Sermons

Christmas Day 2023

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

(preacher: Steve Blencowe)

The Arrival of Christ

Galatians 3:23-4:7

 

The arrival of Christ shows us…

 

…how much we NEED him

…how far God goes to keep his PROMISES

 

…the extent of God’s MERCY and GRACE

 

 (Preacher: Steve Young)

Jesus: Is he Your King?

Zechariah 9:9 (reading ch 9)

“See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey”

 

 What was Zechariah talking about?

 

 What did Jesus do?

 

 What’s this got to do with Christmas?

 

 Is Jesus your King?

 

THE CHRIST: TOKEN LEADER OR TRUE LORD?

Mark 8

Bible Reading (vv. 22-38)

Who do you say Jeaus is?

What kind of King do you want the Christ to be?

• A Token Leader who gives you what you want?

• The True Lord to whom you owe your whole life?

Does the way you live bear witness to who you say Jesus is?

(Preacher: Thomas Herbert)

Jesus: Knows Your Heart!

Mark 7

 

Jesus hates people being heartlessly religious (vv. 1-13)

 

Our real problem is our evil heart (vv. 14-23)

 

 

Jesus solves our heart problem, 

and his solution is for everyone (vv. 24-37)

 

(Preacher: Andreas Mayer) 

 

Jesus: His Call for Repentance!

Mark 6-8 – Bible Reading 6:1-29

 

Mark shows us:

Who rejects Jesus 

Who Jesus calls

 

Mark warns us:

Being part of God’s Kingdom begins with repentance

And calling for repentance will meet with rejection

Jesus: Just Believe?

Mark 5:21-43

 

Two examples of people learning to trust/believe …

 

A father who learned to trust Jesus’ power to give life to the dead

 

A woman who trusted Jesus to give peace when she was in despair

 

Mark challenges us to believe in Jesus too!

 

 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Jesus: Can You Trust His Authority?

Mark 4:35-5:20

 

What do you fear the most?

 

Mark shows us that Jesus has authority over EVERYTHING, including: 

–       outward storms (4:35-41)

–       inward storms (5:1-20)

–       and even death itself

 

…which leads people to fear him! 
                               (4:41, 5:15, 5:33, 5:42)

  

What would you do if you saw God?

(Preacher: Steve Young)

Jesus: Are You Listening to Him?

Mark 4:1-34 (Reading 4:1-20)

 

 Have you heard this parable before? 

 

                        …be careful not to switch off! (vv. 3, 9)

 

Here’s how…

1: Lean into Jesus (v. 10)

2: Grow in Jesus (v. 20)

3: Don’t expect spiritual realities to be simple… (v. 11)

4: Be assured that God changes hearts! (vv. 26-29)

(Preacher: Steve Young)

Jesus: Do You Accept His Authority?

Mark 2:13-3:35

Bible Reading: 2:13-3:6

 

 Jesus hates religion 

 

–       Mark gives us five examples

  

The gospel is ENTIRELY about Jesus… not religion! 

 

Some accept his authority; others don’t…

 

…what about you?

(Preacher: Steve YOUNG)