Newlife Sermon Podcast

Dec 8, 2024 Hebrews part 4   see slides watch video

Can a Christian Permanently Fall Away? Hebrews pt.4 (6:1–12 & 10:26–39)

• What does these passages actually say?
• And how do they fit in with other Scriptures that speak of the “Unforgivable Sin?”.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 1, 2024 Hebrews part 3   see slides watch video

Jesus our Sympathetic Priest, giving confidence and support to our prayers. Hebrews pt.3 (4:12–5:10)

• We can gain a deeper appreciation of what Jesus does for us from this description of O.T. priests.
• Hebrews urges us to come to God in confidence because Jesus truly knows what it is like to be human: weak and tempted.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 24, 2024 Hebrews part 2   see slides watch video

Making an Effort to Rest —The very core of being a Christian! Hebrews pt.2 (ch 3–4)

• It sounds like a contradiction when we are told:
  “Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest” (Heb 4:11)
• But actually it is not, it is one of the keys to a fruitful, productive and stress-free life.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 17, 2024 Hebrews part 1   see slides watch video

Jesus is Better than Everything! —The Message of Hebrews pt.1

• Jesus is far better than everything else we could possibly have. Incomparably better!
• So hold fast to him and don’t allow yourself to be pulled away by other attractions.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 10, 2024     see slides watch video

A Biblical Understanding of Shame Part 2: Undoing it! (John 4 & Luke 15)

• If shame can be so damaging, how can it be removed?
• We examine two accounts in the Bible, so that we can learn to help ourselves and others have the weight of shame lifted.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 3, 2024     see slides watch video

Every Part Needed—Discovering and Using your Gifts in the Body of Christ (Eph 6 & Rom 12)

• The church grows by every part doing their share. But how do I know what my part is?
• This talk works through 12 areas of gifting, explaining how they function within Newlife church, and how to identify where you fit in.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 13, 2024     see slides watch video

Compelling reasons why you should develop a habit of giving thanks (Col 3 & 4)

• Why does the Bible have such an emphasis on being thankful?
• Remarkable studies have shown that gratitude makes us happier, less likely to be depressed and even live longer.
• But much more than any of that, God loves us to be thankful and takes great pleasure in our expression of it.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 6, 2024 Healing Shame part 1   see slides watch video

Introduction to a Biblical Understanding of Shame

• Shame is an emotion given by God, but greatly misunderstood, and capable of causing extreme pain.
• It is vitally important that we understand where it comes from, what it signals, and what a church can do to heal the shame of the broken.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 29, 2024     see slides watch video

God Saves and Uses Messed-Up People (Genesis 20)

• Why is this story even in the Bible?
• It certainly does not show Abraham as an example of faith.
• It is one of the oddest stories in Genesis, but it has a powerful and encouraging message for us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 22, 2024 Evangelism part 8   see slides watch video

New Creation in Christ: the Effect of being Joined to Jesus (1 Cor 15; Rom 6:5–14)

• Living in the New, not the Old:
• Here is a challenge to grasp the implications of what the Bible says about our radical new status
• and see two huge ways in which being in the New Creation changes everything.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 15, 2024 Evangelism part 7   see slides watch video

How did Jesus Express the Gospel message? —since he hadn’t yet died (Luke 14, Mark 8, John 10)

• The preaching of Jesus came down to one thing, “Follow me!”
• Understanding what this means is key to both becoming a Christian and growing as a Christian
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 8, 2024 Evangelism part 6   see slides watch video

The Three Steps to Becoming a Christian (John 1 & Matt 10,11)

• The purpose of this talk is to equip believers to explain the message,
• and to guide those who are seeking along a clear Biblical pathway that is concise, yet complete.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 25, 2024 Evangelism part 5   see slides watch video

How the Cross and Resurrection changed Everything — Col 2:8–19

• Union with Christ in both his death and resurrection is the single most important truth in the whole of Christianity.
• If you truly understand what it means for you, and live out of this new reality, then it will affect you profoundly.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 4, 2024 Evangelism part 4   see slides watch video

Truth that Brings Life — Col 1:1–11

• In this remarkable passage we see a vivid image of the New Creation that links back to the old,
• but also points forward to how we can spread the Gospel,
• and the source of growth and fruit in our lives.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 28, 2024 Evangelism part 3   see slides watch video

What is Faith? (Acts 17)

• Today’s culture completely misunderstands what ‘Faith’ means.
• Let’s be very clear about what it really means and be challenged for the coming year.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 21, 2024 Evangelism part 2   see slides watch video

Evangelism: the Journey to Jesus—A Helpful Example in John 4:43–54

• Even if you are a Christian, there are some deep challenges in this story.
• Jesus wants to keep moving you along the journey until you really know who he is, and act accordingly.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 7, 2024     see slides watch video

Evangelism for Timid Christians (Journey to Jesus) — John 3&4

• Why do most Christians find it so hard to share the Gospel?
  • fearful of being looked down on?
  • don’t know what to say?
  • afraid of creating an awkward moment?
• This message aims provide some practical help and encouragement for sharing our faith
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 30, 2024     see slides watch video

The Father Heart of God part 2: Three Steps (John 16 & 17; Rom 5 & 8)

• Three Steps to Receiving the Father’s Love
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 23, 2024     see slides watch video

Testimonies of Answered Prayer (Col 4:2–4)

• Listening to stories of extraordinary answers to prayer is a great way to build our faith and be encouraged to give prayer our constant attention.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 16, 2024     see slides watch video

The Father Heart of God (Part 1 - Luke 12 & 15)

• Because our parents were imperfect, we can have problems with God as a parent figure.
• It is so important to correct this so that we can experience the intimacy and security that the Father offers us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 9, 2024     see slides watch video

Knowing How Much you are Loved by God (Ephesians 3:14–21)

• The greatest joy in the Christian life is to feel and know the intensity of the love of Jesus, that surpasses knowledge.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 2, 2024     see slides watch video

“The Lord is my Shepherd” brought to life with David’s Own Stories (Psalm 23)

• This is David’s best loved Psalm, but how did he come to write it?
• We piece together stories from throughout his life that could have provided inspiration for each part of the song.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 26, 2024     see slides watch video

Is Tithing for Today, and if not, how much should we give now in the New Covenant? (2 Cor 8 & 9)

• Was tithing actually 10% ?, what does the New Testament say about it, and what are the principles for how much we should give?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 19, 2024     see slides watch video

Pentecost and being Filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8; Eph 5:18)

