Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Do You Love Me?”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:27:05 +1000

This is the twelfth week in our series John This sermon is called “Do You Love Me?”
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 21:15-27

https://www.stbarts.com.au/
Visit our website at the link above to:
📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): Sunday after Easter: "Fish for People"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:21:24 +1000

This is our Sunday after Easter in our series John, this sermon is called "Fish for People"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: John 22:1-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): Easter Day: “So that you might believe”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:29:18 +1000

This is our Easter Day in our series John
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 20:1-10; 24-31

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): Good Friday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:30:19 +1000

This is the Good Friday in our series John
Preacher: Part A: Justin Lai
Part B: Amy Norman
Part C: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Part A: John 19:1-16a
Part B: John 19:16b-27
Part C: John 19:28-37

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): Maundy Thursday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:08:14 +1000

This is the Maundy Thursday in our series John
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Part A: John 13:1-3
Part B: John 13:3-17
Part C: John 13:33-14:7

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Jesus’ Triumphant Entry"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:22:40 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series John This sermon is called “Raising Lazarus”
Preacher: Justin Lia
Bible Passage: John 12:1-19 (& 20-50)

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Raising Lazarus"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:34:58 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series John This sermon is called “Raising Lazarus”
Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Tim Johnson
Bible Passage: John 11:11-44

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Healing the Man Born Blind"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:10:15 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series John This sermon is called “Healing the Man Born Blind”
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 9:1-41

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Walking on Water”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:00:45 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series John This sermon is called “Walking on Water”
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: John 6:16-21

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Feeding the 5000”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:51:30 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series John This sermon is called “Feeding the 5000”
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 6:1-15; 25-35

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Healing Paralysed Man"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:59:41 +1000

This is the forth week in our series John This sermon is called “Healing Paralysed Man”
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 5:1-18

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Healing Oﬃcial’s Son"

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:57:29 +1000

This is the our third sermon in our series "John", the sermon is called “Healing Oﬃcial’s Son"
Preacher: Justin Lai
Bible Passage: John 4:46-54

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): “Water into Wine”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:12:27 +1000

This is the second week in our series John This sermon is called “Water into Wine”
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 2:1-12

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

JOHN (SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE): Word Made Flesh

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:52:14 +1000

This is the first week in our series John This sermon is called "Word Made Flesh"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 1:1-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

TOGETHER: Together Forever

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:43:23 +1000

This is the third week in our series Together This sermon is called "Together in Mission"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Ephesians 5:21-33; Revelation 19:1-10; Matthew 25:1-13

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

TOGETHER: Together on Mission

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:36:28 +1000

This is the third week in our series Together This sermon is called "Together in Mission"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

TOGETHER: Together as Community

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:12:44 +1000

This is the second week in our series Together This sermon is called "Together in community"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:1-22

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

TOGETHER: Together in Christ

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:52:59 +1000

This is the first week in our series Together This sermon is called "Together in Christ"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:1-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

NEW YEAR: “How to Run ”

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:11:29 +1000

This is the our NEW YEAR 2025 sermon. This sermon is called "How to Run"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

CHRISTMAS: Christmas Is…

St Bart's Anglican Church — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:40:53 +1000

This is the our Christmas 2025 sermon. This sermon is called "Christmas is ..."
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Luke 2:1-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

ADVENT: Love: God’s Love Made Flesh

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:50:18 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Advent 2025 This sermon is called "Love: God’s Love Made Flesh"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage:John 3:16-19

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

ADVENT: Joy: Good News of Great Joy

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:33:21 +1000

This is the third week in our series Advent 2025 This sermon is called "Joy: Good News of Great Joy
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Luke 1:39-50

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

ADVENT: Peace: The Prince of Peace

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:33:12 +1000

This is the second week in our series Advent 2025 This sermon is called "Peace: The Prince of Peace"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Luke 2:8-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

ADVENT: Hope: The Promise of a Saviour

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:51:42 +1000

This is the first week in our series Advent 2025 This sermon is called "Hope: The Promise of a Saviour"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Isaiah 9:1-7 and Matthew 4:12-21

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Christ the King

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:00:26 +1000

This is a one off sermon called "Christ the King"
Preacher: The Right Rev'd Cameron Venables
Bible Passage: Luke 1:67-80

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: Holy People & Holy Time

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:31:01 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "Holy People & Holy Time"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Leviticus 23:1-14; 25:1-12 & Mark 2:23-28

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: A Call to Holy Living

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:01:08 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "A Call to Holy Living"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Leviticus 19

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: The Day of Atonement

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:19:05 +1000

This is the second week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "Set Apart to be Holy"
Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead
Bible Passage: Leviticus 16:1-34

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: Set Apart to be Holy

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:41:39 +1000

This is the second week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "Set Apart to be Holy"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Leviticus 11-15

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: A Holy Priesthood

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:04:26 +1000

This is the second week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "A Holy Priesthood"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Leviticus 8-10

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD: Approaching a Holy God

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:22:25 +1000

This is the first week in our series LEVITICUS: THE HOLINESS OF GOD. This sermon is called "Approaching a Holy God"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Leviticus 1-7

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S: Fallen Creation & Our Present

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:01:07 +1000

This is the third week in our series THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S. This sermon is called "Fallen Creation & Our Present"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Genesis 3

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S: New Creation & Our Future

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 12:34:01 +1000

This is the second week in our series THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S. This sermon is called "God's Creation & Our Origin"
Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant
Bible Passage: Revelation 21:1-5

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S: God's Creation & Our Origin

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:50:35 +1000

This is the first week in our series THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S. This sermon is called "God's Creation & Our Origin"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Gensis 1 & 2

https://www.stbarts.com.au/
Visit our website at the link above to:
📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Proclaimed Good News

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:39:23 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Proclaimed Good News"
Preacher: The Rev'd MARK FAIRHURST
Bible Passage: Acts 20:17-38

https://www.stbarts.com.au/
Visit our website at the link above to:
📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Worshipped without Blood or Smoke

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:34:29 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Worshipped without Blood or Smoke"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Acts 17:16-34 & Hebrews 13:9-16

https://www.stbarts.com.au/
Visit our website at the link above to:
📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Transformed but Imperfect

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 12:21:15 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Cared for the Least"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Acts 15:36-41

https://www.stbarts.com.au/
Visit our website at the link above to:
📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Cared for the Least

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:43:56 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Cared for the Least"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Acts 4:32-37

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Reckoned Time Strangely

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:23:54 +1000

This is the second week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Followed a Crucified King"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Acts 3:11-26

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Enjoined as a Household of Faith

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:01:59 +1000

This is the second week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Followed a Crucified King"
Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead
Bible Passage: Acts 2:42-47

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Possessed by the Spirit of God

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:18:05 +1000

This is the second week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Followed a Crucified King"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Acts 2:1-21

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts and The Early Church: Followed a Crucified King

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:51:47 +1000

This is the second week in our series Acts and The Early Church. This sermon is called "Followed a Crucified King"
Preacher: Stephen McAlpine
Bible Passage: Acts 1:1-11

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

The Fruit of the Spirit: The Love of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 11:46:09 +1000

This is the second week in our series The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Love of Jesus"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: John 11:32-45

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

The Fruit of the Spirit: The Goodness of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:46:17 +1000

This is the second week in our series The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Goodness of Jesus"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Matthew 8:1-4

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

The Fruit of the Spirit: The Peace of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 11:36:44 +1000

This is the first (seventh) week in our series The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Peace of Jesus"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Mark 4:35-41

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel Boasts of the Cross of Christ

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 18:21:14 +1000

This is the tenth week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Boasts of the Cross of Christ"
Preacher: Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:11-16

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel Shapes our Relationships

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:20:07 +1000

This is the ninth week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Shapes our Relationships"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Galatians 6:1-10

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel Shapes our Living

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:20:12 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Shapes our Living"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:16-26

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel Brings us Freedom

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:07:28 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Brings us Freedom"
Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Galatians 5:1-15 (John 8:31-34)

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel Makes us Heirs

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 11:17:20 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST. This sermon is called "The Gospel Makes us Heirs"
Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Dan Rouhead
Bible Passage: Galatians 4:1-31

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel is the Fulfilment of God’s Promises

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 25 May 2025 21:01:36 +1000

This is the fifth sermon in our series "GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST". The sermon is called: "The Gospel is the Fulfilment of God’s Promises" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Passage: Galatians 3:15-29

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel is Received by Faith

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 18 May 2025 11:24:39 +1000

This is the forth sermon in our series "GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST". The sermon is called: "The Gospel is Received by Faith" Preacher: Amy Norman Bible Passage: Galatians 3:1-14

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel is the Line

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 11 May 2025 17:30:28 +1000

This is the third sermon in our series "GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST". The sermon is called: "The Gospel is the Line" Preacher: Amy Norman Bible Passage: Galatians 2:11-21

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel is For All

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 04 May 2025 11:23:50 +1000

This is the second sermon in our series "GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST". The sermon is called: "The Gospel is For All" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr. Daniel Rouhead Bible Passage: Galatians 1:1-11-2:10

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST: The Gospel is Unique

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:08:53 +1000

This is the first sermon in our series "GALATIANS: FREEDOM IN CHRIST". The sermon is called: "The Gospel is Unique" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Passage: Galatians 1:1-10

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED SERIES: Easter Day | Who will roll the stone away?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:01:08 +1000

This is the seventh sermon in our series "Questions Jesus Asked". The sermon is called: "Who will roll the stone away?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Passage: Mark 16:1-8

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED SERIES: Good Friday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +1000

Good Friday Reflection

Part A:
“Are You the King of the Jews?”
by the Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead
Bible Passage: Mark 15:1-15

Part B:
“Save Yourself”
by Amy Norman
Bible Passage: Mark 15:21-32

Part C:
“Eloi Eloi lema sabachthani”
by the Rev’d Adam Lowe
Bible Passage: Mark 15:33-41

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED SERIES: Maundy Thursday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +1000

Amy Norman
REFLECTION 1: SURELY YOU DON’T MEAN ME? MARK 14:16-21
REFLECTION 2: DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU? | JOHN 13:1-16
REFLECTION 3: TAKE THIS CUP FROM ME. | MARK 14:32-36
REFLECTION 4: ARE YOU ASLEEP? | MARK 14:37-40

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Questions Jesus Asked: Whose image is this? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:04:43 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "Whose image is this?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe, Bible Reading: Mark 12:13-17

https://stbarts.com.au/ Visit our website at the link above to:

📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Questions Jesus Asked: What do you want me to do for you? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 21:01:36 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "What do you want me to do for you?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe, Bible Reading: Mark 10:46-52

https://stbarts.com.au/ Visit our website at the link above to:

📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Questions Jesus Asked: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:41:26 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe, Bible Reading: Mark 8:34-9:1

https://stbarts.com.au/ Visit our website at the link above to:

📺 WATCH the Sermon
🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript
📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week
🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week

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Questions Jesus Asked: Are you so dull? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:30:25 +1000

This is the third week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "Are you so dull?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe, Bible Reading: Mark 7:17-23(1-23)

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Questions Jesus Asked: How Can Satan Drive out Satan?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 11:47:30 +1000

This is the second week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "How Can Satan Drive out Satan?" Preacher: Amy Norman, Bible Reading: Mark 3:20-30

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Questions Jesus Asked: Follow Me?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:56:07 +1000

This is the first week in our series Questions Jesus Asked. This sermon is called "Follow Me?" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Mike Bird Bible Reading: Mark 1:16-20

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Spiritual Disciplines: Study | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 11:24:52 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Spiritual Disciplines. This sermon is called "Study" Preacher: Amy Norman Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (Luke 24:13-32)

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Spiritual Disciplines: Celebration | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:29:05 +1000

This is the third week in our series Spiritual Disciplines. This sermon is called "Celebration" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Reading: Matthew 9:14-17 (Revelation 19:6-9)

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Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:32:25 +1000

This is the second week in our series Spiritual Disciplines. This sermon is called "Fasting" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Dan Rouhead Bible Reading: Matthew 6: 16-18 (Matthew 1:1-4 & Acts 13:2-3)

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Spiritual Disciplines: Devotion | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:01:32 +1000

This is the first week in our series Spiritual Disciplines. This sermon is called "Devotion" Preacher: Amy Norman Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

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Life Together: Pray | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:25:35 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series Life Together. This sermon is called "Life Together: Pray" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47 & Matthew 6:5-15

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Glory: Future Glory | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 11:23:51 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Glory. This sermon is called "Glory: Our Glory" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Dan Rouhead Bible Reading: Revelation 21, Psalm 96, Romans 8

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Glory: Our Glory | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:30:34 +1000

This is the third week in our series Glory. This sermon is called "Glory: Our Glory" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe Bible Reading: Psalm 8 & Hebrews 2:5-11

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Glory: Jesus as God’s Glory | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:00:59 +1000

This is the second week in our series Glory. This sermon is called "Glory: Jesus as God’s Glory" Preacher: The Amy Norman Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-13

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Glory: The Glory of God | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:34:27 +1000

This is the first week in our series Glory. This sermon is called "The Glory of God" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Exodus 33:12-33

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New Year: How We Relate to Time | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:30:58 +1000

This is our New Year Sermon series for 2024.This sermon is “How we relate to time ”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Psalm 90

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Christmas: Christmas has a Name | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:12:37 +1000

This is our Christmas Sermon series for 2024.This sermon is “Christmas has a Name ”. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

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Songs of Advent: Simeon's Song | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Songs of Advent. This sermon is called "Simeon's Song" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 2:22-40.

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Songs of Advent: Angel's Song | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:56:44 +1000

This is the third week in our series Songs of Advent. This sermon is called "Angel's Song" Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-21.

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Songs of Advent: Zechariah's Song | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 11:11:09 +1000

This is the second week in our series Songs of Advent. This sermon is called "Zechariah's Song" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 1:57-80.

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Songs of Advent: Mary's Song | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 15:03:15 +1000

This is the first week in our series Songs of Advent. This sermon is called "Mary's Song" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 1:39-56

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Christ the King | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:50:04 +1000

This is a once off sermon called "Christ is King". Preacher: Bishop Cameron Venables. Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:1-7

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Perplexing Passages: The Resurrection of the Dead? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 15:21:53 +1000

This is the third week in our series Perplexing Passages. This sermon is called "The Resurrection of the Dead?" Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 27:51-53

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Perplexing Passages: The Nephilim? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:43:33 +1000

This is the second week in our series Perplexing Passages. This sermon is called "The Nephilim?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 6:1-8

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Perplexing Passages: A Talking Donkey? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:27:02 +1000

This is the first week in our series Perplexing Passages. This sermon is called "A Talking Donkey?" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Numbers 22:21-41

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Partnership | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:22:54 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Living" Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Philippians 4:10-23

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Living | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 17:00:45 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Living" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Hope | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 11:35:39 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Hope" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Philippians 3:15-4:3

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Confidence | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:03:43 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Confidence" Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Philippians 3:1-14.

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Service | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:59:15 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Mindset" Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Philippians 2:12-30.

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Mindset | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 11:46:30 +1000

This is the third week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Mindset" Preacher: The Rev’d Mark Fairhurst. Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11.

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Priority | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:45:38 +1000

This is the second week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Priorities" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Philippians 1:12-30.

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Joy in Christ: Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Gospel Affection | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 13:52:06 +1000

This is the first week in our series Joy in Christ: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This sermon is called "Gospel Affection" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Philippians 1:1-11.

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Treasure? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 17:40:40 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Treasure?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 5:1-11 and Matthew 19:16-26.

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Creativity? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 14:54:21 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Creativity?" Preacher: Amy Norman Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Gender? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 14:40:44 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Gender?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 1:27-28, 2:20-25; & Galatians 3:26-29

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Family? | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:13:44 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Family?" Preacher: The Rev'd Dr. Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 12:46-50

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Body?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 11:42:03 +1000

This is the forth week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Body?" Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Achievements?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 12:02:54 +1000

This is the third week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Achievements?" Preacher: Stephen McAlpine. Bible Reading: Philippians 3:1-14

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: Am I My Personality?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:32:21 +1000

This is the second week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Personality?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11

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Who Am I? Looking to Self: My Story?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:42:18 +1000

This is the first week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: My Story?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: The Faithfulness of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 11:42:34 +1000

This is the first week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: My Story?" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: The Kindness of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +1000

This is the second week in our mini-series on The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Kindness of Jesus" Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Mark 6:30-44.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control of Jesus

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 23:49:07 +1000

This is a one off series on Mark. This sermon is “90 Year Celebration". Preacher: The Archbishop Jeremy Greaves. Bible Reading: Mark 4:26-34

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90 Year Celebration

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 11:59:21 +1000

This is a one off series on Mark. This sermon is “90 Year Celebration". Preacher: The Archbishop Jeremy Greaves. Bible Reading: Mark 4:26-34

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The Story of Abraham: Testing of Abraham

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 22:12:55 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series on Genesis: The Story of Abraham. This sermon is “Testing of Abraham". Preacher: The Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Genesis 22:1-18

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The Story of Abraham: Justice and Mercy

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 19:07:02 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series on Genesis: The Story of Abraham. This sermon is “Birth of the Covenant". Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 18:16-19:29

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The Story of Abraham: Birth of the Covenant

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 May 2024 19:23:00 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series on Genesis: The Story of Abraham. This sermon is “Birth of the Covenant". Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Genesis 17:1-18:15.

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Pentecost: The Gift of the Spirit

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 May 2024 11:50:02 +1000

This is a one off sermon on Ephesians: Pentecost. This sermon is “The Gift of The Spirit". Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23.

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The Story of Abraham: Promised Son?

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 May 2024 11:53:45 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series on The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II. This sermon is "Promised Son?“. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 16:1-12.

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The Story of Abraham: Yahweh’s Covenant

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 May 2024 14:07:28 +1000

This is the second week in our series on The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II. This sermon is "Yahweh’s Covenant“. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 15:1-21.

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The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II: Abram and Lot

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:56:08 +1000

This is the second week in our series on The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II. This sermon is "Faith and Doubt“. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis Genesis 13:5-18, 14:18-24.

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The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II: Faith & Doubt

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:49:49 +1000

This is the second week in our series on The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II. This sermon is "Faith and Doubt“. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 12:10-20.

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The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II: Call of Abraham

St Bart's Anglican Church — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:52:35 +1000

This is the first week in our series on The Story of Abraham: Genesis Part II. This sermon is "Call of Abraham“. Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-9.

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Responding to Jesus: Into the World | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 12:40:40 +1000

This is the eleventh and final week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is “Into the World“. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20.

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Responding to Jesus: Easter Day | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 11:52:37 +1000

This is the tenth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Most Extraordinary Claim“ for Easter Day. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1-15.

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Responding to Jesus: Good Friday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:17:25 +1000

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Responding to Jesus: Maundy Thursday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:47:18 +1000

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Responding to Jesus: The Cries of the Crowd | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:14:12 +1000

This is the ninth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Cries of the Crowd“. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1-17.

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Responding to Jesus: The Cost to Follow | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:21:36 +1000

This is the eighth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Cost to Follow". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 19:16-30.

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Responding to Jesus: The Confusion of Glory | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:48:07 +1000

This is the seventh week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Confusion of Glory". Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-13.

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Responding to Jesus: The Confession of Peter | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 12:42:09 +1000

This is the sixth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Confession of Peter". Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 16:13-20.

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Responding to Jesus: The Conviction of the Canaanite | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:46:52 +1000

This is the fifth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Conviction of the Canaanite". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 15:21-28.

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Responding to Jesus: The Calling of Matthew | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:36:47 +1000

This is the fourth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Calling of Matthew". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 9:9-13.

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Responding to Jesus: The Confidence of the Centurion | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:54:51 +1000

This is the third week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Confidence of the Centurion". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13.

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Responding to Jesus: Out to the Wilderness | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 11:31:39 +1000

This is the second week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "Out to the Wilderness". Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-11.

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Responding to Jesus: Into the Water | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:33:49 +1000

This is the first week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "Into the Water". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 3:1-17

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Our Mission: Multiplying Disciples | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 09:06:21 +1000

This is the third week in our three-week series: Our Mission. This sermon is "Multiplying Disciples". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7.

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Our Mission: Maturing Disciples | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:24:50 +1000

This is the second in our three-part series: Our Mission. This sermon is "Maturing Disciples". Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47.

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Our Mission: Making Disciples | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 11:46:15 +1000

This is the first in our three-part series: Our Mission. This sermon is "Making Disciples". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-8.

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New Year Rhythms | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 11:41:56 +1000

This is a one-off sermon: New Year Rhythms. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-2.

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The God who Comes Reconciling | Christmas 2023 | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 11:10:42 +1000

This is our Christmas Sermon series for 2023.This sermon is “The God who Comes Reconciling ”. Preacher: The Rev'd Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-20 .

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Advent: The God Who Will Come in Glory | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:02:24 +1000

This is the fourth and final sermon in our Advent series for 2023: The Advent of God. This sermon is “The God Who Will Come in Glory”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:3-13.

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Advent: The God Who Came as Promised | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 11:56:42 +1000

This is the third sermon in our Advent series for 2023: The Advent of God. This sermon is “The God Who Came as Promised”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 4:14-21.

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Advent: The God Who Comes in Person | Bishop Cameron Venables

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:58:44 +1000

This is the second sermon in our Advent series for 2023: The Advent of God. This sermon is “The God Who Comes in Person”. Preacher: Bishop Cameron Venables. Bible Reading: John 1:1-14.

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Advent: The God Who Comes in Scripture's Story | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 11:26:14 +1000

This is the first sermon in our Advent series for 2023: The Advent of God. This sermon is “The God Who Comes in Scripture's Story”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 24:17-27.

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Jeremiah: Investing in God's Future | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 12:12:31 +1000

This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “Investing in God's Future”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 32:1-15.

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Jeremiah: The New Covenant | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:18:26 +1000

This is the seventh sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “The New Covenant”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34.

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Jeremiah: Living in Babylon | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 12:27:50 +1000

This is the sixth sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “Living in Babylon”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:1-23.

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Jeremiah: The Cup of Wrath | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 12:11:03 +1000

This is the fifth sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “The Cup of Wrath”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 25:1-29.

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Jeremiah: The Promised Shepherd | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:14:13 +1000

This is the fourth sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “The Promised Shepherd”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-40.

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Jeremiah: Where to Boast

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:20:25 +1000

This is the third sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “Where to Boast”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 9:23-10:16.

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Jeremiah: False Security | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:43:48 +1000

This is the second sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “False Security”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-15.

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Jeremiah: The Call of Jeremiah | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 11:45:08 +1000

This is the first sermon in our series on Jeremiah: Fire in my Bones. This sermon is “The Call of Jeremiah”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-19.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: The Joy of Jesus | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 11:37:23 +1000

This is the third sermon in our series: The Fruit of the Spirit, and the Character of Jesus. This sermon is “The Joy of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 16:19-24.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: The Gentleness of Jesus | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:47:45 +1000

This is the second sermon in our series: The Fruit of the Spirit, and the Character of Jesus. This sermon is “The Gentleness of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 8:2-11.

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The Fruit of the Spirit: The Patience of Jesus | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:25:46 +1000

This is the first sermon in our series: The Fruit of the Spirit, and the Character of Jesus. This sermon is “The Patience of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 2:1-11.

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Being Human: Rest | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 11:24:54 +1000

This is the ninth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Rest”. Preacher: The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 12:1-14

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(00:00) - Being Human: Rest
(03:51) - The Gift of Rest
(10:24) - Our Resistance to Rest
(16:59) - Resting in Jesus
(22:55) - Conclusion and Prayer

Being Human: Work | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 12:02:40 +1000

This is the eighth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Work”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:17-4:1.

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Being Human: Sexual | The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 14:09:57 +1000

This is the seventh sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Sexual”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Matthew 19:1-12.

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(00:00) - Introduction
(00:54) - Life in a sex-saturated society is a challenge for us all
(06:10) - The Bible tells a story about how to enjoy sex
(17:05) - How to care for those with same sex attraction
(35:32) - Conclusion and Prayer

Being Human: Relational | The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:07:54 +1000

This is the sixth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Relational”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Mark 10:29-31.

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Being Human: Communal | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:40:44 +1000

This is the fifth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Communal”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47.

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Being Human: Emotional | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:36:17 +1000

This is the fourth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Emotional”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Psalm 42.

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Being Human: Rational | The Rev'd Dr Mike Bird

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 12:22:56 +1000

This is the third sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Rational”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Mike Bird. Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-9.

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Being Human: Physical | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 11:44:59 +1000

This is the second sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Physical”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 2:4-9 & 1 Corinthians 15:12-26.

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Being Human: Created | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 11:53:57 +1000

This is the first sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Created”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 1:27-2:2; 3:1-12.

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The Invitation of Jesus: Go for Me | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 11:04:26 +1000

This is the third and final sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Go for Me”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20.

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The Invitation of Jesus: Come to Me | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 11:57:35 +1000

This is the second sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Come to Me". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 11:25-30.

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The Invitation of Jesus: Follow Me | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 11:28:59 +1000

This is the first sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Follow Me”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18-22.

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1 John: Confidence & Hope | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:36:46 +1000

This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Confidence & Hope”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 1 John 5:1-21.

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1 John: Love & Serving | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:50:22 +1000

This is the seventh sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Serving”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21.

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1 John: Love & Belonging | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 11:20:10 +1000

This is the sixth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Belonging”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 John 3:11-24.

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1 John: Obedience & Sin | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 28 May 2023 11:52:39 +1000

This is the fifth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Obedience & Sin”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:28-3:10.

