How is adoption the climax of the Bible and the ultimate blessing of Christianity? This week we look at our last and ultimate Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Adoption – Sinners Made God’s Sons. We see from Galatians 3:23-4:7 that in Christ, we are adopted as God’s sons so that we may live as His children.
Passage: Galatians 3:23-4:7
What do you need to see real, long-term change in your life? Just trying harder won’t do it. Guilt and shame won’t work long-term. It’s only God’s grace that can do it… This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Redemption – Sinners Bought by God. We see from Titus 2:11-14 that in Jesus, God paid the price to redeem us from sin so we live for Him, able to turn away from sin and grow in Godliness by his grace.
Passage: Tiitus 2:11-14, Deuteronomy 7:6-11
If you’re united to Jesus by faith, then you get a new life now and a new body in the future. In our new life we consider ourselves as dead to sin and we conduct ourselves by presenting ourselves to God as instruments for doing righteousness. This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Resurrection – Raised from death to eternal life. We see from Romans 6:1-14 that because Jesus has been raised from the dead, we’ve been given new life to live for Him.
Passage: Romans 6:1-14
Starting over with a clean slate is a wonderful thing. But the problem with a clean slate is that you can mess it up again pretty quick! When it comes to our relationship with God we need something better than a clean slate… This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Imputation – Jesus’ Righteousness is Mine. We are going to see from Philippians 3:1-11 that God counts us as righteous in Jesus through faith, not through anything we do.
Passage: Philippians 3:1-11
Justification can feel like a negative word. Afterall, people are always trying to justify themselves. But for Christians, justification is a beautiful word. Justification is what God has done for us through his Son Jesus. This week we see from Romans 4 that it is not we who justifies ourselves, but God who justifies us through faith. Knowing that we are justified by faith we are free to admit our mistakes, trusting in God who justifies us by faith in Christ.
Passage: Romans 4
It’s an awful feeling when someone is angry with you. It’s even worse when you deserve it. But what can we do if God is angry with us and we deserve it? This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Propitiation – God’s Anger Turned Away. We are going to see from Romans 3:21-26 that God’s anger towards us in our sin is completely turned away by Jesus’ death so that we can enjoy God’s love.
Passage: Romans 3:21-26, Numbers 16:41-50
God has done everything needed to save you from hell. All you have to do is receive the gift. This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Salvation – Sinners Saved from Hell. We are going to see from Ephesians 2:1-10 that we were dead in our sin and destined for hell but through Jesus God saved us and gave us life to live for Him.
Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10
How would it feel to have someone who is willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect you? Someone to take your place? This week we look at our next Big Word in God’s Big Plan: Substitution – Jesus Takes our Place. We are going to see from Galatians 3:10-14 that Jesus takes the curse in our place so that we might receive the blessing of forgiveness through faith.
Passage: Galatians 3:10-14
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
How closely would you listen to someone’s last words? This week we hear Paul’s last words from 2 Timothy 3:10-4:22 and we are encouraged to endure to the end, holding fast to God’s word and teaching it to others, because we can have confidence in God’s presence, strengthening and promise.
Passage: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:22
Are you in spiritual danger? Do you need to run? This week we hear Paul sound the alarm in 2 Timothy 2:14-3:9 that we need to get out of danger by fleeing false teaching and trivial arguments and pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.
Passage: 2 Timothy 2:14-3:9
Living for God can mean being called to endure difficult things. We can find the strength for these things in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This week we see from 2 Timothy 2 the call to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and be willing to endure everything for the sake of the gospel.
Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
When the time comes, will you speak up and stand for your faith? This week we see from 2 Timothy 1:1-18 that we should not be ashamed of the gospel but share in suffering because God has saved us by grace, called us to follow Him and empowers us by His Holy Spirit.
Passage: 2 Timothy 1:1-18
The best version of life for us is the healthy Christian life. This is a life of Godliness with contentment. This week we see from 1 Timothy 6:3-21 what is involved in a good and healthy Christian life.
Passage: 1 Timothy 6:3-21
What is most important to your family? If an outsider was looking in, what would they say? What about what’s most important to our church family? Watch our in-person service from Sunday 11 August 2024 as see from 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2 how as a church family in Jesus, we please God and honour Him before others by treating one another with godly honour.
