Erindale Bible Chapel

The pursuit of “more” can quietly entrap the heart, convincing us that just a little extra—money, success, status—will finally bring peace. Yet Scripture reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” True contentment is not having everything we want, but trusting the hands shaping our lives and resting in the peace we already have with God through Christ.The message contrasts the false promise of riches with the greater treasure found in pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and godliness. Greed is more than loving money—it is asking money to provide what only God can give. Instead of striving harder for satisfaction, believers are called to replace false treasures with the lasting hope rooted in God's love. Through reflection, prayer, and even practical steps like examining our budgets, this sermon challenges us to consider where our hearts are anchored and invites us to pursue contentment grounded in Christ alone.Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-11Guest Speaker: Nick Heusterberg

Success can be a dangerous season for God's people, especially for those in leadership. The greatest threats often do not come in moments of fear or weakness, but after victory, when admiration grows and vigilance fades. Judges 8 confronts us with this uncomfortable truth. It shows how a God-appointed deliverer can slowly lose his way, not through open rebellion at first, but through subtle shifts of the heart.The decline follows a troubling pattern. Resentment takes root when criticism is no longer received humbly. Revenge follows when personal honour begins to matter more than God's glory. Eventually, leadership goes rogue, when outward devotion to the Lord masks an inward drift toward self-rule. None of this happens overnight. It unfolds gradually, step by step, until the leader who once depended fully on God now leads in ways that confuse and harm God's people.This passage presses an important question on us. Where is our confidence placed? If our hope rests in human leaders, even gifted and God-used ones, we will always be disappointed. Scripture is honest about that reality. But it also points us beyond failed deliverers to a faithful One. Hebrews 12:1-3 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Unlike every human leader, He does not drift, retaliate, or grasp for power. He endured the cross, remained obedient, and now reigns in glory. When deliverers lose their way, Jesus never will.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the FaithfulScripture: Judges 8Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

When we think of heroes of faith, we often imagine bold confidence and fearless action. Gideon does not fit that picture at first glance. In Judges 6 and 7, we meet a man hiding from his enemies, doubting his own ability, and repeatedly asking God for reassurance. By human standards, Gideon appears weak and hesitant. Yet God chooses him to deliver Israel from the oppressive hand of the Midianites.The story of Gideon reminds us that God does not wait for fearless people before He acts. Instead, He patiently works through fearful people who are willing to listen and obey. Again and again, God meets Gideon in his anxiety, confirms His calling, and gently leads him forward step by step. God reduces Gideon's army, not to embarrass him, but to teach him that victory depends on the Lord and not on human strength.In this passage, we are invited to see the faithfulness of God more than the flaws of Gideon. The focus is not on a gutless judge becoming brave by his own effort, but on a gracious God who guides, reassures, and empowers His servant. This same God still works through weakness to accomplish His saving purposes today.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the FaithfulScripture: Judges 6-7Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Judges 4 reminds us that God delights to bring deliverance in ways that overturn human expectations and magnify His own glory. Israel once again finds itself oppressed because of disobedience, crushed under the power of a formidable enemy with iron chariots and a ruthless commander. Yet the Lord's answer to this crisis is not a single heroic figure, but a surprising combination of servants whom He chooses and empowers.Deborah stands at the centre as a prophetess and judge, faithfully declaring the word of the Lord and calling God's people to trust and obey Him. Barak is summoned to lead the battle, not because of his confidence or strength, but because God appoints him for the task and promises victory. Though his faith is hesitant, Barak still steps forward in obedience and witnesses the Lord scatter the enemy. Jael then enters the story in an unexpected and decisive moment. With courage and resolve, she becomes the instrument through whom God brings the final blow against Israel's oppressor.Together, Deborah, Barak, and Jael show us that God saves His people through willing obedience, not human greatness. Their story directs our eyes away from themselves and toward the Lord, who alone deserves the glory for deliverance.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the FaithfulScripture: Judges 4-5Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

