Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church (Toowoomba)

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “A Great Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan –

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.)

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you have experienced complete literal darkness?

2. Why was Israel destined for darkness and judgement? Why would their loving Lord punish them?

Read Isaiah 9:1-5

1. What towns are described as being humbled? How did this happen in practice? How will God eventually honour these towns? (See Matthew 4:12-17)

2. What is the tense of these verses? Why is this significant? How can we be certain of Godʼs promises?

3. Why is the light such good news for Israel? Whatʼs going to come before the coming of the light?

4. What is the source of the peopleʼs joy? What are some of the things that we try and seek joy or satisfaction in? Who should be the ultimate source of our joy?

5. Where do we experience/see darkness in our lives? How will God ultimately shine his light in these situations? How could we, practically, be pointers to the light in the meantime?

6. What is so significant about the defeat in Midian? Why would God tell Gideon to make the army smaller? How does this principle apply to the following verses in Isaiah?

7. Why will there be no more need for soldierʼs shoes? When will all of these promises of freedom and peace come in their fullness?

8. How have we experienced the rescue and victory of the Lord? Do we ever doubt that Jesus has rescued us or that we get to experience this? What can keep us from doubting this?

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

1. What was Godʼs plan for the ultimate rescue of his people? What do we learn about the son in these verses? What will he be like?

2. How do we get to be a part of the Kingdom of God? What is this kingdom like? How long will it last?

3. How can we live our lives now in the knowledge and anticipation of the final coming of our king?

APPLY: Where can most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of?

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given us the light of life and the glorious king in Jesus, who came and died and rose for us. Keep us from living for our own glory, but instead help live as your people. Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Waiting but not In Vain” by Paul Clarke

• Listen: “Who?” by Rico Tice

• Listen: “Light in Darkness” by Alistair Begg

• Listen: “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by Kings College, Cambridge
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah

• Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview

• Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
  (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)

• Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay

• Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer

• Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Your Guilt is Taken Away”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 6:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.’

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’

And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’

He said, ‘Go and tell this people:

‘“Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”
Make the heart of this people calloused;
    make their ears dull
    and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.’

Then I said, ‘For how long, Lord?’

And he answered:

‘Until the cities lie ruined
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
    and the fields ruined and ravaged,
until the Lord has sent everyone far away
    and the land is utterly forsaken.
And though a tenth remains in the land,
    it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
    leave stumps when they are cut down,
    so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.’

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises?

WARM-UP

1. What are the most common ways in which our culture teaches us to discover our true self?

2. How has knowing God helped you to have a clearer understanding of yourself?

Read Isaiah 6:1-7

1. Who was King Uzziah? How does he compare to the Lord? Why might Isaiah be making this contrast?

2. How does Isaiah describe the throne room of God? How do the various aspects reflect Godʼs character?

3. What is the refrain of the seraphim? What does ʻholyʼ mean and what is the significance of the repetition?

4. How does Isaiah respond to the glory of God? Why was Isaiah afraid at the sight of the Lord?

5. Should we be afraid of the presence of the Lord? Why or why not?

6. Do we ever have a tendency to underestimate the height of Godʼs glory and/or the depth of our sin?

7. What helps you to have and delight in a right view of self and God?

8. What are seraphim? What is the significance of the coal from the altar? How is this a provision of God?

9. How has God taken away our guilt through Jesus? How have we been made holy?

10. How do you know the presence of God and how have you experienced his grace?

Read Isaiah 6:8-13

1. How keen is Isaiah to respond to Godʼs call? Why was he not enthralled with the task?

2. What task was God sending Isaiah to do? Have you ever felt reluctant to respond to Godʼs call?

3. Do you think that God was being unfair in what needed to be proclaimed? Why or why not?

4. Has following the call of Jesus ever involved you rearranging any aspects of your life? Are there any parts of your life that you feel reluctant to reorientate in service of the Lord?

5. Whilst a message of judgement, how is the promise of a ʻholy seedʼ a sign of hope?

APPLY: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.)

