Rosebank Union Church Sermons

Zwai and Ansuné introduce this series by reflecting on parenthood and its ups and downs. They discuss how the gospel can produce true and lasting joy through every tear and every triumph of parenting. They also look briefly at some things that threaten to steal our joy in parenting that will be unpacked in future episodes. Additional resources:How the Gospel Produces Joy in Mothering — Risen Motherhood https://www.risenmotherhood.com/articles/embracing-a-joy-filled-definition-of-motherhood?rq=joyCatch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Justin challenges us on our tongue, a monster held by two cages yet released on whim, with the power to build or destroy, flowing both sweet and salty from the same source. He compares what James says to the words of Jesus on the same topic.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Justin takes us through one of the most challenging passages in the book of James, where we look at what it means to have real faith. We unpack the words of James and compare them to some of the words of the Apostle Paul on the same topic.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Alex delves into James' teachings on partiality, with reflection on Jesus' approach to the topic as well. James was disappointed to have discovered that the early church had fallen into the wordly tradition of partiality based on wealth, and Alex encourages us to examine our own hearts to find where we show partiality and how we view all as God calls us to.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Ndaba explores the theme of hearing and doing the Word within a world that does not desire to conform to the directives of the Word and how best we respond through our interactions based off of how we see and listen. But above all, we are called to obedience to Christ through His Word and teachings.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Additional resources:Common Sense Media - www.commonsensemedia.orgBe In Touch Media - https://beintouch.org.zaDigital Law Company - www.thedigitallawco.comCovenant Eyes - www.covenanteyes.comScreen Free Childhood - www.sfc-sa.co.zaScreenstrong - https://screenstrong.orgFight the New Drug - https://fightthenewdrug.orgThe Anxious Generation - www.anxiousgeneration.com Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Justin continues to explore the theme of enduring trials with faith, emphasizing that suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world, but through perseverance and reliance on God, individuals can grow spiritually and find joy not in the trials themselves, but in what they produce—maturity, strength, and deeper faith. Believers need to practice two disciplines: "consider" (self-talk grounded in biblical truth) and "ask" (prayerfully seeking God's wisdom).~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Justin explores the theme of enduring trials with faith, emphasizing that suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world, but through perseverance and reliance on God, individuals can grow spiritually and find joy not in the trials themselves, but in what they produce—maturity, strength, and deeper faith. Believers need to practice two disciplines: "consider" (self-talk grounded in biblical truth) and "ask" (prayerfully seeking God's wisdom). Rachel Windram also shares her deeply moving story of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how her faith in God sustained her through grief.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Justin launches our investigation into the book of James as we explore the greeting that James delivers and how we would put forward our own greeting in relation to the powers in our life.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/jamesPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Mike Marais joins Ansuné and Zwai to discuss parenting with principles. In particular, they talk about a framework for discipline that takes each unique parent and child into account.Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

In the closer for season 1 of the Isaiah series, Richard speaks about the end, as Christ gathers the faithful remnant and believers of all nations to Him. A time when God's adherence to His promises is a comfort to those that believe and damning for those that stand opposed.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

The stump metaphor is continued as the line of Jesse is prophesied to give rise to a character that gives hope to all of Israel. In this hopeful passage we see Christ prophesied and a time of peace and prosperity under his reign.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Ansuné is joined by Lauren and Matt Gray as they share why proactivity in parenting is important. They also share many helpful tips and real-life stories. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Zwai speaks on how in spite of the impending judgement of the Lord we are not frightened by it but rather as believers we can find assurance and comfort through the realities of Christ.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Richard shows the wrath of God and how present as well as nexessary it is. Yet at the same time the equally present and necessary love and grace being extended by God to rescue us from the situations that we have created for ourselves.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this episode, Catherine Marais joins us to unpack how we can connect with our children and be fully present with them. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~Resources:~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Justin encourages us to meet God where we are at as we reflect on the victory won over death and sin on that cross.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Richard prepares our hearts as Christ is crucified and we await Sunday in a period of uncertainty 2000 years ago and yet triumphant assurance that we can hold fast to in the modern age knowing that Christ rose on Sunday.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this classic Christmas passage, Richard explores the promise of hope through a coming King and Kingdom. Additionally, we are challenged to look at how this affects us as Easter approaches.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this episode, Zwai talks about our God-given purpose as parents and what this means for our relationship with our children.Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~Resources:~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

