First in the Series on Luke Chs4-8: "That's My King!"

Covers the Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan, its meaning and key importance leading into Jesus' ministry and his death on the cross.  

As our King, Jesus is an example of how to deal with temptation, knowing & using the bible as a help. 

Speaker: David Tyndall. 

Easter day Service

Taking the Initiative in Love is very meaningfjul.

God, who knows us, first loved us.

On Good Friday, we heard that Jesus willingly died in our place and took the consequences of all our brokenness, he took it all and he died for it so that we could be freed from our sin.  We took black cloths symbolising our sin, and hung them on this bare cross. 

Jesus took all our sin and died for it. But that’s not all. The story does not end on Friday. He stepped out of the tomb and offers a life transforming relationship to anyone who wants it.

We may think we must clean ourselves up before we can come to God.  But that is getting the order wrong, because … he first loved us.  We love because he first loved us.  We can love others, we love because he first loved us.  The cross is not just a place to discard, the cross is a place also to receive.  Come and take a flower to symbolise and to remember that he first loved us.  

If you choose, you can also accept the life transforming relationship, by believing in him. 

Speaker: Chris Donald: 

Good Friday Service.

Good Friday is not about happiness. It is about Love.  On the eve of his death, Jesus said, “Greater Love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Things in the world around us are not good, not happy.  They come about through sin, that of us and of others. Jesus fixes the problem of our sin.  Our sin places us under judgement and we cannot solve it because we keep sinning.  Jesus paid the price. He stretched out his arms, on the cross, for us.  Jesus atones for all sin, not just some. “This is Love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 

Speaker: Ron Irving: 

Continuing our series on1 Peter : "Here for Now".

God is a God of Love and Comfort and one day He will remove all suffering, but for the present, God uses suffering ...  suffering is not enjoyable, but it is rejoicable! 

1. When suffering for Jesus, you are being tested, proved. 

2. Being alongside him, you are suffering with him.

3. There will be future recognition and glory.

4. God is close - His Spirit rests on you.

5. You are being purified through suffering for Christ. 

Speaker: Chris Donald.

Continuing our series in 1 Peter: "Here for now."

Speaker: Ron Irving

Continuing our Series in 1 Peter: Here for Now

Peter is the disciple who saw Jesus, saw him heal others, calm the storm, and saw him on trial.  Peter ate with him, after the resurrection, and saw him taken into heaven.

Christians may have differences, disagreements, various views about what is important. Peter addresses the issue of our attitude toward one another:  Loving and caring for each other.  This can then shape our behaviour.   This is extended to those outside of Christ. Jesus has shown us by example how to respond to suffering.  We are chosen people, chosen to serve others by the example of Jesus, serving others in Jesus’ name.  Jesus’ resurrection is an event which announces both judgement and new life! Jesus’ resurrection shows us that God is in control and that he can be trusted … both today,  … and forever!

Speaker: Gary Hill.

Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”.

Ron Irving expounds the meaning 1 Peter 3:1-7 about Husbands and Wives.  He explains that even in the culturally different times of then and now, submission to one another does not entail suffering humiliation.  In discussion with Linda Dunstan, they cover the sensitive issue of domestic abuse and domestic violence. 

Speakers: Ron Irving and Linda Dunstan

Continues our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”. 

From his “Red Frogs” experience, John Batten tells how "doing good" can point people to Jesus. This sermon discusses some difficult ideas presented in Peter’s letter to the exiles. 

Peter tells them to submit to the earthly authorities, including the Emperor, (Nero), as we submit ourselves to God.  Show respect to all people. To slaves he says, "Submit to your masters, both to the considerate but also to those who are harsh".

There are implications for our modern day.  Christ’s example is that though he did no wrong, yet he suffered for our sakes.  His example is for us to follow.     John urges us to choose Christ, not comfort.  To follow Christ’s way, not just choose comfort! 

Speaker: John Batten.

Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: “Here for Now”. 

Some beautiful old church buildings, in our area, have now been taken over for other uses.  The view may be that the church does not matter to the world.  Peter’s letter is written to the Christians in a similar situation.

In this sermon, Chris explains the rich and dense theological ideas in this part of Peter’s letter.  Chosen – Royal -- Priesthood – Holy Nation – God’s Special Possession.  We are Living Stones. Jesus is the Foundation Stone on which the house is built. Because of Jesus, we are holy, we are special, to God: now a people who now have received mercy:  We are to declare his praises.  We may not matter to the world, but we matter for the world. 

Speaker: Chris Donald.

Continuing our Series on 1 Peter: Here for Now. 

We are reminded that as God's people, we are foreigners, strangers, visitors who are just passing through. Here for now.  This is our identity.  We are redeemed at great price, by the precious blood of Jesus. Our Hope is in God, is everlasting, and therefore are called to be Holy.  There are 6 practical ways which can help us to live as God's Holy people. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid self of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, do not conform to evil desires, set our hope on grace, and crave the spiritual milk to feed us.  

Speaker: David Tyndall.