The book of Judges confronts us with a sobering cycle that repeats itself throughout Israel's early history in the land. God's people forget the Lord, turn to sin, and find themselves oppressed by enemies they cannot overcome on their own. Yet again and again, the Lord responds not with abandonment, but with faithfulness. Judges chapter 3 introduces us to two unlikely deliverers, Othniel and Ehud, through whom God rescues His suffering people.Othniel appears as a capable and faithful leader, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to bring rest to the land. Ehud, by contrast, is unexpected and unconventional, a left-handed man whom God uses in a surprising way to defeat a powerful oppressor. Together, their stories remind us that deliverance does not depend on human strength, status, or strategy, but on the saving power of God who keeps His covenant promises.Yet even these deliverances are temporary. Israel's peace is short lived, and the cycle of sin soon begins again. Judges 3 points us beyond Othniel and Ehud to our deeper need for a greater deliverer. We need a Saviour who does not merely rescue for a season, but who saves fully and forever. In Jesus Christ, God's faithfulness reaches its fullest expression, providing the ultimate deliverance from sin, death, and judgement for all who trust in Him.Series: Judges - The Flawed and the FaithfulScripture: Judges 3:7-30Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Every generation faces the temptation to compromise. Small concessions often seem harmless, even practical, but Scripture shows how easily they can reshape a people's hearts. In Judges 1 through 3, Israel stands at a critical moment. God had brought them into the land and commanded them to drive out the Canaanites completely. Instead of full obedience, they settled for partial victory. At first, the compromises looked reasonable. The enemies were strong. The task was difficult. Living alongside the Canaanites seemed easier than trusting God fully. Yet those choices slowly changed Israel. What began as tolerance became influence. What seemed manageable became destructive. Israel adopted pagan practices, forgot the Lord, and turned to the gods of the very people they were meant to remove. The result was a downward spiral into apostacy that affected every part of their life as a nation. In His mercy, God did not abandon His people. Again and again, He raised up judges to rescue them from the consequences of their sin. Each deliverance was an act of grace. Yet even after being rescued, the people did not truly return to the Lord. Their hearts remained divided, and the cycle of compromise and rebellion continued. This passage warns us of the danger of half obedience and points us to our deep need for God's faithful grace.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the Faithful Scripture: Judges 1:1-3:6 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

This message speaks openly about seasons of illness, bereavement, and weakness, and about the reality of depression in our lives. Drawing from Scripture and personal encounters, Arthur speaks of clinical depression, and spiritual depression, which often arises from grief and prolonged trial. Throughout, he returns to the truth that God comforts His people in their affliction so that they may, in turn, comfort others, following the example of our Lord Jesus, who wept with those who mourned.This message points us to the hope found in the renewal of the mind through God's Word, the enduring presence and peace of Christ, and the sustaining promises of Scripture. From Romans, Isaiah, Psalm 23, and beyond, he reflects on God's provision, righteousness, and faithfulness in the midst of weakness and unanswered prayer. Though we groan under the weight of this fallen world, we are upheld by a living hope and the assurance that Christ will present His people blameless with great joy. He prays that you would look to Jesus in the Scriptures, be strengthened to endure, and be reminded that the end is not yet — truly, the best is yet to be.Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-4; Psalm 23Guest Speaker: Arthur Dixon

As one year closes and another opens before us, many of us feel a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. The calendar turns, but questions remain. What will 2026 hold for our families, our church, and our faith? In Joshua 1, God speaks into a moment very much like ours. Moses is gone. A new chapter has begun. The future feels weighty, and the responsibility before Joshua is enormous.Into that moment, God does not begin with a detailed plan or a list of guarantees. Instead, He gives a repeated command that echoes through the passage. Be strong and courageous. This call is not rooted in Joshua's personality or experience, but in something far deeper. It rests on what God has promised, on the assurance of God's presence, and on the call to live by God's word.As we prepare to enter 2026, we need the same foundation. Strength and courage do not come from confidence in ourselves or from knowing what lies ahead. They come from trusting the God who keeps His promises, who goes with His people wherever they go, and who calls them to walk faithfully according to His truth. This passage invites us to step forward into the new year anchored in Him.Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Many people talk about having a bucket list, a collection of experiences they hope to enjoy before life is over. Often those lists are filled with travel dreams, personal achievements, or unforgettable moments. In Luke 2, we meet a man whose deepest hope was far simpler and far greater. Simeon was not waiting for an adventure or an accomplishment. He was waiting for a promise.Scripture tells us that Simeon was righteous and devout, and that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel. God had made him a remarkable promise. He would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Year after year, Simeon lived with that promise shaping his prayers, his patience, and his faithfulness. His bucket list had only one item, and it came straight from the Word of God.When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, Simeon's long wait came to an end. What looked ordinary to everyone else was the fulfillment of everything Simeon had hoped for. As we begin to listen to his story, we are invited to ask what we are truly waiting for. Series: The Characters of ChristmasScripture: Luke 2:25-35Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