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1 John: Truth & Lie | Amy Norman

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 21 May 2023 11:12:10 +1000

This is the fourth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Truth & Lie”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:18-27.

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Psalm 96: Worship, Witness, and Wait | The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 14 May 2023 11:00:28 +1000

This week we’re taking a break from our series on 1 John, while we look at Psalm 96 to align with the teaching from our FOCUS weekend. This sermon is "Worship, Witness, and Wait". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Psalm 96.

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1 John: Kingdom & World | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 07 May 2023 11:53:32 +1000

This is the third sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Kingdom & World”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:12-17.

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1 John: Love & Hatred | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:08:57 +1000

This is the second sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Hatred”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:3-11.

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1 John: Light & Darkness | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:22:16 +1000

This is the first sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Light & Darkness”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2.

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EASTER 2023: Sunday After Easter - So That You Might Believe | The Rev'd Adam Lowe

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 11:16:52 +1000

This is the fourth and final sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. This sermon is “So That You Might Believe”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 20:19-31.

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00:00 Introduction

04:37 Peace that Lasts

11:22 Proof for Belief

20:35 Purpose with Power

25:02 Prayer

EASTER 2023: Easter Sunday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 11:39:53 +1000

This is the third sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 20:11-20.

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EASTER 2023: Good Friday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:01:47 +1000

This is the second sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 19:1-24; 28-42.

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EASTER 2023: Maundy Thursday

St Bart's Anglican Church — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 20:44:50 +1000

This is the first sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 26:17-25; John 13:2-17; Matthew 26:26-29, 36-42.

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Acts 28: To the Ends of the Earth | The Rev'd Adam Lowe | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:48:11 +1000

This is the fourteenth and final sermon in our series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “To the Ends of the Earth". Preacher: Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 28

https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-the-lord-in-the-storm
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Acts 27:1-32: The Lord in the Storm | Amy Norman | St Bart's Toowoomba

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:01:42 +1000

This is the thirteenth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Lord in the Storm". Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-32

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Acts: Hope and Trial (Acts 26:1-23)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:32:50 +1000

This is the twelfth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Hope and Trial". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-23

https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-hope-and-trial

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Acts: Gospel and Courage (Acts 22:1-22)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 11:58:34 +1000

This is the eleventh sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Gospel and Courage. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 22:1-22

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Acts: Farewell to Ephesian Leaders (Acts 20:1-38)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:03:04 +1000

This is the tenth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Farewell to Ephesian Leaders". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 20:1-38

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Acts: Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 11:38:03 +1000

This is the ninth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Paul in Ephesus". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 19

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Acts: The Mission to Macedonia (Acts 16-18)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:56:17 +1000

This is the eighth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Mission to Macedonia". Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 16-18

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Acts: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:14:27 +1000

This is the seventh sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Jerusalem Council". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 15

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Acts: The Gospel for those who have no God (Acts 12:25-14:28)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 11:32:56 +1000

This is the sixth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Gospel for those who have no God". Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 12:25-14:28

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Acts: Strategy and Sovereignty (Acts 12:1-24)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:26:29 +1000

This is the fifth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Strategy and Sovereignty". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 12:1-24

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Acts: The Church in Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 11:44:49 +1000

Acts 11:19-30. This is the fourth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Church in Antioch".

Acts: The Spirit and Baptism (Acts 11:1-18)

St Bart's Anglican Church — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:44:52 +1000

This is the third sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Spirit and Baptism". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 11:1-18

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Acts: The Gospel and the Spirit (Acts 10:24-48)

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 11:19:24 +1000

Acts 10:24-48. This is the second sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Gospel and the Spirit”.

Acts: The Power of the Gospel (Acts 10:1-23)

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 11:16:50 +1000

Acts 10:1-23. This is the first sermon in our new series on Acts. This sermon is “The Power of the Gospel”.

Christmas 2022: Christmas: The Wonder - GOD WITH US & GOD FOR US

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +1000

Luke 2:1-18. This is the sermon from Christmas 2022. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-18

Advent: The Incarnation: At the Right Time

Amy Norman — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +1000

Romans 5:12-19. This is the fourth sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “At the Right Time”.

Advent: The Incarnation: Fully Human Fully God

Bishop Cam Venables — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:20:34 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Fully Human Fully God”. Preacher: Bishop Cam Venables. Bible Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Hebrews 2:14-18

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could we grow in our service to others to be more like Jesus over advent?

WARM-UP

What do you think is the best thing about being human? What do you think is the most challenging?
Do you think people find it more challenging to acknowledge Jesus as human or divine?

Read Hebrews 2:14-16

As you think through the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, how do we see his humanity?
As you think through the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, how do we see his divinity?
What does it mean to you to know that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine?
What does the author mean by, “the children have flesh and blood”? Why was it necessary for Jesus to also share in our humanity?
How did Jesus ‘help’ us (along with all of ‘Abraham’s descendants’)? How can that fill us with wonder?
If Jesus is fully human, in what ways can he sympathise with us? How does that bring you comfort?
How did Jesus suffer when he was tempted? How can Jesus help us when we are tempted? Practically, how can we better: (a) recognise that we need help in those situations; and (b) come to him?
In your own devotional life, how does (or could) remembering Jesus’ humanity help shape your prayer?
If Jesus is fully God, in what ways can he know and help us? How does that shape your life as worship?
Who holds the power of death? How is it a form of slavery? How does Jesus break those bonds?
Have you ever thought of yourself as a slave? If so, in what way? What does it mean to you to be free?
Do you ever have a tendency to emphasise one aspect of Jesus’ nature over the other (i.e., you might tend to emphasise his humanity over his divinity, or his divinity over his humanity)? Why so?
What can it look like to emphasise Jesus’ humanity over his divinity? How might that be a problem?
What can it look like to emphasise Jesus’ divinity over his humanity? How might that be a problem?
As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, how can you be reminded that Jesus is both fully human and fully God?

APPLY: What is one way that your prayer life this week can reflect both Jesus’ humanity and divinity more richly?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that your Son became flesh—fully sharing in our humanity— in order to break the power of sin and death. Thank you that it is in Jesus we find the one who is perfectly able to sympathise with us and help us, especially in times of temptation. Please help us to see who Jesus is clearly and run to him. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Ask someone what is the most challenging moment of Christmas?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on Advent
LISTEN: “The Suffering Son” by William Taylor
LISTEN: “And was made Man” by John Stott
LISTEN: Handel’s Messiah

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Advent: The Incarnation: Begotten Not Made

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 12:39:37 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Begotten Not Made”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Philippians 2:1-11

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death –
        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one practical way (this advent) that can help you to grow in the wonder of the incarnation?

WARM-UP

Think about the most humble person you know. Why do you think they were like this?
What does our culture think about humility?

Read Philippians 2:6-11

How does Paul describe what Christ has done for us in these verses?
What was the nature of Jesus before he became human? How does this make the incarnation all the more wonderful?
What did he do with his high position of being with God? How is this different from people in authority here on this earth?
How did Jesus make himself nothing? In becoming human, how was this Jesus emptying himself?
What did Jesus empty himself of? Why did Jesus have to become human?
Why is it important that Jesus didnʼt become any less God or any less of a human? How is this of great comfort for you?
In what ways has our God served us? How is this distinct from other human religions?
If you were to ask your friends who donʼt know Jesus yet what they thought Christianity was all about, what do you think they would say? Does this align with the picture we see here?
How could you let them know of the reality of what Jesus has done for us?

Read Philippians 2:1-5

What would make Paulʼs joy complete? Why do you think that this should be a high priority and hope for the church?
In what ways might we be tempted to do things for our own praise or our own selfish ambition?
As we interact with others, what should be the lens through which we think of serving them?

APPLY: How could we grow in our service to others to be more like Jesus over advent?

PRAYER

Lord God, thank you for the awesomeness of the incarnation, that Jesus would step down from his high position to become human and serve us. Help us in our interactions with others to be like him. Amen

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Ask someone what is their favourite moment of Christmas.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on Advent
LISTEN: “Worthy of the Gospel” by Simon Manchester
LISTEN: “Adopt Jesusʼ Death as the Test of Your Outlook” by Don Carson
LISTEN: “Humility” by John Stott
LISTEN: “Imitating the Incarnation” by Tim Keller
BORROW & READ: “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Advent: The Incarnation: Word Made Flesh

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:43:28 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Word Made Flesh”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 1:1-14

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord?

WARM-UP

When was the last time that you experienced a sense of ʻwonderʼ? What is at the heart of wonder?
What is the ʻincarnationʼ? How is verse John 1:14 a brilliant summary of this event and good news?

Read John 1:1-5

What are the opening words in Johnʼs Gospel? What do they remind you of?
Who is the Word? What is the Word like? When did the Word begin?
What are the ways in which John points to the Sonʼs eternal nature? How is he uniquely qualified to bring us life?
What is the darkness? How have you experienced that? How is Godʼs light greater than the darkness?

Read John 1:6-14

How human did the Son become? What evidence do we have that the Son was not merely masquerading as a human, but truly human?
Do you think people struggle more with Jesusʼ humanity or divinity? Why do you think that is the case?
Do you ever emphasise Jesusʼ humanity over his divinity (or vice versa)? What could be the effect?
How is God becoming human a big ʻYESʼ to our humanity and physical world?
What does John mean by the Word making his dwelling among us? How is it related to the tabernacle?
What are the implications of Jesus dwelling with us? What significance does that have for you?
What are the ways that people try to “find God”? How is it through Jesus that we can meet with God?
Re-Read verse 12. What is the status we can receive from Jesus? How do we become ʻchildren of Godʼ?
What are the types of filters that prevent or inhibit us from seeing who Jesus is fully? Do you have any filters that particularly are a struggle for you?
What could help you this year to let the wonder of the incarnation interrupt your life more?

APPLY: What is one practical way (this advent) that can help you to grow in the wonder of the incarnation?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for the tremendous news that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Help us to grow in our wonder of this truth, that Jesus may take a bigger grip on our lives. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are you going to invite to CAROLS? Of all events in the year - this is the simplest invite! Maybe you could invite a neighbour, family friend, colleague or someone youʼve just met.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on Advent
LISTEN: Word Became Flesh by Stephen Nichols
LISTEN: Carols Service Talk by William Taylor
LISTEN: In the Beginning by Tim Keller

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Isaiah: Prepare the Way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:1-31)

The Rev'd Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 12:28:05 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh and final sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Prepare the Way of the Lord”. Preacher: The Rev’d Daniel Rouhead. Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-31

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 40:1-31

Comfort, comfort my people,
    says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.

A voice of one calling:
‘In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

A voice says, ‘Cry out.’
And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’

‘All people are like grass,
    and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
    Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures for ever.’

You who bring good news to Zion,
    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,
    ‘Here is your God!’
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    he gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young.

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
    or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
    or weighed the mountains on the scales
    and the hills in a balance?
Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,
    or instruct the Lord as his counsellor?
Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
    or showed him the path of understanding?

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
    they are regarded as dust on the scales;
    he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
    nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
Before him all the nations are as nothing;
    they are regarded by him as worthless
    and less than nothing.

With whom, then, will you compare God?
    To what image will you liken him?
As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
    and fashions silver chains for it.
A person too poor to present such an offering
    selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
    to set up an idol that will not topple.

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
    Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
    and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught
    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted,
    no sooner are they sown,
    no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

‘To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
‘My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God’?
Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord?

WARM-UP

In times of distress or uncertainty, what brings you comfort?

Read Isaiah 40:3-8

Why would the words of Isaiah be words of “comfort” for the people of ancient Israel/Judah?
How are these words different from the message of Isaiah 1-39? What has changed? How do you seek the Lordʼs comfort in times of need?
What do these verses say about the barriers that exist between the Israelites and God (and between us and God)? How did they (and how do we) prepare a way for the Lord?
What habits help you to maintain a clear way for the Lord? What do verses 6-8 say about our ability to maintain a way for the Lord? What do we need?

Read Isaiah 45:1-2a and 13

In what way do these words speak about the return of the Lord to his people? How is it made clear that the Lord makes the way for the people to return?
When and how is the prophecy of verses 1-8 finally fulfilled. How has God prepared the way for you to trust and follow him?

Read Isaiah 40:9-11

What comfort is it for you now to know that Godʼs glory has been revealed in Jesus, and will be revealed completely when Jesus returns?
How are we to respond to this good news? Can you think of examples in the New Testament of people shouting the good news to others?
How can you share the good news on your frontlines? What are the barriers?
What does the rest of Chapter 40 say about God? How does this help us to trust in Godʼs promises?

APPLY: Who can you invite to Carols this week?

PRAYER

Almighty Father, thank you for your compassion and kindness. Thank you for sending Jesus to reconcile us to you, for clearing the way to you on the cross....

Isaiah: In Whom Shall We Trust? (Isaiah 36-39)

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:33:03 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “In Whom Shall We Trust?”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 36-39

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 36:5-19

You say you have counsel and might for war – but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. But if you say to me, ‘We are depending on the Lord our God’– isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’?

‘“Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses – if you can put riders on them! How then can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this land without the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.”’

Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.’

But the commander replied, ‘Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall – who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?’

Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, ‘Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! This is what the king says: do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, “The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”

‘Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig-tree and drink water from your own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own – a land of corn and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

‘Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, “The Lord will deliver us.” Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Consider one area of your life where there is conflict. How will Jesusʼ present and future reign resolve it? How can that future impinge on that conflict today?

WARM-UP

Have you had a situation in which you really had to trust someone because things were out of your control? How did that make you feel?
What are the things (or people) that most compete for our trust and allegiance today? How big of a challenge do you think this is for Christians?

Read Isaiah 36:1-12

At the beginning of chapter 36, how bad is the situation for Godʼs people? What has happened already?
What were the three possible grounds for Hezekiahʼs confidence to defeat the enemy? Were any of
these things a good basis to be confident? Why or why not?
How did the enemy seek to systematically erode that confidence—particularly his trust in the Lord?
Do you think the enemy still uses similar tactics today to erode our confidence in the Lord? Have you ever experienced or witnessed the pattern of dissatisfaction—doubt—driing play out?
Do you think ʻdefectingʼ or ʻdriingʼ from God usually happens dramatically or incrementally? What do you think are the warning signs of slowly driing away from the Lord?

Read Isaiah 37:14-20; 36-38

How does Hezekiah respond to the imminent threat and attempt to erode his trust in the Lord?
What is the content of Hezekiahʼs prayer mostly concerned with? Why is this helpful?
What helps you personally to bring your doubts to God as an expression of dependence on him?
Did Hezekiah have cause to doubt Godʼs character or promise? Why or why not? Do we?
Why can we be confident that Jesus is worthy of our trust and a solid basis for confidence?
How can we demonstrate that trust day-to-day? When do you find it most easy or hard?
What does God ultimately do with the Assyrians? If the Babylonians were going to conquer Jerusalem anyway, how would this victory help those in exile stand firm in the promises of God?

APPLY: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you that because of Jesus that we can have every confidence that you will indeed bring your promises to completion. Please help us to be quick to come to you and trust in your faithfulness. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “The faithfulness of Hezekiah” by David Jackman
Listen: “Is this the Messiah” by Dave Chiswell
Listen: Three Sermons by Glenn Nesbitt:
- Isaiah 36:1-22
- Isaiah 37:1-20
- Isaiah 37:21-38
Read: “Youʼre Only Human” by Kelly Kapic
Read: “Hudson Taylor: Faith Missionary to China”

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah
Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview

Isaiah: The Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11)

Amy Norman — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:07:10 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Spirit of the Lord”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Readings: Isaiah 11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 11

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
    from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him –
    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and of might,
    the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord –
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
    or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
    with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
    with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
    and faithfulness the sash round his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
    the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
    and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
    their young will lie down together,
    and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
    and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious. In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.

He will raise a banner for the nations
    and gather the exiles of Israel;
he will assemble the scattered people of Judah
    from the four quarters of the earth.
Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish,
    and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed;
Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah,
    nor Judah hostile towards Ephraim.
They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west;
    together they will plunder the people to the east.
They will subdue Edom and Moab,
    and the Ammonites will be subject to them.
The Lord will dry up
    the gulf of the Egyptian sea;
with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand
    over the River Euphrates.
He will break it up into seven streams
    so that anyone can cross over in sandals.
There will be a highway for the remnant of his people
    that is left from Assyria,
as there was for Israel
    when they came up from Egypt.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Where can we most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of?

WARM-UP

Who is the best leader you have followed? What characteristics made them a good leader?

Read Isaiah 11:1-9

Why are we only looking at a stump? Who has cut down Israel to only leave a stump?
Who is ʻthe shootʼ and ʻBranchʼ related to? Why is that significant? (See 1 Chronicles 17:11-14)
Who equips the King? What does the Spirit of the Lord equip the King with? How does this compare with leaders you know?
What is one area of injustice in the world or in your own life that you struggle with at the moment? What type of justice would you like to see happen?
How does Godʼs King respond to injustice? How is he able to bring ultimate justice? How do we see this in Jesus?
Which predators are listed in verses 6-8? How do they relate to other animals and children? What does this tell us about the place and extent of peace?
Are there areas of your frontlines (or maybe on the frontlines of others) where there is an absence of peace (i.e., worry, conflict, anxiety)? How does the reign of Godʼs King which brings peace transform how you approach conflict now?
Can we separate comprehensive peace from knowledge of the Lord? Why/why not?
What is surprising about this vision of new creation? What do you most look forward to?

Read Isaiah 11:10-16

What will be peopleʼs response to the Root of Jesse ʻin that dayʼ? When is that day? Who is he?
From where will people come to gather? Who on your frontline is from a different nation/culture?
Who will remove every barrier and obstacle that might prevent people from gathering to Jesus? How does God remove barriers today? How are we used by God for this purpose?
How is the present and coming reign of Godʼs King good news for you and those on your frontline?

APPLY: Consider one area of your life where there is conflict. How will Jesusʼ present and future reign resolve it? How can that future impinge on that conflict today?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you that you sent us your King unlike any other - who will bring everlasting justice and peace. As we await Jesusʼ return, please help us to be faithful witnesses of your reign. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: If someone you know is in distress, an open and gentle question might be ʻWhat inner resources do you have to deal with this?ʼ

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide:

Isaiah: A Great Light (Isaiah 9:1-7)

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 11:27:20 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “A Great Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 9:1-7

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan –

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.)

WARM-UP

Have you ever been in a situation where you have experienced complete literal darkness?
Why was Israel destined for darkness and judgement? Why would their loving Lord punish them?

Read Isaiah 9:1-5

What towns are described as being humbled? How did this happen in practice? How will God eventually honour these towns? (See Matthew 4:12-17)
What is the tense of these verses? Why is this significant? How can we be certain of Godʼs promises?
Why is the light such good news for Israel? Whatʼs going to come before the coming of the light?
What is the source of the peopleʼs joy? What are some of the things that we try and seek joy or satisfaction in? Who should be the ultimate source of our joy?
Where do we experience/see darkness in our lives? How will God ultimately shine his light in these situations? How could we, practically, be pointers to the light in the meantime?
What is so significant about the defeat in Midian? Why would God tell Gideon to make the army smaller? How does this principle apply to the following verses in Isaiah?
Why will there be no more need for soldierʼs shoes? When will all of these promises of freedom and peace come in their fullness?
How have we experienced the rescue and victory of the Lord? Do we ever doubt that Jesus has rescued us or that we get to experience this? What can keep us from doubting this?

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

What was Godʼs plan for the ultimate rescue of his people? What do we learn about the son in these verses? What will he be like?
How do we get to be a part of the Kingdom of God? What is this kingdom like? How long will it last?
How can we live our lives now in the knowledge and anticipation of the final coming of our king?

APPLY: Where can most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given us the light of life and the glorious king in Jesus, who came and died and rose for us. Keep us from living for our own glory, but instead help live as your people. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Waiting but not In Vain” by Paul Clarke
Listen: “Who?” by Rico Tice
Listen: “Light in Darkness” by Alistair Begg
Listen: “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by Kings College, Cambridge

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah
Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview
Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)
Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay
Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer
Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

Isaiah: Your Guilt is Taken Away (Isaiah 6:1-13)

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 11:29:22 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Your Guilt is Taken Away”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 6:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 6:1-13

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’

And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’

He said, ‘Go and tell this people:

‘“Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”
Make the heart of this people calloused;
    make their ears dull
    and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.’

Then I said, ‘For how long, Lord?’

And he answered:

‘Until the cities lie ruined
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
    and the fields ruined and ravaged,
until the Lord has sent everyone far away
    and the land is utterly forsaken.
And though a tenth remains in the land,
    it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
    leave stumps when they are cut down,
    so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.’

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises?

WARM-UP

What are the most common ways in which our culture teaches us to discover our true self?
How has knowing God helped you to have a clearer understanding of yourself?

Read Isaiah 6:1-7

Who was King Uzziah? How does he compare to the Lord? Why might Isaiah be making this contrast?
How does Isaiah describe the throne room of God? How do the various aspects reflect Godʼs character?
What is the refrain of the seraphim? What does ʻholyʼ mean and what is the significance of the repetition?
How does Isaiah respond to the glory of God? Why was Isaiah afraid at the sight of the Lord?
Should we be afraid of the presence of the Lord? Why or why not?
Do we ever have a tendency to underestimate the height of Godʼs glory and/or the depth of our sin?
What helps you to have and delight in a right view of self and God?
What are seraphim? What is the significance of the coal from the altar? How is this a provision of God?
How has God taken away our guilt through Jesus? How have we been made holy?
How do you know the presence of God and how have you experienced his grace?

Read Isaiah 6:8-13

How keen is Isaiah to respond to Godʼs call? Why was he not enthralled with the task?
What task was God sending Isaiah to do? Have you ever felt reluctant to respond to Godʼs call?
Do you think that God was being unfair in what needed to be proclaimed? Why or why not?
Has following the call of Jesus ever involved you rearranging any aspects of your life? Are there any parts of your life that you feel reluctant to reorientate in service of the Lord?
Whilst a message of judgement, how is the promise of a ʻholy seedʼ a sign of hope?

APPLY: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, please help us to grow our understanding of your holiness, deepen our experience of your grace, and grow in our commitment to serving you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “The Transforming Vision” by David Jackman
Listen: “To a people in darkness” by Rico Tice
Listen: “Cleansed and Commissioned” by Nigel Beynon
Watch: “Can Judgement by Hopeful” by N T Wright
Listen: (PAID) “The Kingdom and its King” by Rory Shiner

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah
Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview
Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)
Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay
Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer
Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Isaiah: The Glorious Branch (Isaiah 4:2-6)

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 11:49:53 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Glorious Branch”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 4:2-6

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding-place from the storm and rain.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week?

WARM-UP

What is the largest tree that you have seen felled? How was Israel to be cut down?
Why might have Israel doubted that God was working out his purposes? Does anything ever cause you to wonder (or doubt) if God is working out his purposes?
What can give us confidence that God is working out his purposes and will bring them to fulfilment?

Read Isaiah 4:2-6

Where in Isaiah has the phrase “in that day” (or something similar) been used already? What does Isaiah actually mean by “in that day”?
How is Isaiah like a tale of two cities? How would you describe these two cities?
Up to this point in Isaiah, how has the prophet pointed to impending judgement and future restoration?
What is the “Branch of the Lord”? What makes them the branch? What was Godʼs purpose for them?
How is the Branch of the Lord connected to the land? What will the land be like? (Especially consider how this contrasts to some of the present descriptors of the land.)
Read John 15:1-8. Whilst the Branch here is not likely a specific reference to the Messiah, how have Christians been graed into Godʼs people through Jesus the vine?
What would the people “who remain” be called? What is meant by this?
Whilst verse 4 may sound specific to women, how can we be sure this applies to both men and women?
How would those who were saved become holy? How can we be made holy?
How does God use judgement as part of the working out of his purposes? What hope do we have?
What is the secure future that those graed into the Lord can be certain of? What are the parallels with the Exodus that are being drawn here?
How do we enjoy the Lordʼs presence, provision, and protection today? How will we know and experience this in a complete way in the future?

APPLY: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises?

PRAYER

Gracious God, we thank you that you are indeed working out your purposes and will bring them to fulfilment when the Lord Jesus returns. Please help us to be honest with our struggles and to grow in our trust in you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Where might you have new or existing opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion? If youʼre not sure, start by focusing on a time: what opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion at 10am?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “The Storm and the Refuge” by William Taylor
Listen: “Isaiah 1-5” by Gary Millar
Read (Academic Article): “A Christian Approach to Old Testament Prophecy Concerning Israel” by Christ Wright
Read: “The Fifth Gospel: Why Isaiah Matters” by N T Wright
Listen: “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” by Citizen

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/isaiah
Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview. https://bit.ly/3VdYQSa
Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah. https://certificate.ridley.edu.au/courses/isaiah
(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre )
Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3eaJbTn
Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer
Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Isaiah: Rebellious Children (Isaiah 1)

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 13:42:58 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the frist sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Rebellious Children”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: !saiah 1:1-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READINGS

Isaiah 1:1-20

The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!

For the LORD has spoken:

“I reared children and brought them up,

but they have rebelled against me.

The ox knows its master,

the donkey its owner’s manger,

but Israel does not know,

my people do not understand.”

Woe to the sinful nation,

a people whose guilt is great,

a brood of evildoers,

children given to corruption!

They have forsaken the LORD;

they have spurned the Holy One of Israel

and turned their backs on him.

Why should you be beaten anymore?

Why do you persist in rebellion?

Your whole head is injured,

your whole heart afflicted.