As the majority of Israel appears to have lost their faith in God, a remnant rallies to the Lord in a display of resounding and resilient faithfulness that stands as an example to us as we are called to hold our faith high in a modern context.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Brett leads us through the opening half of chapter 7 in which king Ahaz is confronted by the oncoming forces of the Assyrians as well as Judah, however, when Isaiah calls on him to trust God, Ahaz refuses. Brett challenges us to re-examine how we respond to God in tough times, do we think He is capable and willing of rescuing us or do we try to fix it all by ourselves?~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Richard continues to look at the interaction between God and Isaiah in the former's throneroom as Isaiah is called and sent once he has been cleansed. The calling laid before him is a harsh duty and yet he goes willingly as God calls us to do in response to our own cleansing.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

We kick off our Raising Parents ministry with a live recording of the Raising Parents Podcast where we look at a Vision for Parenting.Each family has a unique and significant story, and that story is located within the greatest story ever told: God's plan of redemption for the world. Today we explore together who we as parents really are, who our children really are, and what this means for your family's purpose and practices.Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za~~~Resources:Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripphttps://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Gospel-Principles-Radically-Change/dp/1433551934~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Richard takes a deep look at the interactions as Isaiah is presented before God in His throneroom and how Isaiah realises how unclean he is, as well as how we might be similarly affected.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Gospel fluency: A fun bonus episode where Ansuné and Brett will discuss random parenting scenarios and talk about how the gospel applies to that thing/concept in your parenting.~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Justin leads us in contemplation over how God perceives our sinful ways and detests of them. He calls on us to judge ourselves and tell what more could be done by God to grow good fruits in us and yet we still produce bitter fruits.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Back into our series on Apologetics, this week we are joined by Pastor Justin to talk about New spirituality: I'm not religious, I'm spiritual and this is one not to be missed!~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

As Ricjard delves into Isaiah 3 as well as 4, Isaiah shows us just how broken humanity has become throughout chapter 3. But hope, chapter 4 illustrates the plans of God to restore the brokeness of humanity through Jesus.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

As we build to the new things planned for this year look back at some of our favourite episodes in our time on the podcast thus far.Bible Overview Pt.1: In this episode Ansune and Zwai take a closer look at the overarching theme or metanarrative of Scripture. All the Scriptures are about Jesus.~~~Book recommendation:The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Gardenby Kevin DeYounghttps://www.loot.co.za/product/kevin-deyoung-the-biggest-story/khms-2985-g770Bible Overview Pt.2: In this episode Ansune and Zwai continue to take a closer look at the overarching theme or metanarrative of Scripture. All the Scriptures are about Jesus.~~~For more resources check out Got Questions

Richard covers the entirety of chapter 2 in his sermon as he looks at the call to walk in the light of the Lord and the impact that doing so will have on the world, a world that will lay weapons aside for farming implements in a global peace looking to the heights of the throne of God.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

As we build to the new things planned for this year look back at some of our favourite episodes in our time on the podcast thus far.What is family discipleship? What are some of the elements of family Discipleship, and what are some of the impacts of family discipleshipWith Ansuné Schoeman and Zwai Zulu.