• The goal for this talk is: Clarity in understanding what the Bible teaches about being filled with the Spirit, and how to be filled ourselves.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 12, 2024     see slides watch video

When God Speaks like a Mother (Is 49 & 66; Matt 23)

• God sometimes uses the language of a mother to describe how he relates to us.
• There are beautiful scriptures where he tells us how he sees us, hears our cry and deeply cares for us, using mother imagery.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 5, 2024     see slides watch video

Exploring the Deep Encouragement in one of the Richest Psalms: Psalm 103

• This psalm is beautifully constructed, and designed to stir our hearts to praise God by painting a picture of how he cares for us so deeply. What encouragement!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 28, 2024     see slides watch video

A New Revelation of Love

• We already knew that God is a
  • God of power yet compassion,
  • purity yet forgiveness,
  • high above all but utterly faithful as a friend.
• But Jesus revealed something new,   something shocking,   something almost unbelievable, at the very core of the supreme being.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 21, 2024     see slides watch video

What the Bible says about Blessing

• What does it mean to bless someone?
• Does it actually do anything?
• How can a human bless God?
• We need a firm Biblical foundation for answering these questions.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 14, 2024     see slides watch video

Baptism: Leaving the Old and Entering the New

• The truth behind baptism is deeply empowering and encouraging, and can explain some of the tensions we experience as we try to live the Christian life.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 7, 2024     see slides watch video

Chesed—A Word for Love Stronger than Any Other (Is 54:10; Ps 136 +)

• Through stories of how God relates to humans we learn of a different kind of love that is at the core of who God is.
• Chesed is utterly faithful, loyal to the very end, a love that will never let you go.
• When you understand it, there is no word that is more beautiful.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 31, 2024     see slides watch video

The Life of the Resurrection in Us Today (John 20, 1 Cor 15, Col 3)

• The resurrection of Jesus was not simply coming back to life, but the start of a new kind of humanity.
• It gives us access to a new kind of life within us—empowered for victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 17, 2024 Old Testament Devotions part 1   see slides watch video

Reading the Old Testament in our Devotions

• All the Bible is God’s Word, and is beneficial, but different parts have different purposes.
• Some parts are more suitable for study than devotional reading and we can get discouraged if we make this mistake.
• Here is a way of deciding where to read.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 10, 2024 Mark in a Month part 6   see slides watch video

Loving and Worshipping the One Who Ransomed us

• Let us read the last three chapters,
• and feel what it was like for Jesus, the one who paid our ransom,
• and be filled with love and adoration for him.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 3, 2024 Mark in a Month part 5   see slides watch video

Two Difficult Passages in Mark (11:23–24 & ch.13)

• Most of Mark’s Gospel is very easy to understand, but here are a couple of passages that give people problems:
• Jesus’ instructions about praying in faith seem confusing,
• and his predictions about the end of the age are hard to make sense of.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 25, 2024 Mark in a Month part 4   see slides watch video

The Unexpected Message at the Center of Mark

• The center of Mark holds the core of Jesus’ teachings, but it is not what anyone was expecting.
• Even today there are many who think they are followers of Jesus but don’t understand this idea.
• First and foremost the challenge is to us, to follow Jesus in this surprising way.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 18, 2024 Mark in a Month part 3   see slides watch video

Making Sure our Hearts are not Hard, and our Ears are Ready to Hear

• Does God deliberately harden people’s hearts to stop them repenting?
• Why did Jesus frequently accuse the disciples of unbelief?
• These are some of the questions that come up as we read through Mark, and lead to some powerful opportunities of hearing Jesus speak to us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 11, 2024 Mark in a Month part 2   see slides watch video

Daily Reading through Mark - The Big Story and Structure

• Let Mark’s presentation of Jesus engage you, captivate you, and change your life!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 4, 2024 Mark in a Month part 1   see slides watch video

Hearing God Speak to you Personally Through the Bible

• A method for daily Bible readings that you can try out for yourself, which will help you to more clearly hear God speak to you through the Bible.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 28, 2024     see slides watch video

What God Loves to Do

• What God loves to do is to undo the work of Satan, turning the most broken and damaged people into the strongest and beautiful members of his Kingdom.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 21, 2024     see slides watch video

Setting up Stones to Remember what God has Done

• The practice of “raising up stones” is a powerful one that we should be doing to grow in our faith.
• Here are some stories to get you started.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 14, 2024     see slides watch video

A Different Take on How to Please God

• It’s wonderful to live under Grace and not Law, but sometimes it can leave us with a level of confusion.
• Is God pleased with me right now?
• Does it matter what I do?
• What God actually wants from us is not what most of us think!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 7, 2024 Ephesians part 26   see slides watch video

Pulling Together the Overall Message of Ephesians that will Change your Life

• The New Creation has already begun, but the Old has not yet ended. We are living in the overlap, which is tough,
• but if we understand it will be a source of immense power and joy.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 31, 2023     see slides watch video

“I Will be With You!” - The most important thing to know in the coming year

• The most amazing promises of God being with people run through the Bible.
• If we can truly get hold of these promises and allow them to sink deeply into us, they will be a huge strength for us as we go into the New Year
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 24, 2023     see slides watch video

Connecting Deeply with Jesus as a Human

• Jesus became a man, in part, so that we could have a deep relationship with him
• The challenge today is, how can we deepen that relationship?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 10, 2023 Ephesians part 25   see slides watch video

How to Put On God’s Armour

• Fully taking hold of the message of Ephesians equips us for warfare in the spiritual world.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 3, 2023 Ephesians part 24   see slides watch video

You’re Taller and Stronger than You Think You Are

• You live in two realities: material plus spiritual where there is a huge war raging.
• You are joined inseparably to Jesus, so take a stand with courage and joy.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 26, 2023 Ephesians part 23   see slides watch video

Slaves and Masters — on Earth and in Heaven

• We ask why the Bible does not condemn slavery directly, explore the rich content of Ephesians 6:5–9 and the shocking challenge to all of us in the workplace, and talk about how this works out in practice today.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 5, 2023 Ephesians part 22   see slides watch video

How do we Honour Parents with Problems?

• Tough questions about how to honor your parents, even when they are broken.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 29, 2023 Ephesians part 21   see slides watch video

What does it mean that we are the Bride of Christ?