From the sole of your foot to the top of your head

there is no soundness—

only wounds and welts

and open sores,

not cleansed or bandaged

or soothed with olive oil.

Your country is desolate,

your cities burned with fire;

your fields are being stripped by foreigners

right before you,

laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.

Daughter Zion is left

like a shelter in a vineyard,

like a hut in a cucumber field,

like a city under siege.

Unless the LORD Almighty

had left us some survivors,

we would have become like Sodom,

we would have been like Gomorrah.

Hear the word of the LORD,

you rulers of Sodom;

listen to the instruction of our God,

you people of Gomorrah!

“The multitude of your sacrifices—

what are they to me?” says the LORD.

“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,

of rams and the fat of fattened animals;

I have no pleasure

in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

When you come to appear before me,

who has asked this of you,

this trampling of my courts?

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

Your incense is detestable to me.

New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—

I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals

I hate with all my being.

They have become a burden to me;

I am weary of bearing them.

When you spread out your hands in prayer,

I hide my eyes from you;

even when you offer many prayers,

I am not listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

Wash and make yourselves clean.

Take your evil deeds out of my sight;

stop doing wrong.

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”

says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the good things of the land;

but if you resist and rebel,

you will be devoured by the sword.”

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way that you can pour out God’s love with the most vulnerable on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

What would people who aren’t Christians think about the type of condemnation and words that we see in Isaiah chapter 1?
What type of genre is Isaiah? What was the context that he was writing in?

Read Isaiah 1:1-15

Why does Isaiah call on the earth and the heavens to listen to the Lord? What type of message does God have for his people?
Throughout Israel’s history, how has God provided for them and looked after them? What was their response to God’s love?
How did Israel’s rebellion against God present itself? What were the repercussions for this?
Do we ever rebel against God? In what ways can our forsaking of God present itself in our lives?
Are we ever at risk of making light of sin? What is God’s response to this rebellion and sin?
What was God’s response to the various acts of worship in Israel? Why was this so? How were they mistreating God?
If God prescribed this sort of worship in the Law, why then is Israel’s worship deemed repulsive?
If God doesn’t want this sort of religion, what does God desire of his people? How is this good news? In what ways are we free to live with and for him?
Are we ever tempted to fall into doing stuff for God rather than being in relationship with him? What could help us reframe our thinking?

Read Isaiah 1:16-20

Why is it good news that God invites his people to ‘settle the matter’ with him? How does God ultimately make a way for that to be permanently possible? What is the alternative?
How can we be completely confident that our sins have been completely done away with?
What could help you grow in your awe of God’s compassion, grace, and mercy for us?

APPLY: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times when we have rebelled against you and mistreated you. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness and help us to constantly be awed by your love and mercy. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What type of pressures are the people around you facing? How can you listen more intently and pray more intentionally this week?

Listen, Wat...

Big Issues: Abuse by Church Leaders

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:38:04 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Abuse by Church Leaders”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Matthew 18:1-14

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READINGS

Matthew 18:1-14

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Twofold: (a) What would help you to bring your suffering and struggles to Jesus in order that you may experience his compassion? (b) On one of your frontlines, what’s one opportunity to demonstrate compassion?

WARM-UP

In the face of the evil of abuse, what are some of the questions that people ask?
Do you know anyone for whom the issue of ‘Abuse by Church Leaders’ is a major belief blocker?
Given this is such a potentially distressing topic, why is it important for us to address it?

Read Matthew 18:1-5

What do the disciples ask Jesus? What do you think was the motivation for their question?
How important were children in the ancient world? How important are they in our culture?
Who is the greatest in the ‘kingdom of heaven’ like? What does Jesus mean by this? Is this surprising?
How is abuse a complete contradiction of Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable?
How is it evident that the earliest of Christians took Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable seriously?

Who are the most vulnerable in our society? How can make Jesus’ love for the most vulnerable a priority?

Read Matthew 18:6-14

What is Jesus’ warning to those who cause ‘one of these little ones’ to stumble? How is this an assurance that God is just and that justice will be done?
Why is it such good news that Jesus does not dismiss or diminish the seriousness of evil?
Are verses 8-14 meant to be enacted literally? How does this relate to repentance?
What are the ways corporately in which the church should repent of its failings to protect the most vulnerable and take responsibility for its shortcomings? What changed action should follow?
What does Jesus say not to do? What does he mean by this, along with welcoming little ones in his name?
How do we as a church seek to ensure a safe environment and sacrificially love those in need?
In what way is Jesus the ultimate shepherd? How does this give us cause to trust in him?

APPLY: What is one way that you can pour out God’s love with the most vulnerable on your frontlines?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we are so sorry for the ways in which we have betrayed your love and failed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. Please forgive us and help us to ensure not only safe environments for everyone in our community but also that we may actively care for those who have been hurt. Please help us to shine your light, even amidst the darkest of places, trusting in your love, justice, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: It’s not too late to invite someone along to the Alpha Launch Party! Come along together for a taste of Alpha, and enjoy music, nachos & an ice-cream bar. 10 October 7:30pm

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: Church Abuse and Leadership Scandals:
https://bit.ly/3e0yimT
Read: Matthew 25 – Prayer for Children’s Protection. By Heather Kliner.
https://bit.ly/35JsqFu
Read: Abuse in the Church. By Barney Zwatz. https://bit.ly/3qCgd1d
Read: An Apology to: Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church; the Forgotten Australians; and Survivors of Historic Forced Adoption Practices and Policies. By the Anglican Church of Australia: https://www.anglicanchurchsq.org.au/apologies

Support

Contact St Bart’s Care if you would like to chat with a team member: (07) 4636 2922
Other Support: Contact Relationships Australia www.relationships.org.au or 1300 364 277

SERIES Resources:

Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/bigissues
Book: “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin.
Book: “Bullies and Saints” by John Dickson.
Book: “Where is God in all the Suffering?” by Amy Orr-Ewing.

Grow as Families

Each we...

Big Issues: Suffering in the World

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 12:05:05 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Suffering in the World”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Matthew 9:35-38; Hebrews 2:5-18; 1 Peter 1:3-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READINGS

Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’

Hebrews 2:5-18

It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:

‘What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
You made them a little lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honour
    and put everything under their feet.’

In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says,

‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.’

And again,

‘I will put my trust in him.’

And again he says,

‘Here am I, and the children God has given me.’

1 Peter 1:3-12

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What area of life do you struggle to live consistently in line with Godʼs will? Bring it before God.

WARM-UP

Do you know anyone for whom suffering has been a significant ʻbelief blockerʼ? Have there ever been times in which your own experience (or witness) of suffering has caused you to wrestle with your faith?
What are the typical responses to suffering in our culture? When have you experienced/witnessed Christians demonstrate helpful and unhelpful responses to peopleʼs suffering?

Read Matthew 9:35-38

What has Jesus been doing so far in chapter 9? What does he dispatch the disciples to do in chapter 10?
When Jesus saw the crowds, what did he feel for them? Why did Jesus feel this way?
If Jesus has compassion for us – longing to be our shepherd – how is this encouraging news in the face of suffering and struggle? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus comes alongside us?
What helps you to experience Jesusʼ compassion day-to-day and especially in times of struggle? Has there been a time – of suffering – in which you experienced Jesusʼ compassion at work in your life?
How have you witnessed Godʼs compassion at work through Christian community?
On one of your main frontlines, how can you be a bearer of Jesusʼ compassion?
Why is it a dangerous idea to suggest that all personal suffering is connected with our own personal sin?
As sin entered the world, in what ways does this create a brokenness in the world? If sin is the root cause for the brokenness of the world, why would God create us with the capacity to sin?

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

What is Godʼs solution for suffering in the world? How does Jesus taking all suffering on himself show us definitively that God is neither cruel nor powerless?
In what ways were Jesusʼ healings both a demonstration of compassion and a pointer to the complete healing weʼll receive when he returns? How is Jesusʼ resurrection a victory for us all?
In your experience of suffering, how does the combination of Jesusʼ current presence and future return help you to persevere and make sense...

Big Issues: Hypocrisy of Christians

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 11:56:20 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our three-week series on Big Issues that Block Belief. This sermon is “Hypocrisy of Christians”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Matthew 23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Matthew 23

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

‘Everything they do is done for people to see: they make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the market-places and to be called “Rabbi” by others.

‘But you are not to be called “Rabbi”, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth “father”, for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

‘Woe to you, blind guides! You say, “If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.” You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, “If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.” You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!

‘You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation.

‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”’

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What could help you pray more consistently and boldly this week?

WARM-UP

What do you think people who donʼt know Jesus think about hypocrisy? What about in regards to the hypocrisy of Christians?

Read Matthew 25:1-12

Who were the Pharisees and teachers of the law? Why did Jesus tell the crowds to not do as they do but only do what they say?
Define hypocrisy. What sort of hypocrisy do we see in this passage in the teachers of the law? Does this mean that other types of hypocrisy are allowed? Why/why not?
Why are all types of hypocrisy arrogant? How did this arrogance show in the lives of the Pharisees? How might this present itself in our lives?
In what areas of life may you be more prone to hypocrisy? How might we ensure that we are living our lives consistently in the way of Jesus?

Read Matthew 25:23-36

What does ʻwoeʼ mean in this situation? Why does Jesus use it against the teachers of the law?
Where else in Matthew do we see Jesus calling out the hypocrites for their outward shows? Are you ever tempted to put our lives and deeds ʻon showʼ for others? Why?
What is the end result for those who are hypocrites and donʼt turn away from their sin?

Read Matthew 25:37-39

What does our culture think of and do to those who act in hypocritical ways? How is Jesus' response different?
What is the hope for the person who turns back to Jesus? While we await his return, what could help us live consistent lives in line with his?
How might you respond to someone who tells you that they are put off Christianity by the hypocrisy of Christians?

APPLY: What area of life do you struggle to live consistently in line with Godʼs will? Bring it before God.

PRAYER

Lord God, we are sorry for the times when we have lived hypocritical lives. Please help...

Real Faith: Prays

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:13:27 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Prays”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 5:13-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 5:7-12

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Identify one area in which you struggle to be patient. How does your future hope help enable you to wait?

WARM-UP

What do you think the people on your frontlines think about prayer?
How has prayer helped you in your walk with Jesus?

Read James 5:13-18

According to James, under what circumstances should we pray? Why is it comforting to be able to pray in times of trouble? When in any trouble, what is usually your initial response?
What is the possible ʻdangerʼ of times of peace or happiness? What is the antidote to this?
What is to be the main action of the elders of the community? What does the anointing represent?
Is there any guarantee from this passage that the sick person will be healed in this life? How can God heal people today?
When will the ultimate healing come? How is this far better than anything on this earth now?
How have you experienced the effectiveness of prayer in your life?
Do you ever doubt the effectiveness of prayer? Why/Why not? How could you reassure yourself that God hears our prayers?
How is your prayer life at this current moment? What patterns or rhythms or people (or a combination of them all!) could help you be consistent in prayer?

Read James 5:19-20

What does James call on us all to be doing in these verses? Do you feel like you could do this?
If you were to see someone wondering, how might you point them back to Jesus?
How is this of great comfort to you that people would be looking out for you?
What has been a new or renewed learning for you from James in this series? What could help you put this into practice?

APPLY: What could help you pray more consistently and boldly this week?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the amazing privilege of being your children and being able to pray to you. We are sorry for the times that we have neglected this. Please help us to be fervent in prayer and help us as a body to be looking out for one another as we grow as disciples together. We pray this in Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are three people you are praying for to become followers of Jesus? Alpha could be a great next step!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Real Faith Prays” by Paul Clarke
Listen: “James 5:13” by Dick Lucas
Listen: “Undivided” by John Dickson
Read: “Should We Anoint?” by Samuel Emadi

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: is Patient

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 11:21:21 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Patient”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 5:7-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 5:7-12

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Otherwise you will be condemned.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Identify one ʻdesire withinʼ that can sometimes lead you to quarrel. Submit it to God.

WARM-UP

What are the situations in which you are most likely to be impatient?
Have you had seasons in life (e.g., longings unfulfilled; hardships unresolved; questions unanswered) which have caused you to question Godʼs timing or goodness?

Read James 5:7-9

What are the trials that were being experienced by some of the people to whom James wrote? How could they have been tempted to take things into their own hands?
According to James, what is the main reason why we can be patient even amidst trial?
What does James mean by “the Lordʼs coming”? Why is this good news?
How is impatience sometimes a form of distrusting Godʼs timing or authority? Is God ever late?
How does a farmer wait for the crop? How does this inform how we are to wait for Jesusʼ return?
On your main frontline, what helps (or what could help) to remind you of the future hope you have?
Does waiting for Jesus to return mean that we have nothing to do? What does it look like to ʻstand firmʼ?
What are the various ways that our speech can be a reflection of standing firm?
What does James say not to do ʻagainst one anotherʼ? What does he mean by this? Do you ever do it?
How damaging is grumbling to our unity, mission, and witness?

Read James 5:10-11

Why are the prophets and Job helpful examples of patience in the face of suffering? Do you know of people who have been great examples to you?
Amidst suffering, how is Godʼs compassion and mercy a continuous comfort? How do you enjoy this?
How has God been patient with us? How can we be certain of his compassion and mercy?
What are the areas in life in which you have a tendency to rush ahead of God? What are some practical ways that you can slow down?

APPLY: Identify one area in which you struggle to be patient. How does your future hope help enable you to wait?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the incredible patience that you have demonstrated to us. Thank you that – just at the right time – you sent Jesus to save us. Please help us to trust your timing and delight in your compassion and mercy. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are three people you are praying for to become followers of Jesus? Alpha could be a great next step!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Real Faith is Patient” by Paul Clarke
Listen: “Be Patient” by Aneirin Glyn
Listen: “Patience in Suffering” by Michael Stead
Read: “Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Warren
Read: “Becoming Friends of Time” by John Swinton

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: is Humble

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 11:26:28 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Humble”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 4:1-5:6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 4:1-5:6

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

‘God opposes the proud
but shows favour to the humble.’

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbour?

Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is ONE way (or place) in which you need to be more careful in the use of your words? (Also: is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness for the use of your words?)

WARM-UP

What issues commonly create quarrels and fights amongst Christians? What was likely happening in the communities to whom James writes?
What are the effects of these conflicts? Have you ever experienced this personally? (Please donʼt feel pressure to share, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.)
Do you ever get into foolish arguments? What do you think is the cause of these quarrels?

Read James 4:1-3

What – according to James – is really at the heart of the problem? What does James mean by ʻdesires that battle within youʼ?
What was the fruit of these desires at work? Have you ever witnessed any of these?
Have you ever asked God for something with the wrong motive? How can we guard against this?
What does our culture proclaim is the path to ultimate satisfaction? Do you think, as followers of Jesus, that weʼre ever tempted to buy into this? How so?

Read James 4:4-10

What does James mean by calling the “adulterous” and as having “friendship with the world”?
Why does this form of ʻspiritual unfaithfulnessʼ mean enmity (or opposition) against God? How can divided loyalties be an expression of working against Godʼs kingdom priorities?
What is the difference of God being jealous for us rather than jealous of us? How is this good news?
What gifts has God given us to bring our lives in line with his desires? How do you enjoy this?
What do you think is at the heart of humbly coming to God? What has helped you with this?
What are the four parts of submitting our lives to God? What do each of these mean?
Is there any desire in your life (e.g., a longing, ambition, desire, resource, or time) that you need to submit to Godʼs will? How might you take a practical step towards that this week?

APPLY: Identify one ʻdesire withinʼ that can sometimes lead you to quarrel. Submit it to God.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times in which our desires do not line up with what you desire. Please help us – in the power of your Spirit – to submit every part of our lives to you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What words will you say (or keep unspoken) that will point people to the patience, kindness, and love of God this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Coming Back to God” by Mike Paget
Listen: “Real Faith Submits to God” by William Taylor
Listen: “Friendship with the World” by Chris Fishlock
Listen: “Genuine Faith and Godly Wisdom” by Jen Wilkins

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course...

Real Faith: Speaks

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 12:08:29 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Speaks”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 3:1-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: On your frontlines, what is one practical way that you can demonstrate your faith?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had an embarrassing or difficult moment of saying the wrong thing?

Read James 3:1-7

According to James, who will be judged more strictly for their words? How does this apply to everyone?
What are the first two illustrations that James uses about the tongue? How do these point to the disproportionate effect of the tongue in determining Christian maturity?
Is there a time in your life in which you have experienced the effect of words (positively or negatively) spoken to you? Is there a time in which you have helpfully held back from speaking?
How can the tongue be like a spark setting a ʻgreat forest ablazeʼ? What is the visual image of hell that the original readers may have had in the mind when they read Jamesʼ description?
How can technology enable our words to be spoken more rapidly, retained more permanently, and amplified more broadly? Is this good or bad? Why should this make us even more aware?
Why do you think that the tongue is so hard to tame? When do you find it most difficult?
If no human being alone can tame the tongue, why should we bother? What should we do?
If we have been wounded by words, how is it a comfort to know that in Jesus we find the one who has had every insult heaped on him? How can we find healing as we come to Christ?

Read James 3:8-12

Why is it such an issue when – with the same mouth – we praise God and curse another? (It might be helpful to explore what James means by ʻcurseʼ here.) How does James illustrate this inconsistency?
When we speak, how are we making a choice to deploy words either for ourselves or for God?
How can our words anticipate new creation, participate in Godʼs mission, and cooperate with the Spirit?
How can you be more intentional in your use of words for God? Is there a particular circumstance or frontline in which you need to be particularly mindful?

APPLY: What is ONE way (or place) in which you need to be more careful in the use of your words? (Also: is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness for the use of your words?)

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you that in your grace you have trusted us with a gift so powerful as the tongue. Please help us to be ever watchful, that we might use our speech for your glory and your purposes. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What helpful habits/cues remind you of Godʼs interest and presence with you on your frontline? Maybe it could be saying grace before lunch or praying while driving.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Worse Than Sticks and Stones” (Barneys Broadway)
Listen: “Genuine Faith Choose Words with Care” by Jen Wilkins
Listen: “Taming of the Tongue” by Doug Olsen
Listen: “James 3” by David Pitt
Read: “World Shaping Words”

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’...

Real Faith: Works

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 10:47:52 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Works”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 2:14-26

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there a frontline where you may be more prone to showing favouritism? How can Jesusʼ mercy for you transform how you view this situation?

WARM-UP

If someone on one of your frontlines was to ask you what the Gospel is all about, what would you tell them?
Do good works ever add to our salvation in any way? Why or why not?

Read James 2:14-19

What is wrong about claiming to have faith but having no action?
Can you think of examples where people have claimed to have faith, but havenʼt acted on it? Are we ever in danger of this?
What sort of actions or deeds does following Jesus require?
Is there an area in your life where you arenʼt submitting to Jesusʼ lordship? Practically, how could you bring this area into line with Jesusʼ will and actions?
How are deeds and actions a fruit of faith rather than a prerequisite to faith? Why is it so important to get this clear?
Is it enough to just mentally assent to a set of doctrines or belief? What does James have to say about this type of faith?
How can we ensure that we are submitting to Jesus as living sacrifices rather than just believing that ʻGod is oneʼ? Is there anyone who you could keep accountable to?

Read James 2:20-26

Why was Abraham initially considered to be righteous (cf. Gen 15:6)? How did he demonstrate this faith? Is James arguing for a ʻworks based righteousnessʼ in these verses? Why/why not?
Why is ʻfaith without deedsʼ considered to be dead?
How are we justified? How should we demonstrate this in our lives today?

APPLY: On your frontlines, what is one practical way that you can demonstrate your faith?

PRAYER

Lord God, thank you that we have been saved from sin entirely by your grace and mercy. Help us to never rely on our good deeds to save us, or to worry about our amount of good works, but always be assured of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Help us to live out our faith in every area of our lives, for your glory. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: If someone looked at your texts or emails, could they identify patience and compassion for others? Before you hit send this week, pause to consider how your words express love to others.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Undivided: The Letter of James Part 6” by John Dickson
Listen: “When Faith is Alive” by Rico Tice
Listen: “Real Faith...Works” by David Jackman

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: Loves

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:04:49 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Loves”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 2:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 2:1-13

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law-breakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law-breaker.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: As you seek to humbly accept the word planted in you, choose one of the following areas to focus on: slow to anger; authentic action, or controlled speech. Pray for opportunity and wisdom to grow in this area.

WARM-UP

Has there been a time where you have shown favouritism on your frontlines?
Can you recall a time when someone has demonstrated favouritism to someone else at your expense? How did it feel?

Read James 2:1-4

What is favouritism? What is the very first reason that James gives as to why we shouldnʼt show this?
If the situation in v2 were to happen on one of your frontlines, what do you think you would do?
What would be the most appropriate response to this situation?
Why can our judgements and thoughts about others be ʻevilʼ? How are our judgements different to that of Godʼs?

Read James 2:5-13

Who does God choose to inherit the kingdom? Can you think of other examples in the bible where God has chosen the least to be part of his Kingdom?
What does it mean to be ʻrich in the faithʼ? What is the hope of this?
Instead of honouring these people, who have the churches honoured? Why would they favour the rich people? What could have been their motive? Could we possibly ever do this?
Is there such a thing as a ʻsmall sinʼ? Why not? What reasons does James give?
What does this tell us about the seriousness of favouritism?
What is the ʻlaw that gives freedomʼ and how can we have hope since we all are law-breakers?
How should the way that Jesusʼ has treated us shape the way that we treat others?

APPLY: Is there a frontline where you may be more prone to showing favouritism? How can Jesusʼ mercy for you transform how you view this situation?

PRAYER

Lord God, thank you that you have not shown partiality but have saved us and brought us into your kingdom. Help us to not show favouritism but to show compassion and mercy as you have done for us. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Being Consistent” by Simon Manchester
Listen: “Family Favourites” by John Stott
Listen: “Caught in Two Minds 2” by Kevin Murdoch

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: Obeys

Amy Norman — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 11:33:24 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Obeys”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: James 1:19-27

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 1:19-27

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What habits or patterns can help you keep your mind on all that we have in Christ?

WARM-UP

As Christians, why is it so important that our lives line up with what we say we believe?
What do we do when we get it wrong? What helps you to keep on trying?

Read James 1:19-21

What is the ʻword of Godʼ that has been planted in us? How do we ʻhumblyʼ accept it?
According to James, what are the things that we should be ʻslowʼ at? Which do you find most difficult?
In what ways does our culture sometimes enable – or even reward – a reluctance to listen, quick speech, and a rapid escalation of anger?
What does James mean by “anger”? How is anger a problem that begins in the heart?
What damage does this type of anger do? What type of fruit does this type of anger inhibit?

Read James 1:22-25

Why does James claim that merely listening to the word is a form of self-deception? How does Jamesʼ illustration of the mirror highlight how foolish this really is? Why then do we struggle with it?
What is the perfect law that gives freedom? How should it help shape how we act?
Is there an area in your life in which you need to bring your action more closely in line with Godʼs word?
When Christians do things which are not in line with what they say they believe, or fail to act in accordance with the convictions they proclaim, how does this damage the proclamation of the Gospel?

Read James 1:26-27

Do you ever struggle to keep a reign on your tongue? Why is controlled speech important for Christians?
Why do you think James uses the example of caring for orphans and widows?
What helps you to be slow to anger and controlled in your speech? What hinders you?

APPLY: As you seek to humbly accept the word planted in you, choose one of the following areas to focus on: slow to anger; authentic action, or controlled speech. Pray for opportunity and wisdom to grow in this area this week.

PRAYER

Gracious Father, please help us to humbly accept the word that you have planted in us. Please especially help us to be slow to anger, authentic in action, and with controlled speech. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How do people around you respond to frustration? How does following Jesus change your response?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Genuine Faith is Actively Obedient to the Word” by Jen Wilkin
Listen: “What is the secret of pleasing God?” by John Stott
Listen: “More than listening” by Mike Paget
Listen: “First Fruits or Rotten Fruit?” by Kevin Murdoch

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: is Steadfast

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:52:16 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Steadfast”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: James 1:9-18

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 1:9-18

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one area of challenge that you need to seek Godʼs wisdom?

WARM-UP

If you were to ask people on your frontlines the question, “what is wrong with the world?” How do you think they would respond?

Read James 1:9-12

What sort of humble circumstances is James referring to here? Where might we see this?
What ʻhigh positionʼ can these people delight and take pride in? How can we have assurance that no matter our circumstances, we too share in this?
How can earthly riches be dangerous to our spiritual life? What sort of ʻhumiliationʼ should the rich person take pride in? In what ways is this counter-cultural?
Which group do you identify with at the moment? What practical things can help you remember all the riches that you have in Christ that are hidden at the moment?
When the world sees someone under trial, how might this shape their thoughts about God? Are these inline with Godʼs character and actions or not?
What practises or people have helped you persevere through trials? What is the ʻcrown of lifeʼ that is promised? While we wait for this, what comfort can we experience in this life now?

Read James 1:13-18

Where does temptation come from? Why doesnʼt God have anything to do with evil? How is this of great assurance to us?
In your personal life, is there a pattern that leads to sin? What is the danger if a lifestyle of sin goes unchecked? What is the certain hope for the sinner when they repent?
What type of things does God give? What things can deceive us from this?
Why is it good news for us that God does not change? What does it mean for us to be a ʻfirstfruitʼ?
How does seeing all the riches that we have in Christ change the way we face possessions, trials, and temptations?

APPLY: What habits or patterns can help you keep your mind on all that we have in Christ?