The story of Christmas begins with an announcement, but not the kind we would expect. When God chose to make the birth of His Son known, He did not start in the halls of power or among the religious elite. Instead, His message broke into the quiet darkness of a field and reached a group of lowly shepherds. This unexpected choice tells us something important about the heart of God and the kind of kingdom Jesus came to bring.From the very first moments of His arrival, Jesus drew out different responses. Fear and joy, curiosity and faith, wonder and worship all appeared as people encountered the news of His birth. Some rushed toward the light they were given, while others simply marveled at what they heard. God's revelation was public and joyful, yet it demanded a personal reaction.As we look at the lowly shepherds, we are invited to consider why God chose them and what their response reveals about receiving good news from heaven. This account is not only about what happened on that night long ago, but about how God still announces His salvation in surprising ways. The message of Christ still reaches unexpected people and still calls for a response. The question before us is not whether the news has been announced, but how we will respond when it reaches us.Series: The Characters of Christmas Scripture: Luke 2:8-20Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Every year as we approach the Christmas season, we hear Mary's name spoken with a sense of wonder. Yet her story is not only a Christmas story. It is a picture of what a humble heart looks like when it encounters the living God. Luke 1:28-55 invites us to stand beside Mary as she meets an angel, visits a relative, and lifts her voice in praise. Each moment reveals a young woman whose obedience grows out of deep trust in God.Mary does not step into the story with greatness, confidence, or recognition. She steps in with humility. She receives God's call with a willingness that surprises us. She responds to encouragement with faith that strengthens us. She worships God with a joy that teaches us. Her life shows us that obedience is not loud or forceful. It begins with a quiet heart that listens to God and says yes even when the path is unclear.In this sermon, we will consider the humble obedience that marked Mary's encounter with Gabriel, her visit with Elizabeth, and her praise before God. As we reflect on her example, may we learn to walk before the Lord with the same quiet trust and surrendered faith.Series: The Characters of ChristmasScripture: Luke 1:26-55Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Joseph is one of the quietest figures in the story of Jesus, yet his steady obedience speaks with remarkable strength. In Matthew 1:18-25 we meet a man whose world has been shaken. Mary is found to be with child and Joseph must choose between his own reputation and obedience to the message of God delivered by an angel. He chooses obedience and takes Mary as his wife. His silent trust shows faith that honours God more than the opinions of others.In Matthew 2:13-15 Joseph again receives a message from God. He is told to flee to Egypt in order to protect the child who has been born. Leaving his land and community would have created fear and deep loss. Yet Joseph rises and takes Mary and Jesus on a long journey into a foreign place. His quiet obedience preserves the life of the Saviour.Then in Matthew 2:19-23 Joseph once more hears from God. He is instructed to settle in Nazareth, a town with little status or importance. Joseph obeys again. He does not argue or complain. He simply follows the path God sets before him. His faithful obedience regardless of the personal cost played a vital role in bringing Jesus to be the Saviour of the world.Series: The Characters of ChristmasScripture: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15; 2:19-23Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

When we open the Gospel of Matthew we are greeted not by a story but by a list of names. At first glance the genealogy in Matthew 1 may seem ordinary. Yet behind these names stand stories filled with the grace of God. Matthew does something surprising by including four women in a genealogy that usually focuses on men. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba appear as bright testimonies of God's mercy and faithfulness. What makes their presence even more striking is that all four were gentiles. They were outsiders brought near by the gracious plan of God. Each of these women carried a past that others might have judged. Tamar endured injustice. Rahab lived with a reputation that seemed beyond redemption. Ruth came from a nation known for idolatry. Bathsheba suffered through sorrow and shame. Yet God placed each one in the family line of the Messiah. He wrote their stories into the story of His Son. Their presence in this genealogy shows that Jesus came to bring hope to the broken and to welcome the outsider. Today we will look at these four beautiful ladies and see how their inclusion prepares us to celebrate the grace that Jesus brings to us. Series: The Characters of ChristmasScripture: Matthew 1:1-17Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Worshipping God with the ordinances begins with a simple yet profound truth. God has given baptism and communion as gifts that reveal His grace and call His people to respond with faith and devotion. These are not empty rituals. They are moments in which believers meet God through symbols that point to real salvation and real fellowship with Christ.Baptism is an act of worship because it declares that Jesus has saved us and that our lives now belong to Him. When a believer goes into the water, it is a humble expression of repentance, trust, and new life through the risen Lord. It is a public proclamation that God has acted with power and mercy, and the believer responds by giving God glory.Communion is also an act of worship because it brings the church together at the table of the Lord. In the bread and the cup, we remember the sacrifice of Christ and celebrate the covenant that He established through His blood. By receiving these elements with faith, we honour His death, rejoice in His resurrection, and renew our commitment to walk with Him.Both ordinances call us to worship with grateful hearts, obedient lives, and deep reverence for our gracious Saviour.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 22:14-20Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Preaching is one of the most sacred moments in the life of the church because it brings God's Word to God's people. At its centre stands the Bible itself. Scripture is not ordinary speech. Instead, it is the living voice of the Lord who created us, saved us through Christ, and speaks to us by the Spirit. When the Bible is opened and read, God reveals His truth, convicts the heart, strengthens faith, and calls His people to walk in holiness. Preaching is therefore a moment of worship because it places the spotlight on the glory of God who speaks through His Word.Yet the preacher also has a vital role. The preacher is called to handle the Scriptures faithfully, to explain the meaning of the text with humility, and to lift up Christ as the hope of every sinner. The preacher is not the centre of the message. Instead, the preacher becomes a servant who points beyond himself to the Lord who saves. When preaching is faithful to Scripture, the church is led to worship God with reverence and joy.The listener has an important part as well. Listeners honour God when they receive the Word with expectation, submit their hearts to its authority, and respond with obedience. In this way all three roles join together in true worship of our loving God.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:12-15Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Money touches nearly every part of our lives. It can meet needs, provide comfort, and offer opportunities, yet it can also tempt our hearts toward greed, pride, or fear. Because of this, the way we handle money is never just a financial issue; it is a deeply spiritual one. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. When we give, save, spend, and steward our resources in ways that honour God, we are declaring that He, not money, is our master. Worshipping God with money means recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him and is entrusted to us for His purposes. It means using our resources to advance His kingdom, care for others, and show gratitude for His generous grace. In a world that measures success by wealth and possessions, the believer is called to a higher standard: to love God more than gold and to trust Him more than any paycheck or investment. Today, we will explore what it means to worship God with our money, drawing from Scripture to show how faithful stewardship reflects a heart fully devoted to Him and brings glory to the One who has given us everything.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways God's people come together to worship Him. When believers unite their hearts in prayer, they demonstrate their shared faith, dependence, and love for the Lord. Throughout Scripture, God's people gathered to seek His face together. The early church devoted themselves to prayer as one body, and God responded by filling them with His Spirit and guiding their mission. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray collectively. Corporate prayer is not simply a group activity; it is a sacred expression of unity in Christ. When the church prays together, our individual voices become one offering of praise that rises before God like sweet incense. In these moments, believers are reminded that they are part of something far greater than themselves. They are part of the body of Christ that glorifies God through faith and obedience. True unity in prayer brings glory to God because it reflects His own desire for His people to be one, just as He and the Son are one. As we gather to worship through prayer, we proclaim that God alone is worthy of our trust, our devotion, and our collective praise.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: Acts 4:23-31Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Sunday morning's message comes from Isaiah 61—the same passage Jesus used to announce His ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor and to bind up the brokenhearted.” The Hebrew word for “brokenhearted,” Leb Shabar, paints a vivid picture of something shattered or crushed to pieces. We all know what that feels like—through loss, guilt, broken relationships, or pain that seems beyond repair. Yet the good news is this: God sent His Son to heal and restore what is broken. Whether we feel whole or hurting, this truth invites each of us to receive His healing and share His compassion with others.Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3Guest Speaker: Tim Brown

