Read the text – Zephaniah 2:4-3:8
The Day of the Lord is a universal eschatological disaster. Yet God’s judgement is tantalisingly mingled with hope of restoration and his character of righteousness. All humanity is clearly at his mercy. In this talk Ken Noakes helps us to see that God not only holds all nations to account, but he hold his own people to account. It all hinges on how God can be righteous and just, and at the same time merciful and forgiving.
The Gospel of John introduces Jesus and gives him an extraordinary array of titles. Jesus does not disappoint. His teaching, his interactions, his miracles and his knowledge give those who meet him cause to question who he is – and as readers we also can look at these ‘encounters’ and decide for ourselves whether Jesus is worth another look. Perhaps a new beginning for a new year.
This talk explores what we all can recognise and realise about Jesus, and how we can all respond and come to Jesus.
Read the text – John 4:1-42 Isaiah 44:1-5
We love satire when it comes to political cartoons. Often we see our national leaders’ faults comically exaggerated. But what about satire when it comes to God’s prophets? Jonah is a famed biblical story where we find God’s hero, the prophet Jonah, neglect his responsibility and flee from God. Meanwhile, the city of Nineveh, famed for their evil, turn to God after a surprisingly short sermon!
This is not a story about a giant fish, but rather a God who shows grace and mercy to wicked people, despite his prophet’s rebellion.
This talk will focus on God’s faithfulness in saving Nineveh, despite Jonah’s begrudging obedience. The question remains… are you glad to see God save evil people?
Read the Bible texts – Jonah 3-4; Luke 11:29-32
We love satire when it comes to political cartoons. Often we see our national leaders’ faults comically exaggerated. But what about satire when it comes to God’s prophets?
Jonah is a famed biblical story where we find God’s hero, the prophet Jonah, neglect his responsibility and fleeing from God. Meanwhile, the city of Nineveh, famed for their evil, turn to God after a surprisingly short sermon!
This is not a story about a giant fish, but rather a God who shows grace and mercy to wicked people, despite his prophet’s rebellion.
In this talk we hear about Jonah’s disobedience and the resulting consequence. Additionally, we hear about repentance as the necessary response to sin.
Read the Bible texts – Jonah 1-2
‘Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!’ – Psalm 32:11
Sermon ‘Rejoice In The Lord And Be Glad’ (Psalm 32) by Ken Noakes is available in audio and video: http://bit.ly/2gQJCy7
Full Text and Workings for this Talk – Psalm 32
Read the Bible text: http://bit.ly/2hHaSnL
English Support Document PDF: http://bit.ly/2hLLnl7
Friends I want to try and put into words a tension I feel and that I know many Pastors experience as they ‘shepherd’ those in their care.
And in doing so I hope to correct what I think is a faulty expectation about the role of the Shepherd in caring for the flock.
Then I would like to ask for your prayers – both for me and our church family.
Sermon ‘He Commands All People Everywhere To Repent’ (Acts 17:16-34) by David Smith is now available to stream or download: http://bit.ly/1spCuyY
I fear being fake.
I have been a Christian for over 20 years now and there have been times when I have felt I have just been going through the motions. Is that wrong?
It is a horrible feeling, but as I have often said it is difficult to control feelings (although it is possible to manage feelings).
Christians are real people. We serve a real God, who really loves us and who is really disappointed when we sin. At this I am ashamed. I don’t want to sin, and I do. I want to be serious and active in my faith and yet at times I feel as if I am just taking it all for granted.
Ezekiel 18 showed us how the nature of sin tempts one to blame others rather take responsibility for one’s own sin.
Israel were slow learners and we should make sure that we have not missed the same lesson.
I am a sinner and so are most people I know! I do not want to sin, I don’t aim to sin, yet despite my best efforts I do sin! Thank God for Jesus.
I have been thinking this week about my sin!
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