Passage: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2
Teaching matters. Because we have our hope set on the living God, we are to watch out lives and doctrine closely. From 1 Timothy 4 that we are to teach the truth, teach what’s important, and teach with integrity.
Passage: 1 Timothy 4
God’s household needs godly Leaders. Godliness is for every Christian which is why we should see Godliness in those who represent the Church. This week we see from 1 Timothy 3 the qualities which come together to make for a Godly Character
Passage: 1 Timothy 3
Did you know that how we live together as God’s people affects our prayers? This week we see from 1 Timothy 2 how as those saved by God’s grace to us in Jesus, we are to pray together for all people, living in quiet, dignified godliness according to our roles as men and women.
Passage: 1 Timothy 2
You’re in danger of spiritual shipwreck. How? This week we see how 1 Timothy 1 call us not to let our faith be shipwrecked by false teaching, but to hold fast to the gospel that leads to love.
Passage: 1 Timothy 1
Do you talk to yourself? Maybe you should… This week we see how Psalm 103 helps us remind ourselves of the goodness and graciousness of God.
Passage: Psalm 103
Don’t you love a story of a good leader giving himself to save his people? This week we see how the surprising ending to 2 Samuel in chapter 24 shows us what true repentance looks like and points us forward to confidently repent to and rejoice in our better king.
Passage: 2 Samuel 24
How can we have confidence in God’s love when our lives are such a mix of good and bad? Can we come to God with the same scandalous confidence as David? This week we see from 2 Samuel 22:1-23:7 how because of His promise, the LORD saves his king and all who take refuge in Him.
Passage: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:7
King David returns across the Jordan river to Israel, Jerusalem, and home. What is this returned King like. This week we see from 2 Samuel 17-20 King David returns with compassion and forgiveness.
Passage: 2 Samuel 17-20
Is sin really so bad? Does our sin really matter for others? And if it’s so bad, what hope do we have? This week we see from 2 Samuel 13-16 that sin ALWAYS has disastrous consequences for us and for others, and leaves us longing for a better king who truly can save us.
Passage: 2 Samuel 13-16
How can we wait patiently when God’s promises seem so long in coming? This week we see from 2 Samuel 7 how God’s great promises to David were fulfilled beyond expectation 1000 years later in Jesus, God’s promised king, and how that gives us hope to wait patiently for God’s promises and cry out to Him in prayer.
Passage: 2 Samuel 7
Uzzah, one of the cart drivers, lies dead next to the Ark. What went wrong? This week we see from 2 Samuel 6 how God’s king leads us in learning to fear God and praise him together.
Passage: 2 Samuel 6
We just need to read the news to see that our world and our nation are a mess. If we’re honest, our own lives are full of mess too. Is there any real hope amidst all the mess of our fallen world? This week we see from 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5 how we can live with real hope because even in the mess of our broken world, God is faithful to keep his promises through His King.
Passage: 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5
Passage: Psalm 22
Passage: Leviticus 16
Passage: Hebrews 1:1-2:4
Passage: Mark 16:1-8
Passage: Mark 15:16-41
Are you weary and tired? Feeling burdened? Labouring under a heavy load? This week we see from Matthew 11:20-30 how Jesus, the Gentle King who truly reveals the Father, pronounces judgment on those who reject Him but gives real rest to those who come to Him.
Passage: Matthew 11:20-30
What do we do when we are struggling with doubt? This week we see from Matthew 11:1-19 that in the midst of our doubt, we can come to Jesus and see that He truly is the Messiah, God’s promised king.
Passage: Matthew 11:1-19
True or False? Jesus didn’t come to bring peace, but division. This week we see from Matthew 10:34-42 that Jesus brings division between those who find life by receiving and following Him above all and those who reject Him and face death.
Passage: Matthew 10:34-42
When we talk to people about Jesus not everyone is going to welcome you. You may find yourself in some uncomfortable situations. Be Alert. But Don’t be Afraid. Be wise. Be Innocent
Passage: Matthew 10:16-33
How can ordinary people like us share Jesus with those around us? In fact, why should we? This week we see from Matthew 9:36-10:15 that Jesus equips and sends his disciples to continue his mission of proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of Heaven.
Passage: Matthew 9:36-10:15
How can you tell when the world is changing? This week we see from Matthew 9:14-35 that Jesus has come to make things a new, bringing the Kingdom of Heaven and new life for all those who come to him.
