Sutherland Reformed Church

Jonah 3:10-4:11 || "The Angry Prophet" || Steven Goring

The thing is, as a Christian, we want to be a good example. We want to be a compassionate person who is willing to help others. Maybe it is simple basic humanity or because we want to be someone that reflects the light of Christ to others. We know the Gospel, which is that Jesus showed great compassion for the lost. Jonah, at this point in his life is basically an embarrassment to the Gospel...

Jon 1:4 - 16, "Jonah is a Poor Example of a Messenger from God" - Gerald van der Kolk

The old Peter resurfaces in this text and his mouth moves before his brain is engaged. Peter says this, “What about him?” I think we all relate to Peter’s comments. The human condition is such that we spend endless time comparing ourselves with others. We so often feel good or bad in comparison to others. It is our sinful human condition. The answer that Jesus gave is so instructive. 
 
22 “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

The old Peter resurfaces in this text and his mouth moves before his brain is engaged. Peter says this, “What about him?” I think we all relate to Peter’s comments. The human condition is such that we spend endless time comparing ourselves with others. We so often feel good or bad in comparison to others. It is our sinful human condition. The answer that Jesus gave is so instructive.

22 “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

John 21:18 - 23, "Don't compare." Gerald van der Kolk

Here we are looking at this amazing pouring out of affection by Mary as she breaks an alabaster jar over Jesus head and feet. 
Nobody should criticise Mary for the generosity of her gift because the motivation was right! In fact, it makes our love seem rather poor in comparison. Motivation is such an important part of the Christian life. How do we respond to the Saviour’ love for us? At times we seem to be far too calculating in our response. When God freed the Israelites from Egypt, they complained so much about things and we might seem to have far more in common with them than Mary.

Here we are looking at this amazing pouring out of affection by Mary as she breaks an alabaster jar over Jesus head and feet. 
Nobody should criticise Mary for the generosity of her gift because the motivation was right! In fact, it makes our love seem rather poor in comparison. Motivation is such an important part of the Christian life. How do we respond to the Saviour’ love for us? At times we seem to be far too calculating in our response. When God freed the Israelites from Egypt, they complained so much about things and we might seem to have far more in common with them than Mary.

Mark 14: 2 -11, "She did what she could." (Part 2). Gerald van der Kolk

Nobody should criticise Mary for the generosity of her gift because the motivation was right! In fact, it makes our love seem rather poor in comparison. Motivation is such an important part of the Christian life. How do we respond to the Saviour’ love for us? At times we seem to be far too calculating in our response. When God freed the Israelites from Egypt, they complained so much about things and we might seem to have far more in common with them than Mary.

Mark 14: 2 - 11, "She did what she could" Gerald van der Kolk (Part 1).

Jesus flight to Egypt indicates how the forces of evil are determined to strike at the Messiah, the one who is the seed of the woman who will crush the head of Satan. Already from birth, Jesus life is in danger and ultimately Satan will see Jesus' crucified and yet it is only a pyrrhic victory.

Matthew 2: 13 - 25, "Joseph and his family flee to Egypt." Gerald van der Kolk (Part B).

Andrew is one of those disciples of Jesus who isn't prominent. Yet, he is well loved and a patron saint of a number of countries. He must have been largely disaffected by the spiritual state of Israel as he had left his home and was a follower of John the Baptist. Somehow the means of being right with God, through the temple worship, was not giving him the satisfaction that his soul desired. When John the Baptist pointed Jesus out with the words, "Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" he left John and became a follower of Jesus and often introduced people to Jesus. I picked this text because my grandson also called "Andrew" was being baptised.

John 1: 40 - 42, "Andrew draws people to Christ." Gerald van der Kolk

Moses is a kind of template of the Christian life. We view the Promised Land from a distance but we are still aliens and strangers in this world.

Deuteronomy 32:48 - 52, 34,  Reading 34, "Moses Death."

In this devotion we see how God is the one leading Israel and he himself appoints leaders who need courage and conviction.

Deuteronomy 31: 1- 15,, Reading 32, "Moses commissions Joshua to be the next leader of Israel."

Paul is jailed but he still testifies about Jesus, even to the highest authorities in the Land. Even though he is limited in his movement he still continues to witness to the Lord Jesus. Thinking about Paul should inspire us to continue whatever the circumstances.

Acts 21:37 - 23:11, "Nothings stops the witness of Paul." Steven Goring

In this passage we look at the disciples of John the Baptist who had not yet been baptised in to Jesus.