• Paul says: This mystery is profound, and I speak with reference to Christ and the church.
• By bringing in verses from throughout the Bible, we can shed some light on this amazing truth!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 22, 2023 Ephesians part 20   see slides watch video

Wives and Husbands - Addressing the Difficulties with this Passage

• How des this passage make sense since husbands are not like Christ?
• But when you really understand what is going on with this passage, it is deeply encouraging!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 15, 2023 Ephesians part 19   see slides watch video

Understand the Will of the Lord

• The stories in Acts of Paul’s visits, plus what history tells us about Ephesus help us to see the life-changing power of these words.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 14, 2023 Ephesians part 99   see slides watch video

The Surprising Literary Structure of Ephesians

• Seeing how this letter is structured, on the one hand provides a helpful framework for fully understanding the message, and on the other is a work of art which frames the beauty of the truth, like a diamond setting holds a diamond.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 8, 2023 Ephesians part 18   see slides watch video

Singing: the link with being filled by the Spirit

• The seventh, and final, Walk in Ephesians has three parts to it: wisdom, understanding, and being filled by the Spirit.
• Then there is a link to singing which is interesting and important.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 1, 2023 Ephesians part 17   see slides watch video

The Seven Walks that Shape Ephesians —Walk in the Light

• Paul uses the command to Walk to organize the structure of the letter in a very helpful way.
• This time we look at the 6th Walk: Walk in the Light
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 24, 2023 Ephesians part 16   see slides watch video

Two Big Threats to Love, and How to Overcome Them

• Seven parts of Ephesians open with the expression: ‘Walk...’ We look at the fifth, ‘Walk in love’ which is immediately followed by the two biggest threats to a loving community. Thankfully there is a way they can be overcome.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 17, 2023 Ephesians part 15   see slides watch video

You can Choose!

• How do I live this new life? Not only does Paul explain the power, but he also lays out some very clear examples of this power in action in our daily activities.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 10, 2023 Ephesians part 14   see slides watch video

The Ephesians Sermon you Almost Never hear Preached

• This passage speaks of a radical transformation of the church, from childhood to maturity, some time in the future.
• It certainly hasn’t happened yet, so is it going to? and if so, when and how?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 3, 2023 Ephesians part 13   see slides watch video

Jesus’ Gifts to the Church and the Tragedy of Misunderstanding them

• Misinterpretation of this passage has led to a top-down hierarchical church structure
• Most people just sat in their seats and did no more than give their money
• Every single part is needed for growth
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 27, 2023 Ephesians from:2018-01-28 part 12   see slides watch video

Pleasure and Delight in God

• Enjoying and delighting in God is a core part of the Christian life.
• We all want more of it, but how do we get there?
• How can we have more?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 20, 2023     see slides watch video

Replacing your Inner Bully with the Gentle Voice of Jesus

• Most of us have an inner voice that is constantly telling us that we should be doing better.
• This has been called “the inner bully”.
• There is an answer in Matthew 11
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 30, 2023 Ephesians part 11   see slides watch video

Jesus’ Defeat of the Powers of Darkness

• All of us suffer from the accusing inner voices of self-condemnation.
• The powers of darkness are constantly speaking lies into us.
• But victory from these voices is available and we can all experience the freedom that Jesus wants us to have.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 23, 2023 Ephesians part 10   see slides watch video

Why be Part of a Church?

• What is church? We look at a heaven’s eye view, a lower level view, and a ground-level view of what church actually is,
• and what it is not,
• and what the implications are for you and me.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 9, 2023 Ephesians part 9   see slides watch video

Deepening our Relationship with Father, Son & Spirit

• We can really deepen our relationship with God when we think of him as three persons.
• Knowing how each relates to us slightly differently can give us a richer experience of closeness.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 2, 2023     see slides watch video

By This We Know Love

• What Jesus did is the ultimate demonstration of love.
• The Scripture passage shows us four things that define real love, not just in a marriage, but in any relationship.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 25, 2023 Ephesians part 8   see slides watch video

God-like Behavior in Seven Steps

• As Paul launches into the second half of Ephesians, he injects an extraordinarily compelling motivation,
• showing us how to copy and bring delight to our God.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 4, 2023 Ephesians part 7   see slides watch video

A Prayer we would All Love to Receive

• Of all the prayers prayed over people in the Bible, this must be the pinnacle.
• This is such a good prayer to pray over one another!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 28, 2023 Ephesians part 6   see slides watch video

The Secret: Hidden through the Ages and Now Revealed

• Paul’s concern that they might get discouraged by his own suffering leads him into an extraordinarily uplifting and motivating encouragement.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 14, 2023 Ephesians part 5   see slides watch video

The Sum is Greater than the Parts

• Once again the poetry is so beautiful, and right at the center is a jewel — the song of peace.
• This centerpiece changes everything and turns hostile division into growth that defies our imagination.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 7, 2023 Ephesians part 4   see slides watch video

A New Identity Card from Ephesians 2

• Living out of this new identity will transform your life!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 30, 2023 Ephesians part 3   see slides watch video

God Joined with Us, in a Love Stronger than Death

• The goal for this message is that you should fall in love with the way this story is told, which if you trust Jesus, is your story
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 9, 2023 Ephesians part 2   see slides watch video

Paul’s Easter Prayer — For Us!

• If someone says ‘please pray for me’ —they would not expect you to pray this kind of prayer!
• Yet once you understand it, it really is a remarkably powerful prayer for each one of us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 26, 2023 Ephesians part 1   see slides watch video

The Epic Poem that Opens Ephesians

• Ephesians opens with a single sentence, 12 verses long—an epic poem.
• We explore the art, beauty and thoughts that build our joy.
• We see the big picture which builds our interest.
• The hint of mystery motivates us to read on and find out where this is going!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 19, 2023     see slides watch video

An Overwhelming Experience of Joy and Peace

• There are Scriptures that speak of transcendent experiences of Jesus in the life of a believer.
• What are these? and is there anything we can do in order to have them?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 12, 2023     see slides watch video

The Power of Finding our Identity in Scripture

• As humans we live our of our identity—our concept of who we are shapes our behaviour, decisions, attitudes and goals.
• Here is a selection from the New Testament that have the power to change us deeply if we make them ours.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 5, 2023     see slides watch video

Joined to Jesus—A Truth that can have a Massive Impact if we get it

• The story of the man of God, Hudson Taylor is that although he was living an extraordinary life of service, he had a deep feeling of his own sin and failure.
• When the Spirit opened his eyes to the Scriptures about being united with Jesus, in an instant he received a joy which lasted the rest of his life.
• What was this truth?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 26, 2023     see slides watch video

The Truth behind Sabbath—Rarely Taught, but Transformational

• Few truths will bring more peace and joy in this life than the connection between Jesus and the Sabbath.
• This is essential teaching for all Christians, and is the gospel for unbelievers.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 19, 2023 Guidance part 5   see slides watch video

Signs: Unusual Events/Coincidences

• We conclude our series by looking at the role of unusual events or coincidences in guidance.
• These are sometimes called signs and can be useful but are highly dangerous if misused.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 12, 2023 Guidance part 4   see slides watch video

Extraordinary/Supernatural Direction

• When and how does God gives us supernatural direction, and how do we avoid some major pitfalls?
• Lots of stories from Scripture and from people today.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 5, 2023 Guidance part 3   see slides watch video

The Three Steps for Finding God’s Will

• The goal of this message is to look at how Jesus and the apostles made decisions together with New Testament teachings,
• and come up with a clear framework for how to find guidance in our lives.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 15, 2023 Guidance part 2   see slides watch video

Guidance Part 2: Does God direct us, and if so, how?

