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John 16:5-15 speaks about the coming of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Specifically, that He will be the convicting Spirit, and the Spirit of truth.And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment - John 16:8When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth - John 16:13 He will glorify me - John 16:14 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. - John 16:15
Jesus warns the disciples about the rejection and persecution that they will experience from the world. However, he also reassures them that:-He will always be near to his followers.-Justice is coming for the world.
In this week's sermon from John 15:18–21, we continue Jesus' teaching on abiding in Him and bearing fruit that lasts. Last week we saw that Christ chose us to bear enduring fruit—lives marked by love for God, joyful worship, and love for neighbour. This fruit is not self-produced; it flows from remaining in Christ. As we abide in Him, we increasingly resemble Him.But Jesus now gives a sobering warning: abiding in Him will also bring opposition.When Jesus speaks of “the world,” He is not referring to creation itself, but to humanity in rebellion against God—the kingdom of darkness set against the kingdom of light. Scripture teaches that there is something in our fallen nature that is hostile toward God. We are either reconciled to Him through the new birth or we remain opposed to Him.Jesus reminds His disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” The sinless, obedient Son of God was rejected, mocked, and crucified. Why? Because He obeyed the Father rather than men. Because He revealed the truth about human sin. Because He was the very God they refused to acknowledge. If the world hates us for our faith, it is ultimately Christ they hate.We have been chosen out of the world. We now bear His name. And bearing His name will provoke a reaction. Jesus does not hide this reality from us—He tells us beforehand so that we will not fall away when rejection comes (John 16:1, 4). Opposition is not evidence that something has gone wrong; it is often evidence that we truly belong to Him.The New Testament repeatedly describes this “strange offense.” When believers no longer join in sinful patterns, others are surprised and may malign them (1 Peter 4:3–4). A life transformed by grace exposes the emptiness of sin. Choosing Christ inevitably creates a form of estrangement from the world.This raises a pressing question: are we seeking the approval of God or the approval of man? Scripture warns against loving the world (1 John 2:15), against becoming friends with the world's system (James 4:4), and against fearing man more than God (Galatians 1:10). Even in Jesus' day, some believed in Him quietly but would not confess Him publicly for fear of social rejection (John 12:42–43).Jesus calls us to something better than blending in. Fitting in is not a valid option for those who have been chosen out of the world.That reality reshapes our lives. It affects:Our priorities — how we spend our time, money, and energy.Our message — resisting a “gospel of nice” that seeks cultural approval rather than faithfulness.Our mission — remembering that our ultimate purpose is not winning temporary cultural or political battles, but participating in Christ's eternal kingdom work.We do not belong to this world anymore. Our identity, allegiance, and hope are elsewhere.Jesus closes with this reminder: “All these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know Him who sent me.” The dividing line is ultimately about knowing God.So the question before us is clear: will we seek to fit in, or will we gladly wear His name—trusting that abiding in Christ, even amid rejection, is the pathway to fruit that truly endures?
John 15:9-11 - 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:1-11 Abide in Me Jesus give an illustration to the disciples in form of a vineyard. The Father prunes the branches not bearing fruit so that the healthy branches can flourish. This is both an assurance, a warning and rescue plan. 1.An illustration (v1-2)2.An invitation (v3-4)3.Two outcomes (v5-9)4.A purpose statement (11)
This morning we observe the foundation of our faith, that we should remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and: be strengthened, pass on the gospel, know your integrity matters, that he rewards faithfulness.
In this message of our Christmas series, Pastor Matt Maloney explored how God will ultimately provide a heavenly place for us, and how we are both ‘strangers and exiles' from the world (Hebrews 11), as well as ‘ambassadors for Christ' (2 Corinthians 5).
In the opening message of our Christmas series, Pastor Matt Maloney explored Matthew 2:1–3 and the surprising cast of characters who first recognized the arrival of Jesus the King. The Magi—Gentile, likely pagan astrologer-scholars—had studied the Old Testament promises and, through a mixture of scriptural insight and their own observations, were led by God straight to Christ. Their journey reminds us that God is sovereign over all things, weaving together even imperfect understandings to reveal His glory.Pastor Matt highlighted that the Magi and Herod, for all their differences, shared one vital belief: both understood that Jesus' birth signaled the arrival of a true King. And kings, by definition, rule—they exercise authority and preside over a kingdom. Jesus' kingdom, proclaimed as “at hand” by John the Baptist, confronts the human desire for autonomy. Herod resisted this rule violently, but his posture reflects the natural posture of every heart that wants to remain on its own throne.Yet Christ is not merely one king among many; He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose reign knows no boundaries. He does not depose earthly rulers simply to replace them; rather, He calls every throne—personal, political, or spiritual—to be accountable to His. His authority extends from the mightiest empires to the smallest households.And the good news of Christmas is this: all who come to this King will never be cast out. The One born in Bethlehem is the rightful ruler of all creation, and His kingdom is one of grace, truth, and everlasting mercy.
Jesus explains to the disciples that he will leave them but his works will continue and the Father will be glorified. How will this be so? He dwells with you and will be in you. Shocking Promises1. Greater works2. Ask for anything
Trusting God in the DarknessPsalm 131 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.Our guest speaker Pastor Andy takes us the Psalm 13 and lamenting. How do we approach this with our God?1. Bring our Complaints2. Bring our Requests3. Bring our Praise
Jesus explains to the disciples that he will leave them but his works will continue and the Father will be glorified. How will this be so? He dwells with you and will be in you. Shocking Promises1. Greater works2. Ask for anything
In this second part of a two-part series on John 14:6, Pastor Matt Maloney explores the profound declaration of Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”Considering "I am the Life,", the Bible refers to the word Life both in its quantity and its quality. How long is life for, and how do we have meaningful life. For many, we distract ourselves with earthly amusements and obligations rather than acknowledge our finite lives. We get caught up in how we will be remembered, rather than being fixated on God, knowing that what happens only in this life is meaningless without a focus on beyond that. In the classic scripture “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16), we see the promise in Jesus in restoration with God. Jesus can grant life as He is the source of life itself. He is the solution to death and futility, to being set free to follow Him and to live with Him.Finally, we look at "No one comes to the Father except through me" . Because Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life, it is only through Him sharing in His glory through the cross, that we may find Eternal Life. There is nothing more urgent, more precious, more important, or of greater priority than Jesus. What better thing there is to do than to go to Him now.