PRAYER

Gracious God, we thank you that you have saved us from death to life with you. Help us in trials and temptations to look to you for help, to ask you for wisdom, and grow in you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked a friend or colleague - do you think Jesus is a game changer? Maybe try it this week and invite them to the Public Lecture.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Recognise God” by Simon Manchester
Listen: “Real Faith is Steadfast” by Paul Clarke
Listen: “The Goodness of God” by Alistair Begg

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Real Faith: is Tested

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 11:48:05 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Tested”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 1:1-8

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 1:1-8

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you model humility on your frontlines this week?

WARM-UP

Amongst the most mature Christians that you know, do you know if they have experienced and persevered through suffering?
What are the ways in which trials tend to make us either bitter or better? What is it dependent on?

Read James 1:1-4

What do you know about the letter of James? Who is James? To whom does he write?
What is significant about Jamesʼ transition from unbeliever to being a devoted Christian, significant church leader (in Jerusalem and beyond), and – eventually – martyr?
What were the trials that were being faced by the recipients of the letters? What are the types of trials that we are likely to experience today?
Is James saying that the bad things arenʼt really that bad? How is our response to trials what matters?
Is the presence of trials a failure of faith? How can we hold grief and gratitude together?
How can our response to trials actually be an opportunity to grow in Christian maturity?
Can you think of any examples in your own life in which the way that you have responded to difficult circumstances has actually caused you to grow in Christian maturity?

Read James 1:5-8

According to James, what is the power that enables us to face trouble?
Who is the source of wisdom? What are the alternative sources that we sometimes run to?
On what basis can we have security of receiving wisdom? How should this cause us to act
What is meant by believing and not doubting? Why can we not be ʻdouble-mindedʼ?
How has community helped you to respond to trials with godly wisdom? How could it?
Have you ever asked for wisdom? Is there a challenge right now in which you need Godʼs wisdom?

APPLY: What is one area of challenge that you need to seek Godʼs wisdom?

PRAYER

Gracious God, please help us – in the face of trials - to respond with a wisdom that comes from you. Please, would you be at work in your gentleness and mercy shaping us in your likeness, even amidst and through the suffering that we experience. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked a friend or colleague - do you think Jesus is a game changer? Maybe try it this week and invite them to the Public Lecture.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Joy in Trials” by Mike Paget
Listen: “Real Faith is Tested” by Paul Clarke
Read: “The Gift of Suffering, Stress, and Opposition” by Dr Wei-Han Kuan

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Proverbs: Humility

The Rev'd Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 11:28:37 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our three-part Winter Warmers series on Proverbs. This sermon is “Humility”. Preacher: The Rev’d Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Proverbs 11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 11:1-13

The Lord detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favour with him.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.

The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

Hopes placed in mortals die with them;
all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.

With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbours,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

Whoever derides their neighbour has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you speak words of wisdom on your frontlines this week?

WARM-UP

Do you find it “hard to be humble”?
Describe the most humble person you have met? What was their impact on you?

Read Proverbs 11:1-2

What is pride? What is humility? How are they different?
What comes with pride? What comes from humility?
What examples of pride in the bible speak to you powerfully? What examples of humility do you relate to?

Read Proverbs 11:4, 26, 28

How does pride affect our relationship with God?
What are the common sources of pride in Australian society?
Why is wealth such a powerful cause of pride?
How does wealth affect our relationship with God and our relationships with others?
How can we detect when pride is becoming an issue? Who could help you with that?

Read Proverbs 11:24-25

Why is humility so important for Christians? How did Jesus model humility?
What is the connection between wisdom and humility?
What is the link between humility and generosity? How has the generosity of a fellow Christian influenced your faith?
How could you be generous on your frontlines?
How could St Bartʼs demonstrate humility and generosity in Toowoomba and further afield?

APPLY: How could you model humility on your frontlines this week?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank-you for Jesusʼ example of humility expressed in his life and death. Help us to be alert to pride, so that we can totally depend on you. Help us to grow in humility, generosity, wisdom and faith. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked a friend or colleague - do you think Jesus is a game changer? Maybe try it this week and invite them to the Public Lecture.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Spiritual Pride” by Dick Lucas
Listen: “The Problem of Pride” by Alistair Begg
Listen: “Two Mouths” by Don Carson
Read: “How Pride Poisons the Soul” by Sam Storms

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Proverbs: Words

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 13:29:02 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our three-part Winter Warmers series on Proverbs. This sermon is “Words”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Proverbs 10:11-32

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 10:11-32

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Hatred stirs up conflict,

but love covers over all wrongs.

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,

but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

The wise store up knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,

but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

The wages of the righteous is life,

but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,

but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips

and spreads slander is a fool.

Sin is not ended by multiplying words,

but the prudent hold their tongues.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,

but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

The lips of the righteous nourish many,

but fools die for lack of sense.

The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,

without painful toil for it.

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,

but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

What the wicked dread will overtake them;

what the righteous desire will be granted.

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,

but the righteous stand firm forever.

As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

so are sluggards to those who send them.

The fear of the Lord adds length to life,

but the years of the wicked are cut short.

The prospect of the righteous is joy,

but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,

but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

The righteous will never be uprooted,

but the wicked will not remain in the land.

From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,

but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,

but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you grow in your appreciation and living out of God’s wisdom this week?

WARM-UP

In the public sphere, how have you seen words build up or bring people down?
Have you ever been built up by someone else's words?

Read Proverbs 10:11-14

What is the mouth of the righteous likened to? What images spring to mind when you think of this? How does one become righteous?
What things could we say or do (or even sing!) to provide life for others and build them up? Who could you encourage and build up this week?
In contrast, what do the words of the wicked do? Have you ever been on the receiving end of things such as these? Have you ever said such things as these?
What is our hope if we have sinned against others by speaking words that tore them down?

Read Proverbs 10:8; 18-24

What do these verses tell us about how a wise person uses their words? How about the fool?
Can you think of times on your frontlines where it is better to not say anything at all or wait to speak? What could help you in this?
How does restraint in words make them all the more valuable?

Read Proverbs 10:27-32

What can give us the great reassurance that we are righteous?
What is in store for those who are righteous and speak words of wisdom? What about the wicked?
How can we ensure that we aren’t just paying lip service to Jesus but have turned and are turning to him with our whole heart and lives? What things are a sign of this?

APPLY: How could you speak words of wisdom on your frontlines this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have made us righteous by Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are sorry for the times when our lives haven’t matched this and we have been foolish in our words and actions. Help us to be wise in how we use our words to build up and to point to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked a friend or colleague - do you think Jesus is a game changer? Maybe try it this week and invite them to the Public Lecture.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Proverbs: Wisdom

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:17:46 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our three-part Winter Warmers series on Proverbs. This sermon is “Wisdom”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 3:1-20

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Whatʼs one practical way that you can grow in your devotion to praying missionally?

WARM-UP

What is the biblical definition of wisdom?
On your frontlines, what actions or values are considered as ʻwiseʼ and something to pursue? What things could you ʻaffirmʼ and what things are against the wisdom of God?

Read Proverbs 3:1-12

According to the opening chapters of Proverbs, how does one begin to gain wisdom? What does this mean in practise?
What sort of things is the author calling us to do in these verses and what things are the fruit of these actions?
If we live according to these ways does this mean that we will live perfectly healthy and wealthy lives? Why/why not?
In what times and areas of your life do you find it easy or hard to trust in the Lord? Why? How do we know that God is trustworthy?
What are some ways in which we might be tempted to follow our own wisdom rather than Godʼs?
What does this passage tell us about when we face hardship or discipline? Why shouldnʼt we be trying to link these with sins? Why do we face them?
When life gets hard or tricky, how does this impact your relationship with God?

Read Proverbs 3:13-20

If the world was to finish the following sentence, what would they add? “Blessed are those who...”
What is the value of wisdom in this passage? Why does nothing of this world compare to the wisdom of God?
In your life, do you value wisdom? How does this work out in practice?
What is the wisest thing that a person can do?

APPLY: How could you grow in your appreciation and living out of Godʼs wisdom this week?

PRAYER

Loving Father, thank you that you have given us your word and your wisdom. Help us to pursue your wisdom, to fear you, to be in awe of you, and to live our lives in your wisdom. Through our lives, may people see your wisdom at work in us and come to know you. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities will you have to proclaim the gospel this week? If youʼre not sure - ask a friend!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Life Under Godʼs Eye” by Christopher Ash
Listen: “The Privilege of Discipline” by Christopher Ash
Listen: “Wisdom and the Good Life” by David Jackman
Listen: “On Life” by Simon Manchester

SERIES Resources:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Colossians: Prayer, Proclamation, and Partnership

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 13:23:17 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Prayer, Proclamation, and Partnership”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 4:2-18

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 4:2-18

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?

WARM-UP

What has stood out for you in the letter to the Colossians?
Do you ever feel inadequate or powerless to proclaim the Good news of Jesus? What encourages you?

Read Colossians 4:2-6

What is the threefold pattern of prayer that Paul describes? Why do you think each part is essential?
Why is prayer so important in the mission of God? How could you grow more in devotion to prayer?
What in particular does Paul ask the Colossians to pray for? What does this tell us about Paul?
What would be helpful things for us to pray for those who have a ministry of proclaiming the Gospel?
In what way is Christianity not merely an introspective faith but one orientated outward? To whom?
What does it mean to ʻmake the most of every opportunityʼ? Do you ever feel pressured by this?
What – according to Paul – should our conversations be characterised by? Where is that likely for you?
Is there an opportunity that youʼve recently had for a conversation about faith (regardless of how ʻsimpleʼ you might think it is)? How did it go? Is there a natural next step?
What does it mean to ʻknow how to answer everyoneʼ? What is most helpful in equipping you to be able to answer people on your frontline? Are there ways you could more intentionally pray and prepare?

Read Colossians 4:7-18

Is there anyone in the cast of farewell characters that stands out for you here?
What types of relationships does Paul refer to? How is it clear that partnership is essential in mission?
How do we as a community support one another in our witness to the world?
Who partners, supports, and encourages you in your Christian walk? Who do you support?
What is one way that people could pray for your witness on your main frontline?

APPLY: Whatʼs one practical way that you can grow in your devotion to praying missionally?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the privilege to participate in your mission to the world through prayer, proclamation, and partnership. Please grow our desire to share the Good News that we would be fervent in prayer and attentive to see the opportunities that you place before us on our frontlines. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen/Watch: “Christ our Sustenance and Help” by Barneys
Listen: “The Spirituality Works in the World” by William Taylor
Read: “Nympha and her House Church” by Michael Bird
Read (Book): “Need to Know” by Gary Millar: Available in the St Bart’s Library
Read (Book): “The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission” by John Dickson:
Available in the St Bartʼs Library

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course

Colossians: At Church, Home, and Work

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:45:26 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “At Church, Home, and Work”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-4:11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 3:12-4:1

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What things of the old life do you need to take off? What things can you put on to help you?

WARM-UP

When have you been the recipient of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience? (Particularly think about an example from either church, home, or work – as relevant).

Read Colossians 3:12-17

What does it mean to be chosen and dearly loved by God? What does it mean to you to know that we too are chosen and dearly loved?
What does Paul say that the Colossians should ʻclotheʼ themselves with? Can you define them?
What most challenges you on this list? Is there anything that is currently particularly hard?
How can prayer and practice help cultivate these virtues? How does the power of the Spirit enable us?
When we (or others) get the virtues wrong, what should we be quick to do? Why is that the case?
Do you find it hard to forgive? Is there anything troubling you right now? How could the group pray?
How do you see verses 15 and 16 reflected in the life of our church? How do we nurture this?

Read Colossians 3:18-25

As Paul applies the metaphor of getting dressed, what are the frontlines that he most has in mind?
Who was part of a typical household in the Greco-Roman world? Do you think this would have made it easier or harder to be an authentic Christian witness?
Does anything stand out for you in these verses? Are you surprised by anything Paul does or doesnʼt say?
How is Paulʼs expectations for wives and husbands consistent with culture and also counter-cultural?
How radical was the concept of some form of mutuality in marriage, parenting, and slavery?
Why do you think Paul doesnʼt call for immediately overturning slavery? Does this mean he supports it?
What are the opportunities you have to demonstrate the virtues in your household and/or workplace?
What does Paul mean by ʻwhatever you doʼ? Whatʼs le out? Is there anything in your life that you currently find it hard to know how best to orientate it for the Lord?

APPLY: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you that our identity and future is hidden in Christ. Please help us to take off the things not of you and instead put on all that you desire for us. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: Podcast episode: “Why is our Culture so Obsessed with Identity?” by Brian Rosner
Listen: “Christ our New Master” from Barneys Broadway
Listen: (Paid): Finding our Identity in Christ
Book: “Virtue Reborn” by Tom Wright
Read: “The 6Mʼs” by the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARG...

Colossians: Growing in Christ

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 11:35:53 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Growing in Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 3:1-11

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you be on guard against taking up or promoting counterfeit forms of spirituality?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had to change jobs to another company in the same field? What was it like doing the same job under different ownership?
Whose ownership are we under? Why? How does this shape the way we live our lives?

Read Colossians 3:1-4

How have we been ʻraised with Christʼ? What event can give us the ultimate confirmation of our hope of our relationship with God and future?
Where are we to set our hearts and minds? What does this mean in practice for us? Where are we usually drawn to setting our hearts and minds?
Where is our life ʻhiddenʼ at the moment? How can this give us a secure hope?
When will this all be revealed? In what ways can you shape your life in the light of this certain expectation and hope?

Read Colossians 3:5-11

What things are we to put to death? What sort of things does the world tell us to ʻput to deathʼ?
What are some practical ways to put these things away if tempted by them?
How does Paul remind us of both the seriousness of these things but the hope of Jesus in these verses?
How can we be assured of Godʼs forgiveness if we fall into any of these lists in V5 and V8? To which life do these things belong?
What does it mean to take off the old self and put on the new? In what ways is the new completely different to and better than the old? What things can help remind you of the new self?
What next steps could you take to grow in your intimacy with and knowledge of God?
Are there any barriers between those who are in Jesus? What barriers may we be tempted to put up? What is the thing that unifies us?

APPLY: What things of the old life do you need to take off? What things can you put on to help you?

PRAYER

Lord, thanks that you have brought us from death to life in Jesus. Help us to keep our eyes, our wills, our desires, and our actions focused on you. Keep us from the things of old and help us to grow in the new. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you pray for the politics of our country & the politics on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Life and Death” by Simon Manchester
Listen: “A spirituality that works personally” by William Taylor
Listen: “Behaving” by Alistair Begg
Read: “Holiness” by JC Ryle

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Colossians: The Freedom of Christ

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 29 May 2022 11:53:29 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “The Freedom of Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 2:16-23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 2:16-23

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What could most help you be rooted and built up in Jesus?

WARM-UP

Have you ever felt inadequate as a Christian compared to others? Whatʼs the antidote?
What are the types of “counterfeit spirituality” that you have experienced?

Read Colossians 2:16-17 (Freedom from the Super-Religious)

What does Paul mean by, “do not let anyone judge you”? How might the Colossian Christians have experienced the judgement of others?
What were the extra things forbidden and required of the Colossians by those judging them?
What does Paul mean by his description of these things being a ʻshadowʼ of the reality in Christ?
What are the common sort of ʻrulesʼ that people add to the Gospel today? Have you experienced this?

Read Colossians 2:18-19 (Freedom from the Super-Spiritual)

What does Paul mean by, “do not let anyone disqualify you”?
What sort of ʻsuper-spiritualʼ things could have been happening around the Colossians?
How can these sort of ʻsuper-spiritualʼ things both appeal to our pride and play on our insecurities?
What does Paul say about those who endlessly pursue such spiritual experience? What does he mean?
What are the common types of spiritual experiences pushed onto Christians as necessary today?
Why are such spiritual experiences not necessary for salvation or as a ʻmakerʼ of belonging?

Read Colossians 2:20-23 (Freedom for that which Lasts)

What sort of strange practices were happening at the time? How could these be both attractive and ineffective? Do you think we could ever be attracted to such practices today?
If we do not belong to this world, to whom do we belong?
If we belong to Christ, what do we have freedom from? What do we have freedom for?
On what basis does Paul argue that we do not need to follow human commands or traditions to be saved?

APPLY: How can you be on guard against taking up or promoting counterfeit forms of spirituality?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you that it is because of Jesus alone that we can have confidence of eternity with you. Please guard us from taking-up or propagating counterfeit spirituality. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you pray for the politics of our country & the politics on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “A qualified spirituality open under investigation” by William Taylor
Listen: “Alive with Christ” by Chris Wright
Listen: “Christ: Realities, Not Rules” by Mike Paget

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Colossians: Fullness in Christ

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 22 May 2022 11:30:56 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Fullness in Christ”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 2:6-15

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 2:6-15

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What next steps can you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who can keep you accountable?

WARM-UP

Are there ever ways in which youʼre tempted to think, “if only I had ______” or “if only I did this ______” or “Iʼd be a more fulfilled/complete Christian, if I ______”?

Read Colossians 2:6-7 (Goal: Be Rooted and Built Up in Jesus)

In what way does Paul want the Colossians to continue walking with Jesus?
What does it mean to be both rooted and built up in Jesus? What type of images is Paul appealing to?
As we continue to walk with Jesus, why is it essential to be both rooted and built up in Jesus?
What are the rhythms or relationships that help you to hold fast and grow up in Jesus? How would you like to go deeper in your knowledge about Jesus and your relationship with Jesus?
How are you being: (a) strengthened in faith; and (b) cultivating an “overflowing” thankfulness?

Read Colossians 2:8 (Warning: Don’t be Taken Captive)

What is Paulʼs warning to the Colossians? What does he mean by being ʻtaken captiveʼ?
In what way were people telling the Colossians that their faith was insufficient or infantile?
What are the common ways that Christians are challenged (by other Christians) that they need ʻspecialʼ additional rituals, rules, knowledge, or experiences to be authentic Christians?
What are the hollow and deceptive philosophies of our culture that can take us captive? Is Paul against all philosophy or reasoning? How do we discern what is helpful and what is dangerous?
How do we ʻsee to itʼ that weʼre not taken captive by that which is shallow or deceptive?

Read Colossians 2:9-15 (Remember: Your Fullness in Christ)

In what way do we find all fullness in Jesus? Why is everything else therefore just a poor substitute?
What was the point of circumcision? How have the Colossian Christians been circumcised in Christ?
According to Paul, how is baptism connected to Jesusʼ death and resurrection?
How did Jesus disarm the powers and authorities, making a spectacle of the cross? Is this good news?

APPLY: What could most help you be rooted and built up in Jesus?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the never-changing Good News of Jesus. Please help us to be rooted and built up in Jesus, not to be taken captive, and remember the fullness of Jesus. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: In what ways has God been at work on your frontline? Take some time this week to stop, pray, and give thanks!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Fa...

1 John: The Real Life and Light

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 15 May 2022 11:24:38 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is a one-off sermon from the book of 1 John. This sermon is “The Real Life and Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 John 1:1-2:2

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?

WARM-UP

Have you ever tried using virtual reality technology? How was the experience?
What can help us discern between what is real and what is fake?

Read 1 John 1:1-4

What sort of experience is John writing about in these first verses? Who is he writing about?
Are you confident in the physical resurrection of Jesus and the hope of eternal life? What is the source of this confidence and hope?
What does it mean to have fellowship with each other and with God?
Have you ever known someone close to you who has turned to Jesus in your lifetime? How did it make you feel seeing them come to know him?

Read 1 John 1:5-2:2

How does John describe God in these verses? How is God different from the people and things of this world?
Why is it inconsistent to claim fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness? Does this mean that we have to reach a sinless state and live perfectly? Why/why not?
If you were to be presented with a full record of your sin, how would you feel? What has Jesus done with all of these sins and how? How can we have this?
How does the world react to the concept of forgiveness? How do you react to being forgiven?
Is there any sin or any one who is too far from Godʼs forgiveness? How can we have this assurance? How should this shape how we proclaim the gospel to people?
What does it look like to live as people who have been forgiven?

APPLY: What things or patterns could help remind you of the forgiveness that we have because of Jesus?

PRAYER

Gracious God, we thank you for how much you love us, for how deep your mercy is for us, for how much you have forgiven us. Please help us to never lose sight of the grandior of what you have done for us. Keep us from a gospel of law but remind us of your mercy continually. We ask this in Jesusʼ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What is the culture on your frontlines like? Is your approach to avoid, assimilate, or transform?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “1 John 1:1-2:2” by Don Carson
Listen: “Confident because of Jesus' death” by William Taylor
Listen: “Three Spurious Claims” by Alistair Begg
Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Colossians: Gospel Ministry

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 08 May 2022 11:24:50 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Gospel Ministry”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:5

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 1:24-2:5

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?

WARM-UP

What are the ʻgood news storiesʼ that we can sometimes see in this world? How do these compare to the Gospel?

Read Colossians 1:24-29

Is there anything lacking in Jesusʼ work on the cross for our salvation? Why or why not?
What does Paul mean when he refers to his own suffering in V24?
In what ways have you personally experienced suffering or hardship for proclaiming Jesus? Who is with us even amongst these trials? How is this good news?
In what way is Paul presenting the word? What is the mystery that it contains?
How is Christ ʻin usʼ? Where in your week do you need this reminder that God is with and in you? How could you remind yourself of this?
What does it mean for us to be mature in Christ? What does Paul do to encourage the Colossians in maturity? How can we grow in our maturity in Christ?

Read Colossians 2:1-5

Who is at the centre of Paulʼs ministry? Who should be at the centre of our lives and how we live on our frontlines? How could make him the centre of all we do?
In what ways do you find it difficult to live for Jesus on your frontlines?
Are there opportunities to proclaim Jesus on your frontlines? How could you take them up in the knowledge that God is with you?
What were some of the ʻfine-soundingʼ arguments of the first century? What are some of the arguments of today that could distract us from Jesus?

APPLY: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?

PRAYER

Lord God, how we thank you for the amazing privilege of being called to you and to be able to join in your mission to bring all things under Christ. Help us to live faithfully on our frontlines; give us words with which to proclaim your good news; and give us your strength. We pray for the glory of your name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Buried and Made Alive with Him” by Peter Adam: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/53330/audio/
Listen: The Suffering Servant and the hope of glory” by Simon Gillham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykjBLWYL9Pw
Listen: “A global spirituality on offer to all” by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/56891/
Listen: “Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ” by Alistair Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/
Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin

SERIES Resources:

Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook:

Colossians: The Greatness of Jesus

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 01 May 2022 16:37:47 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “The Greatness of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 1:15-23

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the challenges in your walk with God presently? How could you take another next step?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had an encounter with someone famous or “important”?
What are the ways in which the world diminishes Jesusʼ greatness? What are the ways in which you are sometimes tempted to diminish your view of Jesusʼ greatness?

Read Colossians 1:15-20

What does Paul mean by the “Son” being the image of the invisible God”?
If someone wanted to know who God is or what God is like, why do they only need to look to Jesus?
What are the ways in which Jesus is supreme in creation? Are there any domains le out?
In what way do the priorities of our church reflect that Jesus is in charge?
What does Paul mean by Jesus being the beginning and firstborn from among the dead? How does this fill you with expectant hope?
What is it about Jesusʼ greatness that fills you with wonder and awe? How is this reflected in your life?

Read Colossians 1:21-23

What is the way in which Paul claims that Jesus is supreme in salvation? What is meant by Jesus having reconciled the Colossians through the blood of the cross?
Why is it necessary to have peace with God? How can we grasp and enjoy peace with God today?
How has Jesusʼ death and resurrection transformed our past, present, and future?
In what way has Jesusʼ death and resurrection reconciled the entire cosmos to himself?
How were the Colossians being challenged to ʻaddʼ to the Good News? How are we sometimes challenged or tempted to ʻaddʼ to the Gospel?
How does Jesusʼ greatness provide you with security day-to-day? How can you practically keep growing in your recognition of how great Jesus is?
If Jesusʼ is comprehensively supreme in creation and salvation, what should our response be to him?

APPLY: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the supremacy of Jesus in creation and salvation. Please give us a clearer view of Jesusʼ greatness that our faith will grow in accordance with who he is and what he has done. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook) COMING SOON
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Colossians: Following Jesus

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:02:34 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Following Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:1-14

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In light of Jesusʼ resurrection: how can you grow more in his presence, power, or purpose?

WARM-UP

Together, what information can you brainstorm about the letter to the Colossians?
Why do you think following Jesus is often described as walking with the Lord? What does it mean to “live a life worthy of the Lord”?

Read Colossians 1:1-8

On writing to the Colossians, what cause was there for Paul to give thanks to God? Do you see any of these characteristics evident in our own community? (If so, donʼt forget to give thanks!)
What is the relationship between the Colossiansʼ ʻfaith and loveʼ and the hope stored up for them?
What does Paul mean by a hope that has been ʻstored upʼ for them in heaven? Why was it so important for Paul to remind the Colossians of this hope?
How does (or should) a certain hope of the future shape the way in which we live today?

