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Context: Part of a series through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Vijay frames the sermon as what life looks like when Jesus is truly King—citizens living under God's reign. Main passage: Matthew 7:1–6 ("Do not judge…"; speck/log; pearls before pigs). The central claim: the judge's seat is already occupied—Jesus alone has the ultimate right to judge, justify, and condemn. What "do not judge" means (and doesn't mean): It doesn't eliminate moral clarity or discernment, or mean "anything goes." It does confront a judgmental spirit: self-righteous condemnation that forgets our own need for grace. What judgmentalism looks like: Quick verdicts without the full story, fault-finding without kindness or desire to restore, using "truth" to elevate self and diminish others, and placing labels that can crush people. Illustrations: Train story: People assume a dad is careless while his kids misbehave—until they learn the mother has just died. The behaviour hasn't changed, but perspective does: judgment often lacks crucial context. Baker/farmer scales: The standard you use comes back on you—mirroring Jesus' "measure you give will be the measure you get." Deeper warning: Jesus points beyond social reciprocity to final judgment before God. The way we judge others reveals what we believe about grace and mercy. Harsh, mercy-less judgment implies we think mercy "shouldn't count"—but no one survives God's pure justice without mercy. The opposite of judgmentalism: Not moral neutrality, but mercy and forgiveness that still names wrong as wrong while longing for restoration rather than ruin. The speaker cites Luke 6 ("forgive…"), and Colossians 3:13–14: forgiveness flows from remembering God's forgiveness and from love that "keeps no record of wrongs." The speck/log teaching: Jesus' absurd image exposes how self-righteousness makes us unfit to help—a person with a "beam/telephone pole" in their eye can't do eye surgery. Judging others often reveals our own pride, insecurity, and unaddressed sin. But Jesus still expects correction: The goal isn't silence. After removing the log, you can see clearly to help remove the speck. Humble, repentant people can help; hypocrites cannot. Why verse 6 matters ("dogs/pigs/pearls"): Even when correction is loving and humble, some will reject it. Discernment protects what's holy and protects you from wasting what's precious or being harmed. Kingdom people are judicious, not judgmental—grace without gullibility. Closing story (shepherd): "Sheep won't come near a man with a raised stick." People respond better to someone who "smells like the fold"—the "smell of mercy." The advice: go first to the Great Shepherd, let Him deal with your pride, then speak. Prayer: Confession of self-righteousness and a plea to be "staggered by grace," so that believers offer mercy when helping others, becoming more like Jesus.
Cheri continues a Sermon on the Mount series with a challenging message on money, possessions, and "kingdom living" (Matthew 6). She asks what our bank accounts and goals reveal about our true priorities, warning that storing up earthly treasure shapes our hearts and loyalties. Unpacking Jesus' teaching about the "good eye," she connects generosity with spiritual clarity and shows how greed creates divided focus, like trying to run toward two finish lines. She also explores "mammon" as a rival master, arguing that trusting wealth for security easily becomes a kind of idolatry. While affirming the goodness of work and provision, she distinguishes that from the desire for more than we need, and links hoarding to worry and the modern illusion of control. The invitation is to seek God's kingdom first, trust a generous Father who knows our needs, and step into a freer, more content life marked by generosity rather than fear.
