Teaching

Sunday 1st September 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall.

John 21:15-22.

Having denied Jesus three times (in the courtyard, before the crucifixion), Peter walks with Jesus as he is asked three searching questions, “do you love me?”. Jesus helps Peter understand that love for Christ means service – to feed and take care of others.

In following Jesus (vs 19 and 22), we are to serve those around us by making disciples and taking care of one another.

Sunday 18th August 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall.

Luke 10:38-41.

As Jesus enters Mary and Martha’s house, he witnesses Mary sitting at his feet, whilst Martha is rushing around “distracted” by preparations. Are we more Mary or Martha? Jesus tells Martha “only one thing is needed”. Jesus calls us to be still, to sit at his feet, to listen to him and to praise him.

Sunday 4th August 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall.

Jesus sees everything. He surprises the Samaritan woman in several ways: by speaking with her, offering her a drink, knowing her past and revealing his identity (I am – God).

What would Jesus say to us in terms of our lives? In which areas of our lives do we need living water to refresh and renew us?

Sunday 23rd June, 9:30 service, Chris Hall.

The law was given so that the people of God might know who He was and to live lives that reflect His goodness and holiness. The law provides a definition of sin for us. The law was in and of itself “holy, righteous and good”, but sin twists it into something it is not.

Sin ultimately changes what is good until it leads to death. It can even deceive us into believing that what is good is actually death. Paul here argues against this, saying that the effects of sin lead us to calling sin what it is, and knowing its ultimate effect.

Sunday 2nd June, 6:30 service, Chris Hall.

We are dead to sin. It no longer has a claim or any power over us. Jesus is alive and so are we. Paul uses baptism to illustrate his point in this passage: as we go under the water we are buried with Him, and we are born to the new life He won for us in His resurrection.

The penalty for sin is death, and as death is defeated so sin has lost its power. We are resurrection people who live in the life that Jesus now lives. There is no going back, Jesus cannot die again and His life is fully to God. We are called to live in that same life.

Paul asserts that salvation is exclusively attained through the death of Christ, which can be perceived from multiple perspectives. He emphasises that salvation is obtained solely through faith, reiterating the importance of this concept. He highlights that there is no justification for human arrogance or boasting and that a right understanding of faith is necessary if we are to uphold the law.

All the talk of sin might seem heavy, but it all leads to Paul’s point: we have righteousness through faith in Jesus. This righteousness and forgiveness is available to all who believe in it. As all have sinned and fallen short, all are justified by grace. 

As our righteousness is through faith alone and not by our own efforts, we cannot claim that we are more righteous or godly than anyone else. God justifies all people through faith alone. This justification is a free gift of grace to all who have faith in Jesus, one which we are to praise and thank God for each day. 

The chapter starts in a familiar fashion with an introduction of the author, Paul. But in it, there is so much depth. The short introduction is an introduction to the gospel, a succinct explanation of the Christian reality (v1-7). Paul then lays out his intentions to see them face to face and his desire to “impart some spiritual gift to make you strong” (v11). The passage ends with the triumphant proclaiming of Paul’s honour and privilege to be a carrier of the gospel (v16).

As this “hall of faith” draws to a close, the writer to Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses. We are to flee from sin, run with perseverance and fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who endured the greatest sacrifice of all.

The call for us all is to keep going – not to lose heart or grow weary. But fix our eyes on Jesus and see His example of sacrifice and glory. Keep running the race!

The final dispute between God and his people focuses on whether there’s even any point in following God at all. They are concerned that it’s futile to serve God, and their worship comes with no benefits since the evil prosper anyway. God responds by telling them about a remnant who love to gather and talk together about God, and he listens and hears them. Those who are faithful, who seek righteousness despite the challenges in the world around them, who worship wholeheartedly – they have the full attention of the faithful and loving God, and he will spare them when he brings the promised justice and judgement. The book ends with a reminder to remember the law of Moses and to expect the previously mentioned prophet Elijah before the Day of The Lord arrives.

How can we live today that gets God’s attention? Are we part of communities that gather to honour the Lord in our midst? As we look ahead to advent, are we prepared for the Day of the Lord?