Heavenly Father, please help us to grow our understanding of your holiness, deepen our experience of your grace, and grow in our commitment to serving you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “The Transforming Vision” by David Jackman

• Listen: “To a people in darkness” by Rico Tice

• Listen: “Cleansed and Commissioned” by Nigel Beynon

• Watch: “Can Judgement by Hopeful” by N T Wright

• Listen: (PAID) “The Kingdom and its King” by Rory Shiner
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah

• Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview

• Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
  (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)

• Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay

• Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer

• Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Glorious Branch”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding-place from the storm and rain.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week?

WARM-UP

1. What is the largest tree that you have seen felled? How was Israel to be cut down?

2. Why might have Israel doubted that God was working out his purposes? Does anything ever cause you to wonder (or doubt) if God is working out his purposes?

3. What can give us confidence that God is working out his purposes and will bring them to fulfilment?

Read Isaiah 4:2-6

1. Where in Isaiah has the phrase “in that day” (or something similar) been used already? What does Isaiah actually mean by “in that day”?

2. How is Isaiah like a tale of two cities? How would you describe these two cities?

3. Up to this point in Isaiah, how has the prophet pointed to impending judgement and future restoration?

4. What is the “Branch of the Lord”? What makes them the branch? What was Godʼs purpose for them?

5. How is the Branch of the Lord connected to the land? What will the land be like? (Especially consider how this contrasts to some of the present descriptors of the land.)

6. Read John 15:1-8. Whilst the Branch here is not likely a specific reference to the Messiah, how have Christians been grafted into Godʼs people through Jesus the vine?

7. What would the people “who remain” be called? What is meant by this?

8. Whilst verse 4 may sound specific to women, how can we be sure this applies to both men and women?

9. How would those who were saved become holy? How can we be made holy?

10. How does God use judgement as part of the working out of his purposes? What hope do we have?

11. What is the secure future that those grafted into the Lord can be certain of? What are the parallels with the Exodus that are being drawn here?

12. How do we enjoy the Lordʼs presence, provision, and protection today? How will we know and experience this in a complete way in the future?

APPLY: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises?

Gracious God, we thank you that you are indeed working out your purposes and will bring them to fulfilment when the Lord Jesus returns. Please help us to be honest with our struggles and to grow in our trust in you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Where might you have new or existing opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion? If youʼre not sure, start by focusing on a time: what opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion at 10am?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “The Storm and the Refuge” by William Taylor

• Listen: “Isaiah 1-5” by Gary Millar

• Read (Academic Article): “A Christian Approach to Old Testament Prophecy Concerning Israel” by Christ Wright

• Read: “The Fifth Gospel: Why Isaiah Matters” by N T Wright

• Listen: “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” by Citizen
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/isaiah 

• Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview. https://bit.ly/3VdYQSa 

• Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah. https://certificate.ridley.edu.au/courses/isaiah
  (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre )

• Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3eaJbTn  

• Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer

• Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Rebellious Children”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: Isaiah 1:1-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Isaiah 1:1-20

The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!

For the LORD has spoken:

“I reared children and brought them up,

but they have rebelled against me.

The ox knows its master,

the donkey its owner’s manger,

but Israel does not know,

my people do not understand.”

Woe to the sinful nation,

a people whose guilt is great,

a brood of evildoers,

children given to corruption!

They have forsaken the LORD;

they have spurned the Holy One of Israel

and turned their backs on him.

Why should you be beaten anymore?

Why do you persist in rebellion?

Your whole head is injured,

your whole heart afflicted.

From the sole of your foot to the top of your head

there is no soundness—

only wounds and welts

and open sores,

not cleansed or bandaged

or soothed with olive oil.

Your country is desolate,

your cities burned with fire;

your fields are being stripped by foreigners

right before you,

laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.

Daughter Zion is left

like a shelter in a vineyard,

like a hut in a cucumber field,

like a city under siege.

Unless the LORD Almighty

had left us some survivors,

we would have become like Sodom,

we would have been like Gomorrah.

Hear the word of the LORD,

you rulers of Sodom;

listen to the instruction of our God,

you people of Gomorrah!

