Sermon – God & Life: Made in God’s Image

Read the text – Psalm 139; Genesis 1:26-2:4; Colossians 1:15-23; Revelation 21:1-4

We see ourselves as choosing individuals. Our strength is measured by our ability to stand on our own two feet and make decisions (we value agency). And we live in a society which views the autonomy of the individual as sacrosanct and defining, and that any challenge to that autonomy is regarded as a threat (we value choice). In addition, we live in a consumer culture, which tells us that we deserve to have whatever it is we want (we value entitlement). Yet, Christians hold to the biblical view that God makes men and women in his image. He gives life, shapes life, and takes life – and we experience that life both individually and collectively.

This ‘God & Life’ series looks at some of those key and ethical life matters where we, as choosing individuals, are now able to make decisions that will impact our life or another’s life: Abortion, Disability, Euthanasia (to pick three examples).

In this first talk, Ken Noakes sets the scene which help us think theologically about life matters over the next three talks. The purpose: to start a conversation – how can we value humanity as created by God and so in our care for ourselves and others, how do we think Christianly?

Talk Outline Download

Sermon – Firm Faith: Proclaiming Christ (Colossians 4:2-18)

Read the text – Colossians 4:2-18

Any teaching that wants to suggest that Christians need Jesus PLUS … (anything else) to be a Christian or to live as a Christian is guilty of contradicting the supremacy of Christ. Being told we need more than him (either for salvation or to live as a Christian) means that we are being taught that what he has done is not enough. We need to stand firm in our faith in Jesus as all we need for this life and the next.

In this sermon, Dave Swan encourages us to talk to God about people, and to talk to people about God.

Sermon – Firm Faith: Living under Christ (Colossians 3:15-4:1)

Read the text – Colossians 3:15-4:1

In this sermon, Gary Haddon helps us to understand that every part of life, all our relationships, need to be brought under the authority of Christ.

Bible Talk Outline

Sermon – Firm Faith: Living for Christ (Colossians 3:1-14)

Read the text – Colossians 3:1-14

In this sermon, Dave Swan wants us to take our position in Christ seriously, and be inspired to live for Him.

Sermon – Firm Faith: Centred in Christ (Colossians 2:6-23)

Read the text – Colossians 2:6-23

In this sermon, Nick Lindeback helps us see how important it is to have Christ at the centre of our lives, so we can stand firm in the face of false teaching.

Bible Talk Outline

Sermon – Firm Faith: Contending for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:5)

Read the text – Colossians 1:24-2:5

In this sermon, Gary Haddon helps us understand that growing in Christ doesn’t happen without effort on our part. It must be pursued, and there will be struggle, but we can encourage each other as we contend for Christ together.

Sermon – Firm Faith: The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-23)

Read the text – Colossians 1:15-23

In this sermon, Gary Haddon invites us to see who Jesus really is, to see just how far above everything he is, and to find out what that means for our salvation.

Bible Talk Outline

Sermon – Firm Faith: A Life Worthy of Christ (Colossians 1:1-14)

Read the text – Colossians 1:1-14

Any teaching that wants to suggest that Christians need Jesus PLUS … (anything else) is guilty of contradicting the supremacy of Christ. Being told that believers need more than him (either for salvation or to live as a Christian) means that they are being taught that what Jesus has done is not enough. So how does a Christian person stand firm in faith in this life?

In this talk Ken Noakes introduces us to the letter written to the church of Colossae. He wants to encourage them and in doing so tells them what he is praying for them. And we are given a wonderful model in how to encourage and pray for those engaged in living out their faith in Christ.

Bible Talk Outline Download

Sermon – Wisdom Through Suffering (Job 28) – Where is Wisdom?

Read the text – Job 28:1-28

Job’s ‘comforters’ have become more like his ‘accusers’. Chapter 28 acts as an interlude where all are invited to lift their eyes from Job’s problems and the arguments which have bogged them down. The cost of the search for the most valuable things is worth it. Yet, Wisdom is the most valuable thing and the most difficult to find. God is the only source of true wisdom.

In this Bible Talk, Ken Noakes helps us to unlock the wisdom of the Book of Job. And in doing so helps the listener to lift their gaze from suffering and trying to figure things out for themselves to understanding that answers can only be found in God.

Bible Talk Outline Download

How do the creeds protect the Life-giving Gospel? (Part 2 of 3)

by Jared Lidgerwood

Previously we have looked at why the Christian church has the Apostles’ Creed. We now turn our attention to consider how the creeds (generally) protect the life-giving gospel.

As the early Christian church busily set about establishing new churches they proclaimed the gospel – spreading the news about a treasure that offered forgiveness from God the Father; promised life, both new and eternal in the Son; and gave a clear understanding through the Holy Spirit. It was the apostles who led the charge and took this life-giving gospel out to the nations – telling people, travelling, sometimes under persecution, and never keeping quiet. Within a single generation the gospel message had been proclaimed all over the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, North Africa and into Europe.

Continue reading →