Considering CHRIST at Christmas Matthew 1:18-25 The birth of Jesus appeared to be somewhat of a crisis … which could have ended … badly But God was working to a bigger plan… A plan which had been unfolding since… a long time ago A plan for God to be with us (Immanuel) A plan to save people from sin (Joshua) (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)…

Considering CHRIST at Christmas Matthew 1:1-17 A purposeful genealogy of Jesus the CHRIST (1&17) - Shaped by 2 covenants (displaying God’s kindness) - covering 3 epochs (showing God’s faithfulness) - including 5 names which highlight God’ merciful sovereignty (over lives impacted by human sinfulness) A genealogy which shows the CHRIST of Christmas …

From Babel to Babble Genesis 11:1-9 Babel shows the stubbornness and seriousness of sinful human hearts - like ours 1.⁠ ⁠New beginning.. …same sinful humanity 2.⁠ ⁠Limitless potential... …with sin in the mix... But our merciful God can save sinful hearts 3.⁠ ⁠Pentecost to Parousia - the resolution of Babel (Preacher: Thom Herbert)…

Abram The Rich Warrior? Genesis 14 1. Why does the Bible record this account - of Abram’s wealth and his success in battle? 2. In the context of Genesis, this account reminds us to trust that God will keep His promises 3. In the context of the Bible, we’re introduced to a king/priest – which helps us understand Jesus 4. So, what do we learn from th…

The God who sees you Genesis 16 Not following God’s ways gets messy But God still sees Hagar in her mess … … and will bless faithful connection with his chosen one This is even truer for us in Jesus (preacher: Andreas Mayer)

Have you had enough? 1 Kings 19 A very quick recap of 1 Kings 18 - Yahweh is God, anyone else is a pretender What does Yahweh say to a prophet who’s had enough? - Remember who I am (v11-12) - And get back to work (v15-17) - And remember that you’re not alone (v18) Ministry is hard (2 Cor 4:7-12), but let’s keep going (Preacher: Lawrence Claire)…

The Beginning and God’s Sovereignty Genesis 37:2-50:26 (Reading 37:2-20 and 50:15-20) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 (NIV) The story of Joseph teaches us about God: God’s sovereignty over everything God’s faithfulness to His word and God’s mercy Th…

The Beginning and God’s Choice Genesis 25:19-37:1 (Reading 27:1-33) The account of Abraham’s son Isaac… .. is a selective account which shows God fulfilling his promises to Abraham .. and shows the way God chooses, despite human sinfulness The account of Abraham’s son Isaac teaches us to trust in God’s mercy and to keep living for Him (Preacher: St…

The Beginning and Faith in God Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 2 (Reading 22:1-19) Abraham and God’s promises … .. and God’s covenant How is Abraham an example of trusting God? Are you a child of Abraham? (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The Beginning and God’s Promises Genesis 11:27-25:18 part 1 (Reading 12:1-9) Genesis is an orderly and structured account That introduces God’s creation and God’s unfolding plan… ..the promise of God’s People in God’s Place under God’s rule Where do you fit? Diagrams are available here (Preacher: Steve Blencowe) The story of creation (2:4) Genealog…

THE BEGINNING AND THE END Genesis 1:1-11:26 (Reading 3:1-20) The beginning of life … and death The beginning of judgment … and salvation The beginning and The End So, where does that leave us? (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Power in Weakness 2 Corinthians 11-13 (Reading 11:30-12:18) The apostle’s defence of the gospel and his ministry in Corinth is loaded with lessons for us, including these: Don’t get distracted from the gospel of Jesus Expect challenges while we wait for Jesus to return And remember: God’s grace is sufficient God’s power is made perfect in weakness …

BEWARE OF FOOLISH BOASTING 2 Corinthians 10-11 (Reading chapter 10) A meek and gentle appeal.. ...to Christians who are attracted to those who boast the way the world does A warning for US too (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Colossians 3:17 - 4:18 Why serve the Lord in every whatever? Serving the Lord at home & work (3:17 - 4:1) Serving the Lord in prayer & evangelism (4:2-18) (Preacher: Andreas Mayer)

2 Corinthians 8-9 (Reading chapter 9) What is this service/ministry of the Lord’s people? (8:4, 9:1, 9:12ff) And how is generosity a ‘grace’? (8:1-2, 8:7, 9:14) The amazing effect of genuine grace-shaped generosity (9:12-15) (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Unevenly Yoked? 2 Corinthians 6-7 (Reading 6:11-7:4) The apostle is making a heartfelt appeal… for 'holiness' It’s a confident appeal …based on past 'repentance' What about us? Are we perfecting holiness … out of reverence for God? (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

God’s Glory Through Weak Messengers 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Our Weakness is God’s Strategy (7-12) God will raise us from death! (13-15) God’s glory is our good (16-18) (Preacher: Aaron Ting)

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE 2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2 A Christian Perspective We know we have a permanent home (meanwhile we groan in longing while we live by faith) We know what it is to fear the Lord (and we try to persuade others) We don’t regard anyone from a worldly point of view (and we know that now is the time to turn back to God)…

The Heart of Gospel Ministry 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6 Looking for signs of ‘successful’ ministry? “are we beginning to commend ourselves to you again?” 2 Corinthians 3:1 – 5:12 Christ’s ministry changes hearts… (3:1-6) This ministry is more lasting and more glorious even than Moses’ ministry (3:7-11) So we have reason to be bold… (3:12-18) … and not l…

Do you smell like a follower of Jesus? 2 Corinthians 2:1-3:6 Conflict in Corinth, turmoil in Troas & mind-games in Macedonia… but the Gospel procession continues!!! Unlike ‘many’, Paul’s confidence and competence to continue – come through Christ We can learn, from the apostle, how to behave – with each other: compassionate correction of complicate…

God’s Character & God’s Gospel 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 Despite criticism, opposition and any challenge… God’s grace should shape our motives and actions God’s faithfulness gives assurance - which others should see through us God’s character and God’s Gospel must shape us and the way we proclaim Jesus (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)…

Growing in Christ, when it's messy! 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 “The Corinthian Diaries” – not particularly comfortable for anyone really! But God is a God of comfort & deliverance A very real example... Growing together in Christ, through pain, opposition.. and mess! (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

God will set the record straight Joel 3 God will vindicate His identity as the one true God God will vindicate His people because they are His The enemies of God’s people will face justice (Preacher: Thom Herbert)

God will restore His blessings to His people Joel 2:18-32 1. Restoration of blessings 2. Restoration of relationship 3. Relationship restored through pouring out of God’s Spirit (Preacher: Thom Herbert)

The Problem of Injustice Psalm 109 This Psalm as God’s Word… … to Israel in the Psalter … fulfilled in Christ … to us today This Psalm as our words to God … our prayer (preacher: Andreas Mayer)