Sermon Central
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Who Is This Man
Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015 (message contributor)
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1. The Nature Of The Gospel
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
If the gospel is good news why doesn’t everyone respond with joy? Jesus says he tells parables to filter out those who can't understand.
Do you see what I see? When you look at this picture, I wonder what you see? A young lady in silhouette, or a cartoon man playing the saxophone? There’s only one picture, but people see different things. By the end of Mark 3, the disciples must be wondering the same thing about Jesus. ...read more
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2. Power Over Sea And Spirits
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
When we face some great obstacle or some uncontrollable force in our lives, we have a Lord with us who is greater than all the forces in the created world. We can pray to God with confidence that he’s able to do anything we ask.
Di & I were watching a show the other day where they were previewing the latest movies and one came up that we decided was just too close to the truth to bear watching. It was based on the tsunami in 2004. Do you remember it? Those horrific scenes of the ocean rolling in and swallowing everything ...read more
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3. Faith To Heal
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
The key to faith is in Jesus. His presence with the disciples is what matters. His call is to keep trusting, to keep focusing on him rather than on outward circumstances. Don’t be afraid, just believe.
If you were here last week you may remember that I asked whether you have trouble believing that God still intervenes in the world in a miraculous way. Well, a similar question arises today. Not whether you believe that God can answer your prayers, rather do you believe that he will answer your ...read more
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4. Food And Water
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
One of the challenges this passage lays upon us is to trust in God to provide for the little things. To pray just as earnestly that God would ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ And we’re to look out for God working in little ways in our lives.
Sermon by Rev George Hemmings It’s good to be back, after our little trip to Queensland. We had a great time away, visiting family and enjoying lots of fantastic weather. I can’t say we’ve returned well rested, as Micah & Joshua decided that since the sun rises sometime around ...read more
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5. The Secret To Purity
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
We need to filter out those things that will affect our thinking and then we need to make sure we test our thoughts and motives against the highest demands of the Kingdom, that is, inner purity and godly love.
I wonder how many of you have been watching the series “Meet the Amish” on SBS over the last 4 weeks. It’s been fascinating to watch a group of Amish young people experiencing the wider world after living a very sheltered life surrounded by a family and community dedicated to ...read more
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6. Jesus Forgives A Paralysed Man
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
We often get carried away by the performance, but is the message being proclaimed clearly. Are we speaking the gospel in every situation we find ourselves in? Are we offering forgiveness and mercy. Are we engaged in the main game or just the side show?
Have you noticed how mobile phones are now an essential accessory for so many people? It seems like no matter where you are you’re likely to find yourself standing next to someone who’s having a conversation on their phone. And if you’re like me you probably find yourself ...read more
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7. The Faith Of Foreigners
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
The woman was rebuffed by Jesus, yet responded with a deep faith in God's love for all people independent of gender or race. The people of the Decapolis were presented with an overwhelming demonstration of Jesus' Messianic power yet without believing.
In the previous section of Mark 7 Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees over the issue of washing hands. He responds by pointing out that their reliance on their traditions has blinded them to the much more central issue of purity of heart. He points out to them that washing your hands won't make ...read more
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8. New Wine, New Wineskins
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
What are we responding to? Is it Jesus as Lord or is it some human religious system? Is our behaviour going to help others discover the good news of Jesus Christ? Will it help us proclaim forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name?
Most people dislike change. Some people think it’s a necessary evil; but evil nevertheless. But there are times when change is absolutely necessary; when the old ways won’t work; when the old ways will actually hinder the thing that’s coming. One such moment in time was at the ...read more
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9. Jesus, Mad, Monster, Or Master?
Contributed on Feb 23, 2015
How do you respond to Jesus? Like the Pharisees who want everything to be neat and tidy within clearly defined parameters? Like Jesus’ family who are embarrassed by him and doubt him? Or like those who followed him, even at the risk of their lives?
How much is too much? I’m not thinking about chocolate here. That’s an easy one. No, I’m thinking about ministry effort. When do you say enough is enough? Is it OK to say “I’ve done my 40 hours this week; now I’m going to stop and have a rest”? Or should ...read more