Worship is far more than a moment in a service; it is a heartfelt response to who God is and what He has done. When the church gathers on a Sunday morning, worship through music is one of the most powerful ways we express that response together. Good worship is not about performance, style, or personal preference. It is about directing our hearts, minds, and voices toward God in reverence, gratitude, and trust.Good worship music helps shape that response. It fills our minds with biblical truth and reminds us of God's greatness and grace. It unites us as one body, lifting a single voice of praise. It stirs our affections and leads us to delight in God's glory. Through song, we declare that God is worthy of our love and confidence, even in seasons of joy or sorrow.As we worship with music, we are not merely singing words. We are proclaiming truth, strengthening faith, and giving God the glory He deserves. Our voices become instruments of praise that reflect our trust in Him. As we lift our songs together, we are joining a chorus that echoes throughout heaven and earth.Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:15-17Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Psalm 96 is a joyful invitation that resounds across the earth, calling every person, tribe, and nation to worship the Lord. It begins with the words, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” and continues by urging all creation to proclaim His glory among the nations. Worship in this Psalm is not confined to one people or one place. It is a universal summons to acknowledge the greatness, beauty, and authority of the one true God who made the heavens and rules with perfect righteousness. The Psalmist's vision looks forward to the day when all the families of the earth will bow before the Lord and rejoice in His coming to judge the world in truth. This vision finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, the good news of salvation has gone out to all nations, inviting every heart to worship the Lord in spirit and truth. Psalm 96 reminds us that our songs of praise join a global chorus of believers who confess that Jesus is Lord. Worshipping God with the Psalms is both our present joy and our eternal destiny in Christ.Prayer and Praise Thanksgiving ServiceSeries: Worship SeriesSpeaker: Pastor David Hallett

Every person is created to worship. The question is not whether we worship, but whom and how we worship. In John 4:19-26, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at the well about one of the greatest questions of life: how do we truly worship God? She points to the age-old debate between Jews and Samaritans about the right place to worship, but Jesus lifts her eyes to a greater truth. True worship is not about a mountain or a temple. It is about knowing God as He has revealed Himself and coming to Him in the way He has provided.Jesus tells her that the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This means worship that is alive, heartfelt, and empowered by the Spirit, not empty ritual or outward form. It also means worship that is grounded in God's truth, centred on who He really is and on what He has done through His Son. Worship in spirit and truth comes through Jesus alone, who brings us into the presence of the Father by His death and resurrection. Jesus is the way to worship God rightly and fully.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: John 4:19-26Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Guest Speaker: John BrownScripture: Mark 10:46-52Bartimaeus was able to change a whole city for two very simple reasons: • he knew where he had been, • and he knew what Jesus had done to bring him from there"Power of One"—one man, one heartfelt cry, and one word from Christ resulting in complete change—culminating in Bartimaeus using his restored sight not to return to his former life, but to immediately follow Jesus on the road, signifying true discipleship.

