explains what actually happens when a person comes to Christ. Along with a changing of our heart (attitudes) and the renewing of our mind (thinking), we begin living a whole new lifestyle. With the help of the Holy Spirit we “put off” the old sinful habits of the past and “put on” the new qualities of holiness.…
Praying for God’s Power
Ephesians 3:14-21 Most people have a “shopping list” approach to prayer (a literal or mental list). That’s fine, but what’s on that list? When Paul thought about the people in the church at Ephesus, many thoughts must have come to mind, but what he prayed for them in these verses is unexpected and very profound ……God’s power, God’s love, and the full measure of God’s presence within their lives. Compared with our puny, often self-centred prayers, I wonder what difference…
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
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…
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