Coro Baptist Church

For other talks in this series go to sermonaudio.com/acts Winter Word 2024: A gathering for Bible teaching given by local Adelaide pastors from different denominations who share a commitment to the Authority of the Scriptures, the centrality of the Gospel of Christ crucified, and the importance of sound expository preaching.

For other talks in this series go to sermonaudio.com/acts Winter Word 2024: A gathering for Bible teaching given by local Adelaide pastors from different denominations who share a commitment to the Authority of the Scriptures, the centrality of the Gospel of Christ crucified, and the importance of sound expository preaching.

Nowadays, you don't have to spend long on the internet before finding yourself neck-deep in advertisements. Adverts, like signs, reveal some aspect of the product they are selling. Due to the number of adverts we are exposed to, we have become accustomed to ignoring them if what they reveal doesn't pique our interest, suit our desires, or meet our needs. Jesus himself was a sign. The miracles he performed and the words he spoke all revealed aspects of the kingdom of God that was dawning—a kingdom of compassion, where what is needed is provided in abundance. Many people like the sound of the kingdom of God and of eternity, but not always the version of it that Jesus reveals, not always the truth that he speaks. There is then a tendency to swipe or scroll on to the next advert or sign, looking for the Jesus, the kingdom, and the God that suits our preferences and the needs we perceive as most important. The great threat Jesus warns his disciples of, and even the Pharisees and Sadducees, is this: only one sign reveals the kingdom of God. That sign is Jesus! Do not look for other signs that satisfy your preferences or perceived needs. Trust in Jesus; he will give you all you need, according to his wisdom, in abundance, but you must trust him and not swipe on.

It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.- In our age of rights and entitlement these words of Jesus to a needy Gentile woman confront us, hitting us right between the eyes. And yet, the woman to whom they are directed doesn't take offense. She doesn't even blink an eyelid at them. How is this so-- -When so many around her think too much of themselves and presume upon God, the Canaanite woman knows she deserves nothing from the Lord. And yet, in faith, she asks for his mercy. In great faith she asks for his help, even just a few crumbs from the banquet table of his grace. And Jesus acknowledges her faith, and grants her request. We see here, something of the humble heart and faith of the psalmist who sings, I'd rather be a door keeper than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.

I teach my kids, like my parents taught me, and like their parents taught them, -to eat what is put in front of you- and don't complain.- Truth be told, our family is full of these rules for living. Rules turn traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. I find these traditions helpful in turning children into polite, well-mannered adults. At least, that is the hope. But the problem is- while my kids may appear better behaved than the neighbours', even godly in demeanour, what is the state of their hearts-- Matthew 15 finds Jesus showing us the true root of sin is found in the heart. While our traditions can make us look clean on the outside, we are far from clean on the inside, where it counts. Only Jesus can truly wash us clean of sin, inside and out, giving us a new heart so that we might follow him.

It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." In our age of rights and entitlement these words of Jesus to a needy Gentile woman confront us, hitting us right between the eyes. And yet, the woman to whom they are directed doesn't take offense. She doesn't even blink an eyelid at them. How is this so? When so many around her think too much of themselves and presume upon God, the Canaanite woman knows she deserves nothing from the Lord. And yet, in faith, she asks for his mercy. In great faith she asks for his help, even just a few crumbs from the banquet table of his grace. And Jesus acknowledges her faith, and grants her request. We see here, something of the humble heart and faith of the psalmist who sings, I'd rather be a door keeper than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.

I teach my kids, like my parents taught me, and like their parents taught them, "to eat what is put in front of you… and don't complain." Truth be told, our family is full of these rules for living. Rules turn traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. I find these traditions helpful in turning children into polite, well-mannered adults. At least, that is the hope. But the problem is… while my kids may appear better behaved than the neighbours', even godly in demeanour, what is the state of their hearts? Matthew 15 finds Jesus showing us the true root of sin is found in the heart. While our traditions can make us look clean on the outside, we are far from clean on the inside, where it counts. Only Jesus can truly wash us clean of sin, inside and out, giving us a new heart so that we might follow him.

It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.