Worship is often thought of as something that happens in a church building on a Sunday morning. We sing, we pray, and we listen to God's Word. All of that is truly worship, but it is only a small part of what God desires from His people. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul reminds us that worship is not confined to a place or a moment. Instead, worship is the offering of our entire lives to God. He calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord. This is not an occasional act, but a continual posture of surrender and devotion.To worship God with our whole lives means that what we do on Monday morning or Saturday evening matters just as much as what we do on Sunday morning. Our words, our work, our relationships, and even the choices we make when no one is watching are opportunities to glorify the Lord. Worship is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Today we will look at what it means to give God everything, to resist being shaped by the world, and to be transformed by His renewing grace.Series: Worship Sermon SeriesScripture: Romans 12:1-2Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Whether we realize it or not, every person on earth is a worshipper. Worship is not limited to Sunday mornings or religious gatherings. It is built into the fabric of our humanity. God created us to adore, to honour, to give our hearts to something greater than ourselves. The question is not if we worship, but what or whom we worship. Some lift their eyes to the living God who made heaven and earth. Others bow down to idols of wealth, power, success, pleasure, and ultimately self. This is why idolatry is so dangerous. It is not a harmless habit or an outdated religious practice from ancient times. Scripture warns that idols are empty, yet they hold powerful sway because they claim our trust, shape our desires, and demand our devotion. Even worse, both true worship and false worship transform us. Psalm 115:8 warns that those who make idols will become like them, and so will all who trust in them. By contrast, those who worship the Lord grow in His likeness. Everyone worships. The critical question is: Are we being shaped into the image of lifeless idols, or into the likeness of the living God revealed in Jesus Christ?Series: WorshipScripture: Romans 1:18-25 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Work is something every one of us knows well. From the time we are young, we are given chores, responsibilities, and tasks. As we grow older, the responsibilities increase with jobs, families, and the daily duties of life. Yet how we approach our work reveals much about our hearts. Are we diligent, faithful, and responsible? Or do we look for shortcuts, doing the bare minimum, hoping someone else will carry the load? The old saying captures it well: Are you working hard, or hardly working?In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18, Paul addresses this very issue within the church. Some believers had become idle. They were not working to support themselves, but instead were depending on others. Paul calls such behavior disorderly and reminds the church that when he was among them, he worked hard with his own hands, setting an example. His command is clear: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”But Paul's concern goes deeper than physical labour. Work is part of our Christian witness. Laziness dishonours Christ and places an unfair burden on others, while diligence shows integrity, responsibility, and love. Work is not a punishment but part of God's good design for humanity, given from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden. This passage challenges us to see our work, whether at home, at school, or in our jobs, as service to Christ. It calls us to reject idleness and embrace diligence, so that in all we do, we glorify God.Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Guest Speaker: Adib from The Jesus NetworkThree points to remember: 1 - For since we believe2 - For this we declare (Rapture day)3 - For the Lord will descend

The Gospel never advances without opposition, which is why Paul urges the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 to pray. We must pray for missionaries—that God's word would spread powerfully and that His servants would be protected from those who resist the truth. Yet Paul also reassures us: “The Lord is faithful.” He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil one. Our perseverance does not rest on our willpower but on God's faithfulness. And so we fix our hearts on His love and Christ's endurance, learning to pray boldly and persevere steadfastly for the sake of the Gospel.Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

When the storms of life rage and the pressures of this world grow stronger, it can be tempting to waver in our faith. But Paul's words in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 call us to something different. He invites us to stand firm, not in our own strength, but in what God has already done for us. This passage reminds us that salvation is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the past, God the Father chose us in love. In the present, the Spirit works in our hearts, setting us apart for holiness and building our faith through the truth of the Gospel. In the future, our Lord Jesus Christ will bring us into His eternal glory. This is not just theology to admire. It is truth that transforms. If the Trinity has worked so powerfully for our salvation across all of time, then our response must be to live in a way that pleases God. We are to hold tightly to the teachings of His Word, draw strength from His encouragement, and walk in good works that honour Him. The God who saves us is the God who keeps us, and He calls us to live each day in grateful obedience.Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