Summary This is a sermon in a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Florence has reached the "peak" (the central teaching) and will focus on the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5–13). She begins with how not to pray (avoid performative "hypocritical" public prayer; avoid mindless "babbling"), then move into how to pray, unpacking the Lord's Prayer as a model with two dimensions: a vertical focus on God (God's name, kingdom, will) a horizontal focus on human needs (provision, forgiveness, spiritual protection) She notes these form a "cross" shape (vertical + horizontal), highlighting the cross as central to Christian faith. Key points 1) How not to pray (Matt. 6:5–8) Don't turn prayer into a performance aimed at being seen by others. Don't "babble" — i.e., don't repeat words unthinkingly or incoherently; prayer should be conscious of who God is. 2) How to pray: the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13) Vertical (God-centred) "Our Father in heaven": God is intimate ("Father" through adoption in Christ) yet transcendent ("in heaven" → reverence and awe). "Hallowed be your name": asking that God's reputation/holiness be honoured in the world and in our lives; motivation to live in a way that reflects the "family likeness." "Your kingdom come": God's reign has already begun (in Christ and in believers) and is still coming in fullness; praying for God's rule in personal life, the church, and the future new creation. "Your will be done… on earth as in heaven": described as hard because humans resist surrender and control; the speaker argues trust grows by knowing God's unchanging character (loving, just, holy, etc.). The "on earth as in heaven" line is presented as a bridge between vertical worship and horizontal needs; heaven's obedience is pictured as willing, immediate, uncomplaining—an example for believers. Horizontal (needs-centred, but "us/our" communal) The plural language ("us/our/we") means the prayer is corporate, not just individual: we pray for one another and the wider church. 3) Three human needs in the prayer Physical provision: "daily bread" explained historically (many were paid daily, buying food for the next day). It includes broader needs (shelter, clothing, work). Links to manna and to Jesus as the "bread of life," urging daily dependence on Christ, not just material fullness. Relational/forgiveness: "forgive us… as we forgive" is treated seriously (including v.14–15). Florence clarifies salvation isn't earned by forgiving, but forgiveness of others is bound up with genuine repentance and receiving God's forgiveness. Forgiveness is framed as giving up the right to pay back, which frees the forgiver and moves them toward God. Spiritual protection: "lead us not into temptation" is explained as asking God to help us remain steady in testing; God doesn't tempt to evil, but may allow tests, while the evil one tempts. The desired response in tests is to submit to God's sovereignty and commit the situation repeatedly to him (not "one-and-done"). Includes an illustration/prayer attributed to Stuart Briscoe about weakness and asking deliverance from the evil one.
Description The session highlights the importance of being God-centered in life and prayer, introducing a sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount. It discusses the Beatitudes as a recipe for happiness, emphasizing mercy, right choices, and pure thoughts.Vijay encourages genuine relationships with God over seeking human approval, illustrating the dangers of hypocrisy. Ultimately, it promotes living for God and finding fulfillment in His recognition. ##GodCentered #Happiness #Beatitudes #Prayer #GenuineRelationship" Q&A What is the focus of today's sermon? Today's sermon will focus on our motives regarding giving and prayer, as taught by Jesus. What does First Thessalonians 2:4 emphasize about our actions? It emphasizes that we should aim to please God rather than people, as He tests our motives. What are some key ingredients for a happy life according to Jesus? Key ingredients include being merciful, seeking righteousness, being a peacemaker, and having a pure heart. What does Jesus mean when he says that God rewards those who seek Him in secret? Jesus emphasizes that God's rewards are not material trophies but a deeper relationship with Him, highlighting the relational aspect of being seen by God. What warning does Jesus give about practicing piety? Jesus warns that practicing piety to impress others can lead to hypocrisy, where the focus shifts from genuine relationship with God to seeking human approval. How does Jesus illustrate the concept of hypocrisy through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector? In the parable, the Pharisee's self-righteousness contrasts with the tax collector's humility, showing that true righteousness comes from recognizing one's need for God's mercy.
Dave continues the Sermon on The Mount series
Vijay returns from Sabbatical to continue the 'Sermon on the Mount' series
David starts a new series on the Sermon on the Mount
Cheri brings us the word and we look at Isaiah 7:14 and the prophecy he gave. We unpack how we sometimes interpet prophecy through a familiar pagan lense and how instead we should remember that prophecy unfolds in the ways God chooses it to
James brings us the word We look at Isaiah's prophecy and learn who he said Jesus would be, the 4 titles he is given and what he would do.
