‘The basics of church life’ (Acts 2:42-47)

The early church was a remarkable witness and a living testimony to Jesus. In this message on Acts 2:42-47, PCV Moderator, Rev Ian Hutton explores Acts 2:42-47 in a search for the ‘basics’ of church life that we should do well and so also be effective in our witness.

Message

Outline

Introduction …

  1. A Church that is keen to learn (v.42)
  2. A Church that fellowships (v.42-45)
  3. A Church that prays (v.42)
  4. A Church that worships (v.46-47)
  5. A Church that grows (v.47)

Conclusion

‘Rejoicing in the righteous King’ (Psalm 97:1-12)

In this message for the new year, Daniel Jansen explores how God’s righteous rule as King over ‘the whole earth’ from Psalm 97:1-12 should comfort the hearts of anxious believers and cause us to rejoice in this uncertain and fragile world.

Message

Outline

Introduction:

  1. The King’s righteousness and Justice (1-6)
    Theophany = Appearance of God
    Mt Sinai-
    Jesus-
  2. Varied Responses to the King (7-9)
  3. Those who Love the King (10-12)
    What they desire
    What the King does

Conclusion

‘The hitch-hiker’s guide to the good life’

It is well known that Psalm 1 is the opening psalm in the book of the Psalms, and that in it, a summary of the message of the book of Psalms can be found. But not everyone understands that Psalm 2 complements Psalm 1 and gives us instruction on how to be the ‘blessed man’ (or woman). In this message on both Psalms, PTC final year student, Steve Denness, tells us how.

Message

Outline

• Blessed… the one man (1:1-3)

• Not so… the wicked (1:4-6)

• Rebellious… the peoples (2:1-3)

• Angry… Yahweh (2:4-6)

• Installed… the Son (2:7-9)

• Blessed… the many refugees (2:10-12)

‘The Beloved Son: driven into the wilderness’ (Mark 1:9-13)

Sometimes the gospel records are read so often that the reader can easily overlook something of significance. This is certainly the case in Mark 1:9-13, where the events of the baptism of Jesus and the temptation of Jesus are linked back-to-back, with only God’s words spoken from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”, separating the two events. In this message, Daniel Jansen explores this contrast and shows us the wonder of the Beloved Son who did all that He did for His people’s salvation.

Message

Outline

Introduction

  1. The Beloved Son is baptised (v.9-11)
  2. The Beloved Son is tempted (v.12-13)

Jesus does what we cannot

  • He fulfills all righteousness
  • He overcomes temptation

Conclusion

‘Confessing Jesus’ (Matthew 16:13-23)

In this message, preached in July 2022, Rev R’jae Rojas explores the crucial moment in the life and ministry of Jesus, when He asked His disciples the telling question, ‘Who do you say that I am?’

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship the King
00:17 Introduction
00:38 Prayer
03:34 Bible reading: Matthew 9:1-8
Song: Behold the Lamb
05:31 Bible reading: Matthew 16:13-23
Song: Before the Throne
07:25 Bible reading: Matthew 27:62-28:15
Song: Come My Soul
Sermon: Matthew 16:13-23
Song: My Faith Looks Up
09:29 Closing

Outline

Introduction

  1. Confused by Jesus (v.13-14)
  2. Confessing jesus (v.15-17)
  3. Commitment to Jesus (v.18-20)

Exhortation

‘Nabal, Abigail, David and Jesus’ (Guest speaker, 1 Samuel 25:1-44)

From July 2018: When the would-be king, David, was spurned by the foolish Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:1-44, he saw red. In his anger, David made up his mind to put an end to Nabal’s life. If it wasn’t for the actions of Nabal’s wife, Abigail (who in some small way points us to Jesus), David would have fallen into serious sin. Anger does that, which is why the Bible teaches that we should ‘be angry’, but ‘do not sin’ (Ephesians 4:30).

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Immortal Invisible
00:20 Introduction
00:39 Prayer
05:08 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 25:1-22
Song: We Are His People
09:00 Shorter Catechism Introduction
10:28 Catechism Questions 48-52
13:17 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 25:23-44
Song: Jesus Strong and Kind
Sermon: 1 Samuel 25
Song: May the Mind
17:44 Closing

‘The exchanged life’ (Rev Len Pearce, Galatians 2:15-3:9)

In this message, guest preacher, Rev. Len Pearce speaks from Galatians 2:15-3:9 about how the believer’s life is not just changed but exchanged. Not one of us is perfect yet there is no other way to stand before God: the believer stands justified by Christ before the throne of God’s justice. By His grace we exchange our sin for his perfect righteousness. We receive these benefits by God’s Spirit through faith. This is the heart of the gospel. Yet we don’t know the length of our days – be sure that you know Jesus as we get closer to eternity.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Marvellous Grace
00:18 Introduction
00:44 Prayer
04:43 Bible reading: John 1:1-14
Song: Come Praise and Glorify
06:09 Kids’ Talk – Colin Buchanan (with thanks to Compassion)
14:27 Bible reading: Galatians 2:15-3:9
Song: Meekness and Majesty
Sermon: Galatians 2:15-3:9
Song: Jesus Thank You
16:53 Closing

‘Meeting Jesus’ (John 4:1-42)

Guest preacher, Rev Len Pearce, looks at John 4:1-42 where Jesus has an appointment to pass through Samaria, but the woman he meets needs that meeting. This passage about the woman of Samaria is all about Jesus and his character – he did not see people as others did. How do we see people? Do we offer hope? Jesus asks the women for a drink from the well but offers her living water (compare with John 7). This living water is his Holy Spirit, that Jesus’ saving work at the cross might be applied to our lives. As the passage goes on, we learn more about who Jesus is and the woman – of low standing and bad reputation – realises that Jesus is the Christ, she has received forgiveness and forgets her task at the well to tell the whole town. Be sure that you have met Jesus. Like Jesus, be no respecter of persons (looking up or down on anyone). Drink deeply of that living water that you cannot help but speak of it!

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
00:14 Introduction
00:39 Prayer
06:07 Bible reading: John 4:1-26
Song: Grace Unmeasured
09:21 Devotional Spot
Song: Consider Christ
10:57 Bible reading: John 4:27-42
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
13:02 Sermon: John 4:1-42
Song: Have Thine Own Way
41:44 Closing

‘The Gibeonite deliverance’ (Joshua 9:1-27)

The Old Testament book of Joshua tells the story of the people of Israel taking possession of the land of Canaan according to God’s promise and instruction. By the time Joshua 9:1-27 comes around, not all has gone according to plan for God’s people – mainly through their own disobedience and failure to keep in touch with the Lord and His plans. This message of the chapter preached by Chris, tells us of a similar story, but ends up with a striking parallel for the those who are saved by His grace and included in the number of His people today.

Full service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship The King
00:14 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
03:54 Bible reading: Ephesians 2:1-22
Song: O The Mercy Of God
06:50 Mission Spot
Song: Amazing Grace
10:34 Bible reading: Joshua 9:1-27
14:30 Sermon: Joshua 9:1-27
Song: There Is A Higher Throne
36:22 Closing