In Sermons: showing 1-6 of 6

God’s Love For A Fractured Society Series

Contributed by Gary Birch on Dec 6, 2009

We live in a fractured society with all sorts of hurts, pains and problems, but God’s love is still total for each one of us. He has given us a hope for future glory and help in the mean time.

What do we mean by ‘fractured society’? Here’s a few words we might use or that others have used to describe a fractured society: Deprivation, resignation, hopelessness, pain, suffering, division, hatred, bondage, separation, ideologically or religiously divided, tension-filled world. There ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Barnabas The Encourager Series

Contributed by Gary Birch on Jul 25, 2008

What can we learn from Barnabas the encourager?

Barnabas – the son of encouragement. Look at a number of passages: Read Acts 4:36 A Levite – the Jewish Tribe who served in the temple, his family obviously moved to Cyprus at some stage and so he didn’t serve in the temple. His real name was Joseph, and Barnabas was a nickname meaning Son of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

The Disciple's Cross

Contributed by Gary Birch on Feb 27, 2007

Following Jesus has become too easy for many people. We like to take the benefits without the discipline and responsibilities. What does it really mean to take up our cross and follow him?

The Italian freedom fighter Garibaldi offered his men only hunger and death to free Italy. Garibaldi had an incredibly committed volunteer army. He would appeal for recruits in these terms: “I offer neither pay, nor quarters, nor provisions; I offer hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-28

Lord's People & Lord's Table

Contributed by Gary Birch on Jul 14, 2006

What does it mean to be a gathering of followers of Jesus and how does that link with Communion.

A catholic priest in a large and sprawling suburban parish began his Sunday worship by saying, ‘First let’s all introduce ourselves to one another. Turn to those who are seated near you and tell them who you are and find out who they are, for it would be a great shame to gather and not meet one ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Spiritual Priorities

Contributed by Gary Birch on Jul 14, 2006

What are our Spiritual priorities? Have we got God in the correct place in our life?

Distinguished American preacher, Haddon Robinson points out that one old recipe for rabbit stew starts with this injunction: "First catch the rabbit." Robinson notes: "The writer knew how to put first things first. That’s what we do when we establish priorities -- we put the things that should be ...read more

Diversity In Unity

Contributed by Gary Birch on Jul 14, 2006

The Church is known as Christ’s body, but as in the body we are many parts, each with different roles and abilities. We need to celebrate our differences while keeping hold of the One who is central to us all.

(Note: English Preacher in an American Church!!) Peanuts by Charles Schultz: Lucy demanded that Linus change the channel on the TV, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t comply. “What makes you think you can walk in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30