Author: Andrew

‘The heights and depths of gospel love’ (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

AudioAndrew

One theme stands out in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, and that is the close relationship that Paul had with these believers. This is reflected in so many ways, but is eviden mainly in the language Paul uses to describe the depths of his feelings towards them. In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, it is apparent that Paul truly loved these people and was encouraged that they loved each other and those around them. This kind of love can never be taken for granted, when it is the kind of fruit that Jesus taught his disciples that would show the reality of the gospel to the whole world.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Crown Him
00:18 Introduction
00:42 Prayer
07:09 Bible reading: 1 Peter 1:13-25
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
09:00 Kids’ Talk
Song: 1 John 3:18
13:29 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Song: This Life I Live
Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Song: Have Thine Own Way
14:48 Closing

Outline

  • A pastor’s actions in the US
  • The charges levelled against Paul…
  • Timothy’s report came back and told that all was well…
  • Note here…
  1. The heights of the Apostle’s delight (v.6-8)
  2. The depths of the Apostle’s prayers (v.9-13)

Learn from Paul’s commitment to these believers…
Learn what pleased Paul about these believers…

‘A living portrait of genuine gospel people’(1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5)

AudioAndrew

When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he was full of praise for the way in which these people had received and welcomed the gospel. Their lives had been transformed from worshipping idols to turn and wait for Jesus to return from heaven. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, in describing the characteristics that pleased the Apostle about these believers Paul paints a ‘portrait’ so to speak of what people transformed by the gospel look like. His ‘portrait’ therefore asks us the question, are we ‘gospel people’ in this sense?

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:19 Introduction
00:43 Prayer
05:52 Bible reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
Song: 10,000 Reasons
08:11 Kids’ Talk
Song: More Like Jesus
12:32 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Song: Behold Our God
Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Song: Jesus Master Whose I Am
14:51 Closing

Outline

  • What we’ve covered so far
  • The importance of character
  • Paul tells us what gospel people are like…
  • Note that…
  1. They desire spiritual food from the word of God (v.13)
  2. They are ready to suffer for the Son of God (v.14-16)
  3. They desire fellowship with the people of God (v.17-5)

Learning from mirrors
Do you fit the portrait?

Moderator’s Address

AudioAndrew
Moderator Peter Phillips and Lorraine Phillips

On Tuesday, 5th October 2021, Rev Peter Phillips was appointed as the Moderator of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of Victoria.

This address was recorded on the 23rd September at Bendigo Presbyterian for the Assembly, which was held remotely.

Congratulations to Peter and we look forward to having you and Lorraine represent the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.

‘Understanding Elisha and the famine of Samaria’ (2 Kings 6:24-7:20)

AudioAndrew

There’s an awful ring to the story recorded in 2 Kings 6:24-7:20. Not only is the prophet Elisha in danger – this time from the king of Israel! – the whole nation has hot rock-bottom due to the siege laid by the surrounding armies of Syria. Inside the captial, Samaria, things are a mess. Awful. There’s famine, desperation, hopelessness and unbelief. But then God did something. Having tried His people to an extremity, He then acted to save them and drive the enemy away, leaving it very clear that none else but He was the Saviour of His people, and reminding us that the grace of God is far greater than we can imagine.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship the King
00:17 Introduction
00:41 Prayer
04:45 Bible reading: 2 Kings 6:24-7:2
Song: Christ Is Mine Forevermore
07:20 Kids’ Talk
Song: We Give Thanks (Psalm 75:1)
11:35 Bible reading: 2 Kings 7:3-20
Song: He Will Hold Me Fast
Sermon: 2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Song: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
15:38 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha and the army of angels’ (2 Kings 6:8-23)

AudioAndrew

To be able to see is such a wonderful gift. Sight is such an important aspect to everyday life. But to be able to see what is invisible…now that’s something else. In the text of 2 Kings 6:8-23, it’s very clear that Elisha and his servant were in trouble – surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha and his servant could both see what was right before them. But Elisha could see what his servant could not – that surrounding them Syrian army was an even bigger army of angels sent by God for the protection of His servants. It’s a great text and one that forces us to ‘see’ that what is viisble is not always the whole story!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: My Faith Looks Up to Thee
00:16 Introduction
00:38 Prayer
04:49 Bible reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Song: Grace Unmeasured
08:05 Kids’ Talk
Song: Blind Man
12:34 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Song: Consider Christ
Sermon: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Song: We Rest on Thee
13:52 Closing

‘Understanding Elisha and the floating axehead’ (2 Kings 6:1-7)

AudioAndrew

In this next instalment in the life and ministry of the prophet Elisha, the incident he is called to address in 2 Kings 6:1-7 seems almost insignificant. A borrowed axehead falls to the bottom of the river and needs to be retrieved. Rather than sending in divers or having a dam built to stop the flow of water, Elisha miraculously arranges for the axehead to float! Because God has unlimited power, this miracle was no difficulty for the God who made everything from nothing, but what does this seemingly insignificant event teach us today?

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: What a Friend
00:17 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
03:40 Bible reading: 2 Kings 6:1-7
Song: My Heart Is Filled
04:53 Kids’ Talk
Song: The Chooky And Her Chickies
08:54 Bible reading: Luke 12:1-7
Song: O Great God
10:06 Sermon: 2 Kings 6:1-7
Song: God Whose Almighty Word
34:58 Closing

‘Not open after all!’ … Sunday 8th August

Andrew

Sadly, with lockdown restrictions back again, we won’t be able to meet this Sunday 8th August at 10:30am.

However you can still tune in to Life 105.1 FM at 9am when we’ll praise God with hymns and songs, prayers and readings. There’ll also be something for the children and Philip will be preaching on 2 Kings 4:1-7 (the sixth in a series on the prophet Elisha). Or, you can always listen in on our website whenever it suits!

‘Back together!’ this Sunday 1st August

Andrew

With lockdown restrictions eased, we ARE able to meet this Sunday August 1st at 10:30am to worship God and encourage each other. We are limited to 60 people. If you can’t join us, you can still tune in to Life 105.1 FM at 9am when we’ll praise God with hymns and songs, prayers and readings. There’ll also be something for the children and Philip will be preaching on 2 Kings 3:1-27 (the fifth in a series on the prophet Elisha). Or, you can always listen in on our website whenever it suits!

‘Understanding Elisha and those marauding bears’ (2 Kings 2:23-25)

AudioAndrew

Critics of the Bible might use the text of 2 Kings 2:23-25 to point out how evil the God of the Old Testament is or how uncaring his servants (in this case, Elisha) really are. At first glance of this text, it might appear that they have a point. But with some extra examination and information and perspective, there might be more to this incident than first meets the eye – and it might just turn out to be the exact opposite – something that critics of the Bible (and all of us, for that matter) should take notice of and be warned by! God’s judgement is not something that anyone can take lightly!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Standing On The Promises
00:15 Introduction
00:37 Prayer
04:53 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 36:9-16
Song: Nothing Can I Boast In
06:34 Kids’ Talk
Song: The Power Of The Cross
09:57 Bible reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Song: In Christ Alone
11:45 Sermon: 1 Kings 2:23-25
Song: At The Name of Jesus
35:19 Closing