In this first part of a two-part series on John 14:6, Pastor Matt Maloney explores the profound declaration of Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”Beginning with "I am the Way," the sermon traces the storyline of Scripture—from Eden to the torn curtain at Christ's crucifixion. In our sin, humanity was cast out from God's presence (Gen 3), yet God's desire to dwell with His people never ceased (Exod 29). Jesus, through His atoning death, has removed the barrier of sin and opened the way back to the Father (Luke 23). The call is simple yet weighty: come to Jesus. There is no other way to draw near to God.In "I am the Truth," we see that sin not only separated us relationally from God but also darkened our understanding of Him. Left to ourselves—whether through religion, philosophy, or science—we suppress the truth (Rom 1). But God has taken the initiative: in Jesus, the truth is revealed. He is the true light (John 1:9), the full revelation of the Father (John 14:7–11). Yet revelation alone is not enough—it takes a miracle. Only by the Spirit's work (John 14:26) can blind eyes be opened to see Jesus for who He truly is.
John 13:39-40Help in Trouble1.Trust in God2.We have a home3.We have a deliverer4.Jesus is the way
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
John 13:34-3534 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”The COMMAND of ChristThe EXAMPLE of ChristThe POWER of ChristThe PROMISE of Christ
Mary's act of devotion gives us an example to follow. Her worship is:CourageousHumbleWhole-heartedCostly
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my ShepherdArmed, Dangerous and with meThe sheep, the children of God, follow him wherever he leads them.What security is there in his grip to protect his sheep from perishing, and provide them green pasture and eternal life.Two questions this raises are: Where is he leading? And how can we be sure of his grip, that he will not let go?
John 11:45–57#1: THE CONUNDRUM JESUS PRESENTS (v.45-48)#2: THE SOLUTION GOD PROVIDED (v.49-57)
In this powerful passage, Pastor Matt reminds us that Jesus does not merely speak of resurrection—He is the Resurrection and the Life. The raising of Lazarus is no isolated wonder, but a signpost pointing to the greater glory of the cross. Here, we see the sovereign God who ordains all things not as distant or detached, but as deeply moved—Jesus wept.The Lord of life enters into our grief, not to explain it away, but to bear it Himself. God's sovereignty and love are not rivals—they are married at the tomb of Lazarus and consummated at the cross.Just as Lazarus was called forth from the grave, so too are we—dead in sin but made alive in Christ. This is the miracle of grace: resurrection life now and forever.Are you still trying to raise yourself? There is only One who holds authority over death. Come to Jesus—and live.
This week in John 11 we look at the incredible events surrounding the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Through God's word, we see:The situation;The plan;The confusion;The resurrection and the life.“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25
In John 10:30, Jesus proclaims to the Jews, "I and the Father are one". Today's bible verses explicitly represent the Trinity and the three principles:- There is only one God- The three persons are not each other- The three persons are all GodIn John 10:37-38, Jesus further states, 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.
Today we are continuing in John 10 and expand on how God has given us eternal life and we shall not perish by following our good shepherd Jesus. #1 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (v.27)#2 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” (v.28 -30)
Do you know what it is like to aimlessly follow someone? That is not what it is like when we follow Jesus, the good shepherd. He has made His agenda know to us. Today Mike takes us through the agenda of the Good Shepherd:#1 He's taking his sheep into life (v.10)#2 He's on his way to get other sheep (v.16)#3 He's on his way to lay down his life (v.11, 14-18)
The Truth Will Set You Free — John 8:31–37In this message, Pastor Mike unpacks what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. Drawing from John 8, we're reminded that genuine disciples abide in Christ's word, are set free by truth, and must understand their spiritual slavery. True freedom isn't found in self-expression, but in submission to God's design. Jesus shows us that it's only when we acknowledge our bondage to sin that we can receive the freedom He offers. And that freedom is not abstract—it's relational: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
In the book of John, Jesus declares himself by many names. This week we look at Jesus' declaration, “I am Light of the World”. Jesus, and only Jesus, can lead us into the light and away from darkness.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”- John 20:26–29
Mark 10:42-45 - The Way of GreatnessWhat does the bible say about true greatness?1.GREATNESS: SHARING IN THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST“You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” Mark 10:382.GREATNESS: SACRIFICIAL SERVICE OF OTHERSFor even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Ps Mike explores the passage on the woman caught in adultery and Jesus's response. He explores the validity of the passage and how it is the perfect example of Christ's character.On our best day we need Christ just as much as we need him on our worst day.
We go through the Old Testament to see what it says about who Jesus is and what he will do.#1 - The King (from Bethlehem)#2 - The ProphetMicah 5:2Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 5:22-33Hebrews 1:1-2, 3:3-6John 18:33-37
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
John 7:11-3911 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning,[d] when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's[e] will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”Can This Be the Christ?25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,' and, ‘Where I am you cannot come'?”Rivers of Living Water37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as[f] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:1-10 | Blind BrothersIndwelling sin means we do wrong.Indwelling sin means we have wrong understanding.Indwelling sin means we cannot see.
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