Passage: Matthew 9:14-35
Why does Jesus describe himself like a doctor? This week we see from Matthew 9:1-13 that Jesus has come to call and forgive sinners, so come to Him.
Passage: Matthew 9:1-13
What is the focus of your life? This week we see from Matthew 8:18-34 how Jesus’ Ultimate Authority calls for our Ultimate Focus, Ultimate Allegiance and Ultimate Trust.
Passage: Matthew 8:18-34
Where can you put your hope when modern medicine fails? This week we see from Matthew 8:1-17 how we can come to Jesus, the one who has authority and power to heal.
Passage: Matthew 8:1-17
Does Jesus stand up under the assault of intellectual critique? This week we see from Mark 11:27-12:27 how Jesus shows his enduring authority by defeating ignorance, scepticism, autonomy and even defeat itself.
Passage: Mark 11:27-12:27
Would you like to have a full-time bodyguard who could keep you safe from any danger? This week we see from Psalm 121 that no matter what we face in life, we can be confident in the Lord’s help because of Jesus.
Passage: Psalm 121
Have you ever longed for someone who truly knows you and understands what you’re going through? This week we see from Pslam 139 that because God truly knows us and is with us through his king Jesus, even in trouble and suffering we can be amazed, be comforted, praise Him and cry out to Him for help.
Passage: Psalm 139
Have you ever wished for a REAL new start? Not just the change of date on a calendar, but something more… This week we see from Luke 2:21-40 how Jesus has come as the perfect, law-keeping, God honouring human to reveal our hearts and redeem all those who put their faith in Him.
Passage: Luke 2:21-40
Merry Christmas! For sure there are a lot of things that are merry about Christmas but Christmas can also be hard. It can be a time of anxiety, stress and sadness. But Jesus has come to turn the world upside down, by putting it right-side up! This Christmas Day we see from Luke 2:1-20 that Christmas is about Jesus turning the world upside down by bringing real Joy and Peace to all who trust in Him.
Passage: Luke 2:1-20
Christmas is about God showing his mercy and grace to us by keeping his promises. This week we see from Luke 1:57-80 how God shows his mercy to us in Jesus.
Passage: Luke 1:57-80
Christmas isn’t just about a nice story of a cute baby laid in a manger surrounded by cute and fluffy animals. Christmas is about a revolution. About the world being turned upside down. This week we see from Luke 1:26-56 how Jesus, God’s promisied king, is going turns the world upside down by blessing and exalting those who trust in Him for salvation.
Passage: Luke 1:26-56
The Christmas story as told in the Bible is true. And the best way to help people with Christmas and with life is to read the Bible with them. This week we see from Luke 1:1-25 that Christmas is a message of God reversing the lives of people.
Passage: Luke 1:1-25
You either follow God’s King or you don’t. Following God’s King does not mean no pain. This week we see from 1 Samuel 27-31 that we should follow God’s faithful King if you seek forgiveness of sins and the comfort of the Lord in times of trouble.
Passage: 1 Samuel 27-31
Passage: 1 Samuel 18-26
Things aren’t always what they appear. Sometimes God is working in ways that we can’t see. This week we see from 1 Samuel 16 that we see the outward appearances, but God sees the heart and his faithful plans for his people.
Passage: 1 Samuel 16
How can the fall of an ancient Israelite king expose the darkness of our own hearts, show us what it looks like to really repent and point us to Jesus, the better king? This week we see from the Story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15 how because we and our leaders deserve God’s judgment for our failure to obey his commands, we need a better king.
Passage: 1 Samuel 15
We can’t always see what’s going on behind the scenes. When things seem out of control, God is still faithful to his promises and still working to save his people. This week we see from the Story of Saul in 1 Samuel 9-12 how even though we reject God’s rule, He is faithful to his promises and works to save his people for His name’s sake.
Passage: 1 Samuel 9-12
Would you trade in a brand new Ferrari for a beat up old Corolla? No way! But sometimes, we don’t realise how good we’ve got it and we trade what is good for something worse. But the ultimate tragedy is that we all do this with God. This week we hear from 1 Samuel 8 how rejecting God’s rule always leads to slavery, suffering and loss, but coming under the good rule of God’s king means life.