Derek brings us the word as we kick off our Christmas series. We look at Genesis 3: 1-15 and learn that what happened at Christmas was the culmination of what God had beeen planning for 1000s of years. We see the first disclosure of God's plan of salvation in The Garden of Eden and we focus in on the true significance of Christmas. Which is often pushed aside, diluted, or for some, completely unknown.
Florence brings us the word as we conclude our series on the book of Joshua
This was a baptism service. David brought us the word and we looked at Joshua Chapter 5. We learned how circumcision was an ouward symbol of an inward reality, belonging to God. Much like baptism.
Cheri brings us the word. We look at Chapter 4 of Joshua. We learn the importance of putting up menorials in our lives that remind us of the work God has done in our lives.
David brings us the word and we look at Joshua 3. Israel has reached the critical point of their journey, they are stepping into the promised land. It is a story of faith in God and his working out of his plans, even when it seems like an impossible journey.
Today James brought us the word. We looked at Chapter 2 of Joshua and explored the story of Rahab. We learned about what it means to have faith, what it looks like, where it comes from and the acting out of it. We glance into the books of James, Hebrews, Ephesians, Matthew and 1 Corinthians to gain a bigger picture of her story. We discover that Rahab wasn't a side story in God's plans but instead saving her was his main focus. Like with Rahab, his focus, transformational love, grace and care for us is intentional and not a background thought.
Florence kicks off our new series on Joshua. We begin in Joshua 1:1-18 and look at how the new generation trust in God's promise, encouragement and direction and use that to encourage one another.
David closes off this series as we look through Exodus 33-34
Derek brings us the word and we look through Jeremiah. We ask questions about why there is suffering and brokeness in our world and what happens when we depart from God and live under the wrong authorities. We look at how the human failure to acknowledge YAHWEH as the LORD of rigteousness and justice is the root of human problems. We also unpack some of what it means when the bible says that Adam and Eve came to know good and evil, and how that affects us today. We learn about how God wants us to live like him, justly and righteously.
Cheri brings us the sermon We look at spiritual warfare and how culture, upbringing, pride and fear has influenced our understanding of spiritual beings and their influence. We learn about how God is sovereign over all of these things
This time David brings us the word. We look at Deuternonomy 7: 6-11 We take a look at the working out of the covenant between Israel and God. We ;earn about how we are already blessed by God and why we had to pay nothing for that blessing.
This time Vijay brings us the word and we look at Psalm 115. We learn that what we worship is being reflected through us. How worshipping empty hollow things, idolatry, makes us reflect hollowness. But also how worshipping the living God makes life and light reflect from us.
This time James brings us the word We look at Deuteronomy 4:11-16 and Isaiah 44:6-20 We explore the foolishness of idolatry and we ask ourselves the question, are we creating God in our OWN image?
David talks us through Exodus 3:1-15 We learn about the origin and meaning of the name YAHWEH
Cheri brings us our second sermon in our new series, Yahweh among the gods. We walk through the story of Yahweh declaring his authority over the gods of Egypt in the book of Exodus. We know the familiar story of God delivering the Hebrews from Egypt, but now we delve into the the battle within the spiritual realm during that time. The story of God's unrivalled power over very real deceptive powers. We face some difficult ideas as we learn about the destruction that misplaced worship brings. We ask the question, is the Bible simply just wild myths folded in with good philosophy or is Yahweh really unrivalled amongst other spiritual forces.
Vijay kicks off a brand new series with us. - Yahweh among the gods - The first sermon in this series is about God the Creator! We dive into Genesis 1:1-2:3 and learn how the creation story of the Bible is unique amongst all creation stories.
Derek walks us through the relevance of Old Testament Law in our lives as Christians. We learn a bit about what is still applicable, what isn't applicable and what we can still learn from.
James's sermon focuses on the difference between doubt and unbelief. We look at the story of Thomas and Jesus in John 20:19-21, 24-29.
Florence bring us to today's sermon. She walks us through the importance of patience in the Christian walk.
Derek brings us this sermon. He addresses 3 issues that Christians often have with the Old Testament.
James delivered us a sermon covering the incredible Psalm 51:1-17. Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance written by David when the prophet Nathan came to him after his affair with Bathsheba. James walks us through the different stages of saying sorry to God. The preparation, the confession, the cleansing and the confidence we can have in God, based on his promises in scripture.
This service we were blessed to see four of our congregation get baptised! Before they shared their testimonies, Vijay shared this short sermon. In this sermon he spoke to us about how a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, provides the belonging, clarity and satisfaction we desire and need. He explained how we were created to function with him and not apart. The promise in John 10:10 is unpacked an we learn that we find our home in Christ.
David takes us through part 10 of our Evangelism series. He walks us through the very last section of the biblical account of Paul ~ Acts 21-28. We saw that, even in this desperate situation, Paul still took every single opportunity provided to him to share the hope he had in Christ. The amount of power the individuals had, or did not have, didn't deter him. He just continued to be a faithful witness, even at the risk of his own life. He stayed faithful to Christ.
Florence brings us the word for Part 9 of our Evangelism series. The passage is Acts 20:17-27.
Vijay takes us through Acts 18:1-11 The sermon is titled; When a Door Closes. In Evangelism it is our job to faithfully, respectfully and thoughfully share the good news and tell of Christ. If this is what we do, then we are not responsible for the outcome. For God can even use rejection to reach out to those who don't know him. Like Paul, we must not be results motivated, but instead, be motivated simply by our obedience to Christ.
David took us through the next section of our evangelism series. The passage he covered was Acts 16: 23-34, Paul and Silas in prison. The sermon explores the affects of Paul and Silas's actions and reactions to their situation. It shows us that we can turn moments of extreme sufferring into moments of worship, into moments of faith. The story begins with captivity but it ends in freedom, not just for Paul and Silas from prison, but freedom in the form of spiritual deliverance, for the jailor and his entire household.
Continuing on in our Evangelism series, Vijay Takes us through the sermon. The sermon is titled 'Pointing to Jesus, Not Ourselves'. The passage we look at is Acts 14:8-18. Whilst sharing the gospel, Barnabas and Paul are believed to be God's by the people of Lystra.
We continue on in our evangelism series. Today Cheri takes us through the story of Paul and Barnabas meeting the Magos, Elymas. Acts 13:1-2 is the passage Cheri takes us through and the sermon is about the importance of speaking truth and confronting lies from a place of love, as Christ did.
We continue on with the journey of Saul. Vijay walks us through Acts 11:19-26
This sermon is titled You've Got a Friend in Me Derek takes us through Acts 9:26-31
Malcolm brings us the word as we continue on in our new Evangelism series. Acts 9:19-25 is our passage for this sermon and it follows Saul/Paul as he leans into the new heart Christ has given him for mission. We learn that our past does not define us, but the present creation God has made us into is what counts. We discover that for mission, humbly starting off from where we are is a good thing, because God will grow us as we go!
Dave starts a new series on Mission, focussing today on Saul's journey in Acts 9
James concludes the Set on Jerusalem series with a sermon on 7 stages in Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem.
Cheri delivers a sermon focused on Luke 13:31-35, discussing Jesus's journey to Jerusalem, his encounter with Herod, and his message to the city. The sermon emphasizes the contrast between earthly power and God's eternal perspective, and the importance of choosing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits.
We have Vijay preaching on a section of lukes Gospal which David prepared for us
We have David preaching from The Book Of Consolation A sermon by Pastor David on Isaiah 55, focusing on God's offer of abundance and salvation, the guarantees He provides, and the decision we must make to accept His offer.
We have our beloved Pastor Vijay preaching The sermon focuses on atonement for those burdened by sin, explaining the Hebrew word for atonement and how God made Christ the atoning sacrifice. It references Isaiah's suffering servant, who was pierced for our rebellion and crushed for our sins.
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