Frankston Presbyterian Church

What kind of conflict is worth having in church—and what kind isn't? Can God still be at work when godly people strongly disagree? In Acts 15, the early church faces two very different conflicts. One protects gospel grace. One exposes human weakness. Yet through both, Jesus continues to build his church.

What does it truly mean to be saved? Is faith in Jesus enough, or is something more required? In Acts 15:1-21, the early church grapples with these very questions as the Gospel of grace faces a powerful challenge. Learn how they navigated deep theological divides, upheld unity, and affirmed radical inclusion for all believers.

Acts 14 shows us how the gospel moves forward—even through opposition, misunderstanding, and hardship. This sermon looks at how the gospel divides, liberates, and strengthens, and how God is at work forming resilient disciples through it all.

If someone asked you what Christianity is all about, how would you answer? In Acts 13:13–52, we hear Paul's first recorded sermon. He doesn't start with rules or religion—but with God's promises fulfilled in Jesus. This passage reveals the heart of the Christian message: Jesus is the promised Saviour.

Throughout history, people have sought guidance from various sources, including the spiritual realm. For Christians, seeking guidance from God is essential, but what does that look like? Acts 13:1-12 gives us a helpful example of how the Holy Spirit leads Jesus' followers to continue His mission, providing opportunities to share the gospel.

Psalm 77 shows that believers face times when God feels distant and help seems delayed. The psalmist honestly describes his distress but also models a way forward: remembering God's mighty works of salvation. It teaches us today how to follow Christ even when his footprints are hidden.

Death casts its dark shadow over the whole of our lives, threatening to rob us of all joy and meaning. What hope is there in the face of death? When Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” he reveals that victory over death is found in him alone.

“It is finished.” These three words changed everything. What did Jesus mean when He spoke these words from the cross? Come and see for yourself in John 19, where you can witness the love, justice, and sacrifice of God, which has accomplished more than we can possibly imagine.

Jesus' followers appear powerless in the face of violent opposition—but Acts 12 reveals that God's sovereign purposes prevail. Through the earnest prayers of the church, He rescues Peter, humbles a prideful king, and makes it clear: no earthly power can stop the advance of Jesus' unstoppable kingdom.

How does Jesus continue to grow His church worldwide? He uses His people to evangelise, encourage, teach, and support others—each essential in a healthy church! Acts 11:19-30 contains a beautiful example of the first multicultural church doing just that, reminding us that God can do the same through us as well.

Change can be hard and scary, especially when it's difficult to recognise the need for it. It gets even more challenging when it involves many people. In Acts 11:1-18, we see what it takes for God to change the minds and hearts of sceptical believers, expanding their vision for His global mission.

Jesus' mission has always been to the nations, yet like Peter, we can struggle to see the full reach of the gospel. In Acts 10, God reshapes both Peter and Cornelius—just as He wants to reshape us. This story challenges us to embrace God's bigger vision for His kingdom.

Why were miracles so common in the early church but seem rare today? This sermon explores two incredible miracles by Peter—healing a paralytic and raising the dead—and discover their true purpose. Do miracles still happen? And what do they teach us about Jesus and the gospel?

Persecution scatters the early church, but instead of stopping the gospel, it spreads it further. In Acts 8:1-25, we see how God uses hardship to advance His mission, bringing joy to unexpected places, and exposing true and false faith. This passage challenges us to be bold witnesses, trusting in God's unstoppable plan.

From the beginning, the church has faced fierce opposition—Acts is filled with stories of trials, persecution, and faith under fire. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, stood boldly, mirroring Jesus in both courage and compassion. His story reminds us that our strength to stand comes from Christ, who still empowers his people today.

Conflict and issues can pop up anywhere. And when they do, we need to know how God wants us to handle them, so that we can grow and thrive together. Acts 6:1-7 gives us a great example of how to deal with conflict within a community with wisdom, humility, and sensitivity.

Being a follower of Jesus requires courage—to stand for the gospel even in the face of opposition. In Acts 5:12-42, the apostles faced intense resistance, yet they proclaimed the gospel boldly. This sermon explores the need for courage, its true source, and how to live it out in a world that often resists the truth.

