Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent

Title: Gospel Teamwork (Part 1)

Passage: Romans 16:1–23

Preacher: Robin Vonk

Date & Time: Sunday 30 November 2025, 6:00 pm

Romans 16:1–23 is more than a list of names—it’s a snapshot of a vibrant gospel community. Paul honours men and women, Jews and Gentiles, households and servants, all united by one thing: the saving work of Jesus Christ. The gospel creates a new family where every person matters and every gift counts. Jesus has reconciled us to God through His death and resurrection, and now He draws us into partnership with one another for His mission. In this sermon, Robin Vonk explores how the cross forms teams marked by love, sacrifice, hospitality, and perseverance, and how the church today can embody that same gospel-shaped teamwork.

Listen to Andrew as he shares:

• Growing up in a Ministry Family,
• Serving at Church from childhood,
• The secret to potluck lunches,
• Raising daughters,
• Engaging with young people,
• Looking forward to the next stage of life,
• His journey through the education system,
• School vs Parents,
• The future of education,
• and much more.

Further Reading: Edlin, R. (2014) The Cause of Christian Education. (4th ed.). Vision Press.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." - Philippians 4:11

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: The Gospel’s Mission Heartbeat
Passage: Romans 15:14–33
Preacher: Andrew Middleton
Date & Time: Sunday 23 November 2025, 9:30 am

In Romans 15:14-33, Paul opens his heart and reveals the driving force behind his ministry: the unstoppable mission of the gospel. His passion to take Christ to unreached places flows from what Jesus has done—offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, rising in victory, and drawing people from every nation into God’s family. The gospel beats with a global pulse, and Paul’s plans, prayers, and partnerships all echo that rhythm. In this sermon, Andrew Middleton explores how the finished work of Christ compels God’s people to generous support, joyful sacrifice, and bold mission. As we see God’s grace at work in Paul, we are invited to align our hearts with Christ’s own mission heartbeat—so that the good news may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: Church (and World) Peace
Passage: Romans 15:1–13
Preacher: Robin Vonk
Date & Time: Sunday 16 November 2025, 6 pm

What hope is there for true peace—in the church and in the world? In Romans 15:1–13, Paul shows that unity among God’s people is not built on shared preferences or similar backgrounds, but on the saving work of Christ. Jesus bore our weaknesses, welcomed us into God’s family, and fulfilled God’s promises so that Jew and Gentile together might glorify God with one voice. The gospel is the foundation of peace: through the cross, Christ reconciled us to God and to one another, breaking down every dividing wall. In this sermon, Robin Vonk unpacks how the hope of Jesus fills His people with endurance, encouragement, and joy so that we might overflow with peace—not only in the church, but as a witness to the watching world.

Mel explores moving around Australia, Bible Club and more in this episode of Stories of the Saints.

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: Christian Liberty and Gracious Sensitivity
Passage: Romans 14:1–23
Preacher: Ian Morrison
Date & Time: Sunday 9 November 2025, 6:00 pm

How do we live together when we disagree on matters of conscience? In Romans 14:1–23, Paul calls believers to balance freedom in Christ with love for one another. The gospel reminds us that our standing before God doesn’t depend on dietary rules, traditions, or personal convictions—it depends entirely on Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again for us. Because He is Lord of both the strong and the weak, we are free to serve one another with humility and grace rather than judgment or pride. In this sermon, Ian Morrison will show how the cross shapes our relationships within the church, teaching us to use our freedom not for self, but for the good of others, so that in everything we might reflect the love and unity found in Christ.

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: The Debt of Love
Passage: Romans 13:8–14
Preacher: Robin Vonk
Date & Time: Sunday 2 November 2025, 9:30 am

Paul tells us in Romans 13:8-14 that there’s one debt we can never fully repay—the debt of love. As followers of Jesus, we owe love to one another, not as a burden, but as the natural response to the love we’ve received. The gospel reveals the source of that love: Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law by giving Himself for us. Through His death and resurrection, He paid the debt of our sin and clothed us with His righteousness, freeing us to live in the light. Now, as people made new in Christ, we are called to “put on the Lord Jesus” and love others as He has loved us. In this sermon, Robin Vonk explores how the gospel transforms duty into delight—calling us to live awake, ready, and radiant with the love of Christ.

"You will never find peace until you have found peace with God."

He grew up near Goulburn and remembers the day the war ended. He met his wife at a dance and was married to her for 58 years. He has dealt with tragedy but held onto faith through it all. Listen to his wisdom for those younger. Listen to Ron Gooley share about all this and more in this episode of Stories of the Saints.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" - Isaiah 41:10

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: The Christian and the State
Passage: Romans 13:1–7
Preacher: Robin Vonk
Date & Time: Sunday 26 October 2025, 6:00 pm

How should followers of Jesus relate to those in authority? In Romans 13:1–7, Paul reminds us that every governing power exists under God’s sovereign hand. Christians are called to live with humility, respect, and obedience—not because rulers are perfect, but because our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord who reigns above all. The gospel transforms how we see authority: Jesus Himself submitted to earthly powers, even to death on a cross, so that through His obedience we might be set free from the tyranny of sin. As those redeemed by His grace, we honour earthly authorities as an expression of trust in the God who rules over them. In this message, Robin Vonk explores how the gospel shapes our citizenship—calling us to live peaceably, responsibly, and faithfully under the true King, Jesus Christ.

Sermon Series: Romans – Heaven Sent
Title: Practical Christianity
Passage: Romans 12:9–21
Preacher: Steve Inman
Date & Time: Sunday 19 October 2025, 9:30 am

What does genuine Christian love look like in action? In Romans 12:9–21, Paul moves from belief to behaviour—showing how the gospel transforms everyday relationships. The call to bless our enemies, repay evil with good, and overcome hatred with love is impossible on our own. But the good news is that Jesus has already lived this out perfectly for us. On the cross, He conquered evil not with power or revenge, but with self-giving love. Through His Spirit, we are now freed and empowered to reflect that same love to others. In this message, Steve Inman unpacks how the mercy we’ve received in Christ reshapes our hearts, our actions, and the way we respond to the world around us.