In this talk John encourages the church under pressure by reminding them of who their God is - Father, Son and Spirit - and what he has done through Christ - his rejected, risen, reigning, and returning King.
Joy in Suffering - 1 Peter 1:3-12
In this talk we see how the good news of Christianity completely revolutionises how we respond to suffering. Christians can and should grieve at suffering, but through the historical reality that Jesus has been raised from the dead, they also have a living hope, that means they can have joy in suffering.
Truth in a world of alternative fact - Matthew 5:33-37
We live in a world where truth has become a matter of preference, replaced by alternative facts. Things aren’t true or false; they’re pleasant or unpleasant, appealing or unappealing, liked or disliked. A world which says ‘Definitely, maybe’ in its fear of commitment. Jesus calls out our poor standards of truth and integrity and, as the true King gives demands of His people a radically higher standard of Truthfulness. He is the Word of God, The Truth, who sets us free from idols which tempt us to dishonesty and following the Father of Lies, and who gives us grace and truth.
Jesus on Divorce - Matthew 5:31-32 and Matthew 19:1-9
In this sermon we explore the complicated topic of divorce and re-marriage. We hear Jesus explain God's original intention for marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and his merciful concession that in some circumstances divorce is permissible.
Freedom from Lust - Matthew 5:27-30
In this sermon we see the preciousness of sex, the problem of lust, and where we can find the power to experience freedom from lust.
Who have you murdered lately? - Matthew 5:21-26
This is the first of six passages in which Jesus explores the topic: "what does true righteousness look like? What does it look like for citizens of God's kingdom to live a life that pleases God?" In this case we see that true righteousness is not just about avoiding murdering people, but about not harbouring unrighteous anger and contempt in our hearts.
Ultimate Approval for Approval Junkies - Matthew 5:1-16
We are all hungry for approval, but the ultimate approval we crave is God's approval. This passage explores the characteristics of those who get God's approval, how we can become those kind of people, and what influence we will have in the world.
Citizens of the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 5:1-12
This sermon provides the framework for understanding the blessings in Matthew 5:1-12, and the Sermon on the Mount as a whole. We see clearly that we can only be citizens of God's Kingdom because of his amazing mercy.