SUBSTANCE!?!
The substance of what one believes and lives by matters. What is the substance of the Christian faith? Over the next number of weeks we will take into our head and hands the core materials of what is central to Christianity so we can assess their weight and consider their value. Perhaps we will come to know the glory of God and that he is worthy of our allegiance and worship. Will you answer the invitation of Jesus to come?
“Would you like to come to church with me?”
Sunday September 8th 11:00 am: The Gift of Prayer– Psalm 86. You are not alone. You have a God who loves you and desires constant fellowship with you. It is said that God’s most frequent command to us is, “Do not be afraid.” I wonder if the next most frequent command should be, “Talk to me.” As we begin this new season let us go forward with both courage and communion. Today we hear the call to prayer.
Sunday September 15th 11:00 am: Invitation – John 1:35-51. In the lesson today we hear words of invitation from both Jesus and from one who follows him. It is gratifying to receive an invitation as it means our presence is valued and desired. We want to be those who both accept and also offer to others the invitation to come. You are invited – please come. This tried and true approach has led to thousands upon thousands of people coming to faith. Come and worship, come meet Jesus and come and learn of the potential of personally inviting a friend to church with you.
Sunday September 22nd 11:00 am: The Cross – 1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:5. In the first century Paul described the message of the Crucified Christ as a stumbling block to the Jews and as foolishness to everyone else. It may be that not much has changed so why continue this insistence on holding forth the cross? Why is this cruel death of Jesus given so much attention? Will we understand Paul’s conviction? “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Sunday September 29th 11:00 am: Authority – Matthew 28:16-20. It is said that Jesus spoke with authority and he himself claimed all authority in heaven and earth. We live in a time when people are sceptical about their leaders and authorities so who speaks with authority in your life? With so many claims today of authority from, various leaders, scholars and celebrities – who is the authority on what really matters?
Sunday October 6th 11:00 am: Conversations – Colossians 4:2-6. There are a lot of conversations around tables in the Bible. Meals can be great occasions to talk about the things that matter. Today we commune and converse around the Lord’s Table. What of your everyday conversations in home and community? A lot can happen in a conversation. We will bring prayer and seasoning to our words.
Sunday Thanksgiving October 13th 11:00 am: Thank-you! – Colossians 3:15-17. These are the expected words when someone gives you something. There is both a politeness and a healthiness about gratitude that enriches life. Gratitude is a large element of worship as we come before the Great Provider – the One who gives. Together let us appreciate our gifts.
Sunday October 20th 11:00 am: Scripture – Matthew 22: 34-40. The scriptures have mystified and mesmerized. Can the great library of Scripture; the 66 books, written over centuries by various authors under the inspiration of God be summed up in a few words? Hear how Jesus describes the Law and the Prophets. They are a central dynamic of our worship and witness for their voice and power. Come listen and learn.
Sunday October 27th 11:00 am: God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – Iknow we talk to and about God every Sunday but today we are going to give him special focus. This is an enormous topic for a single sermon so the focus will be on a few essential revelations. We come humbly.
Sunday November 3rd 11:00 am: Formation – Psalm 16. There are factors, forces and practices that shape us. To a large degree this determines the kind of person/people we become. We give attention to that which contributes to our spiritual formation. “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Sunday November 10th 11:00 am: Confession and Forgiveness – They say that confession is good for the soul. Admission of truth is good but we also need to hear, “Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.” Forgiveness does not turn a blind eye to sin but takes it on directly and overcomes. We need forgiveness so we come to Christ.
Sunday November 17th 11:00 am: Kingdom – Is it odd to think that a first century son of a carpenter would spend his days walking about within the Roman Empire announcing that the Kingdom of God is here? This what Jesus and his disciples did with convincing words and demonstrations. The Kingdom of God has been growing and coming ever since. Really!?!? Thy Kingdom come…
Sunday November 24th 11:00 am: Need – Luke 10:38 – 42. There are a lot of things that we want. Sometimes our appetites and cravings make us miss what we need. The flesh is weak. Come let us address our deepest needs as we come to the feet of Jesus in worship.