(Readings: Gen 2:15; Matt 11:28-30; 1 Cor 10:31)

1. Why do we work?

2. Why do we need to rest?

3. What’s the right motivation for work?

Preacher: Rayk Platzek

The Christmas Feast

Exodus 16:11-22, John 6:22-42

1. The crowd loves free food…

2. …but they ignore what the miracle pointed to

3. Jesus was sent to fix a spiritual starvation

4. This leaves you with an important choice to make…

Preacher: Stephen Young

Christ: The Heart of Christmas

(Luke 2:1-21)

The first Christmas…

…setting

…sermon and hymn

…response

Preacher: Rayk Platzek

Responding to God’s Mercy

Romans 12

The Christian life is motivated by God’s mercy (vv. 1-2)

It changes the way we think about…

…ourselves (vv. 2-8)

…and others (vv. 7-21)

Preacher: Stephen Young

The ‘Mystery’ of God’s Mercy

Romans 9-11

(Reading: 9:1-5, 10:1-3, 11:25-12:1)

The problem of an unbelieving Israel… (Romans 9-11)

The ‘mystery’ is – God shows mercy to Israel & the nations

And Israel’s ‘fall’ is not complete… (11:1-10)

… nor is it final (11:11-24)

This ‘mystery’ demonstrates the mercy of God (11:25-32)

Are you living in the light of God’s Mercy (ch 12)

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery … so that you may not become conceited…” (Romans 11:25)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Hope in Suffering

Romans 8:18-39

Suffering in this life shouldn’t surprise us

How we persevere through the present suffering

• Patience in prayer by the Spirit
• Hope in the glory to come

Amidst our suffering, one thing remains certain…

(Preacher: Thom Herbert)

Sin in the life of a Christian?

Romans 6:1-8:17

(Reading: 6:1-14 & 8:1-17)

The problem of sin in the life of a Christian?

The gospel reveals the gift of righteousness that comes by faith (1:16-17)

– beware of legalism

Christians live under grace, not law…

– and of licence

we are freed from sin and ‘slaves’ to righteousness

The apostle shows us the struggle (7:14-25)

And encourages us to ‘live by the Spirit’ (8:14-17)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Through one Man…

Romans 5:12-21

Like it or not, our actions impact on others

Adam has put us ALL in a predicament

But Jesus’ actions can undo it

Is Jesus your representative?

(Preacher: Steve Young)

God’s Love Changes Everything

Romans 5:1-11

God’s Love changes who we are

God’s love changes what we do

God’s love changes what we hope for

(Preacher: Rayk Platzek)

Have you accepted God’s gift? (Romans 4)

Romans 1-3 The Gospel of Jesus reveals the undeserved gift of being right with God

Romans 4 Abraham is THE example of receiving the undeserved gift of being right with God

• Abraham was not declared right with God by works
• or by circumcision
• or through the law
• Abraham was justified by faith

Have you accepted the undeserved gift of being right with God?

(preacher: Steve Blencowe)