• Some fundamental principles of guidance,
• with some examples from the Bible and recent times
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 8, 2023 Guidance part 1   see slides watch video

Guidance Part 1: How NOT to find a wife, and other stories

• How NOT to find a wife (George Whitefield),
• ‘Fleeces’ the good, the bad & the ugly,
• and three things we can mean by ‘God’s will’.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 1, 2023     see slides watch video

New Year’s Resolutions – What does the Bible say?

• There are a couple of basic reasons why your New Year’s resolutions are probably going to fail.
• But the answer is that we have the wrong person making the resolutions.
• Here’s a resolution that can’t possibly fail!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 25, 2022 Coming of Jesus part 5   see slides watch video

The Unseemly Birth Circumstances of the Messiah

• This story does have some very odd parts to it when you think about it,
• but Paul’s call for our response (in Philippians) makes perfect sense and is very motivational.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 18, 2022 Coming of Jesus part 4   see slides watch video

The Christmas Story in the Four Gospels

• The 4 Gospels all report Jesus’s birth story very differently, yet they fit together perfectly.
• Seeing this increases our faith that it is real history, not myth.
• But underneath that there is a deeper challenge waiting for us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 11, 2022 Coming of Jesus part 3   see slides watch video

John’s version of the Christmas Story (which is usually missed)

• So why no story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of John?
• Actually the story is there, with a message that echoes through the whole book, and speaks deeply to us even today!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 4, 2022 Coming of Jesus part 2   see slides watch video

God Takes a Human Body

• We can lose sight of the extraordinary step that God took in the incarnation of Jesus.
• To truly grasp the truth of what happened in history and why he did this for us is a deep blessing!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 27, 2022 Coming of Jesus part 1   see slides watch video

Prophecies and Preparations for Jesus’s Coming

• It is good to take some time to explore the huge number of prophecies which were fulfilled in the coming of Jesus.
• The timing could not have been more perfect historically
• and the richness of the “servant songs” in Isaiah are a deep blessing to the soul.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 30, 2022     see slides watch video

What does it mean to Walk in the Spirit?

• Do you ever say to yourself ‘why am I such a failure as a Christian?’
• or, ‘I wish I was more filled with the Spirit!’
• Gal 5 tells us how we can ‘Walk in the Spirit’ and have victory
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 23, 2022     see slides watch video

A Different Way of Reading the Parable of the Lost Son

• We usually read this parable as a story of forgiveness, but that is not it’s primary meaning.
• It is about how someone covered in shame can have it taken away by being honored.
• The reason that this is so important is that we very often come to God, feeling shame at our constant failure.
• This story is to teach us how he wants to take away this shame with a gift of honor, and to receive us with joy.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 9, 2022     see slides watch video

Victory over Condemnation

• Almost all of us experience inner voices of self-condemnation that can lead to shame or hopelessness.
• It is vital that we know their source, and live lives of victory in Christ, through the victory he has won.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 2, 2022     see slides watch video

God’s Joy over You (Luke 15 and the Lost Sheep)

• It can be very hard for us to accept that we bring joy to God,
• but this is clearly taught by Jesus in the two parables—the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin.
• Can you truly believe what Jesus said to be true about yourself?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 25, 2022 Kingdom of Heaven part 3   see slides watch video

‘Your Kingdom Come’ – What are we to do?

• Jesus taught us to pray ‘Your Kingdom Come’.
• What are we actually praying for?
• How and when will this happen?
• and what is our part?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 18, 2022 Kingdom of Heaven part 2   see slides watch video

The Kingdom of Heaven

• After centuries of waiting. the King burst on the scene and announced the kingdom.
• But it wan nothing like people were expecting, and right from the start Jesus was very challenging.
• If we really listen to Jesus then we will be deeply challenged as well – every one of us!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 11, 2022 Kingdom of Heaven part 1   see slides watch video

Having a Passion for the Kingdom

• The Kingdom message of Jesus was deeply challenging.
• He told the story of a man who saw a priceless pearl and sold every he had to buy it.
• Does that describe your passion for the Kingdom? and what would life look like if it did?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 4, 2022     see slides watch video

Three Parables that Challenge our Beliefs about Prayer

• In Luke 11 & 18, Jesus gives us several strong motivations to pray, including an example, a parable and some very clear teaching that challenges our core beliefs about prayer.
• Listen to Jesus and be motivated by him today!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 28, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 60   see slides watch video

Fitting Together the Old Testament Stories

• If we can see how it all fits together, not only does it make more sense, but it speaks to us in a new way.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 21, 2022     see slides watch video

How we Grow—A Surprising Answer from Colossians

• Virtually all of us recognize there are areas where we need to grow and mature.
• But how does this happen?
• I was surprised when I first looked at Colossians because to start with the answer didn’t seem to make sense.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 14, 2022     see slides watch video

From Feeling Stressed to Peace & Confidence

• All of us sometimes feel stressed, feel alone or vulnerable.
• Let’s examine the process David went through in Psalm 27 so that we can learn how to go from feeling stressed to peace and confidence.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 24, 2022     see slides watch video

Is the Last Supper Missing in John? —How and Why

• These strange sounding words can be, for you, a deep source of life.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 17, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 59   see slides watch video

How Passover became Breaking Bread, and how to Celebrate it

• Passover was the central memorial feast of the Old Covenant,
• and while celebrating it with his disciples, Jesus replaced it with a new feast,
• saying ‘this is the New covenant in my blood, do this in remembrance of me!’
• We explore 7 ways in which it connects with us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 10, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 58   see slides watch video

The New Covenant brings a New Commandment — Love

• While simple on the surface, some interesting and important questions come up, like
• ‘What about this is actually new?’ and
• ‘If it is part of our new nature, why should it require effort?’
• together with asking what it might look like in our lives.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 3, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 57   see slides watch video