“The multitude of your sacrifices—

what are they to me?” says the LORD.

“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,

of rams and the fat of fattened animals;

I have no pleasure

in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

When you come to appear before me,

who has asked this of you,

this trampling of my courts?

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

Your incense is detestable to me.

New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—

I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals

I hate with all my being.

They have become a burden to me;

I am weary of bearing them.

When you spread out your hands in prayer,

I hide my eyes from you;

even when you offer many prayers,

I am not listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

Wash and make yourselves clean.

Take your evil deeds out of my sight;

stop doing wrong.

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”

says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the good things of the land;

but if you resist and rebel,

you will be devoured by the sword.”

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way that you can pour out God’s love with the most vulnerable on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

1. What would people who aren’t Christians think about the type of condemnation and words that we see in Isaiah chapter 1?

2. What type of genre is Isaiah? What was the context that he was writing in?

Read Isaiah 1:1-15

1. Why does Isaiah call on the earth and the heavens to listen to the Lord? What type of message does God have for his people?

2. Throughout Israel’s history, how has God provided for them and looked after them? What was their response to God’s love?

3. How did Israel’s rebellion against God present itself? What were the repercussions for this?

4. Do we ever rebel against God? In what ways can our forsaking of God present itself in our lives? 

5. Are we ever at risk of making light of sin? What is God’s response to this rebellion and sin? 

6. What was God’s response to the various acts of worship in Israel? Why was this so? How were they mistreating God? 

7. If God prescribed this sort of worship in the Law, why then is Israel’s worship deemed repulsive?

8. If God doesn’t want this sort of religion, what does God desire of his people? How is this good news? In what ways are we free to live with and for him?

9. Are we ever tempted to fall into doing stuff for God rather than being in relationship with him? What could help us reframe our thinking?

Read Isaiah 1:16-20

1. Why is it good news that God invites his people to ‘settle the matter’ with him? How does God ultimately make a way for that to be permanently possible? What is the alternative?

2. How can we be completely confident that our sins have been completely done away with? 

3. What could help you grow in your awe of God’s compassion, grace, and mercy for us?

APPLY: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week?

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times when we have rebelled against you and mistreated you. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness and help us to constantly be awed by your love and mercy. Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What type of pressures are the people around you facing? How can you listen more intently and pray more intentionally this week?

Listen, Wat...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Abuse by Church Leaders”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Matthew 18:1-14

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Matthew 18:1-14

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Twofold: (a) What would help you to bring your suffering and struggles to Jesus in order that you may experience his compassion? (b) On one of your frontlines, what’s one opportunity to demonstrate compassion?

WARM-UP

1. In the face of the evil of abuse, what are some of the questions that people ask?

2. Do you know anyone for whom the issue of ‘Abuse by Church Leaders’ is a major belief blocker?

3. Given this is such a potentially distressing topic, why is it important for us to address it?

Read Matthew 18:1-5

1. What do the disciples ask Jesus? What do you think was the motivation for their question?

2. How important were children in the ancient world? How important are they in our culture?

3. Who is the greatest in the ‘kingdom of heaven’ like? What does Jesus mean by this? Is this surprising?

4. How is abuse a complete contradiction of Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable?

5. How is it evident that the earliest of Christians took Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable seriously?

1. Who are the most vulnerable in our society? How can make Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable a priority?

Read Matthew 18:6-14

1. What is Jesus’ warning to those who cause ‘one of these little ones’ to stumble? How is this an assurance that God is just and that justice will be done?

2. Why is it such good news that Jesus does not dismiss or diminish the seriousness of evil?

3. Are verses 8-14 meant to be enacted literally? How does this relate to repentance?

4. What are the ways corporately in which the church should repent of its failings to protect the most vulnerable and take responsibility for its shortcomings? What changed action should follow?

5. What does Jesus say not to do? What does he mean by this, along with welcoming little ones in his name?

6. How do we as a church seek to ensure a safe environment and sacrificially love those in need?

7. In what way is Jesus the ultimate shepherd? How does this give us cause to trust in him?

APPLY: What is one way that you can pour out God’s love with the most vulnerable on your frontlines?