We live in a world that feels increasingly unstable—wars, moral confusion, political upheaval, and relentless spiritual opposition. In such times, it is easy to lose our footing, to become fearful or distracted. The believers in Thessalonica faced a similar challenge. False teachers had crept in, spreading the lie that the “day of the Lord” had already come. Confusion was clouding their hope, and fear was threatening their faith. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul sets the record straight. He reminds them—and us—that God's plan for history is not slipping out of His control. The rise of deception, the rebellion against God, and even the temporary success of Satan's schemes are all known to Him. The man of lawlessness will have his moment, but only because God allows it for a time, and only before Christ's ultimate victory. Our calling, then, is to live with end-time clarity—not tossed by fear or seduced by lies, but anchored in the truth of the Gospel. We must remember that Satan is working to blind minds so they will not believe, but we serve the One who opens eyes and saves souls. In these days, we trust His plan and boldly proclaim His truth.Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Speaker: Pastor David Hallet

We live in a world where injustice often goes unpunished, where the wicked seem to prosper, and the righteous suffer. But the Bible assures us that this will not be the case forever. A day is coming when Jesus Christ will return—not in humility as a suffering servant, but in blazing glory as the righteous Judge. On that day, every wrong will be made right, and every hidden motive will be revealed. In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul writes to a persecuted church, not with empty comfort, but with the bold assurance that God sees, God remembers, and God will act. Those who afflict God's people will face eternal punishment, and those who trust in Christ—even through suffering—will be glorified with Him. The question each of us must ask is urgent and personal: When Jesus comes to bring justice, will I be ready? This passage calls us to examine our faith, endure with hope, and live lives that reflect the glory of the One we follow. Judgment is coming. But so is grace, for those who believe. Are you living now in light of the day that is surely coming?Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12Speaker: Pastor David Hallet

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter Agwa

Christianity is simple. In fact, this is how simple Christianity is: in Romans 10:9, the apostle Paul says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” That's it! It really is that simple: “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Do you believe that Jesus is Lord, Lord of all creation, Lord of the universe, your Lord? Then say it with me: “Jesus is Lord.”Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31Guest Speaker: Matthias Benfey

What makes a church truly gospel-centered? It's not just about preaching the right message—it's about living it out together as the body of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28, Paul ends his letter with a powerful list of instructions showing us what a healthy, gospel-shaped church looks like. First, he addresses the relationship between leaders and members—calling for respect, love, and peace. A gospel church honours faithful leadership and supports those who serve. Then Paul turns to how we treat one another—encouraging the weak, warning the idle, and being patient with all. Gospel love works in community, not isolation. Finally, Paul reminds us to keep our eyes on God—rejoicing always, praying continually, and not quenching the Spirit. A gospel church is spiritually alive, listening for God's voice and responding in faith. These verses aren't a checklist—they are a portrait of the church Jesus died to create. As we study this passage, let's ask: are we living like a gospel church? Are we relating rightly to leaders, loving one another, and listening to the Spirit? God is faithful, and He will do it. Let's align ourselves with His vision for His people.Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Speaker: Pastor David Hallet

We live in a world full of uncertainty—political turmoil, global conflict, moral confusion. It's no wonder many people wonder when the end will come. But as believers, our hope is not in figuring out dates or deciphering signs. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come suddenly, like a thief in the night. No one will schedule it. No one will be able to avoid it. So the real question isn't when Jesus will return, it's are you ready?Paul tells us how to be ready: not by obsessing over timelines, but by living in the light. That means walking in holiness, standing firm in faith, loving one another, and holding on to the hope that Jesus, who died for us, will return for us. His resurrection guarantees our future. We are not destined for wrath but for salvation through Him. So we don't fear the end, we prepare for it with courage, clarity, and comfort.This message is both a warning and an encouragement. Today, let's ask ourselves: Are we truly living as people who are ready for Jesus to come?Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Are You Ready?Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11Sermon Date: July 6, 2025Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18Speaker: Pastor David HallettDeath is a painful reality that touches every life. Even for followers of Christ, the sting of losing a loved one is deeply felt. Grief is not unspiritual—it is human. And yet, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Paul reminds believers that our grief is not like the world's grief. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Why? Because our hope is anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus truly died, and He truly rose again. That means death has been decisively defeated. And because Jesus rose, those who have died trusting in Him will also rise. When Christ returns, the dead in Christ will be raised, and those who are still alive will be caught up with them. Together, we will meet the Lord, never to be separated again. This is not wishful thinking—it is resurrection hope grounded in the finished work of Christ. It is the promise of a future reunion in glorified bodies with each other and, most importantly, with our Saviour. As we face the loss of fellow believers, we can and should mourn, but we do so with hearts full of hope. This is the truth that comforts and strengthens us in our sorrow.

Guest Speaker: John Brown

Scripture: Job 22:21-30Guest Speaker: Doug Anderson

Guest Speaker: Pastor Yonatan HiruyScripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12Speaker: Pastor David HallettWhat does it look like to grow in the Christian life? Not just to stay the same, but to pursue Christ more and more and more? In 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, Paul urges believers to never settle for spiritual complacency. He acknowledges their faithful start but calls them forward into deeper obedience and richer love. This passage gives us a picture of what spiritual progress looks like. First, we are called to walk in a way that pleases God more and more (vv. 1–2). The Christian life isn't static. It's a growing relationship marked by an increasing desire to honor our Lord. Second, we are called to a more holy chastity (vv. 3–8), to honour God with our bodies in a world that dishonours Him. Our sanctification matters deeply to God, and sexual purity is part of His will for us. Finally, Paul calls for more mutual love (vv. 9–12), a lifestyle of quiet faithfulness, work, and care that builds up the church and witnesses to the world. Let's explore how we can live this “more and more” kind of life.