Elijah is Suicidal—God’s Response and the New Covenant pt.3

• In this extraordinary story, God replaced his old way of speaking with a new way, through Jesus.
• It is imperative that you learn to hear this voice.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 19, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 56   see slides watch video

Living in the Freedom of the New Covenant Pt. 2 (Jeremiah 31 & Heb 8)

• When you really understand the New Covenant, it will transform your life, bring you into a new freedom, and enrich your relationship with God.
• Sadly it is rarely explained, and most Christians are not entirely free from the Old.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 12, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 55   see slides watch video

Living in the Freedom of the New Covenant

• When you really understand the New Covenant, it will transform your life, bring you into a new freedom, and enrich your relationship with God.
• Sadly it is rarely explained, and most Christians are not entirely free from the Old.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 5, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 54   see slides watch video

Understanding O.T. Prophecies of the Future (Prophets pt.4)

• The goal is to help us notice themes when we are reading the O.T. prophets, and capture the hope and excitement of their vision of the future.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 29, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 53   see slides watch video

Problems with Prophecies Against Other Nations, and some Good Answers (Prophets pt.3)

• On the surface these prophecies against other nations can seem like unrelenting destruction,
  but on closer inspection there is a surprising revelation of the true heart of God in love and mercy,
  which culminated in the sending of his own son to die for the sins of his enemies.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 22, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 52   see slides watch video

Read & Understand the Prophets pt.2 (Isaiah 5)

• Learning a few basic ideas about how to read the Prophets can make a huge difference in how well we can understand and connect with the message.
• Many people today think the Old Testament God is harsh and angry, but a correct reading of Isaiah 5 paints an entirely different picture.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 15, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 51   see slides watch video

When God doesn’t seem to keep his promises (pt.2)

• Sometimes we can feel God was leading us, but end up in a bad place.
• How should we understand this if this happens?
• and guard against it happening to us?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 8, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 50   see slides watch video

When God doesn’t seem to keep his promises (pt.1)

• How is it that the events of our lives don’t always seem to match up with the promises of God?
• It turns out that this is not just a personal struggle for a few, but one of the central themes of the Bible.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 1, 2022     see slides watch video

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)

• This is such an encouraging verse, but it seems to big. What does ‘all things’ include?
• Learn what it means and how to access this power.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 17, 2022 The Resurrection part 2   see slides watch video

The Truth of the Resurrection: Part 2: Jesus is Risen! and what that means for you and me

• We will do some digging and strengthen the roots of our faith in resurrection,
  then we can enjoy the fruits and feel the richness of the blessing.
• Here are three roots and three fruits
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 10, 2022 The Resurrection part 1   see slides watch video

The Truth of the Resurrection: Part 1: Convincing Evidence for the Truth above all other Truths

• The truth of the resurrection is at the foundation of everything we believe.
• When we see how strongly supported this evidence is, it can be a great encouragement to our faith, our joy and our hope.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 27, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 49   see slides watch video

The God who Carries us — Isaiah 46

• God says, “Even when you have grey hair, I will carry you.
  I made you and I will support you;” (Is 46:4)
• Do you believe this, or are you investing everything in the idols of this age which will not be there for you in the end?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 20, 2022     see slides watch video

A Living Sacrifice — Gaining a clear understanding of one of the key texts in Romans

• In two beautifully compact verses, Paul gives us a new “rule of life” for living under the New Covenant and lays a foundation to everything that follows about the gifts of the Spirit.
  —a perfect summary of what it means to be part of the new people of God.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 13, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 48   see slides watch video

Three Men and an Arrogant Emperor - Daniel 3 and its relevance for us today

• Let’s take this distant story in a distant land at a distant time under a hot sun
• and connect it to us right here and now in Toronto
• so that it means something very directly and specifically to us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 6, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 47   see slides watch video

The God Who Offers Secure Attachment

• A core teaching of the Bible that is often missed, and that is deeply encouraging.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 27, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 46   see slides watch video

Why the Story of Naaman is so Disruptive and Challenging

• As we dive deeper into this account, we see more and more of the challenges, conceptual reversals and artistry in the narrative composition, with an exciting conclusion.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 20, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 45   see slides watch video

Stories of God Responding to Prayer

• Seven suggestions about the kinds of prayers that God responds to, based on stories found in the Bible.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 13, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 44   see slides watch video

The Psalm with No Hope: Psalm 44 - when God doesn’t even seem to be listening

• The Psalm does not directly provide an answer, but there is an answer which is beyond our dreams.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 6, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 43   see slides watch video

A New Beginning - Directions for this New Season of our Lives from Joshua 4 & 5

• This story of a new beginning for Israel has a compelling message for our own lives as we move forward into a new season, with precise New Covenant parallels to the Old Covenant symbols.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 30, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 42   see slides watch video

Circumcision — A topic you rarely hear explained

• Circumcision: Meaning, Significance and Practical Insights
• When we see how neatly the Old and New Testaments connect together on this issue, it brings such clarity, not only to understanding the Bible, but also our own identity.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 23, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 41   see slides watch video

Be Strong and Very Courageous

• This is an incredible promise, but can we take it personally?
• If we understand the context, the meaning, and our part in it, the answer is yes!
• What an encouragement!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 2, 2022 Understanding the Old Testament part 39   see slides watch video

A Story in 5 acts, of Attack and Discouragement turning into Joy

• Life can bring discouragements, and Satan loves to pull us away from God.
• In this extraordinary story from the book of Ezra that is exactly what happened.
• But what is so encouraging for us is the surprising way that God turned defeat into victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 26, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 38   see slides watch video

The Golden Thread - The Story of the Dragon’s Attacks from Genesis to Revelation

• There is a golden thread that runs through the Bible from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation.
• It is the story of the battle between the Serpent and the line of the promised Saviour, full of drama and climaxes in total victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 19, 2021     see slides watch video

Important things to know about the Birth of Jesus

• With all the sentimental caricatures of the birth of Jesus, it’s good to focus on what really happened and why.
• Even most Christians don’t truly understand why he had to be a human.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 5, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 37   see slides watch video

Jesus’ shocking words about the O.T. —The Camel & Eternal Life

• When you see what Jesus is really claiming here, it is both shocking and motivating.
• An incredible parable that is often misunderstood.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 21, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 36   see slides watch video

Profiting from the Prophets

• This message aims to help us get more out of reading the Prophetic books in the O.T.
• by understanding what they are about
• and how they can speak to us.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 14, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 35   see slides watch video