Heavenly Father, we are so sorry for the ways in which we have betrayed your love and failed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. Please forgive us and help us to ensure not only safe environments for everyone in our community but also that we may actively care for those who have been hurt. Please help us to shine your light, even amidst the darkest of places, trusting in your love, justice, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: It’s not too late to invite someone along to the Alpha Launch Party! Come along together for a taste of Alpha, and enjoy music, nachos & an ice-cream bar. 10 October 7:30pm

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: Church Abuse and Leadership Scandals:
  https://bit.ly/3e0yimT 

• Read: Matthew 25 – Prayer for Children’s Protection. By Heather Kliner.
  https://bit.ly/35JsqFu  

• Read: Abuse in the Church. By Barney Zwatz. https://bit.ly/3qCgd1d  

• Read: An Apology to: Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church; the Forgotten Australians; and Survivors of Historic Forced Adoption Practices and Policies. By the Anglican Church of Australia: https://www.anglicanchurchsq.org.au/apologies

Support

• Contact St Bart’s Care if you would like to chat with a team member: (07) 4636 2922

• Other Support: Contact Relationships Australia  www.relationships.org.au or 1300 364 277

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/bigissues

• Book: “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin.

• Book: “Bullies and Saints” by John Dickson.

• Book: “Where is God in all the Suffering?” by Amy Orr-Ewing.

Grow as Families

Each we...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Suffering in the World”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Matthew 9:35-38; Hebrews 2:5-18; 1 Peter 1:3-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’

Hebrews 2:5-18

It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:

‘What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
You made them a little lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honour
    and put everything under their feet.’

In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says,

‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
    in the assembly I will sing your praises.’

And again,

‘I will put my trust in him.’

And again he says,

‘Here am I, and the children God has given me.’

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

1 Peter 1:3-12

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What area of life do you struggle to live consistently in line with Godʼs will? Bring it before God.

WARM-UP

1. Do you know anyone for whom suffering has been a significant ʻbelief blockerʼ? Have there ever been times in which your own experience (or witness) of suffering has caused you to wrestle with your faith?

2. What are the typical responses to suffering in our culture? When have you experienced/witnessed Christians demonstrate helpful and unhelpful responses to peopleʼs suffering?

Read Matthew 9:35-38

1. What has Jesus been doing so far in chapter 9? What does he dispatch the disciples to do in chapter 10?

2. When Jesus saw the crowds, what did he feel for them? Why did Jesus feel this way?

3. If Jesus has compassion for us – longing to be our shepherd – how is this encouraging news in the face of suffering and struggle? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus comes alongside us?

4. What helps you to experience Jesusʼ compassion day-to-day and especially in times of struggle? Has there been a time – of suffering – in which you experienced Jesusʼ compassion at work in your life?

5. How have you witnessed Godʼs compassion at work through Christian community?

6. On one of your main frontlines, how can you be a bearer of Jesusʼ compassion?

7. Why is it a dangerous idea to suggest that all personal suffering is connected with our own personal sin?

8. As sin entered the world, in what ways does this create a brokenness in the world? If sin is the root cause for the brokenness of the world, why would God create us with the capacity to sin?

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

1. What is Godʼs solution for suffering in the world? How does Jesus taking all suffering on himself show us definitively that God is neither cruel nor powerless?

2. In what ways were Jesusʼ healings both a demonstration of compassion and a pointer to the complete healing weʼll receive when he returns? How is Jesusʼ resurrection a victory for us all?

3. In your experience of suffering, how does the combination of Jesusʼ current presence and future return help you to persevere and make sense...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Hypocrisy of Christians”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Matthew 23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

‘Everything they do is done for people to see: they make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the market-places and to be called “Rabbi” by others.

‘But you are not to be called “Rabbi”, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth “father”, for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

‘Woe to you, blind guides! You say, “If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.” You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, “If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.” You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!

‘You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation.

‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”’

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What could help you pray more consistently and boldly this week?