Read Colossians 1:9:14

How important of a role did prayer play in Paulʼs understanding of mission? How could you more intentionally shape your prayer life missionally? (Try to think of content and rhythm.)
Where does ultimate wisdom and understanding come from? How do you seek wisdom from God?
Are you growing in your hunger for Godʼs will? Is there an area in which you are seeking or resisting it?
How in recent years has your life been re-prioritised by Kingdom of God priorities?
What are the ways that Paul suggests please God? Does our salvation depend on pleasing God?
As you consider what pleases God, which of these aspects do you think you need to grow in more? How might this involve a laying down of self in order to prioritise what pleases God more?
Do you think that patience and endurance are particularly counter-cultural today? How does trusting in Godʼs timing help grow us in patience and endurance? Do you know any personal examples of this?
What does it mean that we have been qualified, rescued, and redeemed? Spend some time unpacking each of these words and any implications.

APPLY: What are the challenges in your walk with God at the moment? How could you take another next step?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for the certain hope that we have because Jesus is the Risen Lord. Please help us to order our lives – individually and as a church – in line with your Kingdom priorities. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How do you prioritise time each week to get to know the people on your frontline? Maybe, it is eating lunch with others or slowing down during school pickup.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen: “Full Repatriation” by John Stott
Listen: “Lecture: Why Colossians” by Dick Lucas
Listen: “The Word of Truth” by William Taylor
Read: “What! No Pearly Gates” by Rory Shiner
Read: “Plans to Excavate Colossae”

SERIES Resources:

Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook) COMING SOON
Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying mean...

Encountering Jesus: Easter Day 2022

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 11:49:56 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the twelfth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is from Easter Day. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 24:36-49

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 24:36-49

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In light of Godʼs grace, what one area of your life needs some further ʻre-orderingʼ?

WARM-UP

Whatʼs your earliest memory of celebrating Easter? Did you do anything differently this year?
Has there been a significant moment when you came to understand Jesusʼ death and/or resurrection?

Read Luke 23:32-49

According to the people watching, who did they think Jesus had claimed to be? Why do you think they had connected the potential to be the Messiah with the necessity for him to save himself?
What was crucifixion like? Other than an instrument of execution, what was the purpose of it?
Why was the idea that the Messiah would be crucified so scandalous?
What was Jesusʼ promise to one of the thieves? How does this point to Jesusʼ purpose on the cross?
What happens at noon? What is significant about Jesusʼ words and what happens in the temple?
What does the centurion do? What do you think caused him to praise God at this point?
What is the best response we can make to Jesusʼ death? How can you praise him daily for this?
How does Jesusʼ death transform how you approach one of your frontlines?

Read Luke 24:36-49

How does Jesus greet the disciples? Why do you think they were frightened? How would you respond?
What are the varied ways in which Jesusʼ death and resurrection bring us peace?
Was Jesusʼ resurrection physical? How does our future get bundled up with Jesusʼ resurrection?
Who were the first witnesses to the resurrection? Why wouldnʼt some of the disciples believe them? 15. Does Jesusʼ resurrection sound like nonsense to people today? Whatʼs a helpful way to discuss it?
If Jesus is alive, what does that mean for the capacity for relationship with him? How do you enjoy this?
In what way are we also witnesses? How does Jesusʼ resurrection shape our lifeʼs purpose?
What is something that youʼre finding challenging? How does Jesusʼ resurrection transform this?
What did Jesus tell the disciples to wait for? How are we also recipients of this power?

APPLY: In light of Jesusʼ resurrection: how can you grow more in his presence, power, or purpose?

PRAYER

Almighty Lord, thank you for Jesusʼ death and resurrection, along with the certainty that Jesus brings. Please help me – for your glory – to live a life transformed by Jesusʼ presence, power, and purpose. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who is someone you think would be unlikely to come to faith? Pray & invite them to Alpha (you might be surprised at their response!). Click here for more information.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Listen (Talk): “A Thief Welcomed” by William Taylor
Listen (Talk): “A Tomb Vacated” by William Taylor
Listen (Oratorio): “St Johnʼs Passion” by Bach
Read (Book): “The King and the Cross” by Tim Keller
Read (Article): “How a Cancer Diagnosis Makes Jesusʼ Death and Resurrection Mean More”
Read (Article): “The Cry of the Cross” by Simon Camilleri

SERIES Resources:

Resource: Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
Resource: St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Encountering Jesus: Good Friday 2022

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:00:38 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from our Good Friday Service 2022.

DOWNLOAD the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Encountering Jesus: Maundy Thursday 2022

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:57:58 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from our Maundy Thursday Service 2022.

DOWNLOAD the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Encountering Jesus: The Greedy Traitor

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 13:35:49 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eleventh sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Greedy Traitor’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 19:1-10

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What distracts you from hearing God’s Word? How could you avoid it or lessen it?

WARM-UP

What’s significant about Jericho? Where was Jesus passing through to?

Read Luke 19:1-4

What do we know about Zacchaeus? Why were tax collectors considered to be traitors and cheats?
How could tax collectors become wealthy? What did it mean that Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector?
Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus? What did he need to leave behind to climb the tree?
In order to follow Jesus are there any aspects of your pride that you have needed to leave behind?

Can you think of any modern examples of how people might just ‘peek’ at Jesus from the sidelines? Do you know anyone who looks to Jesus from a distance? How could you encourage them closer?

Read Luke 19:5-10

How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus spotted him and called him? Who is taking the initiative?
What does Jesus say? How is it clear that this is more than Jesus inviting simply himself over for dinner?
How does Zacchaeus respond? What does it mean that he welcomed Jesus gladly? (cf. Revelation 3:20)
In what way are we still able to welcome Jesus gladly into our lives today? When did you first do this?
Why was everyone so upset that Jesus went to eat with Zacchaeus? Can we ever be resentful like this?
Is there anyone in your life (or on your frontlines) whom you sometimes are tempted to think is beyond salvation? How should this encounter reshape that view? How could you better respond?
How is it evident that Zacchaeus was deeply convicted of his sin and wanted to repent of his ways? How does Zacchaeus compare to the rich young ruler from earlier in Luke? (cf. Luke 18:18-23)
How do you think Zacchaeus’ employees would have responded to his new found ways?
On one of your frontlines (e.g., work or friends), how is it evident to others that grace has taken a grip on your life? In what area of your life do you think grace needs to have a greater ‘re-ordering’ effect’?
What is Jesus’ mission? How did Jesus becoming the ultimate ‘outsider’ make that possible?

APPLY: In light of God’s grace, what one area of your life needs some further ‘re-ordering’?

PRAYER

How can your conversations about the Easter long weekend point to Jesus and the events of Easter?

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Contrary Sisters

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 15:16:39 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the tenth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Contrary Sisters’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you reach out to Jesus this week?

WARM-UP

What are some everyday situations that you find yourself in where it’s not good to be distracted?

Read Luke 10:38-40

What are the two different actions that Mary and Martha do?
What do you think may have motivated Martha to go about being busy when Jesus was there?
Is there anything wrong with serving Jesus or doing acts of service? Why or Why not?
How could our good acts of service go wrong or prove to be unhelpful?
What is so remarkable about what Mary was doing?
Are we ever in danger of being too busy with good things that we miss the best thing? Specifically, what can pull you away from spending time with God?
Why do you think Martha appealed to Jesus instead of Mary with her complaint? What response may she have been expecting from Jesus?

Read Luke 10:41-42

How did Jesus respond to Martha’s request?
What sort of things was Martha worried about? Were they bad things?
What is the main thing that is needed? Why is this more important than being busy?
Does this mean that we should drop everything and just read and not worry about doing any acts of service or ministry? Why/why not?
Why do you think Luke placed this passage right after the parable of the Good Samaritan?
How then should we prioritise how we spend time in God’s word and how we serve God on our frontlines? What should drive us into service?

APPLY: What distracts you from hearing God’s word? How could you avoid it or lessen it?

PRAYER

Loving Father, thank you that we can listen to and study your word. Please help us to prioritise this and make time for it in our lives. Give us discernment and wisdom as to when we need to leave good things behind to pursue this best thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Bleeding Woman

The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 11:14:52 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Bleeding Woman’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Luke 8:40-48

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 8:40-48

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How might you take a stand against the ways of evil this week?

WARM-UP

Have you been caught up in a surging crowd? How did that feel?
Who or what has helped you through a complex situation (health or otherwise)?

Read Luke 8:40-46

How is this situation similar and different to the healing of the Centurionʼs servant? (see Luke 6:1-3)
What are the differences between Jairus and the woman with bleeding?
Have there been times when you identify with Jairus or the woman in terms of approaching God?
What medical condition does this woman face? Why is it so disabling?
What has this woman tried so far? What have been the consequences? (see also Mark 5:25-26)
Why couldnʼt this woman approach Jesus directly?
What was the difference between Jesus and her other so-called ʻhealersʼ?
What does this womanʼs actions tell us about her faith?
How did Jesus heal the woman? Was the healing complete? How would this healing change her life?
Have you experienced healing from Jesus? Share your experiences, if you are comfortable to do so.

Read Luke 8:47-48

Jesus stops on his way to heal a dying child. How would Jairus be feeling?
Have you ever felt impatient with God?
Why does Jesus ask the woman to identify herself in front of the crowd? How would it benefit her?
Do you feel accepted by God as a son or daughter?
If so, how do you experience Godʼs peace? If not, what is the next step you can make towards Jesus?

APPLY: How can you reach out to Jesus this week?

PRAYER

Loving Father, thank you that you know us and our deepest needs. Help us to know that, like the bleeding woman, we can reach out to you confident that you will stop, take notice and respond with compassion and kindness. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Where are the places that you spend the most time during the week? What are your current frontlines?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Possessed Man

Amy Norman — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:52:22 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Possessed Man’. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Luke 8:26-39

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 8:26-39

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in a way that demonstrates how thankful we are for our forgiveness?

WARM-UP

What are the common conceptions or ideas about evil in our culture? How does this contrast to a biblical understanding of the problem of evil?

Read Luke 8:26-29

What has just happened before this encounter? How have we witnessed Jesusʼ authority so far?
How did the demon-possession affect him physically, relationally, and emotionally? How does that make you feel? Why do you think he had been ostracised from his community?
What is the ultimate goal of evil? How do we see the manifestation of evil today?
How does the demon-possessed man greet Jesus? What does this show us about evilʼs capacity to recognise the identity of Jesus yet still fail to submit to him as Lord?
How–in Christianity–can we be in danger of paying too much attention or too little attention to the reality of evil? How should this encounter shape our approach?

Read Luke 8:30-39

Why would evil be afraid of Jesus? How should this be a cause for confidence for us?
Does Jesus seem phased by the scale of evil at play? Why not?
What was the name of the man? What is the significance of this?
What did the demons beg Jesus to not happen? Why did Jesus send them into the pigs?
What questions does this part of the story raise? What might the fate of the pigs point to?
How did Jesus ultimately defeat evil and when will evil finally be destroyed? How should this reality and future shape our perspective today in the face of evil?
What are the two responses by those present? Why were some afraid of Jesus? Should we be?
How is it good news–for you and for the world–that Jesus is Godʼs solution to evil?

APPLY: How might you take a stand against the ways of evil this week?

PRAYER

Almighty Lord, thank you that in Jesus you have defeated evil once-and-for-all. Please help us to stand guard against the ways of the enemy, trusting in your Son, and looking forward to his return when evil will be dealt its final blow. In Jesusʼ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What window in your day do you pray for your three people to become followers of Jesus? It might be helpful to set a daily alarm.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School:

Encountering Jesus: The Sinful Woman

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 11:33:20 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Sinful Woman’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 7:36-50

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 7:36-50

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?

WARM-UP

Can you recall a time when you have felt out of place in a social event or gathering?
What attitude does Australian culture have towards sin and ʻthe sinnerʼ?

Read Luke 7:36-38

What is so remarkable and surprising about Jesus going to eat at the house of the Pharisee?
How is the woman described in the passage? What is your initial reaction to hearing someone being described in this way?
What does she do for Jesus? Why does she do this? What has caused her to be overwhelmed with emotion?
Can you remember when you first accepted Jesusʼ forgiveness? How did you react?

Read Luke 7:39-50

How did the Pharisee react to this womanʼs actions? Why did he react in this way? What is Jesusʼ response?
What is the meaning of this parable? If someone was to pay your electricity bill how would you react towards them? If someone was to pay off your housing loan, how would you react?
How much have we been forgiven by Jesus? How then are we to act towards him?
What are the differences between Simonʼs welcome of Jesus and that of the woman? What does this tell us about the condition of their hearts?
What is the relationship between forgiveness and love? Should we sin more so that forgiveness may increase? Why/why not?
Why is it so important to recall our sins and confess them to God? What does this achieve?
How can we grow in our love and gratitude for who God is and what he has done for us?

APPLY: How can we live in a way that demonstrates how thankful we are for our forgiveness?

PRAYER

Gracious Lord, you are our just and loving heavenly Father. Thank you that because of Jesusʼ death and resurrection we donʼt have to fear condemnation but can enjoy peace with you for eternity. We are sorry for when our lives donʼt reflect this. Help us to grow in our love for you and gratitude for all you have done. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

BONUS: Collect the St Bartʼs Kids Family Lenten Devotional Pack.
If youʼre an online member of St Bartʼs, contact the St Bartʼs Kids Team and they will send one out.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

Encountering Jesus: The Grieving Widow

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 12:14:48 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Grieving Widow’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-17

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 7:11-17

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we be a humble example of faith on our frontlines this week? Think of one setting/scenario.

WARM-UP

In the face of human suffering, have you ever been willing to help but unable to do so? How does it make you feel when you are in this situation?
Have you ever been able to help but unwilling to do so? What is at the heart of your unwillingness?

Read Luke 7:11-13

What do you think this funeral would have been like? How does it differ to typical funerals in Australia?
Who were the people with the widow in this procession? Where would they have been going?
What are the ways we express grief in the context of community? What could we learn from this one?
How would the sonʼs death been devastating to his mother on many levels? Why was the widow now potentially destitute?
When Jesus sees the woman, what is the immediate response in his heart? How is this a great comfort?
What does it mean for you to know that in Jesus we find the one who is full of compassion?
What does Jesus say to the woman? Is he being insensitive? Why would he say this?

Read Luke 7:14-17

What does Jesus say to the man? Who would you have been looking at? What happens next?
What are the ways in which Jesusʼ authority have been demonstrated in Luke? Whatʼs notable here?
Was this resurrection final? What purpose did it ultimately serve? Why for this widow? (cf. vv.21-22)
In what way does the crowd recognise who Jesus is yet still not have a complete picture of him?
How in Jesus do we witness that God is both willing and able to address our greatest need? How should that fill us with great security and hope?
When you put your trust in Jesus, how is this manʼs resurrection like ours? How is it different?
How is a choice for Jesus a choice for life? How should this future reality impinge on our lives today?
In what ways - as individuals and a community - should we both grieve and hope in the face of death?

APPLY: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?

PRAYER

Compassionate Father, thank you that Jesus has broken the stranglehold of sin and death! Please help us to live in a way that points to the reality of life that awaits those who trust in Jesus. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Faithful Centurion

The Rev'd Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:08:34 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Faithful Centurion’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Luke 7:1-10

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 7:1-10

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

WARM-UP

Share with the group a “marvelous” experience you’ve had. What made it so special?
Share with the group how others have helped you through a time of illness?

Read Luke 7:1-6a

Why is the centurion a surprising Why did the centurion not go to meet Jesus himself?
How are the centurion’s reasons for not going directly to Jesus similar to people’s reasons today?
How is the centurion’s position like our own or different from ours?
What role do the elders play in the story? Why do we think these particular people have been sent to talk to Jesus on behalf of the centurion?
What do we learn about worthiness? Who is worthy in this encounter?

Read Luke 7:6b-8

How does the centurion compare his authority to Jesus’ authority?
Does the centurion attribute more, or less, authority to Jesus than Jesus actually has?
How does our own view of Jesus’ authority compare to the centurion’s?
How does our view of Jesus’ authority influence how we approach Jesus in times of trouble?

Read Luke 7:9-10

Why is Jesus amazed by the centurion’s faith?
What is his message to those listening when he commends the centurion’s faith?
What did Jesus teach about faith just before this encounter (see Luke 6:46-49)?
What do we learn from the centurion’s example?
How can we be bold in approaching God, but also submit to God’s will in our lives?

APPLY: How can we be a humble example of faith on our frontlines this week? Think of one setting or scenario.

PRAYER

Loving God, we thank for the example of the faithful centurion. Help us to confidently approach Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, trusting in his power and authority, so that we can grow in our faith and demonstrate that faith on our frontlines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who has God placed on your frontlines recently that you can intentionally invest in relationship?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Injured Man

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:01:28 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Injured Man’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 6:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 6:1-11

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

WARM-UP

What do you know about the Sabbath and do you put it into practice now? In what way?
In the passage today weʼll see that Jesus is controversial. How does Jesus cause controversy today?

Read Luke 6:1-5

What were the disciples doing that caused the Pharisees to speak up? How might this have broken some of the Sabbath regulations?
What was the original purpose of the Sabbath? What had the religious leaders turned it into?
How did Jesus respond to their criticisms? What type of person was David? Why was David permitted to eat that bread reserved for the priests?
In what ways is Jesus similar to and greater than David? What does this then show us about Jesusʼ authority to not follow the religious traditions of the Sabbath?
Do we now have to follow these extra Sabbath traditions? Why/Why not? What should be our approach to the Sabbath?

Read Luke 6:6-11

What were the scribes and Pharisees looking for Jesus to do? What were their motivations for this?
How does Jesus react to their close watch? What does he tell the man with the withered hand to do? Why do you think he does this?
How would this injury affect this manʼs way of life and livelihood? How does Jesusʼ healing restore him? What does Jesusʼ response in V9 tell us about indifference to suffering?
What are the two different reactions to encountering Jesus that we see in V10 and V11?
If our rest isnʼt found in strict rule following, where can we find it? How can we shape our week to be able to make time to rest in him?
How can we have assurance of our eternal rest?

APPLY: How does the rest that Jesus offers impact how you live on your frontlines?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness in giving us the gi of the Sabbath. Keep us from legalism and refresh us in your grace. Help us to remember that we can rest in you now and we will rest with you in eternity because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In his name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: With schools recommencing, who do you regularly interact with in that community? How could you intentionally invest in the relationship with that parent, teacher, coach or administrator?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Paralysed Man

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 11:36:30 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Paralysed Man’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 5:17-26

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 5:17-26

One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can Jesusʼ example better equip you to actively resist the temptations of the enemy?

WARM-UP

Do you think that most people in our culture consider forgiveness as really necessary?
Have you ever encountered a radical story of forgiveness between people?

Read Luke 5:17-21

Who are gathered and where did they come from? For what reason do you think they were there?
Why were the paralysed manʼs friends desperate to get the man to Jesus? What effort had they made?
How could Jesusʼ words have come as quite the shock to the paralysed man?
What is the deepest need that Jesus is addressing? How would that have been a shock to those listening?
How is forgiveness also our greatest need? Is that a controversial message today? Why or why not?
How do people respond to Jesusʼ claim of authority to forgive sins? Why is it so radical?
Read Jeremiah 31:34 and Micah 7:18-19. Does this vision of forgiveness excite you? How do we already know this in Jesus?
What was the significance of Jesusʼ reference to being the ʻSon of Manʼ (cf. Daniel 7:13-14)? How is Jesus being the ʻSon of Manʼ inherently linked to his authority to forgive?
Which is easier to say: ʻyour sins are forgivenʼ or ʻget up and walkʼ? For whom?
Does this mean that every person who receives Jesusʼ forgiveness is also healed physically straight away? How is this a pointer to that which is yet to come?

Read Luke 5:22-26

How does Jesus ultimately make forgiveness possible whilst also being perfectly just?
14. How has your encounter with Jesus brought forgiveness into your life?
15. Why do you think some people have difficulty in accepting Godʼs forgiveness? How is Godʼs offer of forgiveness open to every single person?

APPLY: What is one way in which forgiveness from God is evident in your day-to-day life?

PRAYER

Gracious God, please grow our understanding of the extent of forgiveness that you have made possible for us through Jesus. Please help us to recognise the desperate nature of our need and the completeness of the cure which we find in you alone. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful)
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright
St Bartʼs Library Resources for Current Series

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Encountering Jesus: The Evil Tempter

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 12:02:12 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Evil Tempter’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: As we think about encountering Jesus, what opportunities do your friends have this year to encounter Jesus through your words, invitation, or your actions?

WARM-UP

What do you think most Australians would think about the devil? How about evil more generally?
Is evil real? Why is it equally in error to either: disbelieve in evil or be excessively interested in evil?

Read Luke 4:1-2

Where did the Holy Spirit actively lead Jesus? What would it have been like? Why was this necessary?
How is it evident that there werenʼt just a few temptations but that Jesus was constantly bombarded over this entire 40-day period? What do you think this would have been like?
What is meant by Jesus being tempted? Have you ever had a time of particular testing/temptation?
What is the parallel between Jesusʼ 40 days in the wilderness and Israelʼs 40 years of wandering?
How would Jesus faithfully fulfil what Israel had failed to do?
How is Jesusʼ humanness evident in these verses? Why is this of great encouragement to us?

Read Luke 4:3-13

Preceding this passage (i.e., 3:21-22), who did the Father just declare Jesus to be? Why does Satan repetitively seek to undermine this truth? What is the enemyʼs goal?
How would you describe the three tactics used by the enemy? Are any a challenge for you?
Do you think the enemy ever uses similar tactics to tempt us away from Godʼs plan and will?
Under what conditions are you most susceptible to succumb to temptation?
How does Jesus confront each of the three temptations? How is this a model for us?
What resources has God given us to resist temptation? What does he provide when we fall short?
What have you found most helpful in resisting temptation? What do you find most challenging?
Why does verse 13 mean? When would be the most opportune time?
How is Jesusʼ death and resurrection the ultimate triumph over the schemes of the evil one?

APPLY: How can Jesusʼ example better equip you to actively resist the temptations of the enemy?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that whilst Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, he did not sin. Please help

us to identify temptation, rely on your strength, flee from sin, and rejoice in your forgiveness. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: In February, where do you see Jesus’ priorities on your calendar?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful): https://bit.ly/341gAdI
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright: https://bit.ly/3Iexkgh

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Wat...

Encountering Jesus: The Waiting Prophet

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:40:00 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Waiting Prophet’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 2:21-28

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 2:22-38

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Who are THREE people on your frontlines whom you long to become followers of Jesus? What would practically help you cultivate a habit of praying for them daily?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had a life-changing encounter with someone?
Can you remember the first time you heard about Jesus or the first time you gave your life to him? How did you react? Try to see if you can craft this into a short paragraph to be able to use when you’re telling people about Jesus!

Read Luke 2:21-32

What were all the rituals that Jesus went under? Why did he go through all of these? What does this tell us about the nationality and background of Jesus?
What was Simeon waiting for? Why was Israel in need of consolation?
Why was Simeon so content and satisfied in seeing this baby? What did Simeon see in him?
Is the salvation that Jesus offers limited to only Israelites or only those in church? Why/why not?
How is Jesus the light for all the nations? What does light do?
What other things in this world may we try to find satisfaction or salvation in? How can we ensure we look to Jesus for these things?

Luke 2:33-38

In what ways do we see Simeon’s prophesy in V34-35 fulfilled in Jesus’ lifetime and even to this day? Why do you think Jesus causes this much division?
How does Jesus reveal the thoughts of our hearts? Where or to whom can we run when we know we haven’t lived as he has called us to live?
What are we told about Anna? How did she react to seeing Jesus?
What could help you grow in your awe and wonder at who Jesus is and what he has done?

APPLY: As we think about encountering Jesus, what opportunities do your friends have this year to encounter Jesus through your words, invitation, or your actions?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the salvation and satisfaction that is found in Jesus. Thank you for the faithful patience of Simeon and Anna, and help us to find our joy and fulfilment in knowing and being known by Jesus. Give us opportunities this year to tell others about our encounter and relationship with you. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: In February, where do you see Jesus’ priorities on your calendar?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview booklet
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful): https://bit.ly/341gAdI
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright: https://bit.ly/3Iexkgh

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

COMMISSION: Make Disciples

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 11:20:41 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘COMMISSION: Make Disciples’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you grow in your love for God and neighbour in 2022?

WARM-UP

What are the most memorable ‘final instructions’ that you have given or received before going away?
In what way are all disciples of Jesus disciple-making disciples? How are we all sent?

Read Matthew 28:16-20

What has happened up to this point in Matthew 28? What do you think the disciples were expecting to happen as they waited for Jesus?
What do the disciples do when they see Jesus? What does this tell us about who they thought Jesus was?
Is it surprising that - as a group - worship was intermingled with doubt? How can this be true for us?
How comprehensive is the authority that has been given to Jesus? Is there anyone with more?
How is Jesus’ authority the basis for being sent? How should this drive and give us confidence?
If our purpose as disciples comes from Jesus (i.e., from outside of us), how is this counter-cultural?
How is it exciting to know that we’ve been caught up in a purpose greater than ourselves?

(Re) Read Matthew 28:19-20

What do you think it means to make disciples, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded?
In what area of your life has God been recently teaching you greater obedience?
What is the link between baptism and the making of disciples? How are we involved in this?
What are the frontlines to which Jesus has sent you? Can you name three people on your frontlines whom you long to become passionate followers of Jesus?
How are Christians sometimes in danger of turning the ‘Great Commission’ into the ‘Great Omission’?
How is it tremendous Good News that as we are sent, that Jesus is with us? How can we cultivate a life that is shaped by activity for Jesus and intimacy with Jesus?
If we are sent on the basis of Jesus’ authority and with his presence, what confidence should that give us as we seek to make disciples on our frontlines? How can this encourage you this week?