Psalm 20 — Poetry with Power

• We cam understand Psalm 20 at three levels:
• the Artistry,
• the Truth it expresses,
• and the Powerful Message that speaks to our hearts.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 7, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 34   see slides watch video

The Beauty and Power of Old Testament Poetry

• When we see how Hebrew Poetry works, we are better able to take in its beauty and power, so as to be filled with joy in our amazing God.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 31, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 33   see slides watch video

Stories of God’s Creativity and Love of Beauty

• Sometimes we think of God as being too serious to be interested in beauty.
• But creating beauty is core to his very nature, and when we do the same, we are being God-like.
• Yet there in an extra dimension of beauty that comes by the Spirit.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 24, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 32   see slides watch video

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it

• God has so much for you, and longs to satisfy you with the very best
• So what is stopping him?
• The same thing as in Psalm 81 where he longed to bless Israel, but they did not “shema”.
• This word is the key that will open all the blessings.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 17, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 31   see slides watch video

The Presence of God, Then and Now

• Part 1 is the unfolding story of the presence of God with humanity, from the beginnig of Genesis through the Bible.
• Then the second part in about experiencing him right now, using Psalm 16 as a guide.
• Come on this journey with us now!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 3, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 30   see slides watch video

Trusting God in Hard Times - Reading the O.T. in a way that lets it speak truly into our lives: Is. 55

• Have you had times of darkness in your life?
• We work through how we should read Old Testament passages so that they speak accurately into our situation./n-God says, “just hold on to me and I will never forsake you”
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 12, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 30   see slides watch video

Stories of Endurance and the Motivations that Got People Through

• From Abraham and Moses to the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, endurance is a common human experience.
• The Bible gives us three ways that not only help us endure, but turn it from a negative to a positive experience.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 5, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 28   see slides watch video

Can God be Trusted in the Darkest Situation? (Isaiah 37)

• Have you ever been in a situation when it looks like something really bad could happen? We take an example of how to relate Old Testament stories to our own lives in a way that is faithful to the context, and also immensely encouraging!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 29, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 27   see slides watch video

Hints of the Trinity and Jesus in the Old Testament

• Why did God not tell us everything about himself right at the start?
• Because it is only in the context of an unfolding relationship that we can begin grasp the richness of who he is.
• Join us in this exciting journey!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 22, 2021     see slides watch video

Trusting Jesus in the Storms

• Are you going through a storm?
• This is one of the most encouraging stories I have ever read.
• Even with little faith you can survive the worst storms in your life.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 8, 2021     see slides watch video

A Surprising Invitation to a Banquet

• Do you want to be part of a supernatural kingdom, built in an impossible way?
• You have to step up to God’s call!
• Stop telling yourself you are nothing and can’t do anything
• “I can do all things through him who strengthens me!”
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 18, 2021     see slides watch video

The Silver Trumpets

• What if we had a silver trumpet that we could blow at any time and God would come to our rescue?
• Actually such trumpets really existed!
• We have effectively the same thing if we can understand it.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 4, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 25   see slides watch video

Jesus: our Sympathetic Priest

• We can gain a deeper appreciation of what Jesus does for us by examining the description given to us of O.T. priests.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 20, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 24   see slides watch video

Misunderstanding Holiness – Part 3: Tying it All Together

• How does our new understanding of holiness fit with some N.T. passages that seem to be equating it with purity.
• By making an extra step in our definition, we can tie everything together in a way that not only makes sense but is helpful and motivating,
• and gives a very positive meaning to a word that is often seen as negative and discouraging.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 6, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 23   see slides watch video

Holy — Answering Problems with Correctly Understanding this Word (pt.2)

• Having presented a new understanding of this incredibly important word,
  we clear up some problems with other Old Testament passages
  and dig deeper into the meaning.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 30, 2021     see slides watch video

Why I love Jesus

• Let’s focus on why we love Jesus,
• not just for what he has done for us,
• but because he is the most fascinating, wonderful, awesome and lovely person that has ever existed.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 23, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 22   see slides watch video

Holy — The most Misunderstood Word in the Bible

• A word that is so rich, so precious, and so heart-warming has been tragically misunderstood in recent centuries.
• God’s holiness is a positive quality very closely linked to his love, and it is so important that we connect with this.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

May 2, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 21   see slides watch video

Roadblocks when Reading the Old Testament

• Quite often, when people start reading the Old Testament, they hit roadblocks such as
  • obscure language,
  • stories that seem to condone violence or abuse,
  • and strange or problematic laws, for example regarding women.
• All of these roadblocks can be shifted, and we do at least some shifting here.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 18, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 20   see slides watch video

Stories of God’s Compassion & Grace

• Understanding God’s compassion is vital for living an authentic Christian life.
• It shines most brightly in the N.T. in Jesus, but there are some remarkable stories in the Old, demonstrating that God does not change.
• Many of us have trouble receiving this compassion and grace, which makes it hard for us to show it to others, and to experience joy ourselves.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 11, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 19   see slides watch video

Why are we told to fear God if love casts out fear?

• Many people feel that the Old Testament God wanted to be feared but there’s a different God in the New who has banished fear.
• The solution to this problem is very rarely understood, even by Christians, and extremely important.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Apr 4, 2021     see slides watch video

The Empty Tomb

• When we see what a strong foundation our faith is built on, the joy of that truth will well up inside us
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 28, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 18   see slides watch video

The Rest of the Story of Israel—Past and Future

• When we see how God’s promises and prophecies to Israel fit with the New Testament and beyond,
  like Paul we will not be able to help bursting out in praises to God.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 14, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 17   see slides watch video

The Story of Israel and the Heart of God

• Seeing the big story of Israel allows us to get a glimpse into the heart of God that is deeply revealing and affecting.
• Watch the 7-min animation at info.church.to/israel
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Mar 7, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 16   see slides watch video

The Exodus theme through the Bible

• Seeing this theme throught the Bible will help us to take encouragement from some very powerful words from God in the Old Testament.
• We now see how they speak into our lives.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 28, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 15   see slides watch video

Why Idolatry is such a big theme in the Old Testament

• Behind idolatry is our fear, and a need to gain control when we are powerless.
• Once we get how it worked in the Old Testament it is very easy to see how we fall into this trap ourselves on a daily basis.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 21, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 14   see slides watch video

The Bible and Archeology

• Archeology shows us that Bible history and world history are the same.
• We don’t need evidence from archaeology to prove to us that God is real but it can be a great encouragement to see where things match up.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Feb 14, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 13   see slides watch video