WARM-UP

1. What do you think people who donʼt know Jesus think about hypocrisy? What about in regards to the hypocrisy of Christians?

Read Matthew 25:1-12

1. Who were the Pharisees and teachers of the law? Why did Jesus tell the crowds to not do as they do but only do what they say?

2. Define hypocrisy. What sort of hypocrisy do we see in this passage in the teachers of the law? Does this mean that other types of hypocrisy are allowed? Why/why not?

3. Why are all types of hypocrisy arrogant? How did this arrogance show in the lives of the Pharisees? How might this present itself in our lives?

4. In what areas of life may you be more prone to hypocrisy? How might we ensure that we are living our lives consistently in the way of Jesus?

Read Matthew 25:23-36

1. What does ʻwoeʼ mean in this situation? Why does Jesus use it against the teachers of the law?

2. Where else in Matthew do we see Jesus calling out the hypocrites for their outward shows? Are you ever tempted to put our lives and deeds ʻon showʼ for others? Why?

3. What is the end result for those who are hypocrites and donʼt turn away from their sin?

Read Matthew 25:37-39

1. What does our culture think of and do to those who act in hypocritical ways? How is Jesus' response different?

2. What is the hope for the person who turns back to Jesus? While we await his return, what could help us live consistent lives in line with his?

3. How might you respond to someone who tells you that they are put off Christianity by the hypocrisy of Christians?

APPLY: What area of life do you struggle to live consistently in line with Godʼs will? Bring it before God.

Lord God, we are sorry for the times when we have lived hypocritical lives. Please help...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Prays”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 5:13-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Identify one area in which you struggle to be patient. How does your future hope help enable you to wait?

WARM-UP

1. What do you think the people on your frontlines think about prayer?

2. How has prayer helped you in your walk with Jesus?

Read James 5:13-18

1. According to James, under what circumstances should we pray? Why is it comforting to be able to pray in times of trouble? When in any trouble, what is usually your initial response?

2. What is the possible ʻdangerʼ of times of peace or happiness? What is the antidote to this?

3. What is to be the main action of the elders of the community? What does the anointing represent?

4. Is there any guarantee from this passage that the sick person will be healed in this life? How can God heal people today?

5. When will the ultimate healing come? How is this far better than anything on this earth now?

6. How have you experienced the effectiveness of prayer in your life?

7. Do you ever doubt the effectiveness of prayer? Why/Why not? How could you reassure yourself that God hears our prayers?

8. How is your prayer life at this current moment? What patterns or rhythms or people (or a combination of them all!) could help you be consistent in prayer?

Read James 5:19-20

1. What does James call on us all to be doing in these verses? Do you feel like you could do this?

2. If you were to see someone wondering, how might you point them back to Jesus?

3. How is this of great comfort to you that people would be looking out for you?

4. What has been a new or renewed learning for you from James in this series? What could help you put this into practice?

APPLY: What could help you pray more consistently and boldly this week?

Gracious Father, thank you for the amazing privilege of being your children and being able to pray to you. We are sorry for the times that we have neglected this. Please help us to be fervent in prayer and help us as a body to be looking out for one another as we grow as disciples together. We pray this in Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are three people you are praying for to become followers of Jesus? Alpha could be a great next step!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Real Faith Prays” by Paul Clarke

• Listen: “James 5:13” by Dick Lucas

• Listen: “Undivided” by John Dickson

• Read: “Should We Anoint?” by Samuel Emadi

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)

• Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)

• Course: Introduction to James

• Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Patient”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 5:7-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Otherwise you will be condemned.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Identify one ʻdesire withinʼ that can sometimes lead you to quarrel. Submit it to God.

WARM-UP

1. What are the situations in which you are most likely to be impatient?

2. Have you had seasons in life (e.g., longings unfulfilled; hardships unresolved; questions unanswered) which have caused you to question Godʼs timing or goodness?

Read James 5:7-9

1. What are the trials that were being experienced by some of the people to whom James wrote? How could they have been tempted to take things into their own hands?