APPLY: Who are THREE people on your frontlines whom you long to become followers of Jesus? What would practically help you cultivate a habit of praying for them daily?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus! Please help us to identify disciple-making opportunities on all of our frontlines - that our life’s purpose will be shaped by your mission to the world. Thank you that we do not do this alone, but with the very power of Jesus. Amen.  

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What does it look like to prioritise Jesus on your frontline? What might you adopt, stop, or focus on this year?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview
BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

COMMANDMENT: Love God and Neighbour

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:14:24 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘COMMANDMENT: Love God and Neighbour’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Mark 12:28-34

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Mark 12:28-34

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In 2022, what is one way in which you need to bring the use of your time, talents, and treasures more into line with the priorities of Jesus?

WARM-UP

What do you think the people on your frontlines think Christianity is all about?
How is the Christian story different to these possible misconceptions?

Read Mark 12:28-31

Why were the Pharisees and teachers of the law trying to have Jesus arrested? How were they attempting to do this?
What was the motivation of this teacher who approaches Jesus in V28? Why was his question to intriguing for the Rabbis of the day?
What was the first part of Jesus’ answer? Why is this statement foundational for all the other commandments?
In what ways are we commanded to love God? How does this look for you practically?
Read 1 John 2:15. What then are we not to love? Where is it tempting to love the world rather than God? What could help you avoid these temptations?
Who are are neighbours? To what extent are we to love our neighbours?
How could you share your love to your neighbours on your frontlines this year?

Read Mark 12:32-33

Why will attempting perfection not work in attempting to follow the commandments? If we have been saved by grace, why then are we to obey God?
What is at the heart of us following God’s commandments? What attitude should we have towards God in obeying him?
If the teacher wasn’t far from the kingdom, how do we gain entrance into the kingdom?

APPLY: How could you grow in your love for God and neighbour in 2022?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are the creator, that you are the only God, and that you have revealed yourself and the way you want us to live in your word. We are sorry for when we haven’t loved you as we ought, when we haven’t loved our neighbours as ourselves. Please help us this year to grow in our love for you and our obedience to you as we grow in our knowledge of you and your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What does it look like to prioritise Jesus on your frontline? What might you adopt, stop, or focus on this year?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview
BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

CROSS: Who do you say that I am?

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 11:24:32 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘CROSS: Who do you say that I am?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Mark 8:27-38

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Mark 8:27-38

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Spend some time considering how to prioritise Jesus this year, and think of 3 ways to go about it. WARM-UP

Do you think you have more of a ‘head’ or ‘heart’ approach to priority-setting?
In our culture, how do we typically place ourselves at the centre of decision-making when it comes to priority setting? How does a Gospel approach to priority-setting differ?

Read Mark 8:27-29

What is the question that Jesus first asks the disciples? What were the range of answers?
What were some of the other ideas about Jesus’ identity reported elsewhere in the Gospels? What are some of the most common ideas today about who Jesus is?
How does Jesus make the question personal? How is this question also personal to us?
If you have not really considered this question before, how might you explore it in 2022?

Read Mark 8:29-33

What is Peter’s response to Jesus’ question? Does this mean Peter understands correctly?
How does Jesus fundamentally connect his Messiahship with the cross (and resurrection)?
Why would the news that Jesus had to die (and rise) been so shocking to those listening?
Why does Jesus rebuke Peter’s response so harshly? Why must Jesus die?

Read Mark 8:34-38

What does it mean to deny ourselves and to take up the cross? What does it not mean?
In what ways is following Jesus costly? Are there examples of people who come to mind?
Why is it worth laying down our lives for Jesus?
How have you embraced the cost of following Jesus? How does it involve your time, talents, and treasure?

APPLY: In 2022, what is one way in which you need to bring the use of your time, talents, and treasures more into line with the priorities of Jesus?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for the phenomenal truth of who Jesus is! Please help us to recognise his beauty and embrace the cost of following him with our entire lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What daily rhythm is going to help you live for Jesus in 2022?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview
BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

CALL: Repent, Believe, Follow

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 15:11:27 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our new series on the Priorities of Jesus. This sermon is ‘CALL: Repent, Believe, Follow’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Mark 1:14-20

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Mark 1:14-20

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In what ways could you grow in the knowledge of God and humility?

WARM-UP

As the people of the world set priorities and goals for the new year, how do you think they go about it? What drives their decision making?
As we consider the year ahead, who and what should drive our priorities for the year?

Read Mark 1:14-15

What is the good news of God according to Jesus?
What does he mean by saying that the time has come and that the kingdom of God has come near?
How has Jesus been promised to his people before he came? What is the kingdom of God?
On the basis of this statement of fact, what are the two things that Jesus calls us to do?
When the world hears the word ‘repent’ what do you think they think it means? What is a more biblical definition of repentance?
How would you describe repentance to a friend who doesn’t know Jesus yet on your frontlines?
In what ways is belief different to just an academic acknowledgment; a shot in the dark; or a leap of faith?
How would you describe belief to a friend who doesn’t know Jesus yet on your frontlines?
Why is what we believe in good news? Does the world see the gospel as good news?
Is there anything that is stopping you or holding you back from repentance and belief in Jesus?

Read Mark 1:16-20

What is the third call of Jesus? How is following Jesus different to following a celebrity, a politician, or even a brand?
What are we to follow Jesus with? How does this shape the way that we prioritise things this year?
Is there anything that you tend to prioritise more before following Jesus? Bring it to him in prayer and maybe ask a good friend to keep you accountable.

APPLY: Spend some time considering how to prioritise Jesus this year, and think of 3 ways to go about it.

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for the amazing hope that we have in Jesus. As we look ahead for the new year and the rest of our lives, please help us to prioritise you and respond to your call faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What daily rhythm is going to help you live for Jesus in 2022?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SERIES Resources:

Series overview
BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

New Year: Live for Jesus

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 11:20:11 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is our final sermon in 2021. This sermon is ‘New Year: Live for Jesus’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Philippians 1:27-2:11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Philippians 1:27-2:11

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you grow in BOTH your experience and expression of God’s love this Christmas?

WARM-UP

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? How have you gone in the past with them? Do you think that this year will be any different?
Why do you think the world puts so much emphasis on the New Year?

Read Philippians 1:27-30

What does the word to ‘conduct’ mean? How are we made citizens of the gospel?
What is the main emphasis in these verses?
Why is unity important? Where have you seen this not lived out? Where have you seen it lived out effectively?
If someone was to look in the windows at St Bart’s, what type of church would they see? What could disrupt our unity?
How could we ensure that we stand firm together in the face of pressure from the world? What practical measures could we put in place?

Read Philippians 2:1-11

From what basis does Paul urge us to live in humility? What would make his joy most complete?
Does this mean that we all have to be the same in everything? Why/why not? What unites us?
What is the rule of humility in living as one people? What happens when someone is not humble?
What is the measure of humility that Paul references? How is this distinct from all other religions?
In what specific ways has Jesus shown us humility? To what extent are we to be humble?
How does the world view humility? Is it easier for us as Christians to show humility? Why/why not?
Who should now be at the centre of our lives and object of our worship? In what ways is Jesus greater than all things?
In the new year, what rhythms and patterns could help us grow as one and grow in humility?

Apply In what ways could you grow in the knowledge of God and humility?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that you loved us so much that you would be so humble even to death on a cross. Help us as your people to be one, that the world may know of your love, and keep us from pride and selfish ambition. May we be a church that continues to make and mature disciples of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What daily rhythm is going to help you live for Jesus in 2022?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Christmas 2021: JOY!

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 08:38:09 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

Listen to our sermon from Christmas 2021. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe

DOWNLOAD the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Why Christmas? Love Lavished on Us

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:28:19 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth of our Advent sermon series for 2021. This sermon is ‘Love Lavished on Us’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 John 4:7-21

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format..

CONNECT: How can the depth of joy in Jesus transform one trouble that you’re currently experiencing?

WARM-UP

What do you think the world’s standard of love is? How does this compare to God’s love?
What has been your most positive experience of God’s love in the context of Christian community?

Read 1 John 4:7-10

What is meant by “God is love”? What does it mean for God to be the author and source of love?
Why is saying “love is God” different from John’s claim that “God is love”?
How does disconnecting our understanding of love from God ultimately result in us either worshipping the idea of love and/or adopting a diminished view of love?
As per the passage, what is God’s standard of love? What has been your experience of this?
What causes you to marvel most about the nature of God’s love?
Do you ever struggle with accepting God’s love? What has helped? What has not helped?
How can we grow in our appreciation and acceptance of God’s extraordinary love for us?

Read 1 John 4:11-21

How does God equip and enable us to love in such an extraordinary way? Is there something in particular that you need to ask for help with from God in order to love others more?
What does perfect love drive out? What does this mean in the context of judgment?
How is our act of loving others actually a declaration of God to the world? If we fail to love, how can this reflect on God?
How do you see God’s love expressed in the context of our community? How could we grow in this?
Why is hating others incompatible with a claim to love God? What was happening in John’s context?
In a society the is fractured on many fronts, how can we - at St Bart’s - demonstrate God’s love even amidst disagreement? How can we remind one another of the things of ‘first importance’?

Apply How can you grow in BOTH your experience and expression of God’s love this Christmas?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank you that it is because of Jesus that we may know joy through all in the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help us to know your joy and share it with the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: In this season, meals can be an amazing opportunity for relationships and pointing to God. How can you use grace at meals to point to Jesus this Christmas?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Why Christmas? Joy that Completes

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 19:54:12 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third of our Advent sermon series for 2021. This sermon is ‘Joy that Completes’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 16:16-33

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: John 16:16-33

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”

Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What one thing will help you to better celebrate Christmas this year?

WARM-UP

What do you think is the difference is between happiness and Christian joy?
Do you know a Christian who has been a great example of joy amidst challenge?

Read John 16:16-22 (Parting is Temporary)

Why do you think the disciples were so confused? What would they have been feeling?
What did Jesus mean by saying he must go but that they would see him ‘in a little while’?
What image does Jesus compare our present sufferings with? What does he mean by this?
Who can take away our joy? How should this be a source of great comfort and confidence?
What most is troubling you? How can Jesus’ resurrection and return be a source of joy for you?
As we await Jesus’ return, how does our future joy impinge upon today in the power of the Spirit?

Read John 16:23-28 (Present Relationship)

What does Jesus mean in verse 23? Does this mean God will give us anything we ask for?
How should praying in Jesus’ name cause us to come to God in both humility and confidence?
Through Jesus, with what type of intimacy are we grafted into relationship with God?
How can you experience intimacy with God more readily and more frequently?

Read John 16:29-33 (Permanent Victory)

What is meant by the disciples' joy being complete? What would it look like for your joy to be complete in and through Jesus?
Why - even in the inevitably of facing trouble - should the disciples ‘take heart’? Why should we?
What should you be asking of God this advent? Would what it look like to pray confidently this Christmas in accordance with what motivates God?

Apply How can the depth of joy in Jesus transform one trouble that you’re currently experiencing?

PRAYER

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: It is not too late for a last minute invite to Carols. Who would want to miss a night of glowsticks & joy?!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Wat...

Why Christmas? Peace with God

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 14:13:23 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second of our Advent sermon series for 2021. This sermon is ‘Peace with God’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Romans 5:1-11

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What one thing will help you to better celebrate Christmas this year?

WARM-UP

Why do you think the secular world puts so much time and energy into Christmas?
What’s the difference between the peace that the world gives and peace that God gives?

Read Romans 5:1-5

What does it mean to be justified by faith? Why do we need justification?
What is sin? How does sin impact our relationship with God and others? Are we ever at risk of not taking sin seriously?
How is it that we can have peace with God right now?
How does God’s peace change the way we face troubles and afflictions? Why won’t the hope that we have put us to shame?
How should God’s peace change the way that we live on our frontlines?

Read Romans 5:6-11

What is so radical about the death of Jesus? Why did he have to die and for what sort of people did he die? What does his death mean for us?
In what ways is God’s love different to any love that we find in the world? How can we see God’s love at its greatest?
What does it mean for two people to be personally reconciled? What is the difference between being pronounced innocent by God and being reconciled to God?
How is the salvation that God offers complete and total? What should this salvation lead to in us?
In your week, what are some rhythms that can help you remember the seriousness of sin and also the peace that we have with God?
In the lead up to Christmas, how will you share about the peace that God offers?

Apply How can you keep the peace that Jesus gives us at the centre of Christmas this year?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are a gracious and compassionate God who is abounding in love. Please help us to take sin seriously in order to see your mercy more clearly. Thank you for the justification and reconciliation that we have in Jesus. Help us this Christmas to rest in the peace that you give us. Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: It is not too late for a last minute invite to Carols. Who would want to miss a night of glowsticks & joy?!

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Why Christmas? Hope that's Real

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 12:55:03 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first of our Advent sermon series for 2021. This sermon is ‘Hope that’s Real’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-12

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: On one of your frontlines this week, how can you be fortified in: remembering who’s boss, standing firm, and trusting that salvation belongs to the Lord?

WARM-UP

What are the most common ways in our culture that we prepare for Christmas?
What does ‘advent’ mean? What do you find most helpful in preparing for Christmas?

Read 1 Peter 1:1-5

Who were the communities that Peter was writing to? What do we know of their circumstances?
In what ways is our hope living? How does this living hope make a difference in the ‘everyday’?
How is it good news that our hope is anchored away from ourselves and to Jesus?
How is our hope anchored to Jesus? What does Peter mean by “through” the resurrection?
What are the types of things that you most o#en hope for? What is our greatest hope?
What helps you anchor your hope to Jesus in the face of trouble or challenge? How about in times when things are going more smoothly?
How does Christian hope (and the biblical view of hope) differ to everyday use of the word?

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9

How is our inheritance described? Why does this matter? If our inheritance is guaranteed (and cannot spoil!), what sort of confidence should this give us?
Can you think of an example of someone you know who has faced extraordinary sufferings yet maintained their hope in Jesus?
How does Peter explain the purpose of the trials that the people were facing? Have you ever experienced a time of trial? How did you find that experience?
Why do you think it is o#en through suffering that we grow as disciples of Jesus?
Who is someone this Christmas with whom you would love to share the good news that through Jesus we have a hope that is real? Perhaps be especially praying for them this week.

Apply What one thing will help you to better celebrate Christmas this year?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that it is through Jesus that we can have a sure and certain hope. Please help us to be anchored to Jesus, certain of our future, and transformed today for your glory. Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How is your reliance on God, above everything else, visible on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Daniel: In the Lion's Den

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:19:48 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘In the Lion's Den’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Daniel 6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 6

It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing.

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:

“May you prosper greatly!

“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
    and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
    his dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves;
    he performs signs and wonders
    in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
    from the power of the lions.”

So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there a particular area in your life that your pride is trying to get in the way of God’s rule?

WARM-UP

What have been the key events in the book Daniel so far? What has stood out for you?
When did you first hear about Daniel in the Lion’s Den? Why is this is such a popular story?

Read Daniel 6:1-15

What did Darius plan to do with Daniel? What (does it seem) were the ‘exceptional qualities’ of Daniel that had seemed to set him apart and impress the king?
If Daniel was there for over 60 years, how is his consistency of character and competence impressive?
One one of your frontlines, how can you demonstrate a distinctiveness in your integrity?
What’t the longest workplace (or other frontline) in which you have served? How challenging do you
think it is to be a faithful witness over time? What helps you with this?
How is it evident that Daniel would keep going to God? How did he keep seeking to glorify God?
What helps you to remember that God is your ultimate boss?
How does Daniel stand firm in the face of this test of loyalty?
How is it evident that standing firm includes both the critical moments and continual day-to-day?
In what ways can following God be costly? Should this surprise us?
What were the rhythms that helped Daniel stand firm? What does this look like for you?
Is there any situation at work (or somewhere else) in which you’re challenged to stand firm?

Read Daniel 6:16-24

Whilst worshipped as a god, how powerful is Darius in reality? How does he know this to be true?
How is it evident that salvation belong to the Lord? How has this been evident in Daniel?
Do you notice a parallel between Daniel (in the Lion’s den) and Jesus? How is it evident that God’s purposes culminate in the Lord Jesus?

Daniel: Writing on the Wall

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 11:45:14 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Writing on the Wall’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Daniel 5

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 5

King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.

The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.

The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. “May the king live forever!” she said. “Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

“Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. Because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.

“But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

“This is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN

“Here is what these words mean:

Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.

That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Identify one achievement or gift in your life. What does it look like to recognise that this is from God and to use it for his glory on one of your frontlines?

WARM-UP

Can you recall a time when you’ve acted out of pride and arrogance?
What does our culture think about people who have pride or are full of themselves?

Read Daniel 5:1-12

What does the party show us about the character and personality of Belshazzar?
Even though God doesn’t live in human made objects, why were the cups from the temple so significant? Was there anything ‘magical’ about them?
Where in the world can we see other people mocking God? Do you ever see this on your frontlines? How have you reacted?
Who is the only person who can help Belshazzar interpret the dream? Why can he help?

Read Daniel 5:13-31

What did the King offer Daniel in response to an interpretation? What is Daniel’s response? Why do you think he acted in this way?
What was the heart of the problem for Nebuchadnezzar? What was the heart of the problem for King Belshazzar? What is the difference in their responses when being confronted by the Lord?
Why can’t the gods of Babylon see, hear, or understand? How is our Lord different?
What was the meaning of the writing on the wall? How does this demonstrate who is really in control? How did Belshazzar react?
How is it that we can approach and act towards God? Do we need to be strong and have life all together? What has he done to make this possible?
How could this shape the way we tell people about our relationship with Jesus?

Ap...

Daniel: Beauty and the Beast

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:08:12 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Daniel 4

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 4:1-27

King Nebuchadnezzar,

To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth:

May you prosper greatly!

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

How great are his signs,

how mighty his wonders!

His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;

his dominion endures from generation to generation.

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.

I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me.

So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.

When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.

Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.

These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.

The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

“In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven.

He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.

But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.

“ ‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.

Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.

“ ‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’

“This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!

The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth,

with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—

Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.

“Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’

“This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king:

You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.

The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we trust God this week and acknowledge his work in our lives to those on our frontlines?

WARM-UP

At surface level, looking at Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel, how did the kingdom of Babylon and Kingdom of God seem to compare?

Read Daniel 4:1-27

Who is this letter written by? Who is it written to?
What are the main features of the dream? What (according to Daniel) do these mean?
Why do you think that this dream terrified Nebuchadnezzar? Why did it scare Daniel?
How is it evident that Daniel had great compassion for Nebuchadnezzar? Is this surprising? Have you ever known someone to whom you found it difficult to demonstrate God’s compassion to?
Is there any significance about the stump of the tree being left? How is this an image of hope?
According to this section, what is the point of this wake-up-call and warning? (See verses 17 and 25.) How is this an incredible act of mercy? What does Daniel implore Nebuchadnezzar to do?
How can we look for greatness in all the wrong places? What helps you recognise God’s greatness?

Read Daniel 4:28-37

Looking back through Daniel, when has Nebuchadnezzar almost grasped the truth about God?
What blinded Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the Lord despite all of the evidence that he had witnessed? Can we ever be blinded like this?
As Nebuchadnezzar looks upon the city, what is his conclusion? What truth has he ultimately failed to recognise and acknowledge?
On one of your frontlines, how does recognising that you’re accountable to God (he rules) and that everything you have is from God (including salvation) help you to orientate everything to him?
What truth about God becomes apparent...

Daniel: Fireproof

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 11:26:30 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Fireproof’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Daniel 3

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 3

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we trust God this week and acknowledge his work in our lives to those on our frontlines?

WARM-UP

When did you first hear this story from Daniel?
Can you recall a time when you’ve had to choose following the Lord over something significant in your life? How did you make that choice?

Read Daniel 3:1-18

In modern terms, how tall and wide was the statue that Nebuchadnezzar put up?
What is the significance of the repetition of the phrase ‘he had set up’ in this passage? What is it supposed to communicate about Nebuchadnezzar and the image itself?
Why were God’s people commanded not to make any image and bow down to it?
What does the world think of the claim that God is the one and only God and that other ‘gods’ are false? What other ‘gods’ does the world worship?
Put yourselves in the story. How do you think you may have reacted in this situation?
On your frontlines, where can you see the world pressuring you to compromise on your faith? How have you/will you react in this situation?
What was at the heart of Nebuchadnezzar’s fury? Why do you think he gave them a second chance?
Why didn’t the three men need to defend themselves? What or who is their confidence?

Read Daniel 3:19-30

How did Nebuchadnezzar make sure the three perish? What was the result of his recklessness?
Does this story mean that we will always be saved from earthly trials if we have our confidence in God? Why/Why not? What does it communicate about God and us?
How is God with us in our trials? How then can we have confidence in the face of adversity?
What does the miracle tell us about Nebuchadnezzar’s earthly power and authority?
In what way has God used his power towards us? Is...

Daniel: A Tall Order

The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:53:16 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘A Tall Order’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Daniel 2

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 2:1-23

In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.”

Then the astrologers answered the king, “May the king live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.”

Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.”

The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.”

This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;

he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:

You have given me wisdom and power,

you have made known to me what we asked of you,

you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: On any of your frontlines, is there anything you need to say ‘no’ to in order to be faithful to God?

WARM-UP

Share an experience when your knowledge or strength failed you. How did you respond?

Read Daniel 2:1-23

Why was Nebuchadnezzar so disturbed by his dreams? What does this say about their origin and significance?
Where do he seek guidance? Why doesn’t he tell his “wise men” the details of his dreams? What does this say about him?
In whom or what did the Babylonians place their trust? Who was their god? In whom or what do we place our trust, and how reliable is it?

Read Daniel 2:16-23; 27-28

How did Daniel respond to hearing the news that he and his friends had been sentenced to death?
How does Daniel seek the answer to Nebuchadnezzar’s question? Who gives him the answer?
How do you approach a difficult situation or problem? How does Daniel respond to receiving the answer from God?
When Daniel approaches Nebuchadnezzar, who does Daniel say is the source of the answer? How is this so counter-cultural (then and now)?
How do we acknowledge God in our achievements? How can we be consistent in this?
How does our church’s mission acknowledge this? How can we, as a community, remain consistent in this?

Read Daniel 2:36-49

Who does Daniel say is the source of Nebuchadnezzar’s power and authority? Why is this significant?
What is the main message of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? How does Nebuchadnezzar react?
How, and by whom, is God’s kingdom established? How is it different from human kingdoms?
How can we tell others about God’s Kingdom and Jesus’ invitation for all to enter?

Apply How can we trust God this week and acknowledge his work in our lives to those on our frontlines?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, help us to place our trust in Jesus so that we seek your guidance in all things, follow you faithfully and give you honour and praise in all things, through Jesus Christ, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How could God’s wisdom shape how you engage on your frontline? Bring to God in prayer what you do and don’t need help with this week.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series overview both in PDF and Audiobook:

Daniel: Living Faithfully in a Foreign Land

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:34:15 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Living Faithfully in a Foreign Land’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Daniel 1:8-21

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 1:8-21

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How should the cross shape the way in which you act on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

What do you think are the common ways that Christians may feel pressure to conform to culture?
What are the main ways on your frontlines in which you feel pressure to conform to culture?

Read Daniel 18

Looking back at verses 1-7, what were the ways in which Daniel (and his friends) seem to go along with the expectations set on them up to this point? Where did Daniel ‘draw the line’?
Does this passage tell us why Daniel decided to draw the line here? What were the unlikely reasons?
What do we learn from Daniel about how to determine which things matter and which things do not?
How may have Daniel reached that resolution? How can that help shape our decision-making?
What were the ingredients of Daniel’s response that can help shape our responses?
On one of your frontlines, have you ever had to take a stand in order to be faithful to God? How did you discern that you needed to ‘draw a line’ about something in particular?
What are the ways in which you’re most tempted to go along with culture? Is there anything right now on one of your frontlines in which you’re trying to discern if you should be ‘drawing a line’?
What are the ways as community in which we can help each other discern how to live faithfully?

Read Daniel 1:9-21

How is God’s kindness and faithfulness evident in what happens next?
Have you ever had to take a stand at work/uni/school and witnessed God’s grace at work?
Is there anything now in which you need to ask God for help to try and find a way through?
How does verse 21 remind us of who really is in charge and who will ultimately be victorious?
How does keeping our eyes on Jesus (and his return) help us to be faithful day-by-day?

Apply On any of your frontlines, is there anything you need to say ‘no’ to in order to be faithful to God?

BONUS: If work is a frontline, try the next meeting of our Centre for Work+Faith: stbarts.com.au/workfaith

PRAYER

Gracious Father, how we praise you for your faithfulness! Please help us in our resolve to live faithfully on our frontlines, being wise in when to take stand and when it is not necessary. Please help us to ultimately trust that you are working out your purposes and that your Kingdom will prevail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What is challenging about your frontline? How do you respond to these challenges?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series overview both in PDF and Audiobook: https://bit.ly/3DsC3bB
Daniel and the Twelve Prophets by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3jLRKnw
Kingdoms in Conflict by Andrew Reid. https://bit.ly/3kZp61u
Daniel Overview by The Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/daniel/
“Exile” Overview by The Bible Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSua9_WhQFE

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High...

Daniel: Welcome to Babylon

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 15:52:29 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first of seven sermons in our series on Daniel. This sermon is ‘Welcome to Babylon’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Daniel 1:1-7

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Daniel 1:1-7

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.

Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: In what circumstances can you show that the gift of eternal life has sprung up in you through Jesus?