Passage: 1 Samuel 8
Do we treat God like a cosmic vending machine, existing to satisfy our desires, instead of the mighty creator of the universe? Ancient Israel did, and look where it got them… This week we see from 1 Samuel 4:1-7:13 how the Lord is mighty in judgment against those who treat Him lightly, but mighty to save those who call on Him.
Passage: 1 Samuel 4:1-7:13
Why is it so important to listen closely to the Lord and hear what He says? This week we see from 1 Samuel 2:12-3:21 how God brings down the wicked who refuse to hear him but raises up his prophet, pointing us to the Lord Jesus and calling us to hear Him.
Passage: 1 Samuel 2:12-3:21
What do you do when you are helpless? This week we start our series through 1 Samuel and see from 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 how God saves those who humbly cry out to Him.
Passage: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11
Can we expect life to ever get better than this? This week we hear from guest preacher Rev. Glen Perkins from Miles-Roma how God’s people expect the full and perfect restoration they long for because we remember the great things he has done.
Passage: Psalm 126
Paul acknowledges many people who are committed to Gospel work and service. They are from different nations, male and female, rich and poor, slaves and free. These folk are ‘in Christ’ and hold to the unity of the Gospel teaching.
Passage: Romans chapter 16 verses 1-23
We know that now is the time to love our neighbour in the community and in the Church. But what are the actions of love? Here we learn about the link between the Law and Love. And we’re directed to love because we live in the light of day. This is Gospel love.
Passage: Romans 13:8-14
How should Christians relate to the Government? Watch our in-person service from Sunday 13 August 2023 as we see from Romans 13:1-7 how, as those who are being transformed in Christ, we submit to the authorities that God has established to reward good and punish evil.
Passage: Romans 13:1-7
We all love stories of good triumphing over evil but did you know we are called to triumph over evil in our everyday lives together? In fact, the way we do this might surprise you… This week we see from Romans 12:9-21 how, being transformed in Christ, we overcome evil with good in our daily life together as God’s people by loving one another and others, even our enemies, with genuine love.
Passage: Romans 12:9-21
Did you know belonging in a community can actually improve your health? It’s no surprise then that God’s good design for us includes belonging together as a community in Jesus. This week we see from Romans 12:3-8 how, belonging to one another as one body in Christ, Paul calls each of us to think of ourselves accurately, using our gifts to humbly serve together.
Passage: Romans 12:3-8
Does God keep His promises? Yes! But what about Israel? Has He failed them? No way! We just haven’t seen the end of the story yet… This week we see from Romans 11 that God has not rejected Israel, nor have they stumbled beyond recovery, but they are still part of his plan to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the good news of Jesus. So as Gentiles grafted in, we must consider his sternness, continue in his kindness, and praise him for his rich mercy.
Passage: Romans 11
Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-9
Leviticus tells us how a holy God can live with the unholy people he loves. Sadly, everything in God’s good creation has been made unclean by the stain of sin. We need to know this. And we need to know what must be done to cleanse the unclean.
Passage: Leviticus 11-15
Passage: Genesis 2:18-25
How is it possible for a holy God to live with sinful people? It’s difficult and costly. We need a mediator who will perform the right atoning sacrifices and then bring us to God. This is what must be done so the Lord can be present with us.
Passage: Leviticus 8-10
If our salvation depends on God’s merciful choice, does our faith matter? Should we bother sharing the gospel with others? This week we see from Romans 9:30-10:21 how we are responsible to believe and to share the good news because in the gospel, God holds out his hands to offer salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus, rather than relying on their own righteousness.
Passage: Romans 9:30-10:21
Can we be sure we can trust God to keep his promises to us? What about God’s promises to his chosen people, Israel? Have God’s promises failed? This week we see from Romans 9:1-33 how God’s promises have not failed, nor is he unjust, because salvation depends on God showing mercy to those he has chosen. Far from undermining our confidence, understanding God’s merciful choice humbles us and gives us a deeper confidence in our sovereign God.
Passage: Romans 9:1-33
How would it change your life if you had rock-solid hope, no matter what happens to you? This week we see from Romans 8:18-39 how as we groan in our present suffering, those who are called according to God’s purpose hope in glory, assured that nothing will separate us from his love.
