In this episode - What is Truth - we continue our series on the Gospel of John.

In John 18, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus this question, but he walked away before Jesus could answer him. Today, people will tell you that there is no such thing as truth. Pastor Sean says that you cannot know truth necessarily by definition, but you can know truth by testing, which enables you to arrive at truth.

The reference text for this episode, begins at John 18:33. The scene is the trial of Christ after He has been taken before the High Priest and brought back to face Pilate. The Pharisees had a problem - Jesus and His teaching was gaining popularity. They were desperate to do something about it, and bringing Jesus before the Roman Governor was a desperate measure on their part to try to stop this growth in His teachings. Pastor Sean explains why the priests themselves could not order Jesus put to death.

The only charge that could lead to Jesus' execution was if He claimed to be a King. That would put Him in opposition to Rome. So, Pilate asks Him: "Are you the King of the Jews?". From 7:06 in the podcast, learn what Jesus was really saying to Pilate when He answered him.

What is it about Jesus that upsets so many people? Why is it that the Gospel is the one message that everyone wants to silence? Why is it that Jesus' name is used to swear by so many people?

To learn the answer to these questions and listen to this message, "What is Truth?", click the play link above or download this episode.

We hope you are encouraged as you grow in your understanding of the wonderful gift Christ has made available to all of us.

Other podcast episodes in the Gospel of John Series are available at this link: The Rock Christian Church Podcast.

Provoked to Reason is a message by Pastor Sean Wood taken from Acts 17.

Most Christians would agree that the believers in the Book of Acts got it right. The records show that from a group of 11 Apostles, they grew to 120 and then the message of the Gospel spread rapidly throughout the known world. What was the difference? What did they do differently? One thing that was clearly different was that they had a "power shift". The power shift was that they shifted all the power from themselves to God. They didn't do anything without praying. They planned - yes, but the power and reliance was fully on God.

Pastor Sean discusses the need for us to have a "power shift" and also a "priority shift" if we are going to see the Gospel spread.

From 4:56 in this episode, referencing Acts 17 from verse 16, we learn about Paul who had a major priority shift in his life. The Word says that Paul's spirit was provoked within him. There was something different about Paul and the Apostles that drove them to action.

From 7:48 we learn that every single person is religious. Whether we realise it or not, admit it or not - everybody is worshiping. Pastor Sean explains what idolatry is, and it may not be what you think. Learn about the test you can do for idols in your own life.

In Acts 17:17 we see what Paul's response was to the idolatry he found in Athens. He reasoned with the people. Reasoning is more than preaching. It is dialoguing that is more than a dispute, it is helping people to understand.

Learn of the different types of evangelism that Paul engaged in from 11:15 in this episode.

The hear this entire message - Provoked to Reason - listen to the podcast by clicking the link above or downloading it to your device.

We pray you are challenged and blessed by this message.

Provoked to Reason is a message by Pastor Sean Wood taken from Acts 17. - Most Christians would agree that the believers in the Book of Acts got it right. The records show that from a group of 11 Apostles,

This message is the next instalment of our Reaching Out Series. Life for Lepers is taken from 2 Kings. - God is moving and active today just as He was in the past. - Church exists for three main purposes: Love God Love One Another

This message is the next instalment of our Reaching Out Series. Life for Lepers is taken from 2 Kings.

God is moving and active today just as He was in the past.

Church exists for three main purposes:

Love God

Love One Another

Reach Out to those who need Christ

Today we are looking at the life of Naaman, and we will see that there is a lot in his life that resonates with today's culture. There are two heroes in this story. The first one is God.

In 2 Kings 5, we learn that Naaman was a commander in the army of Syria. Syria had been a persistent pest to Israel. Are there any persistent pests in your life?

People in today's culture are too comfortable, and Naaman was also too comfortable. Listen from 6:49 in the podcast as Pastor Sean discusses that truth that no one was actually healed from leprosy in the Bible. Scripture doesn't actually use the word "healed" when referring to leprosy. Leprosy is also symbolic of a spiritual condition that all human beings find themselves afflicted with. And, as with Leprosy, there is only one man who has the cure for this malady which assails all of us.

There's a little slave girl in this story, who plays an important role in this story. While she is only mentioned briefly, her decision to take the action she did is life-changing for Naaman. She is an example for all of us, as she was used by God in the healing of Naaman. This little girl demonstrated faith and courage, and God used her for His glory.

She was just where God wanted her to be. Have you considered that this may also be the case for you. Are you "just where God wants you to be"? God's desire is for all of us to bloom where He has planted us.

To hear the full message - listen to the podcast, or Click here to watch the video on our Sermon Page.

 

 

 

 

 

The End of the Matter is the next episode in the Climbing the Mountain of Meaning Series by Pastor Sean Wood on the Book of Ecclesiastes.