WARM-UP

Have you ever experienced or witnessed a crushing defeat? What was it like?
In regards to living for God, in what ways are the times in which we now live different to the times of Daniel? What are some of the similarities between us and those led out to exile?

Read Daniel 1:1-2

To the outsider who didn’t know about the covenant and the Lord’s hand in all of this, what do these verses in Daniel look like?
Why were the Israelites defeated and led out to exile? Who was the one who orchestrated the whole thing? For what reason?
Read Deuteronomy 30:15-18. What is the role of the covenant in the exile of God’s people?
What was the main and underlying cause of Israel’s sinfulness? How could they still have hope even in the midst of their situation in exile?
In our context of uncertainty, instability, messiness, and our sinfulness, what is our source of assurance and peace?

Read Daniel 1:3-7

How do these verses show God’s faithfulness to his people and covenant?
What may have been king Nebuchadnezzar’s intention in bringing these educated people into his courts? What sort of things may they have learned?
What may have been the intention in changing the names of these men?
In our modern culture, have you ever experienced pressure to conform to the world? In what way? How did you react in this situation? How did Daniel react in V8?
Read 1 Peter 2:9-12. In what way are we foreigners and exiles in our world? To whom do we belong and where is our ultimate home? How are we called to live this side of the cross?
How can we ensure that we are living in line with God’s will for our lives and not the world’s?

APPLY: How should the cross shape the way in which you act on your frontlines?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are a God who is faithful to his promises from generation to generation. Thank you that even while our backs were turned against you, Christ died for us. Help us to live lives devoted to you and not to the patterns of this world for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How do your interactions with people & problems demonstrate your satisfaction in Jesus?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series overview both in PDF and Audiobook: https://bit.ly/3DsC3bB
Daniel and the Twelve Prophets by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3jLRKnw
Kingdoms in Conflict by Andrew Reid. https://bit.ly/3kZp61u
Daniel Overview by The Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/daniel/
“Exile” Overview by The Bible Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSua9_WhQFE

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

What Would Jesus Say: To The Unsatisfied?

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 11:13:17 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second of two sermons in our mini-series on What Would Jesus Say. This sermon is ‘To The Unsatisfied?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 4:1-4

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: John 4:1-14

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there anyone on your frontline that needs to hear of the eternal satisfaction of Jesus?

WARM-UP

Do you think most Australians are satisfied? Why or why not?
What do you think most people try to make the source of their satisfaction? Does it work?

Read John 4:1-9

What kind of relationship did the Jews and Samaritans have?
What was unusual about the time of day that the woman was visiting the well?
What made Jesus speaking to the woman particularly scandalous? Why was the woman surprised that Jesus would ask her for a drink?
What did Jesus know about the woman? Is this good news that Jesus knew all of this?
Do you find it reassuring that Jesus knows everything about you and still loves you?
Have you ever felt like you were too far from God? How does Jesus’ interaction show that there is no one for whom the Gospel is “off limits”?

Read John 4:10-26

How does this man’s question reveal the condition of his heart? How does Jesus respond?

In what ways was the woman confused about the water that Jesus offered? What is this ‘living water’?
What was significant about the well? What was the basis for Jesus’ water being greater?
How does Jesus really satisfy us so that we will never be thirsty again?
How can we receive the gift that Jesus offers? In what way can we be refreshed daily by Jesus?
As you read on further (verses 39-42) what was the fruit of the woman’s trust in Jesus and witness?
What are the ways in which you can be tempted to be temporarily satisfied? If we make the world the source of our satisfaction why can we not expect God to be the source of our peace?
Have you ever had a time in which you were really unsatisfied? How does Jesus change this?
If you have a friend who is unsatisfied in life, how would you explain to them that Jesus is the one who can bring them ultimate satisfaction?

APPLY: In what circumstances can you show that the gift of eternal life has sprung up in you through Jesus?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you that it is through Jesus that you have offered us living water! Please help us to accept this gift and trust in you - that we would only seek for you alone to be the source of our ultimate satisfaction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are the other Christians on your frontline? Do you pray together for the people and activities on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series Overview Published by St Bart’s
“Freedom to Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy” by Tim Keller
“Surprised by Joy” by CS Lewis
“Can I Have Joy in my Life” by RC Sproul

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

What Would Jesus Say: To The Satisfied?

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 11:07:14 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first of two sermons in our mini-series on What Would Jesus Say. This sermon is ‘To The Satisfied?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 12:13-21

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in such a way that refreshes the spirit of our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ?

WARM-UP

If you were to ask the people on your frontlines who aren’t followers of Jesus what they thought being satisfied looked like, what do you think they would say?
How would you define satisfaction?

Read Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

What did satisfaction look like before the fall? How does the fall impact our relationship with creation and even our satisfaction?
What is the one thing that all created things have in common because of the fall?
Why wasn’t the writer of Ecclesiastes satisfied with all the possessions that he had amassed?
Why won’t we ever find satisfaction in created things without any reference to the creator?
Can we ever be at risk of attempting to find satisfaction in created things? What in particular? How could we keep ourselves from this?

Read Luke 12:13-21

How does this man’s question reveal the condition of his heart? How does Jesus respond?
What does Jesus say to the satisfied or to those pursuing earthly satisfaction? What’s the danger that he is warning us about?
What is the, already, rich man’s problem? What is his solution? What is his more significant problem?
How does God respond to this man’s arrogance? Why is this man a fool?
If we aren’t to find satisfaction in earthly things, where can we find satisfaction?
Read Luke 12:32-34. What is in store for this who have their trust in Jesus? How has this been made possible? Can we return to satisfaction as it was before the fall?
Until Jesus comes again, how can we be satisfied even while living in a fallen world? Who could we tell of this on our frontlines?

APPLY: Is there anyone on your frontline that needs to hear of the eternal satisfaction of Jesus?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that you that you created a good creation and for us to be in relationship with you. We are sorry for when we sin against you and attempt to find satisfaction in your creation rather than you. Thank you for the eternal satisfaction that has been made available in the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are the other Christians on your frontline? Do you pray together for the people and activities on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series Overview Published by St Bart’s
“Freedom to Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy” by Tim Keller
“Surprised by Joy” by CS Lewis
“Can I Have Joy in my Life” by RC Sproul

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Stand Firm

The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:44:14 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighteenth and final sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Stand Firm’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 16:1-18

Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you give yourself ‘more fully’ to the work of the Lord (on one of your frontlines) this week?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had the experience of being in a church service in which you couldn’t understand much of what was happening? What was it like? How did you feel?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

What was “the collection for the Lord’s people”? How did it connect with the Corinthians’s faith?
How were the Corinthians to set aside money for this gift? What are the key principles of Christian generosity?
Also looking at Galatians 6:9-10, do you grow weary in your generosity? How can this be overcome?
Towards whom should we, as Christians, be generous?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:5-12

Why did Paul want to spend time with the Corinthians, and why was he delayed?
Why would Timothy fear visiting the Corinthians again? How does Paul compare Timothy’s ministry to his, and what is the significance of this?
Why would Apollos be reluctant to visit Corinth at this particular time? What does this say about the Corinthian church?
How can we respect the leaders in our church who exercise authority over us?
What would the consequences be of attempting to usurp the Godly authority of our leaders?
How is our church’s mission and unity connected?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-18

What are the five short messages Paul gives to the Corinthians? Does one speak particularly to you?
Why are these messages so relevant to the Corinthians?
How can we be on guard and stand firm in the faith? How can we be strong and courageous?
How can make sure that everything among us is done in love?

APPLY: How can we live in such a way that refreshes the spirit of our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, help us to love the Lord so that we can stand firm in generosity, stand firm together and stand firm in faith and love. Unite us in the bonds of love, through Jesus Christ, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst the people you see week to week, who seems like they would never be interested in Jesus? Pray and invite them to Alpha.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

AUDIO: “What are the Gospel’s Priorities?” By John Stott
AUDIO: Four-Part Series on 1 Corinthians 16 by Dick Lucas:
1 Corinthians 16:1-4 // 1 Corinthians 16:5-12 // 1 Corinthians 16:14-24 // 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: The Fruit of the Resurrection

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 12:09:57 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventeenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘The Fruit of the Resurrection‘. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

The Resurrection Body

But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one priority in your life that is shaped by the certainty of future physical resurrection?

WARM-UP

What aspect of the resurrection of the dead do you find most challenging to grasp?
What aspect of the resurrection of the dead do you find most exciting?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-44

What are the questions that Paul raises? Which of these does he focus his answers on?
What analogy does Paul use to explain the type of resurrection that awaits us? What does it mean?
How is it clear that our resurrection is a physical one? How is this different from just a dead person coming alive? How do you long to be made new?
What are the contrasts between our ‘former self’ and ‘resurrected self’ in verses 42-44? Can you explain what these mean? What in particular does it mean to be ‘imperishable’?
What does Paul mean by ‘natural body’ and ‘spiritual body’? Why is this critical to understand?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-50

What contrast is Paul making in these verses between our two family trees?
What is the fruit (or inheritance) of our earthly heritage? How is that evident today?
If we are in Jesus, what is the inheritance that is promised through him?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

What did some of the Corinthians mistakingly believe about ‘the end’? How is it evident that the end has not actually arrived yet? How will we know?
When will we be transformed with new bodies? How long will this take to happen?
Who gives us the victory over sin and death? How has Jesus made this possible?
What do you think it looks like to stand firm in these things? But also more generally?
What do you think it looks like to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord (on all of your
frontlines)? Do you ever feel like your work is in vain? How does our promised future change this?

APPLY: How can you give yourself ‘more fully’ to the work of the Lord (on one of your frontlines) this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, please help us to stand firm on the truth of the Gospel, rejoice in the future that awaits us, and always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. How we thank you that our labour in the Lord is not in vain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for the people on your frontline. Who might be one person you could invite along to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

AUDIO: “What kind of body?” By William Taylor
AUDIO: “Easter Hope” by Rico Tice
ARTICLE: Jeff Bezos Invests Millions in hope of Life Forever
CHAPTER: from “what Christians Believe” by Michael Bird: “Believing in Salvation, Waiting for God’s New World.”
BOOK: “Raise Forever” by Rory Shiner
BOOK: “Resurrection” by N T Wright
ARTICLE: “Did Jesus rise from the dead” by John Dickson

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series Overview Published b...

God's Church: The Basis of Faith

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:20:39 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘The Basis of Faith."‘ Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church?

WARM-UP

What do you think most Australians believe happens after death?
What are the common misconceptions that the Corinthians held about the resurrection?
Do you see any similarities between the Corinthians and what our culture thinks about the afterlife?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

What does Paul mean by reminding them of the Gospel which he preached?
Why does it seem that Paul had to remind the Corinthians of the basic news of the Gospel?
What are the contents of the Gospel as Paul describes them here?
Are these words (vv.4-8) Paul’s? When do they date from? How does this give us certainty?
How does Paul describe himself in these verses? What changed his perspective about Jesus?
How does recognising Jesus’ resurrection as an event, increase your certainty of the future?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-22

What, according to Paul, is the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and ours?
Why is the bodily resurrection and our future resurrection so central to Christianity?
If Jesus was not raised from the dead, what are the implications for us in ministry, life, and future?
How does Jesus make this great reversal possible? What does it mean for all of creation?
What is meant by Jesus’ resurrection being the firstfruits? What does it mean for us?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:23-34

What does Paul mean by ‘each in turn’? What false teaching may he have been trying to correct?
If someone believes that death will ultimately win out, why would we just “eat and drink”?
What does it mean to live in recognition of Jesus’ resurrection and in anticipation of his return?
Who are examples of people who help you remain faithful in anticipation of Jesus’ return?
How is Jesus’ resurrection and coming return such good news for our world today?
If we are promised future bodies, why does it matter what we do with our bodies today?

APPLY: What is one priority in your life that is shaped by the certainty of future physical resurrection?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank you for the certain news of Jesus’ resurrection and the guarantee of our future resurrection that it brings. Please help us to live in accordance with this reality. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for the people on your frontline. Who might be one person you could invite along to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

SHORT BOOK: “Why Believe Jesus’ Resurrection” by James Dunn
AUDIO: 1 Corinthians 15 by William Taylor

God's Church: Peace not Confusion

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 11:30:24 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Peace not Confusion."‘ Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the key ways in which you could use your gifts more for the building up of God’s church?

WARM-UP

Have you ever experienced a moment or an event of extreme chaos? Why is it important that when we gather together, there isn’t chaos?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

Who has God gifted in the church and with what type of gifts? What would be the result of everyone using all their gifts all at the same time?
What is the lens that we should see our gifts through? What question should we be asking as we come to us our gifts especially in the context of the gathered church?
Why does Paul go into such granular detail here? Why would the people who wished to speak required to speak one at a time?
If there was no interpretation of the tongues, what would they have to do? Why?
In what circumstances might we have to show restraint or not use our gifts? What should be the guiding principal?
When the church gathers, what should there be? Why? What regulations did Paul set out for those who wished to share their prophesy?
Why is the ‘weighing’ of any teaching important? How might we do this today?
In what ways to we see God bringing order out chaos? How might our usage of gifts reflect this?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:34-40

In light of 1 Corinthians 11:2-15, does this passage forbid women from speaking at all in gatherings? How can we reconcile the two?
What was happening in their gatherings? What may have been ‘disgraceful’ about the interactions between husbands and wives?
How can we ensure that we maintain peace and order amongst all of our relationships in the gathered church?
What role should the word of God have in our lives? How does it tell of the peace and order of God?

APPLY: How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege that it is to gather together as your people to build each other up. Help us to use our gifts in peace and in service of you. Where we should use our gifts, show us. Where we should be still, remind us. Help us to do all we do for your glory and not ours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you remain fruitful over the long-term? If you’d like to explore this with others, join us at our Work + Faith meeting, 7-8AM Wednesday 1 September.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

AUDIO: “Prophecy then and Now” by Dick Lucas
Part 1 // Part 2
AUDIO (Podcast): “Ask N T Wright Anything” on the gifts of the Spirit
AUDIO (with Q&A): “Confusion or Peace” by Charlie Skrine
AUDIO: “God Loves Order Not Chaos” by Ray Galea
AUDIO: “All Things from God” by Adam Lowe

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Building up the Church…

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:46:38 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Building up the Church…’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

“With other tongues

and through the lips of foreigners

I will speak to this people,

but even then they will not listen to me,

says the Lord.”

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you demonstrate Christ’s love on your frontlines this week?

WARM-UP

Have you ever had the experience of being in a church service in which you couldn’t understand much of what was happening? What was it like? How did you feel?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-12

What are the two gifts of speech that Paul describes in this chapter? Can you define them?
According to these verses, what is the intended purpose of our gifts? What does edification mean?
Can you think of practical examples of what it looks like to build up God’s Church?
What are the three images that Paul uses? Why is helping to ensure ‘understanding’ so essential if our purpose is to build up God’s church? How do you see this as evident at St Bart’s?
Is Paul saying that the gift of tongues is unhelpful? Why does the context matter?
When we gather together on a Sunday, how often do you consider your role in helping to build up other brothers and sisters in Christ? How could we prepare more intentionally to do this?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:13-19

How does Paul describe the way that he would pray and speak? What does this mean?
What does using our gifts with our whole selves actually look like in practice?
Why is it a mistake to create a false dichotomy between ‘spirit’ and ‘mind’?
Do we ever rank particular gifts as more ‘spiritual’ than others? How so? Why is this so unhelpful?
How can we help ensure that people are able to fully participate together on a Sunday?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:20-25

Who is the gift of ‘tongues’ a sign for? What does Paul actually mean by this? How does the quote from Isaiah 28 help us understand this?
How does prophecy help those who do not yet believe? What does that look like in our context?
In what ways do you think our Sunday gatherings are mindful of those who do not yet believe? How could we even be more active in thinking about those who do not yet believe?

APPLY: What are the key ways in which you could use your gifts more for the building up of God’s church?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the gifts that you have entrusted to us for the building up of your church. Please help us to use these gifts always and increasingly for your good purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How is God using your gifts on your frontline? Maybe ask a colleague or friend if you’re not sure.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

AUDIO: “Prophecy then and Now” by Dick Lucas
Part 1 // Part 2
AUDIO (Podcast): “Ask N T Wright Anything” on the gifts of the Spirit
AUDIO: “Gifted and Godly” by Hugh Palmer
AUDIO: “Tongues and Worship” by Tim Keller:

God's Church: Faith, Hope, and Love

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:52:25 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the thirteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Faith, Hope, and Love’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. t does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Who is one person who you could encourage in the active use of their gifts for the Lord?

WARM-UP

If you were to ask a friend who wasn’t Christian what they thought love meant, what do you think they would say?
If a friend who wasn’t a Christian was to ask you what you thought love was, what would you say?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

According to this passage, how are we meant to use our gifts? Why? What is the danger of not using our gifts in this way?
What does Paul mean by him being only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal, him being nothing, and him gaining nothing?
In what areas are you serving? What attitude do you have towards using your gifts?
Practically, how could you remind yourself of the importance of love wherever or whoever you serve?
What sort of love are we to have and serve with?
Where have we seen the elements of this list before? How is love the ultimate solution to the problems of the Corinthians?
Re-read V4-7 and put your name where love is described. Is this an accurate description of your life?
Where do we see this love lived out completely? How are we recipients of this love? How can we grow to be more like this in all that we do, especially as we take our part in building up God’s church?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

What is the role and purpose of our gifts now? What will happen to our gifts and even our human knowledge when Christ returns?
How is it that we can know God right now? Why is our knowledge currently only in part? How can we still have confidence in what God has revealed to us?
How does God know us now? How will we know God in the New Creation?
Why is love the greatest of all virtues?

APPLY: How could you demonstrate Christ’s love on your frontlines this week?

PRAYER

oving Lord, thank you for how you have selflessly loved us in Christ Jesus. How you have been patient, kind, how our sins have been forgiven because of the cross, and life is assured by the resurrection. Help us to always have this love when we use our gifts, as we seek to build your church for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities do you have to show God’s love towards those who might be in lockdown?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: To Each is Given

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:23:49 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the twelfth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘To Each is Given"’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 12

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you grow in your appreciation of the Lord’s Supper and in the unity of the church?

WARM-UP

What were the various ways in which the Corinthians had created competition and contention amongst themselves? What was happening in Corinth when it came to spiritual gifts?
Do spiritual gifts ever cause controversy in the church today? What are the common ways?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Who does Paul say that all gifts are from? (Try to find all of the references that make this clear.) How is this such a counter-cultural idea today? How can we be reminded that our gifts are from God?
How can I sure that I have the Spirit of God? Does this mean we also are gifted by God?
Paul encouraged the Corinthians to see themselves as body and then individuals. How is this a radically counter-cultural idea today? What difference would it make to “flip” our view of things?
How can a distorted view of our gifts lead to feeling inferior or superior? What does Paul say to that?
What is the purpose of our spiritual gifts? What are the pointers that we are incredibly united?
Do you think you have a tendency to underestimate or overestimate the gifts entrusted to you? Why are both so potentially dangerous with regards to God’s plans and purposes?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-31

What are the gifts listed in this chapter? Do we understand all of these? Is this list exhaustive?
What are the various gifts that you recognise in the people in your small group? What do you think are the gifts that God has entrusted to you?
Why is it good that we are unified but not uniform? Could we be a body if all were the same?
What do you think it really looks like to recognise every part as actually essential?
What are the circumstances that make you tempted to think “you have no part” or “I have no part”?
Who (to you) has been a great example of using their gifts from God clearly for God’s glory?
What is the danger of deploying our gifts but disregarding love? Have you ever witnessed this?
How can we be more active in lovingly recognising, honouring, and rejoicing in other people’s gifts?

APPLY: Who is one person who you could encourage in the active use of their gifts for the Lord?

PRAYER

Thank you Lord for those who have shared the Good News with us and used their gifts to help disciple us. Please help us to use the gifts that you have entrusted to us, for your glory. Please correct our hearts where there is anything that impedes us using your gifts for your purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities do you have to show God’s love towards those who might be in lockdown?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

God's Church: Do This In Remembrance of Me

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 16:35:03 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eleventh sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Do This In Remembrance of Me’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come I will give further directions.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you grow in your appreciation of the opposite sex as passionate followers of Jesus?

WARM-UP

Are there any foods or meals that represent something bigger in Australian society today?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-26

Why does Paul have no praise for the Corinthians in the following verses? What have they done?
Along what lines was the Corinthian church divided? Can you recall what was practically happening?
Why then weren’t they coming together to eat the Lord’s Supper? What is the sadness and hypocrisy in a deeply divided church coming to celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
Our divisions may not be as obvious or as deep as these, but how might we be at risk of being divided as a church? What is our role individually in this? What is the thing which unites us?
From where/who does the Lord’s Supper come from? What was the background for the very first Lord’s Supper?
What is the significance of the bread? What does it represent and remind us of?
What is the significance of the cup? What does it represent and remind us of? Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 What is the new covenant and how do we receive it?
How is the Lord’s Supper designed to impact us every time we take part in it? What could cause us either disengage or be distracted as we come to the table?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

What does the context of the passage indicate that ‘eating and drinking in an unworthy manner’ means? Why is this a serious matter?
In what ways do we examine ourselves before coming to the Lord’s Supper? Why is this important?
What occurred in the Corinthian church as a result of not taking the meal seriously and being divided?
What are some ways that you could practically prepare to take part in the meal as we gather as church together the celebrate?

APPLY: How can you grow in your appreciation of the Lord’s Supper and in the unity of the church?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you so much for the hope that we have in Jesus and thank you for giving us ways in which to remember your grace. Keep us from being too casual with the Lord’s Supper, keep us from divisions, and help us every time we come to celebrate to grow as disciples of you, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you remain fruitful on your frontlines over the long-term? Join us as we consider this Wednesday morning from 7-8am in the Centre for Work + Faith.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

AUDIO: 3 talks on the Lord’s Supper from Dick Lucas
Talk 1 // Talk 2 // Talk 3
AUDIO: “Communion 101” by Alistair Begg
AUDIO: “The Lord’s Supper” by Don Carson
AUDIO and RESOURCES: “Redemption” - Week 3 in our God’s Story series

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

God's Church: All Things from God

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 12:33:45 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the tenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘All Things from God’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you live your life in such a way that points others to Jesus on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

What are some ways in which the Gospel contrasts with aspects of culture in Australia?
What are some ways in which the Gospel affirms aspects of our culture in Australia?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-12

Why is it so important to understand the context of the first recipients of the letter before applying it to us? Does this mean that the letter is not also relevant to us? (Why or why not?)
How can we properly discern between matters that are culturally dependent and those things which are instructions with the exact same application today?
With a study Bible, what do you learn culturally about the nature of head coverings in Corinth?
What inappropriate behaviour was happening in gathered worship in Corinth?
How could this offend people outside of the church? How could it also give people the wrong idea about what Christians thought about marriage?
What are some of the various ways that the word ‘head’ could be understood? How do all of these understandings point to the reality that there are differences between men and women?
How is it clear that men and women are equal? Do you think our culture values difference between us?
How can we avoid making unhelpful (and unbiblical) distinctions between men and women?
How is it evident that men and women are created in the image of God? How are we interdependent?
What do you think are the challenges for men and women today as they seek to follow Jesus?
Why is it inappropriate for us to unhelpfully diminish the opposite sex? What are the common ways that you witness this expressed on your frontline? How could you live differently?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:14-16

What is meant by prayer and prophesying? Who could prayer and prophesy?
Why was it so radical that Paul was permitting (and even encouraging) women to participate?
How can we celebrate the contribution of men and women more in the life of our church?

APPLY: How can you grow in your appreciation of the opposite sex as passionate followers of Jesus?

PRAYER

Who could you invite to the Public Lecture this Friday? Take a handful of flyers, write people’s names on them, and personally invite them to join you?

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: People are much more likely to trust what their friends endorse. Which friend or colleague could you invite to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

BONUS: Read the Lord’s Supper Workbook

God's Church: Glorifying God

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 15:07:36 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Glorifying God’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 10-11:1

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one fear in your life that could be dispelled by taking confidence in the LORD?

WARM-UP

What are some things in the world that can sometimes have all show but no substance?
What have been some highlights that you can recall from 1 Corinthians from Term 2?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Read 9:24-27. Why does Paul want the Corinthians to know about the history of the Israelites?
What united the Israelites and formed them as a nation? Who did they belong to?
Did their lives match up to what they called to be? Why/why not? What was then the result of how they lived?
What lesson does Paul want the Corinthians to draw from the example of the Israelites in the wilderness? How do we have it better than the Israelites?
What could cause us to not live wholeheartedly for God? How can we seek help in these times of trials? Is there any temptation that can take us away from God?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

What does the Lord’s Supper symbolise and how does it help and impact us? How does it also demonstrate and show our identity?
In this world, what other things compete and battle for our allegiance, identity, and worship?
How could we prevent ourselves from falling into idolatry and living for things other than God?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Are there any other gods and is food sacrificed to idols anything?
What would participating in these meals offered to pagan gods show the 1st century society about the Corinthian Christians? What would not participating in any of societies’ activities communicate?
How can we live lives that aren’t seperate from society but glorify God in the midst of society? Are there any unconscious ‘stumbling blocks’ that you might be putting up on your frontlines?