New Creation (3) — How to live in the New Creation while still in the Old

• All our problems as Christians, come down to the fact that although we are a New Creation, we are still living in the Old.
• Answering this problem leads to true victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 31, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 12   see slides watch video

New Creation (2) — How it started with a New Eden

• When we see how the images of Eden in the Bible all hang together in a beautiful way, it bring us so much hope and leads us towards victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 24, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 11   see slides watch video

New Creation (1) — The Big Story of the Bible

• If we can grasp the big picture of God’s plan for humanity, it will not only help us understand the Bible, but hugely empower and energize us for the Christian life.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Jan 3, 2021 Understanding the Old Testament part 9   see slides watch video

“I will be with you!” – The Era from Abraham to Joseph

• There’s a fresh start for humanity with Abraham and Sarah, a new Adam and Eve but with a very different requirement.
• Instead of law, they are under faith, with the requirement of simply trusting that he will be with them.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 27, 2020     see slides watch video

God’s gift of Everything

• If God has given you his own beloved Son, Jesus, then will he withhold anything from you?
• In Romans 8 Paul gives us some of the most encouraging words in the Bible
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 20, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 8   see slides watch video

Jesus, the Light of the World

• Light is a key theme in Scripture, and as we put together references from the whole Bible, we see a beautifully unified theme what brings hope, and direction for living.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Dec 6, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 7   see slides watch video

Has Jesus done away with the Law? —Answering the problems that come up

• If the Law was for the Jews, what about everyone else?
• Does the Law have any value in the New Covenant under Jesus?
• Plus other questions.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 29, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 6   see slides watch video

The Covenants—the Backbone of the Old Testament

• To understand the covenants is both the beginning and the end of the quest for truth.
• For in them we can grasp how the Creator relates to humanity.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 22, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 5   see slides watch video

Making Sense of the Flood

• How we can make sense of the Flood account in Genesis,
• see how it connects with Jesus,
• and how it still speaks to us today.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 15, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 4   see slides watch video

Old Testament Shadows and Types

• Why did the disciples get so excited when Jesus opened up the meaning of the Old Testament to them?
• Learn about types and shadows and you will see!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Nov 1, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 3   see slides watch video

The “Fall” and The Big Story

• It is so important to grasp the Big Story of the Old Testament so as to make sense of the hundreds of small stories.
• To watch just the 4 min animation, go to go.church.to/arc
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 25, 2020 Understanding the Old Testament part 2   see slides watch video

Creation

• We read the creation account, and then look at how the rest of the Bible reflects on, and adds to, the event.
• We end with the key question:
• How are WE to respond to the creation?
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 18, 2020 :Understanding the Old Testament part 1   see slides watch video

Why Study the Old Testament?

• The purpose of this talk is to convince you of the value of exploring the Old Testament,
• and to begin the journey.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 11, 2020 Thanksgiving part 3   see slides watch video

Celebrating Thanksgiving

• We start with the origins of our Thanksgiving Day,
• work through the kind of things Jesus gave thanks for,
• and look briefly at modern discoveries of how thanksgiving changes your brain.
• Then we do it!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Oct 4, 2020 Thanksgiving part 2   see slides watch video

When Thanksgiving Leads to Victory

• There is strong Biblical support for the power of weaving thanksgiving into the story of our lives.
• In more than one place, victory and answer to prayer are linked to giving thanks.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 27, 2020 Thanksgiving part 1   see slides watch video

Giving Thanks Always and for Everything

• The best remedy for Covid-19 depression is to increase our daily level of thankfulness by taking some practical steps.
• Here are some suggestions of things you can do.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 20, 2020     see slides watch video

What the David and Goliath story is really about

• A different take on this well-known story—
• You don’t have to be a David, and try to defeat Goliath!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Sept 6, 2020 Gospel of John part 37   see slides watch video

Meeting Jesus in the pages of John

• John’s desire is that we should meet Jesus through his writing.
• Even if we are Christians, we can meet him in a new and powerful way as we engage in these pages with the one who is both God and human.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 30, 2020 Gospel of John part 36   see slides watch video

From Shame and Sin to Strength—How Jesus Restored Peter

• This story helps us understand how Jesus deals with our failure.
• Come to him and let him gently restore you and give you strength.
• Just honestly tell him about it, and accept it is the same gentle Jesus that talked with Peter on the beach that morning.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 23, 2020 Gospel of John part 35   see slides watch video

A Meal on the Beach with Jesus (where he revealed something new and extremely comforting)

• People get fixated on the 153 fish, Peter’s clothes or odd behaviour, and miss the wondrous and life-changing point that this story is making.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 9, 2020 Gospel of John part 34   see slides watch video

What we can learn from Mary Magdalene at the Empty Tomb

• Life from the resurrected Jesus brought life to those around him.
• You can experience more of that life, as Mary did.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

Aug 2, 2020 Gospel of John part 33   see slides watch video

How Jesus’ Resurrection Directly Empowers Us

• The resurrection of Jesus was not simply coming back to life, but the start of a new kind of humanity.
• It gives us access to a new kind of life within us—empowered for victory.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 19, 2020 Gospel of John part 32   see slides watch video

Jesus’ Burial, with some Insights from Archeology

• We believe the Bible because it is God’s word, but nevertheless it is encouraging to our faith so see the strength of the evidence.
• Plus it helps us to visualize and conceptualize what actually happened at a real place and date.
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

July 5, 2020 Gospel of John part 31   see slides watch video

Why John is so selective when telling the story of the Crucifixion

• John is very selective, but this is because he is very focused in the unique way he wants us to relate to Jesus as he suffers and dies on the cross, a way that we miss if we don’t follow his references
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 21, 2020 Gospel of John part 30   see slides watch video

What we can learn about ourselves from Pilate

• Pilate was faced with a choice that in some ways is very similar to ours, even if we are a Christian.
• The challenge is to see what it is for you!
• Listen to audio ↡ or watch video ↠

June 14, 2020     see slides watch video

Bread & Wine: the Body of Christ United

• The simple celebration to remember Jesus is so often misunderstood.
• If we get what was so terribly wrong with the way the Corinthian church was breaking bread,
• then we have the key to bringing joy to the heart of Jesus.
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June 7, 2020 Gospel of John part 29   see slides watch video

Betrayed, Arrested, Abandoned, Denied and Abused —John 18

• Jesus was betrayed, arrested, abandoned, denied and abused.
• Yet those were the very people he came to die for!
• What manner of love is this?
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May 31, 2020     see slides watch video

How We Should Bring our Complaints to God (Psalms 54, 142)

