Sermons from January 2015
Australians or Aliens?
Listen as Pastor Dave shares from 1 Peter about what it means for Christians to live as strangers and aliens in this world.
Making Things Right
The Bible is clear that our relationship with God has been broken by sin. The first verses of Leviticus give us an insight into what is required for this relationship to be fixed, Ultimately they point us to Jesus, the only one who can fix this relationship once and for all.
Fair dinkum or phoney?
The Christian “brand” these days is marketed by high-profile, so-called celebrity Christians – well-known public figures (sporting stars, movie stars, rock singers, even politicians) who claim to be Christians. In fact, there are many people who are happy to identify as “Christian” because it seems cool. But what does a genuine disciple actually look like? Fortunately Jesus answered this question for us 2000 years ago. According to Jesus, there are a number of specific indicators that distinguish those who are real disciples from those who are fake. In this message Pastor Murray looks at several passages that spell these out. Warning: expect to be challenged.
Passing on what is important to the next generation
If you could pass on one thing to the next generation what would it be? The reality is there is so much that we could pass on to the next generation. But what are the key things, the important things that matter to us, that we feel should be passed on? Listen as Pastor Dave looks at Psalm 78:1-8 on passing on what is important to the next generation.
Planning Properly
This time of year brings with it the chance to sit down and plan the year ahead. Most of us who are planners may have already done this exercise for 2015 and beyond. The bible tells us it is wise and proper to make plans, but that we must do so with a proper biblical understanding of time, and with the right perspective in mind. Listen as Pastor Dave shares from James 4 about how we can plan properly in 2015.
Suffering & serving in a “me first” world
Humility is not natural to 99% of people. And if it is, then usually we assume the reason is some sort of inferiority complex or psychological deficiency. Some form of pride lurks beneath the surface in every one of us, and this respect the disciples of Jesus were no different to us (as we see in today’s passage). Jesus seized this moment to teach them just how totally opposite His values are compared with the self-promoting, self-seeking values of the world. His followers are to embrace a life and lifestyle of personal suffering and serving others, just like He himself demonstrated when He went to the cross. But what does this look like in practice? Listen in as Pastor Murray helps us understand how to live as a servant of Jesus in today’s “me first” world.
The Struggle To Obey When God Calls
What are your plans for the future? Your career … your finances … your family etc.? According to tonight’s passage, careful planning has its limits, because God may have other ideas. Moses was in a comfortable groove, but God called him to take on a totally unexpected and scary challenge. Moses tried one excuse after another, till finally in desperation he said to God: “…please send someone else to do it”. But God wasn’t interested in his excuses. In so many ways we can be just like Moses when God comes calling. We convince ourselves that He is wrong and our plans are better. But when God calls, He also provides all we need to do the job He is asking. What is God asking of you today? Are you ready, willing and available?
Being Content In A Money-driven World
Jesus always called His followers to resist the temptation to passively conform to the lifestyle and values of the culture in which we live. This peer pressure is no more apparent than in the area of consumerism and materialism. In an age of science, reason and skepticism, it’s not cool to believe in a God you cannot see and touch. So modern man has substituted the God of the Bible with the god of money (and the possessions and comforts that money can buy). Jesus powerfully shows how pathetically futile it is to worship and serve this god, who never ultimately delivers. How much better it is to reject the lure of “things”, and find our contentment in the One who knows our needs and fully provides for those who trust in Him.