Sermon – Does Religion cause Violence? (Mark 12:28-31)

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A glance at history or a quick read through any newspaper will almost certainly report on some act of violence committed somewhere in the world. Often what lies behind those acts are people who declare themselves to be a follower of a particular religion.

Does Religion cause violence – and how does that implicate Christianity?

 

Read the Bible text – Mark 12:28-31

Talk Outline – Does Religion Cause Violence

Talk Addendum – Does Religion Cause Violence (This addendum is referred to in the talk)

Watch the Talk – here

– Ken Noakes

Sermon – Aren’t All Religions the Same? (Acts 17:1-34/John 14:1-6)

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It is not unusual for all religions to be lumped into the same basket and dismissed collectively. Yet, even a cursory reading of the core texts of any religion will expose clear differences. What does Christianity offer that might helpfully encourage a person to look more deeply into the truths that the Bible reveals?

Read the Bible texts – Acts 17:1-34; John 14:1-6

Watch this Talk – here

– Dave Swan

 

Sermon – Gospel Future and Glory (Romans 15:13-16:27)

Romans 9-16 Slide

The Letter to the Romans is a rich treasure trove for an Christian. In this talk we come to the end of the letter. Good theology has been put into practice. So to close the letter, the Apostle Paul wants the church in Rome (and by extension, Christians to today) to be ministers of Christ Jesus – in prayer, in partnership, in proclaiming the gospel where it is not known.

Christians have ever reason to boldly live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read the Bible text – Romans 15:13-16:27

Watch this talk – here

– Dave Swan

 

A Perfect Storm – Crying out to God (Psalm 13)

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Photo courtesy of Wolter Petters Photography

Sometimes in life we get hit by the perfect storm.

 

I live in the Lower Blue Mountains of NSW – west of Sydney. At present, we are experiencing a perfect storm – hot temperatures, long term drought, a build up of combustible and dry material, high winds and a terrific fire storm.

Since September 5th 2019 there has been fires burning in NSW and Queensland, which at the time of writing, has burned through 3,900,000 hectares, claimed 8 lives, and destroyed 829 properties.

It is understandable that many have fears and concerns.

And while natural disasters cause collective concern, there are so often times when individuals experience there own personal perfect storm – an unexpected medical diagnosis, the loss of a job, a car accident, sickness, depression, family dramas, breakdown of relationships, financial pressures, death of a loved one.

What do we do when we get hit by the perfect storm – or any storm?

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Sermon – Living Loving Sacrifice: service (Romans 14-15)

Romans 9-16 Slide

True worship shows itself in acceptance and service. In this talk we consider a Christian should approach others whom they might be tempted to look down upon. Our world does it, Christians shouldn’t.

Read the Bible text – Romans 14-15

Talk outline – here

Watch the Video – here

– Ken Noakes

Sermon – Theological Gardening (Rom 11:11-36)

Romans 9-16 Slide

God is sovereign over salvation – he shows his mercy in his time. Human arrogance has no place under mercy of God. This talk will recognize that God is sovereign, and we are not! He can and does use human rebellion for his purposes and so it is possible that even when someone stumbles, he will use that for their good.

Read the Bible text – Romans 11

Watch the Video – here

– Trevor Oakley