Passage: Romans 8:18-39
What does it really look like when the Holy Spirit works in our lives? This week we see from Romans 8:1-17 how the Spirit of Christ lives in us, setting us free from sin and death, giving us life and guaranteeing that we are God’s children through faith in Jesus.
Passage: Romans 8:1-18
No matter how hard we try rules and laws can’t produce real, lasting heart change. We need something better… This week we see from Romans 7:1-25 how God’s good law exposes and arouses the sinfulness of our hearts but Jesus Christ our Lord delivers us from the power of sin and the body of death.
Passage: Romans 7:1-25
You’re gonna have to serve somebody. Who will it be? Will you serve sin leading to shame and death? Or will you live in the freedom God gives us to serve Him in righteousness leading to holiness and eternal life? This week we see from Romans 6:15-23 that we have been set free from slavery to sin, leading to death, to live as obedient slaves to righteousness leading to life.
Passage: Romans 6:15-23
Is grace dangerous? Does more grace just lead to more sin? This week we see from Romans 6:1-14 how grace is actually the best motivator to put off sin and live for God as Paul calls us to be true to our (new) selves as those who are united to Christ in his death and resurrection by not letting sin reign in our lives but offering every part of ourselves to God.
Passage: Romans 6:1-14
Can Jesus’ one obedient life really deal with the countless disobedient lives of all of us? This week we see from Romans 5:12-21 how through Adam’s disobedience death reigned over all, but through Jesus’ obedience as our representative all who receive his gift reign in life.
Passage: Romans 5:12-21
How is it possible for a holy God to live with sinful people? Leviticus gives us the legal detail
of how worship is to be done in and around the Tabernacle. This worship focusses on an
atonement which is pleasing to the Lord God. This is what must be done so the Lord can
draw near to us.
Passage: Leviticus Chapter 1
Some things aren’t optional extras. They are ESSENTIALS. This Easter Sunday we see from 1 Corinthians 15:1-26 that the resurrection of Jesus is absolutely ESSENTIAL for us to have true hope, so we should hold fast to the gospel.
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-26
Those who belong to God the Father’s family trust in the family history. A history which includes Jesus, the Son of God, dying on the cross for my sins. A precious exchange where one of God’s family gives up his life for the others in God’s family. Are you part of God’s Family?
Passage: 1 John 1:1 – 2:2
How can we be absolutely, 100% sure that God loves us? Because Jesus died for us, even when we were his enemies. If we trust Him, we can be sure. This week we see from Romans 5:6-11 that God demonstrates the greatness of his love through Jesus’ death for his enemies, reconciling us to Him and guaranteeing our future salvation.
Passage: Romans 5:6-11
It’s time to stop and admire the view. After working hard in chapters 1-4 of Romans it’s time to simply savour and enjoy the benefits of being justified through faith in Jesus. This week we stop to enjoy from Romans 5:1-5 that through Jesus, we are loved by God and enjoy his peace, grace, hope and Spirit.
Passage: Romans 5:1-5
What does it really mean to have saving faith? This week we see from Romans 4 how Paul looks at faith in the lives of Abraham and David, to show us that the God who gives life to the dead will credit righteousness to all who believe God’s promises, not counting our sins against us.
Passage: Romans 4:1-25
How can God count unrighteous people like us right before him without compromising his righteousness? This week we see from Romans 3:21-31 how through Jesus’ sacrifice of atonement, God demonstrates his righteousness and graciously declares us righteous through faith.
Passage: Romans 3:21-31
What could leave you in stunned silence before God? This week we see from Romans 3:1-21 how our sin leaves all of us utterly silenced before God and in desperate need of his righteousness now revealed in the gospel.
Passage: Romans 3:1-21
Everyone needs the gospel. Even ‘good’ religious people. This week we see from Romans 2:1-29 how we need the gospel because God’s wrath is being stored up against unrepentant hypocrites who show contempt for his kindness.
Passage: Romans 2:1-29
What do you long for? This week we see from Romans 1:8-17 how because the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe Paul longs to proclaim the gospel in Rome?
Passage: Romans 1:8-17
What is God’s call on your life? It’s actually pretty simple. Through the good news of Jesus God calls you to the obedience of faith. What’s that? This week we see from Romans 1:1-7 how Paul greets the Romans with God’s good news of the risen Jesus, calling all people (you and I included!) to the obedience of faith.