Acts 18:18 - 19:10, "One needs to be more than close to the Kingdom." Brad Hibbard

The Christian faith is not some legalistic code of conduct but based on the love of God for us and our response to Him and others.

Deuteronomy 10:12 - 11:32,  Reading 12, "Love God and keep his requirements."

The tribes of Israel, who had already received their inheritance, are called upon by God to still fight the battle for the rest of their brothers and sisters. Moses although pleading to God for the ability to enter into the Promised Land is denied.

Deuteronomy 03:12 - 29, Reading 5, "Living like family."

Remember, that all people are your kind of people. Each person has the capacity to respond to the Gospel because Jesus is always opening hearts. There is no room for any kind of racism in the church of God. There is no cliques, based on race or gender or wealth, status or anything else. We are all recipients of the amazing grace of God who saves even people like you!

Acts 16:11 - 40, "The church is made up of all sorts." Gerald van der Kolk

As Christians we have personalities, opinions and therefore disagreements in regard to the best way forward and thankfully God uses even these things to promote the glory of his Son.

Acts 15:36 - 16:10, "The Human Face of Mission/Church" Gerald van der Kolk

How does someone become a Christian? How do they 'get in' to the family of God, into the kingdom of God? What is it that makes someone a genuine Christain we might ask? 
Acts 15:1-35 sees this question considered and decided upon. Some Jews believed that circumcision was required along with faith in Jesus. Others said faith alone was enough. 
the text takes us through the controversy over circumcision, the consideration of the council and finally the centrality of Jesus. 
This is a pivotal moment in history that could have fractured the church, but instead made a clear statement that we are saved by grace alone through faith. Faith in Jesus alone is required for salvation. 
But it is not enough to simply get in. If we fully understand the beauty of Jesus in salvation, we will keep him central in our lives every day as we live by faith in him.

How does someone become a Christian? How do they 'get in' to the family of God, into the kingdom of God?  What is it that makes someone a genuine Christain we might ask?  
Acts 15:1-35 sees this question considered and decided upon.  Some Jews believed that circumcision was required along with faith in Jesus.  Others said faith alone was enough.
the text takes us through the controversy over circumcision, the consideration of the council and finally the centrality of Jesus.
This is a pivotal moment in history that could have fractured the church, but instead made a clear statement that we are saved by grace alone through faith.  Faith in Jesus alone is required for salvation.  
But it is not enough to simply get in.  If we fully understand the beauty of Jesus in salvation, we will keep him central in our lives every day as we live by faith in him.

Acts 15: 1- 35, "How do you get in?" Steven Goring

My thesis for this particular sermon is this... 
“A healthy church is a church made up of people from all kinds of backgrounds, learning constantly together from the Word, which resulted in a wonderful outward focus.” We see that Antioch is the first Church recorded in Acts with a mixed congregation.

My thesis for this particular sermon is this...
“A healthy church is a church made up of people from all kinds of backgrounds, learning constantly together from the Word, which resulted in a wonderful outward focus.” We see that Antioch is the first Church recorded in Acts with a mixed congregation.

Acts 11:19 - 30; 12:25 - !3:3, "A healthy church is an outward looking church" Gerald van der Kolk

In this chapter, Luke brings out the comparison between Peter and the church with Herod. We see the seemingly powerless church meet divine rescue. To all intents and purposes, the church is powerless in comparison to the might and power of Herod. Yet the church is mighty through prayer. Herod we find to be powerless as he meets divine judgement. 
In this, God demonstrates his power and assures us that the gospel will advance. We are called to prayer in our own weaknesses and challenged to have our hearts shaped by the gospel.

In this chapter, Luke brings out the comparison between Peter and the church with Herod.  We see the seemingly powerless church meet divine rescue.   To all intents and purposes, the church is powerless in comparison to the might and power of Herod.  Yet the church is mighty through prayer.  Herod we find to be powerless as he meets divine judgement.
In this, God demonstrates his power and assures us that the gospel will advance.  We are called to prayer in our own weaknesses and challenged to have our hearts shaped by the gospel.

Acts 12: 1 - 24, "Power, Position and Praise." Steve Goring

In this sermon we see how Peter and the early church are convinced that the Gospel was not just for Jews only but for Gentiles as well. We can also see how the Gospel overcame years of prejudice, hatred and traditions.

Acts 10 - 11:18, "A Universal Gospel" - Gerald van der Kolk

Malachi preaches to a people who are ungrateful for the gifts of God to them. They are kind of lifeless spiritually speaking.

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