SERMONS

the word of God is alive and active...  a discerner of the thoughts and attitudes of the heart     Hebrews 4:12

(We have three preachers within the fellowship who take turns in bringing the word to us each Sunday)
MOST RECENT SERMONS

Blood stains are so difficult to deal with, and the cost of restoration is high. What happens when blood spills on the dwelling place of God and His people?     Deuteronomy 19:1-21:9

In this chapter we see that good character and behaviour are essential for good spiritual leaders, that those leaders are vital  and their prayers are powerful. And Jesus, of course, is the ultimate spiritual leader.  1 Samuel 12

Daniel had faithfully served Babylon from his teens. Now in his 80s the Persians appointed him head over all. Jealous peers sought his death, by lions, but God saved Daniel and his enemies were destroyed.  Daniel 6:1-28

SERMON SERIES
Daniel
Israel 's moral and spiritual failure results in exile to Babylon. But four young men make a stand for God in that pagan world and God blesses both them and empire they serve. Daniel 1
Viewing dreams as windows into the world of the gods, Babylon's emperor was determined to recall and understand a dream he had forgotten. Impossible? - not for God. Daniel 2:1-23
Daniel told the Babylonian Emperor that it was God in heaven, not the gods of the earth, that had; all knowledge; raised up empires and cast them down again. One day though, in the future, God would install an eternal kingdom. Daniel 2:24-49
Nebuchadnezzar had a statue of himself built and commanded, on pain of death, the entire empire to bow down and worship it as a god. Daniel's three friends stayed loyal to the one, true God and refused. Daniel 3:1-18
Daniel’s companions refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue. Sentenced to death by fire, Isaiah's recent prophecy was fulfilled; God was with them and, though the furnace was hotter than normal, they were not burned. Daniel 3:19-30
Having seen, first-hand, God’s sovereignty; the Babylonian emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, acknowledged Him, but reverted to paganism and poor counsel. He needed to learn, and it would take a life-changing situation to do that. Daniel 4:1-18
Nebuchadnezzar, the emperor, had been told that God was the one who truly reigned. Though he acknowledged this, he did not repent of his pride; God would have to teach him in order to transform his heart.   Daniel 4:19-37

Daniel had faithfully served Babylon from his teens. Now in his 80s the Persians appointed him head over all. Jealous peers sought his death, by lions, but God saved Daniel and his enemies were destroyed.  Daniel 6:1-28

1 Samuel
Today we meet Samuel's parents: a father, generally decent and faithful, but too reliant on himself rather that God; and a mother, hurt by years of bullying and shame, who found peace by putting herself under God's grace. 1 Samuel 1:1-20
How did the, formerly, desperately sad Hannah respond to the miracle God worked in her life? - Rapturous praise, willing devotion and a prophetic vision of Christ. 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
Eli's personal walk might have been good, but he did not 'manage his household well'. His sons became priests who did not know God, the results were dreadful. 1 Samuel 2:12-36
Hannah did all she could to encourage her child in his God-given ministry, Samuel was ready for service and bravely undertook a difficult, even harrowing, task when asked. 1 Samuel 3:1-21
These are dark days for Israel; they had been routed, the ark was lost, their high priest died, God had departed – why? Because in their arrogance and foolishness they had neglected their covenant promises.  1 Samuel 4:1-22
The Ark returns to Israel, but it was not central. After 20 wasted years for the nation, Samuel calls for repentance, God's instant response is truly memorable. 1 Samuel 7: 1-17
The Israelites rejected God as king and sought to appoint their own; choosing exploitation and servitude over the liberty, abundance and blessedness of God's kingdom and the kind of Lordship exhibited by Christ.  1 Samuel 8: 1-22
Saul, Israel's future king, is introduced to us: Tall and handsome but lacking spirituality. Even in the mundane circumstances of life, though, and even amongst the ungodly, we see that God is at work.   1 Samuel 9: 1-27
Saul is anointed as Israel's first royal rescuer. The accompanying signs; the anointing, the bread and wine, the transformed life and the outpouring of the Spirit, all point towards the work of the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus.  1 Samuel 10: 1-9
The Spirit came upon Saul, transformed his heart and empowered him, but this was only temporary. Under the New Covenant, the Spirit dwells in all believers, internally and forever.  1Samuel 10:6-13

Before all the people Saul is called out as King; seen as mighty among his peers, he gathers all the tribes and routs a cruel and violent aggressor. He acknowledges God as saviour - this is a great start to his reign.    1 Samuel 10:17-11:15

