Sermon – Christian Family Matters: Concerning Singleness (1 Cor 7:17-40)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

What should hold a church together – Our relationships? Our feeling of belonging? Our gospel convictions? Jesus? The Apostle Paul wrote this extraordinary letter to a church he knew well, yet a church which had got itself into a bit of a muddle. It turns out that the Christian Family does matter – and it is important to ensure that Jesus sits at the heart and soul of this church and in fact any church. We look at 1 Corinthians 1-7 because it holds a mirror up to us and it would be wise for us to consider carefully what it might say to us in 2022.

In this talk, Dave Swan looks at how being in a relationship with a person of the opposite sex should not come before being in a relationship with the Lord – put the horse before the cart when thinking about singleness and relationships. This talk upholds singleness. There is great value for us all (single or married) to recognise the value of singleness and to be given reasons to see that our status before the Lord is first about our relationship with him than it is about our relationship with another. Yet, we also acknowledge the burden/longing that those who are single may feel.

Sermon – Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:12-20) [15+ Mature Audiences Warning]

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

In this Bible Talk, Dave Swan speaks about the touchy subject of sexual purity and the important place it holds in the Christian family. Since “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God” (1 Cor 6:19) – how should the Christian person handle their sex drive in a highly sexualised world and yet still honour God?

Sermon – Stand Firm: No Time to Nap! (1 Thess. 5:1-28)

In this two-part Bible Talk, Dave Swan helps us to see how the Apostle Paul teaches his friends that when Jesus returns, he will come like a thief in the night. This truth should motivate them to stay awake and sober. His exhortation is to continue in the Lord Jesus, encouraging one another as they are already doing.

We are still waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus and so Paul’s encouragement should be practically considered by us today.

Read the text – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

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 Series – Famous Last Words

“What is truth?” “It is finished.” “Peace be with you!” “Follow me!” These are some of the famous last words recorded in John’s gospel – in the days before Jesus’ death and the days after his resurrection and before his ascension. But what do these famous last words mean to us today? What does it demand of our lives? Is it simply a story of 2000 years ago, or does the power of Jesus in our world today demand that we must follow him?

28th March – Testify To The Truth?

This talk looks at the interactions of Jesus & the Jewish Leaders with Pilate – we see a 1st century example of cancel culture, as Pilate chooses which side to listen to, and the Jews attempt to stamp out and reject Jesus as their King.

Read the text – John 18:28-40

1st April – Who Has The Power?

This talk investigates about who has the power and control in Jesus’ final week before his death. While Pontius Pilate claims he has the power of life or death over Jesus, Jesus claims his power is given to him from above.

Read the text – John 19:1-16

2nd April – It Is Finished!

This talks looks at the crucifixion of Jesus. His death was not a defeat; his final words “It is finished” announced a shout of victory. He finished the work of the Father – to save humanity.

Read the text – John 19:17-37

4th April – Peace Be With You! (AM with kids)

This talk focuses on Jesus’ first interactions after his resurrection – his first words to the disciples were “Peace be with you!” They found comfort, they found joy, they found life in Jesus.

Read the text – John 20:1-31

4th April – Peace Be With You! (evening)

Read the text – John 20:1-31

11th April – Follow Me!

This talk looks at Jesus’ call to his disciples – looking at Jesus in faith, following Jesus by walking with him, and being fed by Jesus by growing in him.

Read the text – John 21:1-25

Sermon – Jesus Said…What!?: I AM The True Vine (John 15:1-17)

As a society, we have become somewhat immune to hearing outrageous claims. They are issued, capture some newsworthy attention, and then are fairly quickly ignored or pushed aside. Jesus issued some outrageous claims, in fact, claims that were far beyond what we hear today. In this Bible Talk series, we look at the “I AM…” statements from the gospel of John. Newsworthy – yes. Ignored – yes. Pushed aside – yes. Yet, to look into them we will see the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. It would be to our loss to be immune.

This talk investigates Jesus claim to be the true vine – God has picked each Christian to be one of the branches of the vine to bear fruit. Remain with God by remaining in Christ, the true vine.

Read the text – John 15:1-17 Psalm 80:1-19

Sermon – Jesus Said…What!?: I AM The Gate (John 10:1-10)

This talk focuses on a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees – there is only one way into God’s Kingdom, and that is through Jesus, the gate for the sheep.

Read the text – John 10:1-10

Sermon – Wisdom Lived: Poverty and Wealth (Proverbs)

While poverty or wealth often correlates with foolishness and wisdom respectively there are other times when the wise must choose wisdom over wealth. Wealth is fleeting, especially for the fool and hence a wise person will be generous towards those in poverty. This talk explores what Proverbs says about worldly riches.

Read the Bible texts – Proverbs 11:1-31; 2 Cor 8:1-15

Talk Outline – Wisdom Lived: Money and Wealth (Proverbs)Download

Sermon – Wisdom Lived: Work and Play (Proverbs)

There is humility in learning from an ant. Proverbs reminds us of the consequences of laziness and yet also encourages us to enjoy the good gifts of creation. Christ is the ultimate worker, being perfectly rich, he worked for our salvation. This Sermon explores what Proverbs says about work.

Read the Bible text – Proverbs 6:6-11

Talk Outline – Wisdom Lived: Work and Play (Proverbs)Download

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