Sermons
At times of great uncertainty, it is very interesting to observe human behaviour. In recent days, as we respond to coronavirus (known as COVID-19), there have been instances of hysteria and panic which have resulted in stock-piling certain goods. For those who have reacted in a more measured way, it is difficult to escape an undercurrent of anxiety and tension.
One of the most revealing things about the reaction is how well people can prepare when they sense trouble ahead which is one of the most bewildering parts of our culture – how can society spring into such a focussed attitude of preparedness in response to the prospect of being… Continue reading
Richard Bamford recently gave a great exposition on the life of Samson in a sermon at St Andrew’s Baptist Church. Samson is an interesting Old Testament character – his flaws are obvious and it can be a frustrating read as he seems unable to overcome his weaknesses despite being given such an amazing gift of physical power from God. Despite this, his name appears in the ‘hall of fame’ that can be found in Hebrews 11.
We encourage you to listen to this message – Richard draws out some great observations and relates them skillfully to the church today and our own spiritual condition.
It can often seem as though the world is spiralling out of control. Our news reports consistently paint a bleak picture of unrelenting chaos with the latest story of disaster being quickly replaced by a new crisis. In recent days, the reports of the devastating bushfires in Australia has only been overshadowed by the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and the resulting escalation of international tension, particularly in the Middle East. Whatever the crisis, our media is awash with blame and spin – it’s impossible to know who or what to trust.
Fortunately, as Christian’s, we can hold onto the promised arrival of the coming King no matter how… Continue reading
Steve was asked to preach at St Andrew’s Baptist Church on 3rd November. His sermon titled Psalm 143 – A Morning Prayer draws parallels from the crisis David was in to what we experience personally and see in the world around us. The Psalm provides examples of what we can do in times of distress and also includes a great morning prayer that we can use to start each day focusing on our Lord Almighty.
A Morning Prayer:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.… Continue reading
Jesus often spoke in parables, some of which are still well-known to today’s secular culture, but these parables often carry a very direct and shocking message if taken at face value. Parables can also be difficult to interpret due to the heavy use of imagery and symbolism – however, there are a few occasions where Jesus uses a parable and then explains the meaning for the audience. One such occasion is the parable of the wheat and the tares – a very simple message with a crystal clear but disturbing message.
Danny recently preached a sermon on this passage which was intended at an outreach service – feel free to… Continue reading
Steve was asked to preach at St Andrew’s Baptist Church on 14th July. His sermon titled Do we follow Paul’s example? looks at a passage in 2 Corinthians 11 where Paul reluctantly boasts on his sufferings. Steve looks at the context of this passage and asks how this can apply to us today.
The recording is below:
The Bible makes frequent references to marriage being a picture of the church’s relationship to Christ – consider two of the most obvious examples below:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed… Continue reading