In this chapter we see that good character and behaviour are essential for good spiritual leaders, that those leaders are vital  and their prayers are powerful. And Jesus, of course, is the ultimate spiritual leader.  1 Samuel 12

Deuteronomy
'Deuteronomy' means 'Second Law', but that's a poor title for this work. Moses is explaining how the new nation should put God's law into practice so that the world can see they are God's.  Deuteronomy 1:1-5
Moses recaps the Israelites' journey thus far. He would have us learn both from his failings and those of the Israelites, so that God's grace and faithfulness might be known.  Deuteronomy 1:6-18
Moses mourns the loss of so much time that has been wasted because of faithlessness and rebellion. What we also see is the unfathomable consequences of going against God.  Deuteronomy 1:19-2:37
Moses continues his recount of the events leading up to the Israelites standing ready to enter the Promised Land.
The defeat of another Giant, the last of the Rephaim, proves to be momentous.  Deuteronomy 3
Moses has an important message that the people must hear - they are about to enter into a covenant agreement with God, there are great blessings attached, but also dire consequences if the terms of that covenant are broken.  Deuteronomy 4:1-40
Deuteronomy outlines a legal contract, a covenant between God and Israel, relating to the land promised to them. It is neither extendable nor transferable, so what use is it to us today? Jesus thinks it is very useful.    Deuteronomy 4:1-40
Easter Sunday Message - The establishment of the Cities Of Refuge outside the promised land foreshadow our salvation, where God is our ga'al - the Avenger of blood but also our kinsman Redeemer    Deuteronomy 4:41-43 & John 20
How did Moses handle the ten commandments? Why did he change the 4th commandment regarding the Sabbath, and why is it the only one not confirmed in the New Testament?    Deuteronomy 4:44-5:22 - Part 1
God has made 3500 promises in the bible, all of which He will keep. So why does he turn 7 of these into legally binding covenants?- because through them He is revealing and putting into place His great plan.    Deuteronomy 5:1-15- Part 2
God lays out the commandments summarising the responsibility of the Israelites for those round about them. God's intention was not the the separation of the gospel from social justice, but the news that they go together.   Deuteronomy 5:16-33
God loves His people, and has demonstrated it in powerful ways. How should we respond to His striking acts of love. The obvious answer is to love Him in return.. Deuteronomy 6:1-9
When life was hard, Israel failed to have faith in God. Moses is just as worried about how their faith will fare in the ease and comfort of the new land, let alone when they are required to put their faith into practice.   Deuteronomy 6:10-8:20
Will Israel's pride lead to their destruction? Moses will not allow them to think they are better than anybody else, God's favour is based on grace alone.   Deuteronomy 9:1 - 10:11
Moses reflects on who God is and His amazing grace, and says 'what is it that God asks of us?' - neither legalism nor religiosity, but transformed hearts.   Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Moses completes a picture; God, His people, and a place to call home. Its a theme a that repeats through scripture; from Adam & Eve in Eden; through God's promises to Abraham; all, ultimately, pointing towards our eternal home. Deuteronomy 11:1-32
Moses begins teaching the people what practical steps they are going to take, in the new land, to keep God's commandments. Firstly they are all going to worship in God's chosen place, but where is that?  Deuteronomy 12:1-32
Deuteronomy 13's harsh stance is echoed in Galatians 1, but the punishment matches the crime: false prophets and teachers divert people from their only hope of salvation. Deuteronomy 13:1-18
Is this chapter redundant? Certainly, Jesus dismissed the food laws in a moment, but in these strange laws we discover what God is offering is a seat at His table.    Deuteronomy 14:1-21,   Acts 15:1-21  &  Mark 17:14-30
All are invited to eat at the God's table, to share in His bountiful provision, but what about 'the undeserving poor'? Moses tells us there should be no poor in His Kingdom.   Deuteronomy 15:1-23
Moses binds the three compulsory pilgrimage feasts into the Covenant of Deuteronomy; each is a joyous celebration of of God's salvation and blessing, and each point towards Jesus, the ultimate fulfilment of those.   Deuteronomy 16:1-17
Moses lays out the rules and obligations for Israel's secular leaders, judges & kings: guard the spiritual and immerse yourself in godliness. Yet again, we find these passages point to the ultimate judge and the King of Kings.  Deuteronomy 16:18-17:20

Moses talk very briefly about the provision for the priests. As we consider this passage and the origins of the priesthood, we're struck by the tremendous grace of God shown towards an undeserving people. Deuteronomy 18:1-8

