City on a Hill Edinburgh

In this series, Sons and Daughters, Pastor Dan examines our relationship with God as our loving Father, and what it means to live as His children. As we explore this truth, we will see how our identity as God’s sons and daughters informs our daily life and purpose.

In the busyness of life, Jesus always sought solitude with the Father for divine perspective and direction. In this message, Pastor Pete invites us to do likewise. God desires intimacy with us, but we also need to recognize that, as followers of Christ, our strength lies in time spent alone with Him.

How often have we allowed the noises of this world to drown out the voice of God? In this message, Pastor Pete teaches us the value of being still. In the silence, God speaks. In the silence, we can hear His voice. In the silence, we get His perspective, and understand that He is Lord of all.

Pastor Pete unpacks the theme of Sabbath - not simply as a day of rest as established in the Old Testament law, but also as the ultimate rest from life’s burdens when we enter into a relationship with God, through Jesus. We no longer have to obey it legalistically, but at the same time, through Jesus, it is a principle that we can certainly benefit from when we apply it in our lives.

Normal life in our culture is busy. But is the busyness of life disrupting our relationship with God? Do we try to live the life of Jesus but with the lifestyle of our culture? And what does it mean to take on Jesus' yoke and how do we do that?

The Ninevites were known for their ungodliness and extreme wickedness. Yet, God called Nineveh a ‘great city’, whose people were important and significant to Him. Do we carry God’s heart for our cities and for the people around us, even though they do not acknowledge Him?

Pastor Pete’s message is a direct challenge to us all. Are we, like Jonah, upset about the small things but neglect the big issues? Are we navel-gazing, instead of sharing God’s concerns for the people of our city, for this generation and for the broader concerns of humanity?

Have you ever been angry with God? In this message, Pastor Pete digs deep into the various reasons why we get angry with God. He unpacks not only our distorted views of God and His character, but also challenges us to recognize the idols of our lives, when, like Jonah, we feel that God has not been fair and just in His actions.

God displays His wonderful mercy to us by being slow to anger, by abounding in steadfast love and in relenting from sending disasters. As followers of Christ, let us allow His mercy to greatly impact our lives, encouraging us to be patient and kind to each other, to value others and to pray for the ability to love, just as He loves.

When Jonah shared his message to the Ninevites, the entire city, including the King repented and turned to God. In this message, Pastor Pete unpacks what true repentance consists of – a work of God in men’s heart, which enables them to turn from sin and to Him instead, to stop pursuing sin and to pursue Him instead.