Guest Speakers

‘Clarity for navigating life’s grey areas’ (Sam Braid, 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1)

AudioPhilip

Sometimes things in life are black and white. Other times things are grey. The Bible calls us to love God and to love our neighbour, yet it is not always clear what that looks like. 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 reveals that in first century Corinth, idol worship was prominent and posed a bit of a conundrum for the Christian community. Worshipping idols was clearly wrong, but did that mean they shouldn’t eat the meat sacrificed to those idols and what about going out to dinner at a pagan’s house? The Apostle Paul teaches us how to navigate such a scenario, while providing the wisdom of God and the example of Christ to enable us to tackle any tricky situation we might find ourselves in. We learn that God has given us great freedom in the Christian life, not to live recklessly or indulgently, but to wholeheartedly serve God and seek the good of many. This requires clarity around the important issues as well as a servant-heart. After considering this passage we may need to repent of thoughtlessness and selfishness, but we will also gain greater peace and confidence to navigate life’s complexities.

Message

‘Finding your rest in Jesus’ (Matthew 11:28-30)

AudioPhilip

When Jesus invited his hearers to ‘Come to Him and find rest’ in Matthew 11:28-30, his words have long stood out like a beacon on a dark night. We live in a world where there are so many demands on us – in terms of time, responsibility and commitment – at work, school, family and community. As followers of Jesus, we also have the extra burden of being hated and misunderstood by the world, all of which means that what Jesus offers is so more important for believers to take up.

Message

Outline

Life in Nepal
Life in Australia
Rest, but what kind?
See what Jesus says in this text…

  1. Come to me (v.28)
  2. Take my yoke (v.29)
  3. Find rest (v.30)

Would you prefer a heavy yoke?
Becoming like Jesus..
The ‘hidden’ things
A life of rest…

‘Following Jesus Christ’ (Luke 9:18-27)

AudioAndrew

Guest preacher and theological student, Daniel Hitchcock, spoke from Luke 9:18-27 about following Jesus. He asked his disciples who the people said he was and many were still perplexed. Then Jesus asks the disciples and Peter gets in right, “The Christ of God”. Jesus surprises as he explains what it means to be God’s chosen saviour and what it means to follow him. He knows he is going to the cross to suffer for our sin in our place. Following him through suffering sounds discouraging but the eternal reward is worth more than the whole world.

Message

Outline

  • Taking up your cross sounds hard
  • The secret of the Christ
  • Fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 53:1-12)
  • Deny yourself and gaining forgiveness

‘Jesus brings a new kingdom’ (Luke 9:1-17)

AudioAndrew

Guest preacher and theological student, Daniel Hitchcock, spoke from Luke 9:1-17 about a very different king. Maybe even more so than in our day, politics in the ancient world were heating up with persecution and rebellions in the shadow of the Roman Empire. Herod was perplexed by the new kingdom Jesus heralded through his twelve disciples. Rather than bringing taxes or an army, Jesus brought love, forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus demonstrates his power and authority here in three ways. Will you serve and depend on King Jesus?

Message

Outline

  • Have times changed?
  • Jesus brings a new kingdom and three proofs
  • Jesus has power of the spiritual
  • Jesus has power to heal
  • Jesus has power to provide
  • A world that needs King Jesus

‘Jesus heals a woman and Jairus’ daughter’ (Luke 8:40-56)

AudioAndrew

Guest preacher and theological student, Daniel Hitchcock, spoke from Luke 8:40-56 about two very different people. Jairus is a synagogue leader who comes to Jesus openly, while an unnamed woman approached Jesus with the cover of the crowd. Both came in faith with a great need. Jesus heals and even raises from the dead but gives forgiveness to meet their greatest need. No matter our struggle or how hopeless the situation, we can come to Jesus.

Message

Outline

  • Two very different people
  • Jesus is able to save and forgive
  • No matter our struggle or how hopeless the situation
  • Be encouraged! Come to Jesus

‘Leaving your problems with God’ (2 Chronicles 20:6-12)

AudioPhilip

How do you handle your problems? There’s an incident in the life of King Jehoshaphat of Judah recorded for us in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12 which relates to the biggest of all problems that the King faced. In this message on that text, Rev Dr Jared Hood, Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College, explains how the three principles at work in this incident will help us ’email’ all our problems straight to God and leave them there!

Message

Outline

How to leave your problems with God…
See that…

  1. He can sort your problems….by understanding theology (v. 6)
  2. He wants to sort your problems….by understanding history (v. 7–11)
  3. He alone can sort your problems….by understanding yourself (v. 12)

‘Wise men trust God’ (Matthew 2:1-15)

AudioAndrew

Borrowing from the work of John Mackay, guest preacher and theological student, Daniel Hitchcock explored some significant references in the Bible concerning stars, the magi mentioned in Matthew 2:1-15, and how these point to God as Creator and Saviour.

Message

Outline

‘Worship your Maker’ (Genesis 1:1-5)

AudioAndrew

Guest preacher and theological student, Daniel Hitchcock, spoke from Genesis 1 about God as creator. The author of creation has authority over it. This is a unique and exclusive claim and has many implications for us as his creatures. Because he is good and loving, we can take him at his word, rely on him and honour him as our maker.

Message

Outline

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

AudioPhilip

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