People need to understand what is happening in their lives, and to feel in control. The Cannanites sought this through occult practices and soothsayers, but God offered Israel, and us, a much better way.    Deuteronomy 18:9-22

Blood stains are so difficult to deal with, and the cost of restoration is high. What happens when blood spills on the dwelling place of God and His people?     Deuteronomy 19:1-21:9

Hebrews
Better than angels, better than the temple, better than the priesthood, better than sacrifice, better than the prophets; better than all these things is Jesus. Hebrews 1
Jesus is so much superior than all others, we should listen to Him! He became one of us, human. But where mankind failed, that is in all areas, Jesus has triumphed!   Hebrews 2
Moses is a signifcant person in Israel's history; overseeing the rescue, the wilderness wandering, the introduction of the law and priesthood and taking them to the promised land, but Jesus is far greater than Moses. Hebrews 3:1-6
As Jesus really is so much better than all that has gone before, what are the consequences of ignoring Him? The writer of Hebrews takes us back to the old testament warnings; Today, if you hear God's voice, listen!   Hebrews 3:7-4:14
The Levitical priests' role was to ensure all was done to enable God to dwell in the midst of his people. Christ, the Great High Priest, performs this role in a way no other could have.  Hebrews 5:1-5
There is a problem; the recipients of this letter are not growing. The writer brings them solid food; those who have seen and tasted what has been won in Christ but are not showing the fruits of salvation, their position is dangerous. Hebrews 6
The author of Hebrews compares Melchizedek, the King & priest who both blessed and received homage from Abraham, with the Levitical priesthood. We see that Melchizedek foreshadowed Christ who would be priest like no other. Hebrews 7
Jesus established a new covenant, far better that the old. Perfect, permanent and preeminent; mediated, not in a tent, but in the throneroom of God;  not dependant on our performance, but perfectly completed in Him. Hebrews 8
The blood of bulls and goats made it possible for the High Priest to, once a year, enter the very presence of God. How much more has been made possible through the precious blood of Jesus?  Hebrews 8:13 - 9:15
The continual shedding of blood which allowed the tabernacle to function as the annual meeting place for God and the high priest, was merely a facsimile of the heavenly courts where Jesus stands permanently interceding for us.  Hebrews 9:15-28
The old rituals of blood sacrifices acted as reminders of sin rather than deal with it properly, what was really needed was not sacrifice but obedience, and Jesus was perfectly obedient.  Hebrews 10:1-18
In God's presence we have; boldness, rather than fear; a companion, rather than isolation. Since we have these things, Hebrews encourages us, live it and grow in it.  Hebrews 10:19-25
Such is the magnificence of God's perfect means of salvation - through Jesus Christ His son, we must hold on to that, but how can there be any hope for those that reject the truth they have heard?    Heb rews 10:24-39
When we look back to the faithful ones in the Old Testament, we don't always see great people, but we do see a people that believed God and were willing to forego the present and trust God for the future.    Hebrews 11:2-12:3
God disciplines His children. What do we understand that to mean; a negative punishment or something positive?    Hebrews 12:2-11
The author of Hebrews encourages us to embrace the transformative work God is doing in our lives, for God is building us into something great   Hebrews 12:12-23
Hebrews has shown us that what we have now is so much better than anything that has gone before, we have become members of a close and profoundly noble family.   Hebrews 13:1-9
The author to Hebrews concludes his letter with a reminder that the altar, sacrifice and hope we have far exceeds anything that has gone before. We also see some beautiful outworking of the familial love among those in Christ.   Hebrews 13:10-25
Mark's Gospel 
John the Baptist was sent into the wilderness to prepare a lost people for Jesus. Jesus also entered the wilderness in preparation for His gospel ministry.  Mark 1 : 1-13
Jesus has a work to do - he teaches, heals, excorcises, calls but his primary role is to preach God's gospel; the Christ has come! Mark 1:14-45
Jesus returns to Capernaum and the crowds return to Him, some hoping to be healed. The pharisees have a phrase "no one is healed until they are forgiven", Jesus both forgives and heals. Mark 2:1-17
Jesus responds to the unfounded criticism of His desciples & Himself by showing how man's additions to God's law burden people unnecessarily and corrupt the good that was God's original intention. Mark 2:18-28
Is it holy or unholy to do acts of mercy on the sabbath? Jesus opponents decide to reject the truth and accuse Jesus of being in league with Satan. Mark 3