2. According to James, what is the main reason why we can be patient even amidst trial?

3. What does James mean by “the Lordʼs coming”? Why is this good news?

4. How is impatience sometimes a form of distrusting Godʼs timing or authority? Is God ever late?

5. How does a farmer wait for the crop? How does this inform how we are to wait for Jesusʼ return?

6. On your main frontline, what helps (or what could help) to remind you of the future hope you have?

7. Does waiting for Jesus to return mean that we have nothing to do? What does it look like to ʻstand firmʼ?

8. What are the various ways that our speech can be a reflection of standing firm?

9. What does James say not to do ʻagainst one anotherʼ? What does he mean by this? Do you ever do it?

10. How damaging is grumbling to our unity, mission, and witness?

Read James 5:10-11

1. Why are the prophets and Job helpful examples of patience in the face of suffering? Do you know of people who have been great examples to you?

2. Amidst suffering, how is Godʼs compassion and mercy a continuous comfort? How do you enjoy this?

3. How has God been patient with us? How can we be certain of his compassion and mercy?

4. What are the areas in life in which you have a tendency to rush ahead of God? What are some practical ways that you can slow down?

APPLY: Identify one area in which you struggle to be patient. How does your future hope help enable you to wait?

Gracious Father, thank you for the incredible patience that you have demonstrated to us. Thank you that – just at the right time – you sent Jesus to save us. Please help us to trust your timing and delight in your compassion and mercy. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are three people you are praying for to become followers of Jesus? Alpha could be a great next step!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Real Faith is Patient” by Paul Clarke

• Listen: “Be Patient” by Aneirin Glyn

• Listen: “Patience in Suffering” by Michael Stead

• Read: “Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Warren

• Read: “Becoming Friends of Time” by John Swinton

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)

• Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)

• Course: Introduction to James

• Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Humble”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 4:1-5:6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

‘God opposes the proud
    but shows favour to the humble.’

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbour?

Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is ONE way (or place) in which you need to be more careful in the use of your words? (Also: is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness for the use of your words?)

WARM-UP

1. What issues commonly create quarrels and fights amongst Christians? What was likely happening in the communities to whom James writes?

2. What are the effects of these conflicts? Have you ever experienced this personally? (Please donʼt feel pressure to share, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.)

3. Do you ever get into foolish arguments? What do you think is the cause of these quarrels?

Read James 4:1-3

1. What – according to James – is really at the heart of the problem? What does James mean by ʻdesires that battle within youʼ?

2. What was the fruit of these desires at work? Have you ever witnessed any of these?

3. Have you ever asked God for something with the wrong motive? How can we guard against this?

4. What does our culture proclaim is the path to ultimate satisfaction? Do you think, as followers of Jesus, that weʼre ever tempted to buy into this? How so?

Read James 4:4-10

1. What does James mean by calling the “adulterous” and as having “friendship with the world”?

2. Why does this form of ʻspiritual unfaithfulnessʼ mean enmity (or opposition) against God? How can divided loyalties be an expression of working against Godʼs kingdom priorities?

3. What is the difference of God being jealous for us rather than jealous of us? How is this good news?

4. What gifts has God given us to bring our lives in line with his desires? How do you enjoy this?

5. What do you think is at the heart of humbly coming to God? What has helped you with this?

6. What are the four parts of submitting our lives to God? What do each of these mean?

7. Is there any desire in your life (e.g., a longing, ambition, desire, resource, or time) that you need to submit to Godʼs will? How might you take a practical step towards that this week?

APPLY: Identify one ʻdesire withinʼ that can sometimes lead you to quarrel. Submit it to God.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times in which our desires do not line up with what you desire. Please help us – in the power of your Spirit – to submit every part of our lives to you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: What words will you say (or keep unspoken) that will point people to the patience, kindness, and love of God this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Coming Back to God” by Mike Paget

• Listen: “Real Faith Submits to God” by William Taylor

• Listen: “Friendship with the World” by Chris Fishlock

• Listen: “Genuine Faith and Godly Wisdom” by Jen Wilkins

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)

• Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)

• Course...