Passage: Romans 1:1-7
What is prayer? Sometimes prayer feels complicated and hard. But it doesn’t need to. This week we see from Matthew 6:5-15 in the first of our series on Prayer how Prayer is simply talking to God as our good and loving Father in heaven. That frees us up to pray simply, boldly and with confidence that God is good.
Passage: Matthew 6:5-15, Matthew 7:7-11
When should love include a warning? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14 that true Christian love reflects the love of our saviour King by seeking to build others up, even when it’s costly. This kind of love will spend itself for one another, warn each other with power, call for examination and strive for joyful peace.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14
Why would you boast about your weaknesses? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13 that because of Jesus we can boast in our weaknesses and suffering because it is in them that we experience God’s power and grace.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13
Talking about money can be a drag. But what if it doesn’t have to be? What if God’s cheerful, sacrificial generosity and grace can transform us to be cheerful, sacrificial and generous too? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 8-9 how God gives us great grace through the gospel that overflows in joyful, sacrificial generosity to others for God’s glory.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 8-9
How do you receive correction? Do you get angry? Defensive? Hurt? Passive aggressive? What if correction could actually lead to joy? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 how correction will always grieve us, but it can be a godly grief that produces repentance and leads to great joy for us and for each other.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
Passage: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1
Sometimes a little perspective can change your life. This week we see from 2 Corinthians 5 how the good news of Jesus gives us a fresh perspective on everything in our lives so that we live to please God and proclaim Jesus in all we do.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 5
Living as a Christian is hard. Sometimes it’s tempting to give up. This week we see from 2 Corinthians 4 that we don’t need to lose heart because God is graciously and powerfully working through us for our good and his glory.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4
Who on Earth is qualified to share such great news as the good news of Jesus with others? Well actually, you are! This week we see from 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18 that we can join the gospel parade to make Jesus known to all with confidence because God makes us sufficient and changes hearts by his Spirit.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18
How can someone live with a clear conscience, even when life doesn’t go according to plan? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13 that by God’s gracious work in our lives, God’s people are to live with gospel integrity that reflects God’s character in every area of our lives. We’ll see how this includes living with a clear conscience, Godly faithfulness, heartfelt love and true forgiveness.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13
What is God doing when you’re suffering? This week we see from 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 that we can depend on our good God to comfort us in our suffering and use us to comfort others.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Everyday life is hard. It’s moment to moment. A mixed bag. From family to work to money to relationships, every day brings different challenges. How do we learn to love God and love others in the moment to moment of everyday life? This week we see from Deuteronomy 19-25 that living as God’s people means reflecting God’s character in every area of our lives, but we can only do this through Jesus!
Passage: Deuteronomy 19-25
We long for good leaders in every part of our lives. Politicians, bosses, school principals, judges and business leaders. But even the best human leaders will always let us down. We need something better. This week we see from Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22 that God’s people need good leaders who love the Lord, obey his law and reflect his holiness. Only Jesus can fit this bill as our just judge, good king, faithful priest and true prophet.
Passage: Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22
How are God’s people meant to be weird? This week we see from Deuteronomy 12:1-16:17 that because God has saved us, we love God by living different, holy lives that remember and rejoice in His rescue and reflect His holiness.
Passage: Deuteronomy 12:1-16:17
“It’s not about you.” Israel isn’t righteous and is unfaithful. But the Lord has set His heart to love them. This week we see from Deuteronomy 9-11 the Lord love Israel and calls Israel to love the Lord in return. “It’s not you”, says the Lord. “I’m the one who loves you and forgives you and will drive out the nations. It’s really all about Me.”
Passage: Deuteronomy 9-11
What does it look like to really love God? This week we see from Deuteronomy 6-8 how in response to God’s saving grace, we are to love Him with a wholehearted, all of life love. A love that remembers and obeys his commands, takes holiness seriously and remembers all He has done.
Passage: Deuteronomy 6-8
What do 10 ancient commandments have to do with God’s grace, relationships and the good life? This week we hear from Moses in Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33 about how the 10 commandments point us to God’s grace and show us how living as God’s people means hearing and doing what he says for our good.
Passage: Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33
What does it take for you to really trust someone? Time? Reliability? Honesty? What would it take for you to really trust God? This week we see from the history of God’s people in Deuteronomy 1-3 that because God is always faithful, even to an unfaithful people, we can trust him, obey him and live without fear.