Jesus teaches The Parable Of The Sower, this is a very familiar passage to many Christians, but within it there are truths so vital that we must never be complacent complacent about them.    Mark 4:1-20
Jesus has just been teaching about the seeds and the sad fact that some perish, Jesus now shows us how to live and thrive through the word of God.  Mark 4:21-41
Late at night Jesus encounters the man possessed by Legion demons. Even in his dreadful state the man ran and worshipped Jesus, his demon did the opposite but Jesus demonstrated both his power and authority.  Mark 5:1-20
Jesus demonstrates His power; over life and death, sickness and wholeness; but even in the midst all that He shows His unrelenting grace and love. Mark 5:21-43
Jesus is a travelling Rabbi: word has reached His hometown and they want to hear him. They were surprised by the depth of His teaching, but their faith proved to be tragically poor. Mark 6:1-29
Setting out into the wilderness, suddenly and unprepared, followed by 5000 men, their wives and children, real, practical needs were recognised, but none could conceive of Jesus' amazing ability to provide. Mark 6:30-56
Israel had a history of putting man's traditions ahead of God's will; Jesus showed Israel's leaders that they'd fallen into the same mistakes as their forefathers and they needed to rethink what uncleanness means.  Mark 7:1-23
Jesus entered the house of a gentile woman, repellent to Jews, but Jesus saw her heart and faith and blessed her and her household by freeing her daughter from the demons that possessed her.  Mark 7:24-37
Jesus was concerned for both the spiritual and physical needs of the 4000. The disciples, sadly, were distracted by practical dificulties and their own issues.  Mark 8:1-21
In Galilee Of The Gentiles a blind mand receives his sight. This Messianic miracle is not performed with a flourish as some spectacular feat, but with care and consideration.  Mark 8:22-38
When would the kingdom come? John the Baptist dressed and ate like Elijah, challenged kings like Elijah and was persecuted by queens - Elijah had come, the kingdom would follow. Mark 9:1-13
Jesus warns his disciples; its easy, because of distraction, to inhibit both blessing and our witness. How long, He asks, before you enter in to all that is available to you?. Mark 9:14-50
Those who approach God with the right attitude are blessed, but those that don't miss out. Here we see the Pharisees coming, not to be blessed by Jesus's teaching, but to try and catch Him out.  Mark 10:1-31
We all have choices; knowing the consequences influences our decisions - Jesus saw beyond the immediate crucifixion and chose glory - His & ours.  Mark 10:32-52
Jesus enters Jerusalem, when He sees that the religious leaders have robbed the Gentiles of their opportunity to worship, He takes action.  Mark 11:1-19
The disciples are amazed to see the a fig tree wither in response to Jesus' curse, Jesus uses the opportunity to speak of the importance of faith when praying.    Mark 11:20-33
In the parable of the Tenants, God provides all that is needed for His servants, nevertheless they reject Him and His son and face the dire consequences. Blind to these warnings, the Jewish leaders continue challenging the Son. Mark 12:1-27
The religious leaders' pose questions intended to catch Jesus out, but Jesus'  wise answers catch them out - showing that their motivation is not for good but for vanity and personal gain.   Mark 12:28-44
The disciples may have wondered whether they might live in the palatial temple complex in Jerusalem, with Jesus as King.
Jesus warns them; this fancy temple will not last, the world will be in turmoil & Christians will be abused..   Mark 13:1-23
Jesus announces that, at the end of time, He will return and call His people to Him: His people should not be concerned when the final tribulation comes.   Mark 13:23-31
This passage talks about both the adoration of Jesus and the betrayal of Him. How do we respond to God's blessings-rejoicing or rebellion? Mary, Lazarus & Martha's sister, ensured that Jesus had the full measure of her devotion.   Mark 14:1-27
"His love endures forever"; Jesus would die but, faithful to this word, He would rise again to gather His sheep. In our flesh we may be weak but, He is strong and His Spirit dwells within us.   Mark 14:-27-52
The chief priests and leaders of the Jews perverted the justice system in order to condemn Jesus. Jesus surrendered to this in order to secure a better future for us.  Mark 14:-53-72
Before Pilate, the Jews bought false accusation against Jesus. Pilate knew Him to be innocent and yet he allowed Jesus to die in Barabbas’ place, to allow Jesus to die in the place of the real sinner.  Mark 15:1-20
So many Old Testament prophecies reveal such extensive details of Jesus' trials, that we can be sure all that Jesus went through, physically, mentally & spiritually, was specifically planned in order to win our salvation. Mark 15:21-47
Despite foretelling His resurrection Jesus' followers were not expecting it. The women would not be kept from performing their final act of devotion to Him. What a joyous surprise awaited them. Mark 16:1-20