Church Blog
Conversion and the Christian
“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.” Psalm 119:59 Dear Church Family, As part of our series on “The Marks of a Healthy Church”, we considered the topic of Biblical Conversion and sought to understand its definition, necessity and means. I focussed heavily on these three aspects from the perspective of evangelism because I wanted to impress on your hearts the reality of man’s lost and sinful condition, his hopeless situation and the graciousness…
The King’s Way, 8 to 10
These are the study notes for the series on “The King’s Way”, Matthew chapters 8 to 10 Additional Notes
The King’s Way, Matthew 21 to 28
These are the study notes for the series on “The King’s Way”, chapters 21 to 28 of Matthew’s Gospel. Participants’ Guide Leaders’ Guide You can view a study online by clicking within the file view and then scrolling up and down. You can download the studies by clicking the button.
A Letter to the Church Family
October 20, 2021 Dear church family, When Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome, he said: For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12) This describes the nature of the functioning New Testament ‘ekklesia’ (church, congregation, assembly) and the mutual encouraging that happens when the Lord’s people gather. I’m sure that is what…
The King’s Way, Matthew 14 to 20
These are the study notes for the series on “The King’s Way” Study 1 – Matthew 14:1-36 – The One True King Study 2 – Matthew 15:1-16:12 – The King for All Study 3 – Matthew 16:13-28 – The King Revealed Study 4 – Matthew 17:1-27 – The Servant King Study 5 – Matthew 18:1-35 – The King’s new people Study 6 – Matthew 19:1-12 – Marriage in the Kingdom Study 7 – Matthew 19:13-20:16 – The upside-down Kingdom Study…
A Letter to the Church Family as Sydney opens up
A Letter to the Church Family as Sydney opens up. October 12, 2021 Dear church family, I imagine that this week’s easing of restrictions across our city and state will be received in a variety of ways. For a number of us, we will experience relief and excitement as much-cherished freedoms are restored. For others, there may be ongoing frustration and disappointment as restrictions remain in place for those who have not been vaccinated. For still others, there will be…
7 Reasons to (Re)Consider Christianity
Here is a review of a new book I have read that you might be interested in. I have a few spare copies if you would like to buy or borrow one. “7 reasons to (re)consider Christianity“ This new book, by an Australian Christian, will be very useful to all who want to share the Christian message with family or friends. Published in 2021 by The Good Book Company, it has 7 brief chapters, full of stories and simple explanations,…
A Letter to the Church Family
A Letter to the Church Family 8th October 2021 Dear Church Family, After some 15 weeks of lockdown (over 100 days) in Sydney, it appears that things are about to change. What has been in your thoughts and conversation over this time? Probably a variety of things. Perhaps you have been feeling deprived? We have all been deprived of the usual freedoms to go wherever we want to go and to do whatever we want to do; and deprived of…
A Letter to the Church Family
29/9/2021 A Caring Church Building One Another Up In The Lord 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” As God’s people live in a world that can be tough and unfriendly towards the things of God, it is easy to be hurt or become dispirited by events around us. But God desires His church to be a community of mutual support. Satan would be happy if we were…
A Letter to the Church Family
24th September 2021 A Model Church Proclaiming The Gospel Of Jesus If you could build a church from scratch what would it be like? What would you include and what would you leave behind? I suspect there would be many different shades of opinion on that question. The Apostle Paul gives us insight into what a new church should look like in his letter to the Thessalonian Church. He begins his letter by giving thanks to God for the way…
A Letter to the Church Family
September 7, 2021 Dear church family, As part of our time together on Zoom for Launch a couple of weeks ago, Pauline led the kids (and the other leaders) in a fun game called ‘Never have I ever’. I wonder if you’ve played it before? The way it works is that you need to come up with something that you have never done but that you think all, or at least most, of the other players have done. So, for…
A Letter to the Church Family
A Letter to the Church Family Dear Church Family, We hope and pray that you are each knowing ‘the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit’ with you each day. (2 Corinthians 13:14) Our last three Sunday Bible talks from Pastor Matt have been challenging and helpful. These have been on some of the Ten Commandments that show God’s intentions for how human beings should live in the world. These…