• A third of the book of Psalms is devoted to bringing complaints to God.
• But the form of these complaints is very specific.
• By giving us so many pslams in this form, God is telling us that he wants to hear the honest cries of our heart,
• but also teaching us how he wants us to bring these complaints to him.
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May 24, 2020 Gospel of John part 28   see slides watch video

Our Destiny: to Receive and to Give Divine Love - John 17

• We are a gift from the Father to Jesus: his beloved ones
• He gives our love back to the Father as a gift:
  to be revealers of God’s self-giving love to the world (and universe)
• This is the highest expression of the Christian faith you will ever hear.
• More than that, it is the highest point of human existence
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May 17, 2020 Gospel of John part 27   see slides watch video

The High Point in the whole of Jesus’ Teachings

• Jesus highest teachings, given just to his disciples in John 14–17 come to a climax in his prayer at the end,
• and now we reach the very pinnacle of the prayer
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May 3, 2020 Gospel of John part 26   see slides watch video

Safe and Sent — Coming to Grips with the Challenge of Jesus in John 17

• Jesus’ words move from comfort to challenge,
• from ‘Safe’ to ‘Sent’
• as this amazing prayer in John 17 moves towards it’s climax.
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Apr 26, 2020 Gospel of John part 25   see slides watch video

John 17: The Greatest Prayer in the Bible

• What would it have been like for the disciples to hear Jesus praying for them in a way that
• was so loving and caring,
• was so challenging in the mission he gave them,
• and raised their identity and destiny so high?
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Apr 19, 2020 Gospel of John part 24   see slides watch video

Do This… so that Your Joy may be Full

• Jesus said, “In a little while… your sorrow will turn to joy.”
• Do this, he says, and you will receive a joy that no-one can take from you.
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Mar 29, 2020 Gospel of John part 23   see slides watch video

What does the Promise of the Spirit of Truth mean for us?

• Do you wish you could have been there with Jesus, heard him teach and seen the miracles?
• Jesus says you are actually better off with what you have now:
• The very Spirit of God living inside you and empowering you.
• How do we experience this?
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Mar 22, 2020 Gospel of John part 22   see slides watch video

My peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled or be fearful

• Our connection with Christ, the vine, grows as we hear his words, believe them, and do them.
• In these troubled times, chose to believe these words of peace, and walk in them, rather than words of fear.
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Mar 15, 2020 Gospel of John part 21   see slides watch video

The Flow of God’s Energy—Jesus Explains how to be Connected to the Vine

• At the very centre of Christ’s last hours of teaching comes an idea that is striking and life transforming.
• To enhance its vividness, and help it to stick, the thoughts are laid out in semi-poetic form.
• They are like two beautiful flowers, with leaves around the outside, and vivid blooms in the middle.
• If Jesus has chosen to express himself in this way, we need to give attention and listen!
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Mar 8, 2020 Gospel of John part 20   see slides watch video

The Breathtaking Invitation by Jesus into a New Dimension of Connection to God

• ‘If you love me, you will obey my commandments’
• Do we have to perform well enough at this love to get rewarded?
• The answer is both surprising and extremely encouraging!
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Mar 1, 2020 Gospel of John part 19   see slides watch video

Let not your Hearts be Troubled—Jesus Reveals Surprising Things about the Father

• As he faces the most horrific death that any human faced, Jesus feelings are instead for his disciples, deeply caring for them.
• But what is even more surprising is that in this act of selfless empathy, Jesus is revealing to us the heart of the Father.
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Feb 23, 2020 Gospel of John part 18   see slides watch video

The God who will Love You to the End and Wash Your Feet

• Peter misunderstood foot-washing and so do many Christians, but Jesus tells us how blessed we will be if we understand and receive it.
• But most of all this chapter is about how Jesus loves his own “to the end”,
• and never abandon us to the end of time.
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Feb 16, 2020 Gospel of John part 17   see slides watch video

Jesus’ last days of teaching: Why so few really ‘got’ him. Can you?

• Let’s walk with Jesus through his last days of teaching.
• How come so very few really ‘got’ him?
• Does his final challenge connect with you?
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Feb 9, 2020 Gospel of John part 16   see slides watch video

How come Jesus weeps before raising Lazarus? —The Good Shepherd in Action

• Just before Lazarus is raised, Jesus weeps along with Mary. Why not just tell her everything will soon be ok?
• If this account was just about Jesus’ power to raise the dead it would be told in just 7 verses,
• but the other 43 tell of a Shepherd who loves each of his sheep in a unique way.
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Feb 2, 2020 Gospel of John part 15   see slides watch video

The deeper, fuller meaning of the parable of the Good Shepherd

• It is easy to read through John 10 on a surface level and miss what is going on.
• Here, at the final climax of Jesus’ public ministry he presents an image that will leave you enthralled with it’s beauty, and deeply moved by it’s implications.
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Jan 12, 2020 Gospel of John part 14   see slides watch video

How the Man Born Blind challenges you and me

On the surface this is a simple healing story,

• but John has beautifully put together a series of events and conversations that build up to a startling revelation from Jesus
• that his light can actually lead people to become blind,
• and we ourselves need to pay close attention.
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Dec 22, 2019     see slides watch video

Immanuel: Experience empathy from Jesus who is truly With Us and understands our weakness

The stories from when Jesus walked this earth with us,

• show a man who experienced a full range of emotions, and was deeply empathic with those around him.
• Hebrews 4 encourages us to experience this deep compassion as we engage with him in prayer.
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Dec 15, 2019 Gospel of John part 13   see slides watch video

Getting Free from the Lies that Drag us into Darkness

There is a voice inside you that is telling you lies!

• Experience what it is like to have the truthful words of Jesus bringing freedom from this darkness.
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Dec 8, 2019 Gospel of John part 12   see slides watch video

If Anyone is Thirsty

Are you feeling dry and thirsty? Jesus is offering cool refreshing water—abundant, life-giving and free. Come and drink!

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Nov 24, 2019 Gospel of John part 10   see slides watch video

What on earth does it mean to ‘feed on Jesus’? and why this is one of the most important things you can ever learn

• After feeding the 5000 and walking on water, Jesus was asked to provide more food. The answer he gave was very strange, and resulted in many people walking away from him.
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Nov 17, 2019 Gospel of John part 9   see slides watch video

New Life at the Pool - Healing followed by some radical claims

• How might you be like the man at the pool?
• Most of those who have studied this chapter see it as disorganized and repetetive,+but in fact there is a beautiful logic to Jesus’ reasoning.
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