Sermons from April 2017

Sermons from April 2017

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.

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.

Test the spirits

In tonight’s passage, John urges us to test all teaching we hear and he gives us a framework by which we can discern between truth and error.

Agony in the garden

Today, on the east side of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives, there is a grove of olive trees. The original Garden of Gethsemane was somewhere in this vicinity, and it was here that Jesus prayed the night before His death. And what a gut-wrenching prayer. Two things stand out about this incident: firstly, the immensity of the pain Jesus was going through that night, and secondly, his unwavering commitment to fully obey His Father’s will. In order to begin to understand the message of the cross, both of these truths are essential. As Jesus “tasted” the cup of God’s wrath His agony was very real. But why did he did he have to drink it? It was for you and for me. That’s why!