Sermons from March 2022
Found in Christ
Galatians 3:23-29 Whether or not we speak in these terms, every human being is on a search for our “true self.” But the Bible makes it clear that our search will always be futile while we remain disconnected from God. The key to discovering our true self is to understand who we are in Christ. In him, we truly find ourselves.
Joyful Worship
Deuteronomy 12-16 As the nation of Israel prepares to enter the land promised to them by Yahweh, Moses reveals to them various laws for righteous living that they must abide by. While a bit strange at first glance, these laws have much to teach us about worship. Specifically, who we are to worship, where worship takes place, and how we are to worship.
When the going gets tough …
1 Peter 5:5-11 When was the last time you felt some level of ‘persecution’ for your faith? Have you ever? For the recipients of this letter, it was a way of life. So these words from Peter were particularly relevant, challenging and encouraging. As Australia becomes less tolerant of Christians and a Christian viewpoint, we have to learn how to respond in a way that is humble, brave and uncompromising, but thoroughly true to who we are as God’s faithful…
By Grace Alone
Deuteronomy 9:1-11:32 Once in the Promised Land, Israel would be tempted to boast that they had somehow earned the blessings they were experiencing. Moses warns the people against such boasting, reminding them of the ways they have sinned. If they deserve anything, it’s God’s judgement. The land, then, is given by grace. They receive blessing not because of their righteousness, but in spite of their unrighteousness. We are no different. Once dead in our sin, we are now blessed through…
The Christian Leaders we really need
1 Peter 5:1-4 There are all sorts of spiritual gifts, skills and attributes that Christian leaders bring to the task of shepherding God’s flock, but as the church faces increasing opposition, Peter tells us what kind of leaders we really need to help us stand firm in the faith.
A tale of two sinners
Luke 7:36-50 Someone said there are only two types of people in this world: sinners who admit it and sinners who don’t. Whatever our lives look like, the one great certainty is that we all ‘fall short of God’s glory’ and we all need God’s forgiveness. But do we realise that? It’s very possible to have a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude like the Pharisee in the story, and miss the overflowing joy that comes when we appreciate how much we owe to…
20220306PM
1 Peter 4:12-19 As we begin the book of 1 Peter, the apostle writes to persecuted Christians, instructing them how to live lives as “Elect Exiles” in a world that is not their home, encouraging them to live lives that glorify Christ, and that despite their circumstances, the joy and peace of Christ are available.
Warning: Dangers ahead
Deuteronomy 6:10 – 8:20 Living as God’s people in any era has involved hazards and dangers. For the Israelites entering the Promised Land this would be especially so, and Moses warns them in these verses of four particular dangers: forgetfulness (of God, his laws and his goodness to them), compromise (spiritual and moral), fear (of the enemies they would face), and pride (in taking the credit for their achievements). As we live for Christ in these challenging times, let us…