Have you ever wondered why a good God would allow suffering? Or have you ever wondered why bad people seem to prosper while good people struggle? Psalm 73 unpacks this age old question and shows us where we need to look to understand God's justice and goodness.

What does an ancient prayer for a king's victory have to do with us today? This sermon on Psalm 20 unpacks its relevance, revealing how our future, hope, and joy are bound to the victory of God's anointed King, Jesus Christ, and invites us to trust fully in His eternal triumph.

Have you ever felt abandoned or overwhelmed? Many people experience these feelings at some point in their lives. In those difficult moments, where should we turn? Psalm 22 offers a vivid example of the journey that God's people can take when life becomes challenging, providing the hope and joy that only God can provide.

Psalm 119 is an extended celebration of God's word. We can forget how privileged we are to have the Bible. But the Psalm is not just about recognising the Bible as God's word, but delighting in it. This sermon explores how delighting in God's word can transform our hearts and lives.

Acts 4:32-5:11 offers a vivid glimpse into the life of the early church, highlighting its remarkable unity and generosity. However, this inspiring picture is starkly contrasted by the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira. What made their actions so grievous, and why did God respond with such severity?

Facing opposition and hostility can often leave us feeling isolated, paralysed, or even afraid. However, in Acts 4:23-31, we see that God's people respond by praying together, which is highly instructive and inspiring. During their powerful prayer meeting, we can hear the content of their prayers and witness how God graciously answered them.

Society is becoming increasingly hostile towards Jesus and his followers. Many of us feel pressured to stay silent and not cause a fuss. However, is this how God wants His people to live? In Acts 4:1-22, we'll discover how Jesus' followers can navigate opposition and boldly proclaim His name, even when the odds were stacked against them.

We all face challenges such as financial stress, health concerns, and relationship struggles. But what if the answer to our deepest need isn't found where we usually look? The story of a miraculous healing in Acts 3:1-26 highlights the dangers of seeking solutions in the wrong places and reveals where true restoration is found.

Many people think of the church as merely an institution or a building. However, the church is fundamentally a gathering of God's people. But what are the marks of a healthy church? In Acts 2:42-47, we'll observe how the first Christian church modelled spiritual devotion, practical care and joyful worship that is counter-cultural.

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a momentous event, filled with excitement and enduring significance. Each detail highlights why this moment is so important and life-changing. By exploring the event, its elements, and the experience of His coming, we'll discover how unique Pentecost was and how it continues to impact our lives today.

The coming of the Holy Spirit could not go unnoticed. People from every nation were amazed and perplexed, wondering what it could all mean. In Acts 2:14-41, Peter's Spirit-empowered sermon explains the meaning, pointing to the one we all must respond to. Come and hear for yourself!

It may seem strange for Luke to include so much detail about the selection of an apostle whom we hear nothing about in the rest of Acts. Why was it so important to replace Judas? As we explore this question, we will gain insights into God's sovereignty and the unshakeable certainty of His plan of salvation.

Acts 1:1-11 introduces us to the theme of the book: Jesus' unstoppable mission. After defeating sin and death, and rising victorious, Jesus ascends into heaven to continue his saving work to the ends of the earth. How does he fulfil this mission, and what role do we play?

Is it possible to find contentment regardless of our circumstances? And if we find contentment, will we be inclined to be generous with what we have, or will we strive to maintain our current situation? In Philippians 4:10-23, God reveals how we can be content and generous partners in Christ.

What fills your mind shapes your life. Philippians 4:8-9 reveals how focusing on what is true, noble, right and pure ultimately leads us to Jesus. This sermon explores how to cultivate a healthy thought life in Christ and enjoy God's peace in a world full of worries and distractions.

In a world filled with problems and anxiety, Philippians 4:4-7 offers a path to peace. Learn how rejoicing, prayer, and trust in God can guard our heart and mind, bringing a peace that surpasses understanding—even in the midst of life's toughest challenges.