Passage: Deuteronomy 1-3
Have you ever started a job, gotten side-tracked and found yourself finishing a completely different job hours later? It happens to all of us. But when it happens to the church, it’s tragic. This week we see together from Colossians 1:24-2:5 that the main task Jesus has given his church is for us to proclaim Jesus Christ to all in order to present everyone mature in Him. With God working in us, we stay focussed and work hard towards this goal.
Passage: Colossians 1:24-2:5
Risen! – Matthew 27:62-27:20
Is Jesus’ resurrection fake news or real good news? This Easter Sunday we see together from Matthew 27:62-28:20 how the real good news of Easter is that Jesus is the Risen, victorious King. This real good news calls for us to respond by seeing, believing, following and telling this good news.
Passage: Matthew 27:62-27:20
Does the cross show that Jesus is forsaken by God? This Good Friday we see together from Matthew 27:32-54 how Jesus, God’s own son, is forsaken for us, enduring the separation of God’s judgment so that we can come to God with confidence that he will never forsake us.
Passage: Matthew 27:32-54
Is the Good news of Jesus just for Sunday mornings at church? Or is it something that is good for all of life, especially in the ordinary, everyday-ness of our lives? This week we see together from Acts 13:13-52 that while there are big moments when the Good News is spoken in front of large crowds, is also something that belongs in the other parts of life too, in the in between times of our whole lives.
Passage: Acts 13:13-52
Listening to instructions is great. But instructions are useless unless you actually do them. Watch our in-person service from Sunday 3 April 2022 as we sing God’s praises, pray together, read God’s word and see from Matthew 7:13-39 how Jesus shows us that those who truly belong to his kingdom don’t just hear his words, they do them. The consequences are serious if we don’t.
Passage: Matthew 7:13-39
Warning: self-righteousness is annoying. Don’t go there. Instead, keep your perspective. How? This week we see from Matthew 7:1-12 that the radical, heart obedience of Jesus’ kingdom means acting towards others from a right perspective of our own sinfulness and the goodness of our Heavenly Father. This will mean humility toward others, dependence on God and doing good to all.
Passage: Matthew 7:1-12
How do birds and flowers point us to an antidote for anxiety? This week we see from Matthew 6:19-34 how Jesus uses these things to show us that the antidote to anxiety is to seek God’s kingdom first because we can trust in our Heavenly Father’s loving care.
Passage: Matthew 6:19-34
Praise is a fickle thing, and yet we all want it. How can we be free from living for praise? This week we see from Matthew 6:1-18 how Jesus calls us to radical, heart obedience that is not motivated by the praise of men, but by the reward of our Heavenly Father. A heart obedience that can set us free from slavery to the fickle master of praise to live for our loving heavenly Father.
Passage: Matthew 6:1-18
Are you really wise? This week we see from Proverbs 3:1-12 how God graciously gives us instruction through the book of Proverbs to see that true wisdom starts with trusting and leaning on Jesus, God’s Son, the truly wise King. It continues by learning from him. In wisdom, in Christ, there is great blessing, even in the difficulties and uncertainties of life.
Passage: Proverbs 3:1-12
What does living for Jesus now have to do with the Old Testament? This week we see from Matthew 5:17-37 that Jesus has come to fulfill the Old Testament and so calls his people to the radical, heard obedience of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Passage: Matthew 5:17-37
Jesus, the King in God’s Kingdom, gives to us the blessings for choosing to repent. This week we hear Jesus in Matthew 4:25 – 5:16 offer blessings to Jew and Gentile who come with humble, contrite hearts and who long for real righteousness.
Passage: Matthew 4:25-5:16
How can we be sure Jesus is worth following? Thankfully, He’s already been put to the test. This week we see from Matthew 4:1-25 that we should repent and follow Jesus, who has been tested and shown to be the righteous and faithful Son of God who brings light to his people in the shadow of death.
Passage: Matthew 4:1-25
How do you get ready for the coming of the king? This week we see from Matthew 3:1-17 that we must repent and bear fruit, because the Kingdom of Heaven has come in Jesus, God’s own Son.
Passage: Matthew 3:1-17
Passage: Jonah 4
Passage: Jonah 3
Passage: Jonah 2
Passage: Jonah 1