Zwai launches deeper into Isaiah as we question how the Lord would react to the state of our nation and our world in the midst of crime, injustice and oppression. Zwai goes on to further analyse the damage sin does to us and how we are decayed by sin and doomed by our stubborness, but we find hope in the restoration offered through salvation.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Ansuné and Zwai discuss what the year ahead holds for Raising Parents as well as introduces a flashback series of the favourite episodes to date.~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Isaiah gets into the heart of chapter 1 with a series of scathing rebukes to the Israelites over their rituals, practices and religiousity that has grown rampant within those times. Richard delves further in to understand how this applies to our worship and seeking a pure heart and true worship that is sweet to the Lord.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

The series begins with an introduction to Isaiah as a person and as a book, this is swiftly followed by Isaiah's dramatic revelation of the extent of the brokeness of the world as he reveals what the Lord has said and adds his own commentary.~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Richard, Zwai and Ansune sit down for part 2 of these special episodes where we look at the central motivators of the Christian Faith.~~~Books/Resources mentionedKevin DeYoung - The Hole in our Holinesshttps://www.amazon.com/Hole-Our-Holiness-Paperback-Godliness/dp/1433541351Mark Jones - Antinomianismhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1596388153Sam Allberry - One with My Lordhttps://www.amazon.com/One-My-Lord-Life-Changing-Reality/dp/143358915X

Richard, Zwai and Ansune sit down for a special episode where we look at the central motivators of the Christian Faith.~~~Books/Resources mentionedKevin DeYoung - The Hole in our Holinesshttps://www.amazon.com/Hole-Our-Holiness-Paperback-Godliness/dp/1433541351Mark Jones -  Antinomianismhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1596388153Sam Allberry - One with My Lordhttps://www.amazon.com/One-My-Lord-Life-Changing-Reality/dp/143358915X

Richard closes the sermon series on our Christian motivation by discussing how we have been changed through the presence of Christ in our lives and how those changes in our hearts should effect a change in the manner that we carry ourselves and drive us to seek greater depth in our spiritual journey.

Richard continues exploring the aspects of Christianity that motivate us to go deeper in our faith by observing a set of relational motivators between ourselves, those around us and God.

Richard opens the year with a sermon series on why we as Christians are motivated by the Gospel message to pursue a deepening in our faith through 8 different motivators found within the Bible.

Zwai speaks on how we can make our new year's resolutions stick in the Christian context and find a deeper worship through the strength that can be found in community.

Justin speaks only one of the only certainties present within this life, not death or taxes, but the presence of God in all places. Justin explores how this often undervalued quality of God affects our lives and our walk with Christ.

Richard gives a Christmas message on how among the many things we may desire for Christmas there are only 2 that we need; Grace and Peace. Focusing specifically on Peace, Richard expandsd on the comforting presence of Christ in our lives and how we are affected by that peace.

Pastor Ndaba speaks on the joy of grace in respect to the birth of Christ as we look ahead to the Christmas season. Join with us as we explore the centrality of grace to our lives.

Richard speaks on the peacegiving birth of Christ and the significance that it holds for us over 2000 years on from that day.

Rev. Dr. Darryl Soal discusses the significance of God's message to Zechariah from Luke 1:5-25, marking a pivotal moment after 400 years of divine silence. He emphasises the importance of theological education for effective ministry and encourages prayer for the next generation of church leaders.

At our first Sibling service, we hear from Pastor Bafana about the Beauty of the Gospel, how it unites believers, regardless of social status, and encourages shared generosity and partnership in faith. We also see how Gospel partnership unites believers from all races, genders, and social backgrounds, creating a unified body of Christ focused on serving and loving others.

The carol service message focuses on the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus and the hope and peace that come from this promise fulfilled. It draws from the Old Testament prophet Micah, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's promises, especially during anxious times.

Gospel fluency: A fun bonus episode where Ansuné and Brett will discuss random parenting scenarios and talk about how the gospel applies to that thing/concept in your parenting.~~~This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Richard closes out Matthew with Jesus' parting message to His disciples in which He sends them out into the world with a trio of instructions to undertake and how those instructions have applications within our own lives.~~~Get your Personal Study Guide to go with the series:https://ruc.org.za/matthewPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit