St Matthews Anglican Church 6pm Sermons

20250601 6PM MS On the Road with Jesus on the Sabbath Luke 13:10-17 The people don't get it, because they are blind … blind to what Jesus came to do … blind to the spiritual realm. Jesus came to release us from the evil powers of the spiritual realm. Jesus heals a woman who has for 18 years been oppressed by Satan with this bent over condition. Jesus brings out the reason for the Sabbath.  It's a day for doing good,  for saving life. The sabbath is a pointer to an ultimate sabbath rest with God. This episode in Luke thirteen is an illustration of Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm.  It points to his work on the cross.  Jesus has come to set his people free.   Speaker: Bishop Michael Stead

20250525 6PMp GH On the Road with Jesus -Repent or Perish Have you seen cases of poor behaviour followed by matching outcomes? Is it Karma? Is it fatalism? Jesus talks about 2 examples of bad things that happened and raises the issue of whether or not it was deserved? Examples in Old Testament of continual breaking of relationship as an illustration of our broken relationship with God. Jesus tells the story of the fruit tree that bore no fruit, but is given another year of grace.  There is a challenge to all people:  Produce fruit or perish. Will we produce fruit that brings God glory? What do we need to prune, and what do we need to feed to bring forth fruit? Speaker: Gary Hill.

20250518 6PM CD  On the Road with Jesus: in an uncertain future Speaker: Chris Donald How shall we live in an uncertain future? When the future is an uncertain:  1. Practice dependence and … pray, pray, pray! When the future is an uncertain:  2. Practice obedience Focus on things you know how to do. Obey Jesus  step by step When the future is an uncertain:  3. Practice Remembrance   Remember,  Jesus will return!  Do not be afraid, little flock!

20250427 6PMp RI Fear God but do not be afraid Luke 12:1-12 On the Road with King Jesus.  On the road to Jerusalem Jesus has told to his disciples things in private, which will eventually be made widely known.  He calls his disciples his friends, and tells them to fear God, yet not be afraid. Fear God means a proper respect for God, that keeps us from sinning. Yet we ought not be afraid because God is our loving Father who sees and cares. He does not forget even the sparrows. He explains that the Spirit will give words to say, when the world coerces us to go its way. The times ahead may be very difficult for those who follow Jesus. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20250420 6PMp RI Don't search for what you already have.  Matthew 28:1-7 Romans 6:8-11 Sometimes we search for what we already have.  We search for: Connection;  Comfort;  Cause. What are you looking for, and where and when will you find it? We may think we have what we are looking for, only to find that sin comes in and stops us finding what we are really looking for.     Jesus conquered death and those who trust in him, can also have that conquest.  Adopted into God's family.   Jesus, the resurrected Jesus, is the one you are looking for. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20250406 6PMp JB Spiritual Forgetfulness Are we forgetful?  Do we forget what God has done for us in Christ? 5 points We are adopted we are sons, as children of the Creator and Sustainer of the world. Children of the Father, not just slaves. Brought into the family as an heir, we have an inheritance. It also brings security and an intimacy with the Father. “Abba, Father.   We are co-heirs with Christ. Life in the Spirit means that we have Life! There is now “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ. There is no fear. There is “a law” not the Mosaic Law, but “the law of the Spirit”. This motivates us to put to death sin. Put to death the misdeeds of the body.  By the Spirit who helps us. No longer slaves, but sons. We are not in slavery but in sonship. The antidote to spiritual forgetfulness is to be reminded of our privileged status, of our adoption into God's family.  Speaker: John Batten.

20250323 6PMp RI Romans 6 – More Really Good News Dead & Free from the Penalty of sin.  Free from the Dominion of sin. And now alive in Jesus --- Who are we? .. how do we describe ourselves? In Romans, Paul talks about sin … and he also talks about grace. He talks about sin increasing, and about grace also abounding. “How do we define ourselves in terms of sin and grace?” In our experience, do we see a gradual change from sin toward grace?  … otherwise called sanctification? Here Paul sees it from a different perspective not just of our experience, but of our viewpoint: He says: ‘Count yourself  “dead to sin” and “alive to Christ … alive to grace” ‘ The grace that flowed to change my heart, also flowed to change my identity. Grace is not the reason to continue in sin, Grace is the reason to live a new life… Dead to sin, but alive to grace in Christ Jesus.  The :metaphor of baptism” is not just washing away of sin, but also being baptised into Christ's death,  and rising with him in new life.  Pardoned sinners, but more than pardoned sinners .. In the symbolism of slavery .. We may choose the old way of the old master, or we may choose the new way of freedom, of a new master.  We can choose to be slaves to righteousness, and reap holiness as a result.  Speaker: Ron Irving.

20250316  as 6PMp CD Romans 5 Really Good News Justified, by faith. It's a scary thing if your hope is in politics or in technology, or in industry, or in institutions etc… Our culture is creating ambient anxiety. We live in world where optimism is being replaced by anxiety. We are worried about many aspects of our society and lives. But we have Romans 5 – really good news. Romans zooms out to give us the really big picture so that we can understand our place in the picture.  The story of humanity – the first man sinned, and death came into the world.  Until there came another man, who did not sin, but died for our sins.  And also defeated sin and death.  Paul wants us all to understand this bigger story. There are many implications of this bigger picture. For example, reconciliation with God. Purpose in suffering leading to perseverance and character.  Confidence in God's Love.  No need to fear Death.  And a Hope that will not disappoint. Speaker: Chris Donald.

Continuing our sermon Series on the Book of Romans.  This sermon considers Paul's argument on who would be judged righteous whether Jew or not, circumcised or not, (even Christian or not), based upon what they have done and even on how they judge others. It uses an analogy of how "coloured dye can penetrate and get into chalk" to point out that sin really does get in! And it points to the Really Good News of what Jesus has done. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20250126 6PMp CD Speaker: Chris Donald. Using tools the wrong way, leads to broken tools.    So, “What is our purpose?  What are you here for?” Christopher Morley wrote: “There is only one success: To spend your life in your own way,” Sums up our culture: just about self The Bible explains our purpose – created in the image of God, but fallen through sin, redeemed through Jesus' sacrifice for us. Living for Jesus helps us reach our full potential. Live close to Him Copying Jesus. Be wise, make the most of every opportunity … to keep telling people about Jesus. Paul's life is for Jesus.  He has co-workers, who also live for Jesus.  We were made for living for Jesus.  This will affect our big decisions, but also our small decisions.

Speaker: Rob Denham Are we living as a Caterpillar or as a Butterfly?  Are we living as before or are we living a transformed life?

20241201 6PMp RI Vision and Hope On Vision Sunday, we look forward to what lies ahead.  In a year, or in the next four years.  There are various kinds of Hope. “Wishful thinking” type hope, or “Wait and see type hope”  e.g. Christmas,  exams, growth of children.   What is your hope?  What is your hope in Christ? In times of blessing, or in times of agony? Do we yearn for God himself, or just yearn for the blessings that God gives? Horatio Spafford in times of trying, he wrote:  When peace like a river attendeth my way , when troubles like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well with my soul.”  The Hope that comes from God is also different in that it is not dependent on us, but it depends on Him.  It is sure and certain. It is a relationship with the Living God.  Hope rests with God.  “Hopeful people are prayerful people.”  People with Hope are Bold people.  May our hearts yearn for the Living God.          Speaker: Ron Irving.

20241124 6PMpDT Some final exhortations Many exhortations, but 3 to be considered here: Respect your leaders: But respect is to be earned, not just demanded. It is correct that leaders should be respected, because of their good leadership. Be patient, with everyone.  Compassionate, slow to anger.  Patience is a characteristic of God.  Paul urges Christians in many places in his letters to be patient.  With this comes the work of God's Spirit.  We may be called on for “forbearance”.  Rejoice always, for this is God's will for you.  We may find joy in many events in our lives. But particularly, joy is linked to the character of God.  we may find joy in  …  The disciples were overjoyed  when they saw the risen Lord. The message of the angels to the shepherds when Jesus was born, was one of “joy to all people”.  Speaker: David Tyndall.

Meet Secular Scott. Secular means "of this world". In 1 Thessalonians ch 5 verses 1-11, Paul reminds them to live for the return of Jesus, and the Day of The Lord.  Speaker: John Batten.

20241027 6PM CD 5 Qualities in Kingdom Relationships w QandR Background to the Thessalonian Church is from Acts 17. In a setting of persecution during the beginning of the Thessalonian church, Paul flees to Athens but wants to go back and spend more time with the new converts.  He sends Timothy who brings news, and Paul writes to the Thessalonian Church. From his letter, we can learn 5 qualities in Kingdom relationships for us to seek.  Don't settle for superficial. Be invested in each other. Don't settle for “sarcastic”. Let's be sincere. Don't settle for self-centred. Let's make it about “them”. Don't settle for “spiritual stuntedness”. Let's encourage growth! Don't settle for “short-term”. Let's push people to persevere .. for the long term. To the end.   There is a cost: It leaves Paul “vulnerable”. He is opening up his heart. He is in the relationship for them (not for him). Remember: Kingdom relationships start with relationships with the King! Jesus. Speaker: Chris Donald.

20241020 6PMp RI How should we measure ministry? Paul discusses his ministry among the Thessalonians, measuring it not by earthly standards, but before God.  Shall it be measured by fruitfulness? Jesus' ministry ended on a cross! What looked like failure turned out to be very fruitful – we are part of that fruit!  God determines outcomes. Some, like Jeremiah, did not see the fruit of their labour, in their time.  God will achieve his purposes, through his Word. Faithful ministry is resilient, full of integrity, pleasing to God, gentle, incarnate, toilsome, godly, and involves urging or inspiring people.  It involves pleasing God, rather than pleasing people. It is gentle & nurturing, protective and also incarnate, lived out in the flesh.  It is hard work. And it is like a father, inspiring, by word and deed. Paul imitated Jesus, following his way.   Speaker: Ron Irving.

20241013 6PMp RI Anticipation of what is coming. Term 4 in school is the last before Christmas. For many, it may also mean exams, or the prospect of the time after the exams. Anticipation requires action. Thessalonians anticipates the return of Jesus, but how do we see this? Anticipation for the Thessalonians, led to action. It radically changed their lives. The Thessalonians turned, they served and they waited. This is what the church everywhere said about them. 1. They turned to God from idols. In that society, this was not a small change. It led to persecution and severe suffering. For us, following Jesus is not just a turn to… but also a turn from … for us there can be many idols: money can be an idol for us. There are various practical actions we can take. 2. The Thessalonians were moved to serve.  They served the living and true God.  They served by working, labouring and enduring.  With effort and time.  Grace is about “not earning”; not about “no effort”. Serving is about sacrificing ourselves for others. 3. Waiting. Action in waiting for the return of Jesus.  Awaiting a rescue from wrath. When Jesus returns, all will be made new!  So, turn, serve and wait. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20241006  We don't know what it is was in this psalm that the Psalmist,  David, was seeking security from, but we know that for much of his life, he was escaping from people who wanted to kill him, We can't say to Jesus, “You don't know what it is like", because he does know. He suffered for us.  Furthermore he is in heaven pleading on our behalf.  We learn that God counsels us. David says, “I keep the Lord at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” In this psalm we can see that God's plan of salvation for us as revealed in the New testament, is already foreshadowed in this psalm. Speaker: David Tyndall.

20240929 6PMp DT Psalm 22 The writer of this psalm wrote this down a thousand years before it happened.  At least 9 specific events that were predicted and then happened a thousand years later.    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? The broken relationship between Jesus and his Father is expressed here. He says, “I am a worm”, … Christ becomes unworthy, because he takes the sin of the world upon himself.  The psalm is a reflection of what takes place in Matthew 27:41.  The crowd, by their words were fulfilling what had been written a thousand years before. The bulls of Bashan grew powerful and strong because of the lush pasture.  Lions are powerful. Dogs surround them. The clothes were divided, and lots were cast for his robe. And then, there is a change. Verse 22 on reflects the resurrection, which takes place after the crucifixion.  The book of Hebrews tells us of what then happens.  Verse 28 provides glimpses of the second coming of the Lord.  We are living proof of what is written in the scriptures.  The work of our salvation is fulfilled when Jesus says, “It is finished.” It is remarkable that God's promises are fulfilled. Speaker: David Tyndall.

20240922 6PMp JB Psalm 40 Psalms and songs and words and meanings – we can all experience the meaning these can have upon us. Psalm 40 was written by David, who became king in Israel. It expresses a time turmoil and difficulties for David.  But in this time of trouble, David found comfort in God. David looked to the past, when God had been his helper and comfort.  He looked to the future, for the promise and assurance God has given. And he finds help, for the present circumstances.  David was in a miry pit.  And has been rescued.  David expresses the view that its not just sacrifices and burnt offering that God wants, but rather the genuine commitment of the whole heart. “I desire to do thy will.”  This is what David expresses, and he wants others, likewise to have such commitment to God.  And he looks also to the future, that God will continue his love and mercy, quickly and without delay. Yet only one, has fulfilled God's law completely. Psalm 40, is one of the Messianic Psalms, and points to Jesus, the Messiah. Only one, suffered death for us all, and rose triumphant from the grave. In like manner, in our present time, we can look to the past, where we have seen God's faithfulness and grace. We can look to the future, where we can consider the promises that God has revealed. And we can find help for our present circumstances. God is faithful and will fulfill his promises and purpose. Speaker: John Batten.

20240915 6PMp DT Psalm Two First in our series on Psalms that point to the Messiah. Psalms can be divided into different groupings, and Psalm 2 is ibn the group of “Messianic Psalms”. These psalms point to the Messiah: Jesus. In troublesome times, like ours, people plot against other people. People may plot against Christians, people may reject God and Christians may be greatly affected by what other people do.  We may ask, “Where is God, in all these troubles?” Psalm 2 reminds us that God is still in control. God has set his King on  mount Zion, and he will reign.  The kings and rulers of the earth are advised to serve the Lord and kiss the Son. Speaker: David Tyndall.

  20240908 6PMp CD The Mantle falls on Elisha Reading:  2 Kings 2:1-18 The most important day in my life.   The story, told from Elisha's viewpoint, leading up the last day he had with his master and mentor, Elijah. Having crossed the Jordan river on dry ground, while walking along, Elisha was separated from Elijah by the sudden appearance of flaming horses and a flaming chariot, and Elijah was caught up into heaven.  And Elisha inherited a double portion of Elijah's Spirit.  What it means to follow and obey God's commands. Speaker: Chris Donald.  

This sermon continues our series on Elijah. Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21: 1-29   King Ahab asks Naboth to trade his vineyard to him so that the king can make it a vegetable garden.  He sulks when, with good reason, Naboth refuses. Queen Jezebel writes letters to have Naboth falsely accused and killed, and, when Naboth is dead, tells Ahab to go and take possession.  The Word of the Lord comes to Elijah to go to Ahab in the vineyard and to give a message of retribution. Ahab shows regret and humbles himself, and the Lord declares that the retribution that will occur, will be delayed until the next generation.    The lesson for us is that God knows what is going on, in Jesus, he knows it first hand. And God will bring retribution; yet he also shows grace to those who show regret. God will give the chance even to the most evil person, to repent and to humble themselves.   God offers forgiveness through his Son. We will see justice done on that final day, when Jesus returns.     .  Speaker: Gary Hill.

20240825 6PMp TS Paul's Mission and Method Mission Week Service: Speaker Tim Swan, Anglican Aid. In the year AD 48, Paul went to Jerusalem to confer with leaders in the church about the plan for mission.  It was agreed that just as Peter's mission was to the Jewish nation, Paul's mission was to be to the Gentiles. It was added that Paul should remember the poor,  “which he was glad to do”! There are many examples from the Old Testament prophets, at the start of Jesus' ministry, with Zacchaeus, and in Jesus explanation of the judgment of the nations,  and also in Paul's ministry of concern for the poor as part of the ministry priorities. Anglican Aid is focussing attention on some of the poorest nations, seeking to provide practicl assistance, as well as the ministry of the gospel of Jesus. More Information is available at: anglicanaid.org.au

What is persecution? What is its purpose and is it inevitable? Mission Week Service. Persecution and the spread of the gospel. Meet Kumran. From Sri Lanka, went to find work, but instead, found Jesus. He was persecuted for meeting as a Christian.    What is persecution, and why? Three key areas:  1. Persecution is painful.  2. Persecution is planned. 3. Persecution is purposeful. It can be difficult.  Read Acts 6 and Acts 7.  The story of Stephen persecuted and killed. Saul, who later changed his name to Paul, witnessed what happened to Stephen.  Then zealously persecuted the Christians until he too met Jesus, on the road to Damascus.  It is Paul who many years later, writes to  Timothy,  “that all who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted.” In Matthew ch. 10, Jesus explains that all his faithful followers will be hated – because of him. Kumran became a pastor and in 2019, he lost friends and an 11 yr old son when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the front entry to his church.    Why do we not face persecution? Look deeply into the issue. Kumran's other son wrote a tribute to his younger brother that died. As with Daniel,  “there was another in the fire!”   Speaker: Murray Watt

20240811 6PMp JB Elijah is recommissioned 1 Kings 19:10-18 No one likes to feel like a failure! No one likes that feeling – feeling like they've failed. Eljah is feeling devasted. Why does he feel like this? Is it like he has failed? Or is it the Israelites' failure to turn back to Yahweh? Or like that God has failed him? Or like a combination of these? Yet in his devastation, God has cared for him, and fed him. And he has gone on a journey for forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, (Horeb). And this is setting up for an awesome moment! Sinai is where the nation of Israel started, where the Ten Commandments were given, there Elijah is still devastated! There, the Word of the LORD came to him: “what are you doing here?”  Elijah, feeling devastated, experiences the wind, the earthquake, and fire.  And then a gentle whisper. And a voice said: What are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah expresses his feelings, “… I am the only one left!”  Yahweh is gentle with Elijah. He is told to go back the way he came … and told what he is to do, whom he is to anoint! And he is reassured that the LORD has reserved 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him. Yahweh is calling him to trust. Yahweh will bring justice, Yahweh will give him a companion, and that Yahweh is working to save His people. And this promise of God's justice applies not only to Elijah, but also to us. In our world, God has not given up. Acts 17 declares that God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice, by the man he has appointed. Jesus, who died for us, and rose again! Speaker: John Batten.

20240804 6PMp RI Elijah questions his self worth Ahab tells Jezebel everything that happened to the prophets of Baal, and Jezebel sends messengers to threaten Elijah.  Elijah sees that nothing has changed.  Elijah is disillusioned with God. He runs to escape. He is feeling despair.  And he questions his self worth, asking God to take his life. He lies down and sleeps.  But Elijah is sustained by an angel, a messenger of God. God has not given up on Elijah.  God never gives up on his people!  Strengthened, Elijah then travels 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb (Sinai). And we have a greater messenger! Jesus shows us that we are never forsaken.  Jesus is the greater messenger of God's Grace. 12 years ago, at a time when Ron, (the speaker), felt very disillusioned with God, the song “Cornerstone” reminded him immensely of God's grace shown in Jesus.  “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.  In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” Jesus meets us with his grace. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20240728 6PMp CD Elijah's Message to us. King Ahab meets Elijah and after an altercation, the people are summoned to mount Carmel.  Elijah challenges the people to decide between the Baals and the LORD with a test by fire. If the Baal is God, serve him. But if the LORD is God, serve him!  God is claiming Israel back as part of his promise to Abraham.  The challenge is also to us! Choose this day, whom we will serve! Speaker: Chris Donald.

20240721 6PMp JB God, Why am I here? Elijah is told by God to present himself to king Ahab. Elijah meets the king's administrator, Obadiah, who recognises Elijah, and is then fearful for his own life.  Obadiah has faithfully served the Lord God, Yaweh, and, in matters where there was no conflict, has served his earthly master, Ahab. At times, we may wonder, and ask the question, “What am I doing here?” yet God has us in the right place at the right time. Speaker: John Batten.

20240714 6PMp CD Elijah he Prophet - God what are you doing? Elijah The Tishbite, of Tishbe, the prophet of God, appears about some 900 years BC. He brings a message from God to King Ahab, whose wife is Jezebel, that there will be drought in the land. The drought and ensuing famine affects Elijah and others in the land.  In the ensuing events, at the brook Cherith, and later at Zarephath, in the area of Sidon, they then come to know that there is a God in Israel! Speaker: Chris Donald.

20240707 6PMp RI Check your heart! When jogging, and at various other times, we would do well to “Check our heart!” In this final sermon of our current series in Luke: “On the Road with Jesus” Jesus accepts the Invitation to a meal at the house of a Pharisee.  Jesus perceives that the Pharisee is critical of him because he does follow their practice of washing hands before the meal.  Jesus responds with a critique of focussing on outward appearances whilst neglecting the inward attitude of the heart.  And when an “Expert in the Law” protests, Jesus then points out issues in their behaviour also, that shows a need for them to “check their heart!”.    On our journey, with Jesus, we too, need to check our heart! This is a fundamental need for followers of Jesus.  “Check your heart!” Speaker: Ron Irving.

20240630 6PMp RI Don't Just stand there Do Something In Ulladulla, 2004, There was a situation in church, that required decision and action. Continuing our series in “Luke's Gospel: On the Road with Jesus” speaker Ron Irving explains the need for decision and action: siding with Jesus.  In the matter of casting out a demon, and focussing attention on various other issues, the one issue of importance, is “siding with Jesus” as the signs of the Kingdom of God come upon the world.  There are various other stances that are seen to be inadequate or to miss the point. “Blessed are those that hear the word of God and obey it! ---------------------------- 

20240623 6PMp GH Jesus Teaches his Disciples about Praying. Jesus shows us that knowing how to pray is about knowing what God is like, knowing who He is.  The more we know that, the more we are going to know how to pray.   In the Lord's Prayer Jesus calls God “Father”. Even as a little boy, Jesus used that term for God. Teaching his disciples to address God as ‘Father' is inviting them into an intimate relationship with God. This invitation is even to others who may not yet know God. In the words, “Your Kingdom come” Jesus shows that God is a King, a ruler, our Sovereign.  He has power, and his name should be honoured. Forgive us our sins.  We need His forgiveness, we can pray for this, we can do this in all sorts of circumstances.   In prayer we know better the nature of God, his character, his love and goodness toward us, and the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to approach God our Father, in prayer. Speaker: Gary Hill.

20240616 6PMp CD Mary and Martha with Jesus c QandA In New Testament times, writings were written on scrolls, up to about 30 feet long. Luke's writing in his gospel and in the book of Acts are the longest in the New Testament.  Why did Luke include this story of Jesus with Martha and Mary in his gospel?  The point in this story may readily be missed or misunderstood.  In keeping with the way our world thinks, we may often seek to earn our way, by doing things for Jesus and for God.  But we can never do enough to earn our way.  Jesus, by his death and rising again, has provided the way for us. Mary chooses to be with Jesus, and to listen to him.  This is better, this is what is needed. And it shall not be taken away. Speaker: Chris Donald.

20240609 6PMp JB Who is the Good Samaritan? An expert in the Law, comes to test Jesus, and asks him, “What must I do to inherit Eternal Life?” Jesus turns the question around and asks the expert what his answer is. This leads to the question: “And who is my neighbour?”  Jesus answers with a parable, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”. In the parable, the priest, the Levite and the Samaritan see the man in need, but it is the Samaritan who has mercy on the man.  And who is the one who sees us in need, and has mercy on us? It is Jesus! Jesus is the Good Samaritan! to us. Speaker: John Batten.

20240602 6PMp FY The Kingdom of God has come near Bible Passage: Luke 10:1-24 In ministry, introducing Jesus is the key intention; getting side tracked from this a trap which must be avoided. In the passage, Jesus sends out 72, in pairs, ahead of him with specific instructions what to do, to preach and how to act. To preach: The Kingdom of God has come near. This message is a message of hope, and death will be defeated. The people have been waiting for this promise for centuries. However, they may have been expecting something different to the what is coming through Jesus. To give a warning: to those who reject the message. The message is to bring life, but there is a sober warning to those towns and people who reject his message. Jesus declares woe to those who reject him. Meeting Jesus, the King. The fulfilment of God's promises. The message brings a promise, and a message of warning, The warning is of the reality of what it means to reject the message.  To reject the message is to reject Jesus, and to reject Jesus is reject the one who sent him. And the challenge is to us, to share the scriptures, to share God's Word, with those around us. To bring people to know Jesus.  Speaker: Faraj Yusofov

20240526 6PMp RI Don't Look Back. Choose Jesus. 4th in our current series on Luke's Gospel. Bible passage: Luke 9:51-62 Using an illustration of the disadvantage of looking back when running a race, “Don't look back” is the key message when following Jesus.  When Jesus sets his mind resolutely to go to Jerusalem. Where death on the cross awaits him.  Multiple examples on this resolute path help to make clear just what it means to take up one's cross daily to follow Jesus. Speaker: Ron Irving.

20240519 6PMp RI Check your baggage Third sermon in our series in Luke's Gospel, On the road with Christ. Why do we follow Jesus? As we seek to follow Jesus, we need to check our baggage, to check our motives, our desires. If our motive is simply eternity I comfort, Bonhoeffer says, “Discipleship is not an offer that man makes to Christ”, and also, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” We go on the road with Jesus, because we get to follow the king, even to the cross. Humble service is a way of checking our desires. Check our passports, our “tribal links”. What of people who are not one of us! God's kingdom is defined by the king. Come on the road and discover what this king is all about. Speaker: Ron Irving.