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39Guest Speaker: Greg BrownThe book of Acts is often called the Acts of the Apostles, but a better title might be The Acts of the Holy Spirit. Time and time again, we see the Spirit stirring, prompting, and empowering Christ's followers to witness and serve. In Acts 8:26–39, the Holy Spirit is undeniably in motion—leading Philip into an unexpected place, to an unexpected person, for an unexpected conversation that brings about an unexpected heavenly result.

Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the WayScripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13Speaker: Pastor David HallettHave you ever been separated from someone you love deeply—maybe a child, a close friend, or a fellow believer—and found yourself anxiously wondering how they're doing? That's the kind of love Paul expresses for the Thessalonian believers in today's passage. His heart is like that of a parent torn away from a beloved child. He longs to see them, worries about their spiritual well-being, and even fears that his ministry among them might have been in vain. But then comes the good news: Timothy returns with a joyful report of their steadfast faith and love. Paul's anxious heart overflows with thanksgiving and relief. Yet Paul doesn't stop there. He prays earnestly that their love for one another would increase, and that their holiness would deepen—so they would be ready to stand blameless before Jesus at His return. This is love that longs, rejoices, and grows. We, too, need to ask God to shape our hearts with the same Christlike love for one another, to be ready for the day Jesus comes again.

Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Title: Pleasing God TogetherScripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16Speaker: Pastor David Hallett Ministry is not just about activity—it's about aim and approach. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16, Paul reminds us that there is a right way and a wrong way to do ministry. The wrong way seeks approval from people, uses flattery, and avoids suffering. The right way—God's way—centers on bold Gospel proclamation, genuine love, and unwavering faithfulness, even when it's hard. Paul, Silas, and Timothy model a ministry that pleases God by focusing on making mature disciples—men and women who stand firm through trials and who share the good news with those around them. That's the kind of ministry we are called to do together: not flashy or self-serving, but grounded in God's truth, shaped by Christ's example, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ministry that pleases God isn't easy, but it bears lasting fruit. Are we doing ministry in a way that truly pleases God—and are we doing it together for His glory?

Series: Encouragement for Pilgrims on the Way Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Speaker: Pastor David HallettWhat does a true church look like? In a world filled with religious activity and outward appearances, Paul's thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 shows us the unmistakable marks of genuine salvation and spiritual growth. He doesn't praise the Thessalonians for their size or success, but for their faith that works, love that labours, and hope that endures. These qualities are not man-made—they are the supernatural evidence of God's grace at work. Paul sees more than conversion; he sees transformation. The gospel didn't come to them in word only, but with power and the Holy Spirit. They turned from idols, served the living God, and awaited Christ's return. Their lives displayed the fruit of true salvation and the evidence of maturing faith. As we consider Paul's thanksgiving, may we examine ourselves and our church: are these same marks of life and growth present in us? 

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13Guest Speaker: C.Y. YanThe Lord's Prayer isn't just a set of words to memorize—it's a roadmap for life with God. In just a few lines, Jesus teaches us to begin with worship, to align our desires with His kingdom, to rely on Him for our daily needs, and to walk in both mercy and forgiveness. This prayer invites us into a deeper relationship—a reminder that through Jesus, we belong to God as His children. We're not coming to Him based on our performance, but on Christ's finished work. When we pray this way, we're not just speaking—we're being reshaped. Let the Lord's Prayer ground you in truth, reframe your perspective, and draw you closer to the heart of the Father.

Resurrection Sunday. It was this day in history when God raised Jesus from the dead, declaring victory over sin, Satan, and death itself. Building off our message on Good Friday, we come to a beautiful and powerful benediction in Hebrews 13:20-21. In these verses, the writer of Hebrews offers a prayer for God's people — a prayer that rests entirely on one great truth: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It's easy to pass by these words quickly, but here we find the heart of Christian hope and strength. The prayer begins by calling on “the God of peace,” who brought Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, back from the dead. And this resurrection isn't just a historical event to be remembered — it's the very foundation for everything this prayer asks God to do in us. It's because Christ lives that we can be equipped to do God's will. It's because Christ lives that what pleases God can be worked out in our lives. The resurrection is not an afterthought — it is the fountain of peace, power, and purpose for God's people. 

