Category Archives: Sermons

Sermon – The Essential Gospel (Romans 1:1-4)

Romans 1-8 Slide

“The most important letter ever written.”

“An open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.”

That – and much more – is what people have said about Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Without question, this letter has had a huge influence on our world. From Augustine in the 4th century to Luther in the 16th century to the evangelical revivals and the arrival of the gospel in Australia in the 18th century, all the major events of Christian history seem to have been ignited in some way by this magnificent letter.

In this sermon we begin with a wonderfully succinct yet profoundly deep summary of the gospel message – the core truths at the very heart of the Christian faith boiled down to just four words!

Read the Bible Text – Romans 1:1-4

Talk – Romans 1.1-4 (Outline)

– Ken Noakes

 

 

Sermon – The True Faith: lived (Titus 3)

Titus Cropped

Does Christianity work? Do Christians offer anything of value to our modern, contemporary, progressive world today?

The answers could be offered in well-articulated arguments which aim to defend and describe the true faith established by the gospel of Jesus Christ. The answers could be influenced in the way that followers of Jesus Christ pass on their faith from generation to generation. Both are valid.

Yet there is a way that the established and passed on faith can be most clearly valued by our world today – it is when the faith is lived out and visible to the world around.

The salvation offered in the gospel should be lived out in the godly lives of those who have been saved and for the benefit of those who might be saved through the proclamation of this true faith supported by the testimony of transformed lives.

This talk is about how Christianity works, when it is seen in Christians devoted to doing good works.

Read the Bible Text – Titus 3:1-15

Talk – Titus 3 (Outline)

– Ken Noakes

Talk – How Can I be Sure? (1 Cor 15:1-19 and John 20:24-31)

LMAP - Easter2019 - CoverPhoto

Foundational to belief of Christianity, is the historical reality of the person of Jesus and with that comes his well-documented life, teaching, death and resurrection.

Whilst it is true that belief in the existence of Jesus may be a no brainer and acknowledging his death traditional – to allow his teachings to shape the way we live, or to hold to the idea of a resurrection – for some is a step too far.

There are a chorus of Atheist voices who have spoken loudly against religion. That is not new, every age in history since and including the time of Jesus has seen opposition to organized religion – and at times, sadly, the opposition has been well placed.

In a series of short talks, we look at what the ‘new atheists’ say about the resurrection, before examine the resurrection for ourselves. The hope that we might be able the weigh up what is said and reordered in scripture and history and make our own decisions about faith.

Read the Bible Text – 1 Cor 15:1-19; John 20:24-31

Talk Outline – How can I be Sure?

– Ken Noakes

 

Sermon – Why, What, When of Forgiveness (John 18 – 20)

LMAP - Easter2019 - CoverPhoto

Easter is a special time for many around the world – a time to reflect, to be thankful, to lift our minds and hearts above the day to day and to appreciate the world we live in.

Arguably, more than any other event in history, Easter has shaped our world. The coming of the man Jesus and then his arrest, trial, crucifixion and then resurrection stunned the world. What Jesus taught about life, love, good works, sin, justice, forgiveness, hope has shaped cultures, governments, legislation, education, tradition and so much more. Yet his death and resurrection transformed people’s lives and gave a personal hope beyond the grave. Love him or loath him, he has left his mark for the benefit of generations across history.

In this trilogy of Easter talks, we walk with Jesus through the pages of John’s Gospel from his arrest to his resurrection.

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 18:1-27

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 18:28-19:42

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 20:1-31

Sermon – God Behind it All (2 Sam 24)

2 Samuel Artwork

The closing scenes of David’s reign show the now familiar realism of saint and sinner.  He moves from despotic self-interest to a shepherd ready lay down his life for the sheep and the temple is foreseen in David’s altar.  God is revealed as unchanging in his justice and his mercy.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 24:1-25

– David Shead

Sermon – The Rock and Fortress of David (2 Sam 22-23)

2 Samuel Artwork

David’s songs are a commentary on his experience of the God who reigns and saves and to which David owes everything.  They are words that are sung by all who depend on God for their salvation in a fallen world.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 22-23

Talk Outline – 2 Samuel 22-23

– Ken Noakes

Sermon – Harsh Justice & Eternal Hope (2 Samuel 21:1-14)

2 Samuel Artwork

In this sermon we hear about how King Saul’s reign left a history of offense against God. His judgement is experienced yet in the context of his mercy and faithfulness.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 21:1-14

– David Shead

– Josh Ord

 

Sermon – Restoration and Revolt (2 Sam 19-20)

2 Samuel Artwork

King David returns to Jerusalem with a less than enthusiastic reception yet his compassion and mercy appear to remain.  The historical account of David’s reign winds down with his kingdom restless and divided, the sword ever present, yet God still faithfully working to fulfill his promises.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 19:9-20:26

– Ben Smith

 

Sermon – Calamity upon the House of David – Part 2 (2 Samuel 15-18)

2 Samuel Artwork

Through the twists and turns that has become the norm in King David’s household we see God painfully faithful to his word. His judgment remains on David’s house as Absalom rebels and David flees.  Yet it is God who remains on the throne, and preserves David’s place on it, frustrating the usurpers, protecting his king and removing those who defy him.

In the ups and downs that we know in life, who calls the shots? How do you benefit by trusting God in the good and the bad?

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 14:45-19:8

Talk Outline – 2 Samuel 15-18

– Ken Noakes