Thanksgiving on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the root causes of discontentment, identifying covetousness and the 'if only' mentality as primary enemies of a contented life. It distinguishes between fleeting happiness, which depends on circumstances, and supernatural joy, which is a fruit of the Spirit grounded in faith. The message encourages believers to examine their hearts for inordinate desires and to shift their focus from what they lack to the imperishable inheritance promised in Christ. By meditating on the character of God and the reality of their true home in heaven, believers are called to cultivate an inward assurance that produces peace and thanksgiving regardless of external trials. The ultimate goal is not happiness but holiness, achieved through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who enables believers to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.

Evening Harvest Thanksgiving Service |04/10/26 | PM | Rev. R Morrow

This sermon concludes a series on Philippians by exploring how divine grace transforms the believer's present experience, specifically addressing anxiety, relationships, and material circumstances. The message emphasizes that stability is found not in external conditions but in a stable Savior, urging believers to replace worry with prayer and thanksgiving to receive the peace of God that guards the heart and mind. It further examines the concept of contentment, clarifying that Paul's declaration of strength is rooted in the ability to face both abundance and need through Christ, rather than achieving personal ambitions. The teaching highlights that true joy and trust arise from a heavenly citizenship and a focus on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy, rather than worldly influences. Ultimately, the sermon presents grace as the source of a settled, contented, and trusting heart that remains sufficient regardless of life's changing seasons.

The sermon explores the spiritual significance of God providing water from the rock at Rephidim, identifying Christ as the ultimate source of life and satisfaction. It contrasts the temporary relief of worldly pursuits with the eternal fulfillment found in Jesus, emphasizing that He is the only foundation capable of sustaining believers through life's trials. The message strongly condemns the spirit of murmuring and complaint, arguing that such attitudes reveal a lack of trust in God's sovereign plan and weaken the faith of the community. Instead, believers are called to cultivate contentment and gratitude, recognizing that God works all things for good and provides for every need. The sermon concludes with an invitation to trust in God's faithfulness, urging listeners to replace anxiety with the peace that comes from standing on the rock of Christ.

I. Marked by Thanksgiving II. Offered in Deep Humility III. Attached to God's Promises

Philippians 4:4-7 | Sam Linton | 04 October 2026 (Afternoon Service) www.redemptionchurch.org.nz

This sermon examines the Christian call to walk circumspectly by adhering to the instructions in Ephesians 5:15-21. It emphasizes that true wisdom involves redeeming the time by applying God's Word to all aspects of life, rather than engaging in foolishness or debauchery. The message highlights that being filled with the Spirit is evidenced by a life soaked in Scripture, characterized by singing psalms and hymns with a steady melody of thanksgiving. Furthermore, it addresses the mutual obligation of submission among believers, urging them to honor one another in their respective stations as a reflection of Christ's humility. The tone is instructional and pastoral, challenging the audience to live with intentionality, gratitude, and mutual love.

The Apostle Paul calls the church to live all of life coram Deo, before the face of God, so that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God. Against the temptation to retreat from a culture marked by the degradation of Romans 1, the ordinary Christian calling is to remain where God has planted us and make His glory visible. That life begins in true worship, public and private, offered in spirit and in truth, with reverence, joy, order, and faith. It continues at the table: food and drink are gifts of the Creator who owns the earth and has given it to the children of men, to be received with thanksgiving, enjoyed with mirth, and kept within the fences He has set, neither despised as common nor abused in gluttony or drunkenness. From that foundation the text opens onto the whole of life—good works that shine before men, fruit that remains, bodies treated as purchased by Christ, Sabbath rest that confesses God as our sustainer, and the receiving of one another for His sake. Ordinary faithfulness at table, work, speech, and neighborly love is how the church displays the holiness, generosity, and lordship of God.