Captive for Christ.

"Recently I watched a short video extract of a Q&A panel in which Paul Washer answered the question, “What is the greatest threat to the church in our generation?” Without hesitation, Washer responded, “It’s Pastors”. I sincerely agree with Washer. Join me for a moment then in asking the same question of our New Zealand context."

Live Recording: In this message we consider the eternal nature and destiny of the soul. There is, as Jesus teaches, a great cost to consider. Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, to deny ourselves for His sake. But there remains a superior promise and surety of salvation to follow. Yet, a warning of wrath against the soul abides on those who will not submit to Christ in this life. Praise God for the mercy He grants through the cross of Jesus, the only way of salvation for the Soul for all those who believe!

Manuscript Reading: In his final words to the scattered believers of Asia and throughout the Mediterranean, Peter takes opportunity to discuss the promise of Christ's return and the day of eternity. Contrary to the mockers, who come against them, things shall not continue as they are without end. Christ will come like a thief in the night, when no one suspects, for the final inbreaking of God in human history. But the promise of Christ's return has implication's for the believers life. Namely the pursuit of holiness and godliness. We are called to be faithful representatives of the new heavens and earth to come, wherein only righteousness dwells. 

Manuscript Reading: Continuing our series in the book of Ruth, we come to the third chapter, 'Salvation in Scandal'. The story hangs in the balance at this point. What will become of Naomi's marriage plot for Ruth? The scene appears to reflect the kind of actions we might expect to see in Moab not Israel! And yet, as the account reflects in the big picture, the scene is redeemed, as it were, by God through Boaz and Ruth, the faithful Israelite couple to be. And God has even bigger plans for them, for morning from the darkness of night will soon come to Israel. For God, the greater and equally restless redeemer, is coming for His people. 

Live Recording: One of the joys of being adopted into the family of God through Christ is the promise we have that God is working providentially in our lives. Such was the experience of the young anointed king, David. Though for now David is on the run from Saul, we see how God fulfils the word of Hannah's song "He will give strength to His king" through his unlikely friend and comrade, Jonathan.  

Live Recording: How is it that Abraham's nephew Lot is said by the Apostle Peter to have been a righteous man? For when we step back into the Genesis narrative it appears that Lot was anything but! See then in this message the kindness and severity of God. Shown in His compassion extended to Lot and his family and in divine judgment upon Sodom & Gomorrah. But what is the deciding factor in the salvation of Lot? And by extension you and I? The answer involves one connection to the promise in the Abrahamic covenant, and the great intercessor.

Live Recording: Just as a wildfire under the right conditions is an uncontrollable force, so in Acts, we learn of another kind of fire spreading into all the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ. And by the Word of God made known through the preaching ministry and miraculous signs of Paul in Ephesus, all Asia hears of the good news. 

Live Recording: In these chapters, the Davidic monarchy is unravelling. In King David's judicial and fatherly absence, he fails to resolve the family crisis at hand. The young man Absalom plots to seize the throne from his father by stealing away the hearts of Israel, creating a kingdom in crisis. 

Manuscript Reading: Continuing our series in the book of Ruth, in this second chapter we see God beginning to resolve the central concerns of chapter one. Specifically, we are introduced to Boaz, through whom God mediates His providential care to Naomi and Ruth.

Manuscript Reading: How much did Peter really know when he professed that Jesus is the Christ? In this passage, Jesus reveals that understanding Him as the Christ is not possible without first understanding His mission, that of the Messiahs suffering, death, and resurrection.