Vision Church Podcast | Christian Church in Canberra

Adam Ritchard | Job 1:13-21, 35:9; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Romans 5:3; James 1:2; Acts 16:24-31; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 42:5-6, 102:3; Hebrews 13:15; Daniel 3:16-18; Matthew 26:30 — As believers, we live in the constant tension between Christ’s victory and freedom, and the earthly reality of brokenness and pain. Scripture reveals the significance of the songs we bring to God in the depths of these ‘night’ seasons; the sacrifice of praise that is costly but of supreme value to Him. Anyone can praise ‘when the 'sun is shining’, but in the darkness of the night will we find our song of praise?

Andrew Baker | Exodus 25:8, 40:34; Numbers 1:1; Leviticus 16:8-10,29-30; Hebrews 9:22, 10:4; Genesis 3:21; John 1:29; Revelation 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2:2 — The Book of Leviticus is foundational for our understanding of the Gospel. It reminds us of the pervasiveness and seriousness of sin. It outlines the provision of a Holy God who maintains justice while dwelling amongst a sinful people. And ultimately it points to Christ crucified; that there is nothing but the blood of Jesus that can truly deal with our sin.

Andrew Baker | Exodus 19:5-6, 25:8, 28:29, 33:14-16, 40:34-35; John 1:14, 2:18-22; Revelation 1:4-6, 5:10, 21:3; Matthew 6:9-10; Genesis 1:26, 2:15; Hebrews 7:17-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16 — Mankind was created in God’s image; literally, to bear His representation and carry His presence on Earth. Adam, Aaron, and the nation of Israel all failed to completely fulfil this priestly role, but Jesus came as the perfect presence-bearer and mediator, our great high priest. May we follow Jesus’ example, responding to this divine priestly calling to carry the precious, powerful presence of God to the world.

Andrew Baker | Exodus 19:3-6; Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14; Colossians 1:20; John 16:7, 17:20-21; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 3:14-19, 5:32; John 14:2; Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 19:6-9 — Beginning at Mount Sinai and littered throughout both Testaments, God (and Jesus) clearly describes Himself as the husband, lover, and bridegroom of His chosen people. For God did not create humans to be obedient slaves, but rather to be His treasured possession.

Adam Ritchard | 2 Chronicles 20:1-22; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Numbers 28:11 — We must not have a small or reduced picture of worship, for it is a powerful weapon which must be wielded rightly. Worship focuses our hearts, gives us right perspective, steadies our gaze, and invites the Lord to do what only He can.

Andrew Baker | Colossians 2:13-15; Romans 5:20, 8:31-39; John 11:25-26; 1 John 3:16, 5:19 — The resurrection is the defining moment of the Biblical narrative. God stepped into human history; lived, died, and rose again to rescue and redeem us. Through the resurrection Jesus won the decisive victory over sin, death, and evil.

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 27:11-54; Isaiah 55; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 6:23 — The Cross of Calvary is confronting. We are confronted by the injustice and brutality of Christ’s death. We are confronted by the ugliness of our sin that deserves such a penalty. We are confronted by Christ’s divine humility contrasting our human pride. And we are confronted by the immeasurably high price He paid to save you and me.

Andrew Baker | John 12:12-15; Luke 19:37-40; Galatians 3:9; Genesis 15:13-16; Exodus 2:23-25, 7:17, 8:10,22, 9:14,29, 10:1-2; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Ephesians 6:12 — From the Exodus of Egypt to Palm Sunday, scripture’s declaration is of a God who not only fulfils His promises and plans, but in doing so demonstrates the ultimate triumphant victory of Christ over all other powers and authorities. To Him be all glory and dominion forever and ever, amen!

Selwyn van Wyk | Psalm 147:3; Revelation 18:2; Matthew 9:27-30,36, 10:8, 15:8,21-28,31; Luke 4:41; Deuteronomy 7:22-23; Ephesians 6:18 — The reality of demonic possession and deliverance is clearly found in scripture, but often ignored in the modern church. What can we learn from the Biblical accounts in question, and how can we strike the right balance on this polarising topic?

Hear from Selwyn van Wyk, author, speaker, and founder of Unseen Realm Ministries.

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 4:1-5:14; John 4:23-24; Genesis 12:1-8 — In Revelation we see a picture of unceasing worship of the One seated on heaven’s throne. What could our earthly worship possibly add to this picture of perfection? As we explore this question over the coming series, let us consider Abraham. In and out of season, Genesis records him building an altar to the Lord. These were intentional acts of worshipful devotion; establishing places of encounter, remembrance, and surrender.