Christmas Carol Service 2024, Sidcup - Jon Brown by New Community Church

This sunday, We had Ethan, Henry and Louise all shared a short sermon on Luke 2:1-20.

Yemi Kolajo - Hope In Waiting by New Community Church

Last Sunday at our 10:30 Sidcup service, Reuben interviewed our Guest Anita from IJM. It was so encouraging hearing Anita and about her role within IJM.

Luke has moved John off the stage and now turns his attention to Jesus. Jesus’ public ministry commences with his baptism, where he is anointed by the Spirit for ministry. The divine voice identifies Jesus as God’s beloved Son and as the servant of the Lord. Luke then turns to Jesus’ genealogy, tracing Jesus back to David through Nathan instead of Solomon. This is almost certainly his biological genealogy. Matthew traces Jesus back to Abraham, but Luke goes back to Adam. Indeed, he goes one step further, tracing Jesus all the way back to God himself. Thus in both baptism and genealogy Luke identifies Jesus as God’s Son.

A standalone preach. Dave focuses on what it means for our story as Christians when we follow Jesus.

John’s ministry raises questions about whether he is the Messiah, but John has not claimed such an honor for himself, insisting he is unworthy to untie the sandals of the one to come, the one who will immerse people with the Spirit and fire. The day of judgment is compared to threshing done outside; the wheat (those who are good) will be gathered into the barn, while the chaff will be burned in a fire that will never end. Luke goes on to tell us how John preaches and proclaims the good news to Israel. Still, the ministry of the Baptist comes to an end after he rebukes Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, the wife of Philip. Herod proceeds to put John in prison for criticizing his behavior. With the Baptist off the scene, the ministry of Jesus is ready to commence.

John warns the crowds coming out to him, proclaiming that they will escape the wrath to come only if they bear fruit worthy of repentance. Simply being a child of Abraham will not shield Israel from the coming judgement. When the crowds ask John how they should respond, he gives practical advice. Those who turn to the Lord are generous with what they own, sharing food and clothing with those who are in need. Similarly, tax collectors should not extort money or skim some off the top for themselves, but should collect only what is mandated. Soldiers must also desist from extortion and be content with the pay they have received.

John warns the crowds coming out to him, proclaiming that they will escape the wrath to come only if they bear fruit worthy of repentance. Simply being a child of Abraham will not shield Israel from the coming judgement. When the crowds ask John how they should respond, he gives practical advice. Those who turn to the Lord are generous with what they own, sharing food and clothing with those who are in need. Similarly, tax collectors should not extort money or skim some off the top for themselves, but should collect only what is mandated. Soldiers must also desist from extortion and be content with the pay they have received.

Chapters 1-2 have prepared us for the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus, and now the ministry of John is launched with God’s word coming to him in the wilderness. John is in the wilderness on the other side of the Jordan, just as Israel was in the wilderness before entering the Land of Promise. Before the promises would be realized Israel had to be cleansed of its sin and to turn afresh to God. John appropriates Isaiah 40:3–5 to explain his ministry. He is the voice in the wilderness, preparing the Lord’s way. All will see God’s salvation when they humble themselves before him.