Vision Church Podcast | Christian Church in Canberra

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:21-26; 4:1-3,9-12,16-25 — Having established God’s provision of justification for all, Paul turns to the ‘how’ - how exactly do we receive the justification we so desperately need? More than just believing, and nothing to do with earning, the key to our salvation is faith: leaning on and living from His unshakeable promises.

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:19-26 — From the Garden of Eden to the present day, humankind longs to be ‘enough’. But as Paul makes clear, we have all fallen short and nothing we can get or do will ever justify us before a truly just God - nothing except His free gift: Through faith in Jesus, His righteousness is given to us. By His blood, the universal longing is ended. Through the finished work of the Cross, it is finished.

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:9-18, 22b-25; 1:18-32; 2:1,17-24; 3:19-20 — Jew, Gentile, religious, secular; the great human dilemma affects us all: no matter how far we unchain our desire, it cannot bring true freedom. To the Romans and to us today, Paul’s message should hit like a ton of bricks. But, only by accepting that we are all equally broken, sinful, and depraved, can we receive the freeing grace that Jesus Christ freely gives.

Andrew Baker | Romans 1:1-16 — From the very first verses of the letter, the singularity of Paul’s focus is clear. His life’s mission, his driving motivation, and the fundamental purpose for his message to the Roman church are all found in the Gospel. The only power that can save sinners and transform nations, the only message that ultimately matters; the Gospel is truth that we must anchor our lives to.

Andrew Baker | Romans 11:33-12:1 — The letter to the Roman church is perhaps the most significant doctrinal portion of scripture in the entire Bible, filled with rich theology. But at its core, Paul’s intent in writing it was simple: to expand our wonder, that it would fuel our worship. As we study through Romans, would all roads lead to a greater awe of our Creator and Saviour than ever before.

Kathryn Hartley | James 4:1-10 — Writing to believers throughout the Roman empire, James issued a stark warning against compromise: friendship with the world is enmity with God. As we begin 2023, let us heed James’ call and be honest with ourselves: are my words and actions congruent with my belief and declaration that I am a follower of Jesus?

Adam Ritchard | Luke 2:7; Exodus 3:1-6; Rev 3:20 — In the mundaneness of tending the flocks, God revealed himself to Moses - after he had turned aside to behold the burning bush. Today, even in the midst of our busy routines, God desires to speak. But first we must make room to see and hear Him; to pause and listen. Jesus is knocking, but will we open the door?

Andrew Baker | Exodus 17:1-7; 33:14-17 — Having been delivered from Egyptian slavery, the Israelites did not endure the wilderness long before questioning if God was really with them. At times we too can fall into seeking God only for what we can get. But, like Moses, our highest goal must instead be God Himself - the one whose very presence is right here among us.

Andrew Baker | Luke 1:26-33 — The Angel’s proclamation to Mary was clear: the child to whom she would give birth would be King. Not one surrounded by pomp, but one coming into the very midst of our earthly mess in love and sacrifice. Liberator. Judge. Good Shepherd. Prince of Peace. Saviour. King. But is He your King?

Adam Ritchard | Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 2:10-20 — The signs of Christmas are all around us. But Christmas itself is a sign, and one that we ought to pay attention to. Beyond all the lights, carols, and presents, Christmas directs us to a faithful God who is always with us, and a Messiah who is Saviour and Lord.