Being a Christian in a world opposed to Christ can be challenging. How can we resist living like everyone else and stand together when it's easier to divide? In Philippians 3:17-4:3, God urges us to imitate people like Paul and stand firm by remaining united through disagreements.

Imagine your life as a race filled with opportunities and obstacles. How are you running today? Are you burdened by discouragement, racing with ambition but unsure of your destination, or tripped up by the past? In Philippians 3:12-16, God teaches us how to run with purpose, focus on what truly matters, and finish strong.

What do you value most in life? Is it your achievements, your relationships, or something deeper? Philippians 3:1-11 shows that a Christian is someone who has found that nothing compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Once you know Jesus, you want to know him more.

We often imitate those we admire, starting in our youth and continuing throughout our lives. Our actions can also influence those close to us. So, how can we imitate the right people and be good role models? Philippians 2:19-30 offers two shining examples of people who modelled their lives after Christ and inspired others to do the same.

The way we live says something about our beliefs and values. Every word we speak, every decision we make, every attitude we hold sends a message about what matters most to us. Philippians 2:12-18 shows us how Jesus can change how we live so that we stand out for the right reasons.

Unity is essential for the church's credible witness to the gospel. But unity can be difficult to maintain. Philippians 2:1-11 highlights that the key to unity is humility. By looking to Christ's humility—displayed in the cross—believers can foster genuine unity, embodying the gospel in their relationships.

The good news Jesus is not just something to believe, it's life-changing. We are to live lives worthy of the gospel. But what does that look like? In Philippians 1:27-30 the apostle Paul sets out the call, the practice, and the courage of lives worthy of the gospel.

Everyone faces setbacks and obstacles, and our response can reveal what we deeply care about. While setbacks may cause us to fear the future, in Philippians 1:12-26, God shows us how to respond joyfully to setbacks, remain confident about our future and make the most of our present opportunities.

Have you ever felt that you belonged? Have you ever enjoyed a deep connection that seems unaffected by your circumstances? In Philippians 1, we see how the gospel of Jesus Christ unites our identity, purpose, and destiny, leading to a thankfulness and joy that cannot be shaken.

One of Jesus' most famous claims is also his most controversial. When Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” he means that he's the only way to truly know God, and the only way to heaven. This might seem exclusive, but it brings incredible comfort to believers.

Is it safe to follow Jesus? Will he ever let you down? When Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd”, he is assuring us that there is no one more dependable. A good shepherd would risk his life to protect his sheep. Jesus did more than that – he gave his life for his sheep.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constantly changing opinions of the world? Who's right? Who's wrong? What should we be doing with our lives? In John 8:12-30, Jesus declares Himself as "the light of the world." How does Jesus shed light on what is true and how we should live in an increasingly dark world?

Life seems to be all about finding satisfaction and happiness. We look for it everywhere we go. We work hard to get it. And when we do get it, it never seems to last – like the endless cycle of eating and hunger. But John 6 shows us where true satisfaction is found and how to have it forever.

How do you react to disobedience to God? Does it shock you, grieve you, or not bother you? This is the big question the book of Ezra ends with. It shows us the weight of disobedience, the betrayal it is, and finally points us to the only remedy for disobedience.

How can God's people survive and thrive in a world where we possess little power or influence in society? It seems like the odds are stacked against the church. Ezra 7-8 provides two profound answers: by having the word of God dwell in us, and the hand of God on us.

Have you ever felt stuck, lacking the energy or excitement to move forward? Perhaps you've even given up on something worthwhile. That's where God's people found themselves in Ezra. However, Ezra 5-6 records a crucial turning point. Discover how God reignites His work, empowers perseverance in the face of opposition, and leads to a celebration of restoration.

God's people encountered unrelenting opposition as they went about rebuilding the temple of God. It points to a deeper struggle that arises whenever God's work goes forward in the world. How serious is this threat today? How can we recognise it to best be on guard?

Strained relationships can create challenges in life, making it difficult to work well with others and celebrate victories. This also applies to our relationship with God. Ezra 3 shows the importance of being in good standing with God before we can effectively work together and celebrate the victories.