Theories abound as to the link between the suffering that happens on earth and the sin of people. Some say that God always punishes the worst and rewards the best. In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus put this theory to rest. When asked about the aftermath of Pilate’s depravity and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam, Jesus pointed out that the need of the hour was repentance rather than guessing the cause of the tragedy. God does not treat as as our sins deserve. National or personal disasters are a ‘wake up call’ to all, regardless of who is ‘good’ and bad’. Instead we are to produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
Guest Speakers
Reformation Sunday Celebration with Rev Dr Douglas Milne (Hebrews 13:7)
At our Reformation Sunday Celebration, Rev Dr Douglas Milne preached from Hebrews 13:7, reminding us of the great legacy left behind by the Christian leaders of the Reformation and of those who have walked with God in days gone by, encouraging us all to imitate their faith by trusting in the Lord Jesus to the end.
‘The cradle and the cross’ (Luke 23:13-49)
Len Pearce spoke from Luke 23:13-49 about the connection between Christmas and Easter.
‘Keeping the miraculous alive in the Christmas story’ (Luke 2:15)
In this message, Rev John Sutherland explores the often overlooked aspect of the miraculous parts of the Christmas story in Luke’s gospel with the hope that believers may have a greater sense of wonder and awe at the great events that make up the birth of Jesus. We have no need to apologise that the very basics of our faith are founded on miraculous events, no matter how many of our own generation may scoff at these things. In our minds we can readily join with the shepherds who had seen the vision of angels and who received the glad tidings of the Saviour’s birth. “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass.”
‘Abraham: A man of faith’ (Genesis 12-22)
Missionary Dennis Tranter preached on a summary of the life of Abraham from Genesis 12-22, highlighting the main challenges that he faced in following the Lord’s command to him. By trials and difficult circumstances, Abraham’s faith grew to the point where he could trust God completely when told to kill his son Isaac. His faith was perfected through trials so that now we speak of Abraham as a ‘man of faith’ and a ‘friend of God’.
‘Whom would you die for?’ (Romans 5:1-11)
Brendan Rayson spoke from Romans 5:1-11 about how Christ died for us. His death means we have peace with God and access to him through the Son because we have been justified by faith. It means we can rejoice, even in our suffering. We didn’t deserve this but it shows God’s love and grace.
Guest Sermon: Commander Mike Oborn (Mark 4:35-41)
At our Annual Seafarer’s service, Commander Mike Oborn preached from Mark 4:35-41 concerning the calming of the storm. Mike looked at the passage from his vast experience at sea and so from the perspective of a mariner. In doing so he pointed out that what Mark recorded about the storm on the lake and the fear of the disciples in the boat were both plausible. So too the stilling of the storm by which Jesus showed the extent of His power over all of creation. The disciples responded to him with a mixture of awe and fear. Our response to him is vital when we consider how it is that we must face him on the day of judgement.
Guest Conrad Mbewe on Titus 3
Conrad is the pastor of Kabwata Reformed Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, and is also known as the ‘African Spurgeon’. He spoke from Titus 3 about how Christians, by the grace of God, are different. The truth about Jesus our Saviour changes us from being led astray by foolish passions. Our lives ought to bear witness to this truth. We are urged to give up folly because it not only makes us ignorant of our mortality but also leads to our very destruction. Wisdom is to rely on God and his mercy.
‘Get up close’ (Acts 8:26-40 – Alan Canavan)
In this message, Alan Canavan (with Wycliffe/SIL) highlighted the text of Acts 8:26-40 concerning the conversion of the Ethiopian man in the desert, illustrating his message with examples from his experience as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for over 20 years. As a linguist, Alan focused upon the imperative commands in the text and also touched upon the need to trust the Holy Spirit’s prompting to share the good news of the gospel with those outside of God’s Kingdom.
Special Presentation: ‘Noah’s Ark’ (Genesis 6-9)
Rod Walsh, the ‘Ark Man’ from Creation Ministries International (CMI) presents compelling reasons why the account of ‘Noah and the Ark’ (in Genesis 6-9) can be treated as being trustworthy. While many regard the Ark as a fanciful tale for children, Rod explains that the Ark reminds us that God takes judgement seriously and has made a way of salvation for all who put their trust in the Lord Jesus.