Good Friday is the this day in history when Jesus gave His life by dying on the cross. What makes this Friday “good”? Doesn't it seem blood-thirsty and wrong to call the anniversary of the death of Jesus “good”? On Sunday we will rejoice and celebrate Jesus' resurrection and eternal enthronement. Celebrating that makes good sense. Yet, there is a goodness to what Jesus did on that Friday two thousand years ago. Good Friday is the day that Jesus gave up His life willingly to take upon Himself ALL our sins. He died for our sins ONCE so that we could be forgiven when we put our faith and trust in Him. How could one sacrifice accomplish all that? The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 9:23-28, because unlike the sacrifices in the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice was the BEST!

Series: Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Old Testament Prayers Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-18 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett Everyone wants to be a success. Everyone wants to be loved. We live our lives looking for these affirmations to tell us we are on the right track. Jeremiah was a prophet sent from God. He had been chosen by God even before his birth (Jeremiah 1:5) to bring a message of judgement and punishment to the people of Judah. No one listened to him. No one repented. Instead everyone laughed at him, ridiculed him, and mocked him. Some even went so far as to beat him, imprison him, and eventually kidnap him and force him to go to Egypt against his will.  Near the beginning of his ministry in Jeremiah 20, Jeremiah was arrested, beaten, and tortured by the priest Pashhur in Jerusalem for prophesying defeat for Judah. This led Jeremiah to question many things. Where was God? Why does He keep sending me to tell messages of doom, when nothing seems to happen. Why does righteousness always seem to lead to suffering?  In the midst of his turmoil, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God. All of his emotions are on display: anger, fear, shame, and disillusionment but also trust and praise. There is much to learn from the prayer of Jeremiah, the “Weeping Prophet.” God is ready and willing to listen to us even when what we want to say to him is negative. Jeremiah's lament teaches us to bring every emotion to God. 

Series: Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Old Testament Prayers Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1-19 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett Things are crazy these days. Every day we hear about natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or tornados. Someone is arrested for committing a horrible crime. The job market is uncertain, housing is too expensive, tariffs may bring a recession. There seems to be no end in sight. The prophet Habakkuk lived in similar times of tumult and injustice. Why do the wicked prosper? Where is their punishment? Why isn't God doing anything about it? These questions are not new. Out of despair and exasperation, Habakkuk called out to God with these questions and complaints. When he was confronted with the majesty and faithfulness of God, his complaints turned to a prayer of faith and trust. Three times in the New Testament Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted “the just shall live by faith.” Faith is necessary for salvation but it is also an abiding need for believers when we see the world around us. Truly, the just shall live by faith. 

Series: Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Old Testament PrayersScripture: 1 Kings 8:22-61Speaker: Pastor David HallettAfter a seven-year construction, King Solomon offers a special prayer of dedication for the Temple he has built for God. This temple was the concrete evidence of God's presence with His people. In his prayer, Solomon's most earnest plea is repeated three times: “that all may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.” Solomon might have assumed automatic blessing from God because he built the temple. Instead, he prayed that God would glorify Himself through His presence in that temple and that all nations would seek to bring Him glory. He also prayed for forgiveness for God's people, knowing that they could never fully meet His standard of holiness. In the NT, Jesus becomes the ultimate presence of God with His people (John 2:18-22) and we, as believers, also become the temple of God by His Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; 1 Cor 6:19,20). Just as it was Solomon's prayer, It should be our prayer that as God's temple we would live in a way “that all may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.”

Series: Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Old Testament Prayers Scripture: 1 Samuel 1-2 Speaker: Pastor David HallettDoes God really care? This is the question we often ask when things go wrong in our life. How should we respond in difficulties, in trials, in things that bring anguish and pain? Do we lash out? Do we feel sorry for ourselves? Do we pray? The story of Hannah and her son Samuel opens the book of 1 Samuel and tells us about not only God's compassion and care for this forlorn woman, but also His love and care for His people as a whole. Her prayer comes from a heart that is broken, full of misery and despair. Hannah turns to the only One who can help her—God. Does God really care? Hannah tells us emphatically “Yes!”  

Series: Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Old Testament Prayers Scripture: 1 Kings 18:36-37 Speaker: Pastor David HallettWe need to be faithful in prayer for our family and our friends to come to know Jesus and receive God's gift of eternal life through faith in Him. Yet, many of us struggle with how best to present that message. Should we confront them with logical proofs for God's existence? Should we present indisputable evidence for Jesus and His resurrection? Should we show the love of God to them through our actions? None of these things are bad or wrong, but the truth of the matter is God must show Himself to be the one true God through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. When people are confronted with the truth of God in all His glory, He moves their hearts to believe in Jesus and declare, “The Lord, He is God.” In 1 Kings 18, Elijah had to confront the nation of Israel because they were drifting away from serving God alone and were happy to incorporate Baal worship into their lives. Who is the real God and who is fake? On Mt. Carmel, Elijah prayed and asked God to show His glory and reveal to Israel that He is God alone. We need to pray the same prayer today for our family and friends.