So often we ask God to take us around troubles that arise in our lives. We ask God to take us around the river, or around the fire, but often God wants us to go through them with Him.

As we come to the end of the Book of Ecclesiastes, at point 5:05 to 7:08 in this episode, Pastor Sean discusses a remark from an interview of Nick Fanning by Andrew Denton recently. From Nick's comments in this interview, Pastor Sean draws an analogy of what our response often is in life when faced with opportunities or challenges. Do we back off, or do we face them with total commitment and see where God takes us?

In Ecclesiastes 9:1 we are reminded that life does not come with guarantees. Our lives are in the hands of God. Looking at the life of Joseph as an example, God had a plan for Joseph's life, even though the journey was not a pleasant one. Most importantly though, the common thread throughout the story of Joseph is: "and the Lord was with him".

Nothing can separate us from the Love of God.

God has given us breath in our lungs to enjoy the life He has blessed us with. God wants us to enjoy our lives, but meaning and purpose is found in relationship with God alone.

Listen to Steven Bradbury from 12:30 and then learn why Pastor Sean says that Steven is a very "Ecclesiastical kind of guy". Time and chance happen to us all, and in all the uncertainties of life, where will you find your certainty? That is what the preacher in Ecclesiastes is asking.

Please listen to the podcast episode for the full message.

We pray you are encouraged and blessed as you do.

 

 

 

The End of the Matter is the next episode in the Climbing the Mountain of Meaning Series by Pastor Sean Wood on the Book of Ecclesiastes. - So often we ask God to take us around troubles that arise in our lives.

Alignment of the Appetites is the title of our third message from Ecclesiastes in the Climbing the Mountain of Meaning Series.

 

We recommend that you listen to the two previous episodes of this Series to get the full benefit of this teaching by Pastor Sean Wood.

Many people consider the Book of Ecclesiastes to be pessimistic and would prefer that it not be in the Bible. On reflection though, it seems that the writer has decided to address the "elephants in the room" about life, which everyone else largely is choosing to ignore. For example, the fact that none of us can control time. No matter what actions we take - we are all going to age, and the wrinkles will come.

Another of the less palatable truths in life is that good things happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. Pastor Sean shares what the teacher in Ecclesiastes has to say about "no guarantees" in life, and what the exception to that is.

Hear a summary of this Book from 3:20 - 4:30 in this episode.

So, considering, Alignment of the Appetites, how is this achieved? Does God expect us to suppress our desires, and is this even possible? Learn what God is saying to us about this.

Learn how to enjoy everything God has blessed us with without letting them control us.

Pursuing the desires of this world comes at a cost. Learn about the disease in the western world that is preventing us from enjoying God's best for us.

From 8:40 - 13:50 Pastor Sean shares on: What is the key to happiness? Find out how we can enjoy the good things this life has to offer without sacrificing what is of eternal value - our relationship with God. There is a principle that is outlined by the writer of Ecclesiastes that gives us the key to this.

Please listen to the podcast episode for the full message.

For a video of this message and other sermons visit this link: The Rock Christian Church Sermons

Alignment of the Appetites is the title of our third message from Ecclesiastes in the Climbing the Mountain of Meaning Series. -   - We recommend that you listen to the two previous episodes of this Series to get the full benefit of this teaching...

Seasonal God is the second message in the Climbing the Mountain of Meaning Series by Pastor Sean Wood on the Book of Ecclesiastes.

From point 1:29 in this episode, Pastor Sean sums up what he believes is the entire message of the Book of Ecclesiastes. He shares what the writer of the Book has concluded about the meaning of life.

From 2:11 we learn how God is a Seasonal God. Ecclesiastes 3, is very well know as is the poem included in it. Have you ever noticed there are seasons in your life. Summer, Winter, Autumn and Spring - God works through all the seasons in your life to grow us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Have you experienced a barren cold winter in your life - an emotional one. Pastor Sean explains the reason for the "winters", and the other seasons, and what God is doing during these times in our lives.

From 6:25 in the episode we learn why the timing of Jesus coming to earth was perfect.

At 7:40 we learn how God is involved in Time. We, as humans, live our lives controlled by time - God is not, but He is intricately involved nonetheless. He has given us time for a reason - and the length of time He gives us is also for a reason.

9:12 - Living our lives with one eye on Eternity. Learn what this means and the difference this can make. God sees what we can't, and we need to learn to trust Him with what we can't do for ourselves.

From 10:24 Pastor Sean shares what he believes is arguably the most beautiful verse in the Book of Ecclesiastes. This verse encapsulates the reason for our being - what drives us as humans, and what we are ultimately seeking.

Learn the greatest discovery we can make in our lives from 11:37. Learn what we are longing for and what can satisfy that longing.

We hope you are blessed and encouraged as you listen to today's message.

For video sermons from The Rock Christian Church - please visit our Sermons Page.