In our last episode of Said on Sunday before Easter, Rus and Bek address your questions

from Matthew 26:31-75. We reflect on the events in the garden of Gethsemane; the

weakness of the disciples, the betrayal of Judas, the violent response of one of Jesus’

companions and most notably the raw human emotion of Jesus as he comes to the Father in

prayer the night before his crucifixion. Then discussion turns to Jesus’ identity and the

blessings of his ministry - our salvation and our transformation! Happy Easter!

Resources mentioned:

For the Love of God: How the church is BETTER + WORSE than you ever imagined:

The documentary can be found at

https://publicchristianity.org/for-the-love-of-god/

The book can be found at

https://publicchristianity.org/for-the-love-of-god/the-book/

Nathan and Bek discuss your questions wrestling with the challenges of

Matthew 26. What does it mean to “spend for Jesus,” in a way that follows the

example of the woman’s extravagant generosity? How do we give generously

while being financially responsible? Judas’ betrayal raises questions about his

personal responsibility and judgement. And all of this is all set against the

backdrop of the Passover and Jesus’ impending sacrifice for the salvation of

his people which demonstrates how much he values us. Considering this,

conversation turns to the significance and practice of the Lord’s Supper.

Helpful resources:

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is an organisation that supports those

seeking help with managing finances.

https://capaust.org

Free budgeting resource from CAP:

https://capaust.org/budgeting-spreadsheet/

Some Thoughts on the Frequency of The Lord’s Supper

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-frequency-of-communion-calmly-

This episode centres around the close of Jesus’ teaching before the lead up to his

death in Matthew 25:31-46. Laura joins Dave and Bek to discuss your questions

from the passage. Many questions came in about what seems to be an emphasis on

works leading to salvation in Jesus’ teaching, and so we explore the relationship

between faith, action, grace, judgement and salvation. This includes the implications

of “union with Christ,” and defining what biblical faith is. Other topics include

assurance of salvation, motivations for following Jesus, evangelism, how our church

cares for “the least of these,” and what happens for believers and unbelievers who

die before the return of the King.

Resources mentioned

Book on the trinity recommended by a member of our 6pm congregation: The Good

God: Enjoying Father, Son and Spirit by Michael Reeves.

https://reformers.com.au/products/9781842277447-good-god-the-enjoying-father-

son-and-spirit-michael-reeves

Laura’s current read: How Long O Lord by Don Carson

https://reformers.com.au/products/9781844741328-how-long-o-lord-reflections-on-

suffering-and-evil-carson-d-a

Recommended by Dave: One Forever: The Transforming Power of Being in Christ

by Rory Shiner

https://reformers.com.au/products/9781925424737-one-forever-the-transforming-

power-of-being-in-christ-rory-shiner

Dave recommends this conversation between Christian apologist Wesley Huff and

Steven Bartlett on Steven’s podcast “Diary of a CEO.” In particular Wes’ response to

Steve’s question “Am I going to hell?” at 1:18:30

https://youtu.be/nrwNSSyKuD4?si=6B3sISImXkOB9UuQ

Previous Said on Sunday episode which discusses what happens when we die

before Christ’s return. Episode 98 “Heaven Part Two” at 2:09

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/said-on-

sunday/id1627420589?i=1000692407268

This episode, Dave and Bek discuss your questions on Matthew 24:36-25:30. There is a lot to

cover in this long and significant text!

Questions about Jesus’ lack of knowledge about the timing of his return prompt a discussion

about the Incarnation and the Trinity. Then, reflecting on Jesus’ teaching that warns his

listeners to be ready for his return, Dave and Bek address the questions that came in about

the rapture, the parable of the talents, where grace fits into all these warnings and more!

Useful resources:

For the promised resource on the Trinity, Dave recommends Delighting in the Trinity by Tim

Chester.

https://www.thegoodbook.com.au/delighting-in-the-trinity

The book by John Dickson that Dave recommended on the podcast is 666 and All That: The

Truth about the Future.

https://youthworksmedia.net/products/666-and-all-that-the-truth-about-the-future

Find out more about the Life Course.

https://www.ka.church/life-course/

Chapter 24 of Matthew is a challenging passage to understand yet has a clear

message for God’s people. Dave and Bek step through your questions from the first

35 verses and explore timelines, different theological views of the end times, and

work to clarify the big idea of Jesus’ teaching here. Whatever your view, Matthew 24

encourages us to trust in God’s promises even when facing struggles of many kinds.

Resources mentioned:

Said on Sunday, Episode 112, “Jeremiah, Reading Tips, Modern Israel and…Anakin

Skywalker?”

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/said-on-

sunday/id1627420589?i=1000718963874

Life Course

https://www.ka.church/life-course/

This episode, Nathan and Bek discuss Matthew 23, one of the most

confronting chapters in the Gospels. Jesus strongly confronts the religious

leaders calling out their hypocrisy and warning against spiritual pride. As we

explore the questions from this week’s sermons, the conversation moves from

clarification to self-reflection and finally to the hope we have in Christ.

Rus and Bek answer your questions from Matthew 22:15-46. Topics include

taxation, marriage and singleness, what it means to seek God’s good in

obedience to the “greatest commandment,” and examining, and being

challenged by, responses to Jesus both in the text and today. Through all

these twists and turns, we are encouraged to have a “right-sized” view of

Jesus that acknowledges his authority, great power and love.

Nathan and Bek answer your questions from Matthew 21:23-22:14, including:

tips for interpreting the gospels, the difference between being judgemental

and judging rightly, and overcoming self-righteousness. We also discuss what

heaven might be like right now, and show appreciation for creeds and the

prayer book.

Resources Mentioned:

You tube video of Jim Warner Wallace explaining why Gospel Differences

make them more reliable:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp-cn6rVFO8

The Promise of the Future by Cornelis P Venema

https://reformers.com.au/products/9780851517933-promise-of-the-future-the-

venema-cornelis-p?srsltid=AfmBOorTCZj-2o1l1DVJooeT2WYsz-

oVNxqNp4MZHLIuZ18rj4m2Fql_

In this episode of Said on Sunday, James and Bek discuss your questions

from Matthew 21:1-22 including the tension that can exist between authenticity

with excellence as we worship Jesus in our Sunday services, and what

fruitfulness looks like in our lives.

Resources mentioned:

Christine Cobb’s article “Would Jesus Turn Over Tables in Today’s Church?”

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jesus-turn-tables-church/

Kyle Strobel and John Coe’s new book:

“When God seems distant: Surprising ways God deepens our faith and draws us

near.”

https://koorong.com/product/the-wholehearted-way-finding-peace-after-lifes-

heartbreaks_9781540905321

Discussion with Kyle Strobel about his book on Preston Sprinkle’s podcast:

https://theologyintheraw.com/podcast/when-god-seems-distant-dr-kyle-strobel/

It's time for our big holiday QnA catch-up! We cover a whole range of questions from the second half of our Questions for God series.