Easter Sermons – Life is On! (Psalms 2, 72, 22 & 110)

Easter is such a special time for Christians. The king of heaven to hung on a cross – what a way to treat a king.

To reflect on Easter we have chosen four Psalms: the Psalms of the King. They are essentially about God’s promised once and for all time King, Jesus. The New Testament cites the Psalms more often than any other Old Testament book, so it is right for us to look at them and use them and preach on them, especially at Easter. May we understand how Jesus fulfils the expectations of this one true King.

Psalm 2 – The King over All
Psalm 72 – The King of Justice
Psalm 22 – The Forsaken King?
Psalm 110 – The King who Conquers

Sermon – Stand Firm: A Warning to the Idle (2 Thess. 3:6-18)

After writing against various false teachings that were prevalent around the church of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul turns to speak to those who may be tempted to be idle. In light of the return of Jesus, he calls the believers to be wise stewards, and hardworking, so that their ministry might flourish in word and action.

The encouragement is well summarised by his words – “Brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good”

Read the text – 2 Thess 3:6-18

Sermon – Stand Firm: Stand Firm! (2 Thess. 2:13-3:5)

Ken Noakes preaches this Father’s Day message.

Aware of false teachings, the Apostle Paul encourages the church to resist these teachings and continue preaching the gospel messages as originally taught.

There is great encouragement here for all Christians to remain rooted in the Gospel as first delivered by the apostles, not following the lies and “clickbait” of our world.

Read the text – 2 Thess 2:13-3:5

Sermon – Stand Firm: Soldier On! (1 Thess. 4:1-18)

In Thessalonica, the church is being battered and bruised… how should they respond? Paul writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians to encourage the church to stand firm in the good news of Jesus. Today, the world remains full of uncertainties and hostile to the presence of the church. What can we learn? We can be challenged to likewise stand firm as we await Jesus’ return.

This sermon encourages us to continue on in our faith. As Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live in a way that first and foremost pleases God and not the worldly and sexually immoral people around them, we too must live a holy life, filled not with idleness but humble service, with the hope that all believers will rise when Christ returns.

Read the text – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

Sermon – Stand Firm: Faith & Love in the Mess (1 Thess. 3:1-13)

In Thessalonica, the church is being battered and bruised… how should they respond? Paul writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians to encourage the church to stand firm in the good news of Jesus. Today, the world remains full of uncertainties and hostile to the presence of the church. What can we learn? We can be challenged to likewise stand firm as we await Jesus’ return.

This sermon emphasises the importance of faith and love in the mess of the world – COVID or not. Christian encouragement really matters, where standing firm in your faith is one of the greatest encouragements. Prayer is also our first and last resort – this should not be forgotten in a world of suffering!

Read the text – 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Sermon – Stand Firm: Father, Mother & Herald (1 Thess. 2:1-20)

In Thessalonica, the church is being battered and bruised… how should they respond? Paul writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians to encourage the church to stand firm in the good news of Jesus. Today, the world remains full of uncertainties and hostile to the presence of the church. What can we learn? We can be challenged to likewise stand firm as we await Jesus’ return.

This sermon investigates the motive and manner behind Paul’s – and what should be ours – work as a gospel messenger. Sharing the gospel for God’s glory – not our own – and sharing it like a mother, a father and a herald.

Read the text – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Sermon – Stand Firm: The Imitation Game (1 Thess. 1:1-10)

In Thessalonica, the church is being battered and bruised… how should they respond? Paul writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians to encourage the church to stand firm in the good news of Jesus. Today, the world remains full of uncertainties and hostile to the presence of the church. What can we learn? We can be challenged to likewise stand firm as we await Jesus’ return.

This sermon challenges both the individuals of the church and the church as a collective – a Godly reputation is what matters most, and the church needs to stand up and stand out!

Read the text – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon Series – Wisdom in Relationships (Proverbs)

In every stage of life, what we often need and frequently lack, is wisdom. Whether seeking or being married, relating to our children or relating as adults to our parents, there are potholes that rattle us. Proverbs anticipates our struggles and offers timeless wisdom, warning and instruction that find their zenith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Building Wisdom: Husband and Wife

This sermon looks at the need for faithfulness in a marriage, and the greatest example of this being Christ and the church.

Read the passages – Proverbs 6:20-35 Ephesians 5:21-33

Banking Wisdom: Parent to Child

Proverbs assumes the need to love our children through discipline, as hard as this is in practice. This sermon investigates the idea of discipline, as well as the ways that God loves us through his discipline of us as his children.

Read the passages – Proverbs 14:1-4 Hebrews 12:3-17

(Question time included after sermon)

Honouring Wisdom: Adult to Parent

This sermon looks at our struggle to heed all the wisdom our parents have to offer, often due to pride. We should honour our earthly parents naturally as we live out our faith in honouring our heavenly Father, perfectly modelled by Jesus.

Read the passages – Proverbs 23:22-25 Ephesians 6:1-3

Sermon – Joshua – Promise & Purpose: We will serve the LORD (23:1-24:33)

Joshua: Promise & Purpose - Bible Talk Series

What is the value of a promise? For one, a promise can give direction as you look forward to the fulfillment of the promise. And as such it gives purpose to how we conduct ourselves as we move closer to the day that the promise is fulfilled. God’s people Israel acted on the strength of the promise that they would be delivered into a new and good land – a home. Joshua leads them by the hand of God – home. In our Bible talks, we are looking at the extraordinary book of Joshua – a book of promise and purpose. A book that points us forward to the fulfillment of the gospel promise, that in Jesus we will delivered – home. In the meantime, it gives us a clear purpose.

This talk looks at Joshua’s final words to the leaders of Israel – fear the LORD, serve the LORD, be faithful to the LORD. We too can throw away idols, fearing and serving God faithfully today.

Read the text – Joshua 24:1-15

Sermon – Joshua – Promise & Purpose: Unity Under Promise (21:43-22:24)

Joshua: Promise & Purpose - Bible Talk Series

What is the value of a promise? For one, a promise can give direction as you look forward to the fulfillment of the promise. And as such it gives purpose to how we conduct ourselves as we move closer to the day that the promise is fulfilled. God’s people Israel acted on the strength of the promise that they would be delivered into a new and good land – a home. Joshua leads them by the hand of God – home. In our Bible talks, we are looking at the extraordinary book of Joshua – a book of promise and purpose. A book that points us forward to the fulfillment of the gospel promise, that in Jesus we will delivered – home. In the meantime, it gives us a clear purpose.

This talk investigates the idea of unity – Israel almost divided over a symbolic altar to represent their unity in their relationship with God. As Christians today, we must walk together and unite only under Jesus Christ.

Read the text – Joshua 22:1-24