APPLY: How could you live your life in such a way that points others to Jesus on your frontlines?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for your grace for us that you would send your son to give up his freedom to die on the cross so that we may have life and glorify you. Please help us to live consistent lives that reflect your love and grace for us, and please use us to bring other people to repent and believe in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: People are much more likely to trust what their friends endorse. Which friend or colleague could you invite to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

TALK: “Examples and Warnings” by Alistair Begg:
PART 1 // PART 2
TALK: “Seek the Other’s Needs” by Mike Clark:

Winter Warmers: The Lord is My Light

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 13:23:29 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our mini series in ‘Winter Warmers’. This sermon is ‘The Lord is My Light’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Psalm 27

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me

to devour me,

it is my enemies and my foes

who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,

my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the LORD,

this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD

and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted

above the enemies who surround me;

at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, LORD;

be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”

Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,

do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,

God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,

the LORD will receive me.

Teach me your way, LORD;

lead me in a straight path

because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

spouting malicious accusations.

I remain confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What prompts you to look to the shepherd? What troubles/concerns this week could you bring to him?

WARM-UP

Have there been any times in your life in which there has been physically a complete (or almost complete) absence of light? How did this make you feel?
Did David have significant cause to be fearful? What causes you to be afraid?

Read Psalm 27:1-6

Who does David describe the LORD as in verse 1? What do each of these names mean?
How is it clear that this knowledge about the LORD is not just objective truth, but also a personal reality to David? Do you know this to be true as well?
How does David have confidence even in the presence of trouble? Do you ever struggle with this in your own life? How so?
When you face trouble or stress, what is your natural instinct? What helps you be redirected to God?
How does David’s example steer us away from both complacency and self-reliance? Do you think that this is particularly counter-cultural in Australia?
What knowledge helps you to trust in God even in the face of trouble? What practices help you to trust in God even in the face of uncertainty?
How is knowing God a great gift even when we experience uncertainty, stress, or danger?
What did David long for more than anything? What does this mean?
How do you seek God? How can we be sure of knowing him?
What are the practical ways in which we can seek the goodness of the LORD?

Read Psalm 27:7-13

How does David reflect his desire to be known by God in these verses?
What does David mean in verse 11? How is obedience an expression of our trust?
How does Jesus make it possible for us to have a clear and certain confidence of the future?

APPLY: What is one fear in your life that could be dispelled by taking confidence in the LORD?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank you so much that we can have every confidence that you will keep us ultimately safe through the Lord Jesus. Please help us to trust in you regardless of the circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: People are much more likely to trust what their friends endorse. Which friend or colleague could you invite to Alpha? stbarts.com.au/alpha

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series Outline by St Bart’s Toowoomba: https://stbarts.com.au/blog/2021/6/20/winter-warmers-miniseries-outline
Website: “Psalms” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/learn/psalms/
Book: “The Case for the Psalms” by Tom Wright
Devotional: “My Rock and My Refuge” by Tim Keller
Course: “Introduction to Psalms” by the Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/psalms/
Course: “The Psalms” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families:

Winter Warmers: The Lord is My Shepherd

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:21:27 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our mini series in ‘Winter Warmers’. This sermon is ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Psalm 23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can your choices and actions this week be sensitive to the needs of others?

WARM-UP

Where have you heard this Psalm before but not in a Sunday service? Why do you think this Psalm is so popular even in the world?
How have your friends who aren’t christian reacted to the past 18 months of uncertainty?

Read Psalm 23

What was the role and purpose of a shepherd in these times of David? Why were the sheep so dependant on the shepherds?
How does God provide for us the best and most fruitful place to live and thrive?
Can you recall a time when you have felt the refreshment of the soul that David speaks of in V3? Where does our greatest refreshment and restoration come from?
What does it mean to walk in the right paths? Who do we follow to guide us along these paths?
What does V4 assume for us this side of eternity? How can we possibly not be afraid in this darkness and even in the face of death?
How has the Lord provided for us in abundance? Where do we primarily see God’s goodness and love poured out for us?
How can we have the confidence of dwelling in the house of the Lord even after death?
What could it look like for us to act more like a sheep in our lifetime? How can we continually keep our eyes on the shepherd

Read John 10:11-18

What does the good shepherd do for his sheep? How have we seen this? Why does the shepherd do this for us?
How well does the shepherd know us? How could that shape our relationship with him?
What does the opposite of this Psalm say to the person who isn’t a believer? Who could we tell of the comfort of the shepherd this week?

APPLY: hat prompts you to look to the shepherd? What troubles or concerns this week could you bring to him?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for your compassion for us in being our shepherd. Please help us to remember that we are your sheep, that you care for us, and that we can call upon you to help us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Alpha begins Monday 12 July. Who could you invite along?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Series Outline by St Bart’s Toowoomba: https://stbarts.com.au/blog/2021/6/20/winter-warmers-miniseries-outline
Website: “Psalms” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/learn/psalms/
Book: “The Case for the Psalms” by Tom Wright
Devotional: “My Rock and My Refuge” by Tim Keller
Course: “Introduction to Psalms” by the Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/psalms/
Course: “The Psalms” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Winter Warmers: The Lord is My Rock

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 16:19:16 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our mini series in ‘Winter Warmers’. This sermon is ‘The Lord is My Rock’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Psalm 28

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Psalm 28

To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock,

do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you remain silent,

I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands

toward your Most Holy Place.

Do not drag me away with the wicked,

with those who do evil,

who speak cordially with their neighbors

but harbor malice in their hearts.

Repay them for their deeds

and for their evil work;

repay them for what their hands have done

and bring back on them what they deserve.

Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD

and what his hands have done,

he will tear them down

and never build them up again.

Praise be to the LORD,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him.

The LORD is the strength of his people,

a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance;

be their shepherd and carry them forever.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can your choices and actions this week be sensitive to the needs of others?

WARM-UP

When was the last time that you got stuck in a situation and had to call someone for help?
What comes to mind for you when you think of justice? What does the world think about justice?

Read Psalm 28:1-5

Who does David call upon for help?
What does it mean when we see a big capital ‘L’ in our bible and then the rest of the word ‘lord’ in small caps? Why is this significant?
Why is the Lord more than able to help? What is he like?
What does it mean for David to lift up his hands towards the Holy Place? What was dwelling there?
Who are the wicked and what are they like? What does David want for them?
How can we reconcile the command that we are to love our enemy and this Psalm which calls upon God to repay David’s enemies?
How is God’s justice different to that of any human justice? Why are his judgements good news for us? How then should we act when we face opposition?

Read Psalm 28:6-9

What is David’s response to seeing God at work in the world? How should we respond even when our prayers aren’t answered in the way that we may have hoped?
For you, what does it mean for the Lord to be your strength and shield? Can you recall a time that you have had to explicitly remind yourself of this?
When we aren’t feeling particularly close to or joyful in the Lord, who and what can we turn to?
What does it mean for God to save his people? How are God’s people sustained through the ages?
How does relying on God as our rock and strength change the way we live on our frontlines? How could this shape your actions and words to others?

APPLY: How can you remind yourself that the Lord is your Rock this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that you love us, that you care for us, and that you are more than able to save us. You are the God who has sustained and been and will be faithful to his promises for eternity. Help us to rest in the sure hope that you are good, that you will judge, and that you will strengthen us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who could you invite along to a Sunday service? With the appeal of warm food - Winter Warmers might be a great opportunity.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

Website: “Psalms” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/learn/psalms/
Book: “The Case for the Psalms” by Tom Wright
Devotional: “My Rock and My Refuge” by Tim Keller
Course: “Introduction to Psalms” by the Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/psalms/
Course: “The Psalms” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Building Up - 6PM

Amy Norman — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 21:10:00 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians) from our 6PM service. This sermon is ‘Building Up’. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 7

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you use your circumstance - right now - in more focused devotion to the Lord?

WARM-UP

Have you met a “know-it-all”? Why can they be so difficult to be around?
What governs the food you eat? Have you ever had to make cultural choices when travelling?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

In Paul’s time, why was food offered as a sacrifice to idols? Do you see a difference between eating food you know is offered to idols compared with eating food that probably was offered to idols?
What are the benefits of knowledge? What are the dangers of knowledge?
Do you think that you’re ever in danger of being ‘puffed up’ by knowledge?
What is better than knowledge? How is it better?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:4-8

Why was it okay for the Corinthians to eat food sacrificed to idols?
What does say Paul say about the difference between idols and God who we worship?
What did Jesus say about food (see Mark 7)?
What does it mean when Paul writes that “not everyone has this knowledge”? How are their “consciences defiled"?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

Why should we be careful about what we do around others? Are we living according to others’ convictions instead of our own?
Should we be willing to sacrifice our enjoyment for others? If we misuse our freedom, what are we doing?
Should loving others ever be at the expense of truth? How do we work this out?
What did Christ do for us? As a consequence of that, what should be willing to do for others?
What other areas, besides food sacrificed to idols, does this principle apply to?

APPLY: How can your choices and actions this week be sensitive to the needs of others?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom we have in Christ. Help us to be mindful of the experiences and needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ so that we don’t cause anyone to stumble but rather build each other up in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Are there any other Christians on your frontline that you could encourage, as you serve Jesus together?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Building Up

The Rev'd Dr Daniel Rouhead — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:29:40 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Building Up’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 7

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you use your circumstance - right now - in more focused devotion to the Lord?

WARM-UP

Have you met a “know-it-all”? Why can they be so difficult to be around?
What governs the food you eat? Have you ever had to make cultural choices when travelling?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

In Paul’s time, why was food offered as a sacrifice to idols? Do you see a difference between eating food you know is offered to idols compared with eating food that probably was offered to idols?
What are the benefits of knowledge? What are the dangers of knowledge?
Do you think that you’re ever in danger of being ‘puffed up’ by knowledge?
What is better than knowledge? How is it better?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:4-8

Why was it okay for the Corinthians to eat food sacrificed to idols?
What does say Paul say about the difference between idols and God who we worship?
What did Jesus say about food (see Mark 7)?
What does it mean when Paul writes that “not everyone has this knowledge”? How are their “consciences defiled"?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

Why should we be careful about what we do around others? Are we living according to others’ convictions instead of our own?
Should we be willing to sacrifice our enjoyment for others? If we misuse our freedom, what are we doing?
Should loving others ever be at the expense of truth? How do we work this out?
What did Christ do for us? As a consequence of that, what should be willing to do for others?
What other areas, besides food sacrificed to idols, does this principle apply to?

APPLY: How can your choices and actions this week be sensitive to the needs of others?

PRAYER

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Are there any other Christians on your frontline that you could encourage, as you serve Jesus together?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Marriage & Singleness

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:23:42 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventh sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Marriage & Singleness’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 7

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Is there an area of sexual immorality that you need to address and flee from?

WARM-UP

What is the worst relationship advice that you have ever received?
What are some of the lies do you think our culture tells about sex and relationships?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

What were the questions that prompted Paul to write this part of the letter? Can you explain them?
According to Paul (and Jesus), how is it clear that marriage is the context for sex? Was that a counter-cultural idea in Corinth? Is it a counter-cultural concept today?
If married, how does sex only between the husband and wife honour God?
If single, how does abstinence from sex also honour God?
If someone was single, would it be right for them to grieve longings (e.g, for sexual expression or to be a parent) that cannot be expressed outside of the context of marriage? What would be a healthy way to go about expressing such grief to God?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:8-16

What are all the various reasons that people were considering getting divorced?
How can we best care for and love those who experience the brokenness of a marriage? How can we help support healthy marriages in the context of our local church?
Do you think our culture ever diminishes single people? What are some of the common ways?
If single, do you think it’s ever possible to idolise marriage? How might this be a distraction?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

In what way can marriage and singleness both be gifts to God? What dictates...

God's Church: Flee from Sexual Immorality

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:38:53 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Flee from Sexual Immorality’. The audio recording this week comes from the 6PM service. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 6:12-20

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you show humility and demonstrate grace on your Frontline this week

WARM-UP

Why do you think the church can be hesitant to discuss sex? Why is ignoring it not helpful?
Is sexual promiscuity just a modern day problem? What was it like in Paul’s Corinth?

Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11

What were the cases of sin that Paul has reported to him amongst the Corinthians? How shameful was it even in the pagan culture?
What does the original word for ‘sexual immorality’ mean? What is the God-given context for sex?
What was really at the heart of the problem in the Corinthian Church? Is that a problem for us?
What does Paul mean in 5:8 by sincerity and truth? What does it look like to test our desires against God’s Word with sincerity and truth? How might this be costly?
Are we ever in danger of trivialising sexual immorality? In what way?
What is the danger of sin that goes ‘unchecked’? What image does Paul use to describe this danger?
What is meant by 1 Corinthians 5:5? What did Paul hope to achieve for the man and the community?
Why would expelling someone from a community only be used as a last resort? What steps would a community reasonably engage in before someone was expelled?
If we fall into sexual immorality, are we condemned? How is 6:11 of encouragement to us?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

How does Jesus’ resurrection confirm the reality that are bodies (and what we do with them) matter?
How is marriage a sign of our union with Christ? How does this affect who we are ‘united’ with?
In what ways are believers a temple of the Holy Spirit? How can we glorify God with our bodies?
Can you think of a time in which you had to flee something? What does it mean to flee sexual sin?
If a close friend shared that they were struggling with sexual sin, what would you advise them to do?

APPLY: Is there an area of sexual immorality that you need to address and flee from?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times in which we our pride deceives us and we trivialise your will for our lives. Please convict us of sin, remind us of forgiveness, and help to live lives that honour you. Please especially reveal to us an areas of sexual immorality from which we must flee. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you practically care for someone on your frontline this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

FOCUS: Psalm 2 - God our Hope (Talk 3)

The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant — Mon, 31 May 2021 17:04:20 +1000

FOCUS Talk & Small Group Resources

This is the third talk from the St Bart’s Toowoomba FOCUS weekend. This talk is ‘God our Hope’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Psalm 2.

Download the FOCUS Weekend Study Guide (PDF)

FOCUS: Psalm 73 - God our Guide (Talk 2)

The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant — Mon, 31 May 2021 17:03:05 +1000

FOCUS Talk & Small Group Resources

This is the second talk from the St Bart’s Toowoomba FOCUS weekend. This talk is ‘God our Guide’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Psalm 73.

Download the FOCUS Weekend Study Guide (PDF)

FOCUS: Psalm 121 - God our Father (Talk 1)

The Rev'd Dr Rhys Bezzant — Mon, 31 May 2021 16:58:35 +1000

FOCUS Talk & Small Group Resources

This is the first talk from the St Bart’s Toowoomba FOCUS weekend. This talk is ‘God our Father’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Psalm 121.

Download the FOCUS Weekend Study Guide (PDF)

FOCUS: Psalm 144 - God our Refuge

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 30 May 2021 11:58:55 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from St Bart’s Toowoomba on the FOCUS weekend. This sermon is ‘God our Refuge’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Psalm 144

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Psalm 144

Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Part your heavens, LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you show humility and demonstrate grace on your Frontline this week?

WARM-UP

When people of the world face troubles or hardships, where or what do they turn to?

Read Psalm 144:1-4

In hard times or struggles, what can be our first impulse? Where does David begin in this Psalm?
How does David describe the Lord in these verses? How does this give you comfort in times of trouble?
How are human beings described in these verses? In what ways can you see this in the world? What are God’s actions towards human beings?

Read Psalm 144:5-11

Is there any place or area in creation that God’s authority doesn’t reach? How is God’s authority described in these verses?
Why is God the most qualified person to save? Is there anything that we can do to save ourselves? How then can we receive God’s salvation?
How is God’s plan for salvation for us ultimately revealed? Who and what are the ultimate enemies? How are we saved from them?
What is the response to receiving God’s rescue?

Read Psalm 144:12-15

What are the covenant promises that God made to Abraham? Where can we see these in this Psalm?
Why don’t we experience these blessings in all their fullness right now? When will we?
How can the future hope of these things give us contentment in this life now? How can these promises help us when we face life’s uncertainties?
On your frontlines, where could you demonstrate this joy and contentment that comes from being in relationship with a faithful God?

APPLY: How are you enjoying being in relationship with our sovereign and faithful God?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that you care for us, that we find take refuge in you, and have hope in you forevermore. Help us in times of trouble and times of peace to rest in your unchanging and sure character and promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who do you see quietly following Jesus on their frontline? It might be a great opportunity to encourage them.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Fools for Christ

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 23 May 2021 16:09:25 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Fools for Christ’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 4

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How is your life building on the foundation of Jesus?

WARM-UP

What does our Australian culture do with people who are ‘full of themselves’ or show pride?
What happens to the church and church culture when people (especially leaders) don’t demonstrate humility?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

What does it mean to be a ‘steward’ of something given to you? Who is the owner? Who sets the terms and conditions of the ‘stewardship’ period?
What are Christian leaders called to be a servant of? How should this inform the way we view Christian leaders?
Why doesn’t Paul care about the judgement of the Corinthians or even judge himself? Who is the judge? How is this freeing for us?
What does it mean for us to be faithful stewards? How could you demonstrate this on your Frontline?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:6-21

How does a correct view of grace inform the way that we view ourselves? Where did the Corinthians go wrong in this? What was the result of this?
In what ways are the Apostles different to the Corinthians as in described in verses 8-13? What is Paul’s tone in this section?
What is it like for you to be a Christian in this cultural moment? How could we ensure that we don’t make the same mistake as the Corinthians?
What drives Paul to write so passionately and emphatically to the Corinthians?
Why does Paul urge the church to imitate him? Is he being prideful? Why/Why not?
What are the differences between something that is a nice idea and something that is powerful? Which one is the Kingdom of God? How should this inform the way we prioritise our lives?

APPLY: How could you show humility and demonstrate grace on your Frontline this week?

PRAYER

Father, thank you for your love and grace shown to us in Jesus. Please keep us from pride, keep us from boasting, and help us to steward, live out, and be diligent in the gospel. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you practically care for someone on your frontline this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk:

God's Church: God's Fellow Workers

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 16 May 2021 17:19:58 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘God's Fellow Workers’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom this week on one of your frontlines?

WARM-UP

Do people in our culture have a longing to belong? How do you think people satisfy this longing?
Can you remember a time when you didn’t feel like you belonged? How does belonging to Christ bring comfort (even) in times such as these?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Why could Paul only give ‘milk’ to the Corinthians rather than ‘solid food’? What does he mean?
What does Paul mean by them being ‘babies in the faith’? Is he questioning their salvation?
How is the Corinthian’s worldliness evident in their community? Is this a challenge for us today?
Why does maturity in Christ matter? How are we active as a church in our intention to both make and mature disciples of Jesus?
Why is it important for the Corinthians to recognise that their leaders are only servants? Who ultimately is the master and is also the one who causes the growth? How can we remember this?
In what sense are we co-workers with God? How does this look on one of your frontlines?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-23

What was the foundation that Paul laid? How do we dedicate our lives to building on Jesus?
How are leaders in God’s church important? How are leaders in God’s church only ultimately building on and for Jesus? What does this mean for St Bart’s as we think about the next 30-50 years?
What will happen to the things which are not sincerely built upon Jesus? What does this say about the longevity of the mission in which we participate?
What is our role in judgment? Whose judgment should we be ultimately mindful of?
What was the temple? In what way (now) are God’s people his temple?
If we are God’s temple, how should this transform the way we treat one another? What is the consequence (especially being mindful of leaders) of mistreating God’s temple?
What belongs to us? To whom do we ultimately belong? How does this change your life?

APPLY: How is your life building on the foundation of Jesus?

PRAYER

Father, we thank you for the extraordinary privilege of building our lives on Jesus. Please help us to make him the focus of our lives, that we might seek to serve him alone. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you trust and depend on the Holy Spirit in all your plans and conversations this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families:

God's Church: We Have The Mind of Christ

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 09 May 2021 20:05:36 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Mind of Christ’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,

what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived” —

the things God has prepared for those who love him—

these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord

so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we keep the cross central to all that we do?

WARM-UP

What do you think is the most common pieces of wisdom that our culture offers?
Where were many in the church in Corinth seeking their wisdom from? How can we sometimes be tempted to do the same?

Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-9 - The True Nature of Wisdom

What and who are not the source of true wisdom? Who are rulers of this age that Paul describes?
What is the ultimate trajectory of a worldly type of wisdom (devoid of God)? How can you see this as true - perhaps considering examples from your frontline?
What is the content of the ‘message of wisdom’ which Paul speaks about here?
In what way was this message hidden but is now revealed? How does this contrast with the secret knowledge that some of the Corinthians longed for?
How is it evident that the rulers of Paul’s age did not understand the wisdom of the cross?
What is the trajectory of God’s wisdom compared to the wisdom of the world?
What has God prepared for those who love him? How should this good news spur us on amidst our daily lives across the whole spectrum of frontlines?
How can we encourage and remind one another of the promise of the glory that God has prepared?

Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - Received in the Power of God’s Spirit

Who were the Apostles? How was the Holy Spirit particularly at work in the lives of the Apostles?
How is the Holy Spirit at work in us in order to bring about an understanding of the cross?
How does the Holy Spirit make a way for phenomenal intimacy between every believer and God?
As you seek to show and share the Good News, how is the Holy Spirit involved? How should we be greatly encouraged that it is ultimately the work of God’s Spirit that brings about conversion?
How are you dependent on the Holy Spirit in seeking to follow Jesus on your frontline?

APPLY: How can you seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom this week on one of your frontlines?

PRAYER

Gracious Lord, thank you for the gift of your Spirit! Please help us to understand the Gospel, live responsively to your Spirit, and participate in the proclamation of your Son. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: Preach Christ Crucified

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 02 May 2021 12:59:09 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the second sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Preach Christ Crucified’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-2:5

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT:How would others recognise that your identity is shaped by your relationship with Jesus?

WARM-UP

How would the world define wisdom? Where do the people on your frontlines search for wisdom?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-25 - God’s Power

What does it look like for God’s church to be unified? What is it that ultimately unites us?
Can we ever be tempted to follow church leaders? How can we avoid this temptation?
How does the world react to the message of the cross?
How does God’s wisdom make the wisdom of this world foolish? What does this tell us about the type of wisdom we should pursue?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God’s People

How does Paul describe the Corinthians in these verses? How is this a source of great comfort for us?
Throughout the whole of God’s story, what type of people does God work through and choose?
Is there anything that we can boast in when it comes to our salvation?
What does it look like to boast in the Lord? How could you demonstrate and show your confidence in the gospel on your frontlines?

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - God’s Messengers

In what way did Paul come to the Corinthians? What was the centre of his message? How did he communicate this?
What should be our constant message as a church? How should we communicate this?
How can we ensure that our faith relies on the power of God and not the wisdom of people?

APPLY: How can we keep the cross central to all that we do?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for your phenomenal grace, love, mercy, and power shown to us in Jesus’ death. Please keep us from resting in worldly wisdom but only in you. Help us to keep the cross firmly in our sights and minds all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Church: To the Church in Corinth

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:45:31 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘to the church in Corinth’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge — God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT:What is one way this week that you can demonstrate that Jesus has sent you?

WARM-UP

Can you remember a funny example of a time when you made a bit of a mess of things?
How had the church in Corinth made a mess of things? Yet, how does Paul speak of it?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-4 - Called by God

What was the city of Corinth like? What was the history of Paul’s connection with Corinth?
Whose church was it? Whose church is St Bart’s? Why is it so important to recognise this?
For what reason does Paul give thanks for the church? Does this surprise you at all?
How can you give thanks for the same in our life together at St Bart’s? Can you think of examples?
How is being called by God to be his church fundamental to our ultimate identity?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:5-7 - Supplied with Gifts

In what way does Paul say that the Corinthian church (and us!) have been enriched?
What were some of the issues for the Corinthian church when it came to gifts? Can we be similar?
When it comes to God’s gifts, do you usually have a view of scarcity or abundance? Why or why not?
How do you see God’s gifts at work in our life together at St Bart’s? Is there anyone you could encourage or enable to use their gifts in the life of God’s church at St Bart’s?
For what reasons should our gifts never be a source of boasting?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 - Kept Blameless

What does it mean for God to keep us firm? In what way will we be blameless? On what basis?
Does this guarantee give us freedom to obey rather than freedom to rebel?
How does belonging to Jesus shape your identity on one of your frontlines?

APPLY: How would others recognise that your identity is shaped by your relationship with Jesus?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the grace, gifts, and guarantee of a secure future that we have in Jesus. Please shape the identity of our lives and church on the basis of who you are and what you have done in the Lord Jesus. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

God's Kingdom: Sending King

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:22:21 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the final sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom. This sermon is ‘Sending King’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Download the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Acts 1:1-11

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What could help you see Jesus more clearly and continually worship him as Lord of all?

WARM-UP

What is the connection between the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts?
Have you ever considered the ascension of Jesus to be critical? Why or why not?

READ Acts 1:1-11

Why does Luke both finish Luke and commence Acts with the ascension account? If the ascension didn’t happen, what are the implications?
What further evidence does Luke supply at the beginning of Acts to support the claim that Jesus had risen? What are the implications of Jesus being alive?
What do you most love about being able to know Jesus? What most helps you in this relationship?
If one of your friends knew quite a lot about Jesus, how would you encourage them to actually know Jesus personally? How could you grow in your personal relationship with Jesus?

READ Luke 24:45-53

What is the significance of the disciples worshipping Jesus immediately after the ascension? How could you grow in wonder of Jesus as your exalted King?
What is different about Jesus’ assumption into heaven compared to Enoch’s or Elijah’s?
What does it look like to recognise Jesus as Lord on all of your frontlines and of every aspect of your life, identity, and activity?
According to Jesus, who is the Good News for? What does this mean for us and our proclamation?
What was now at the heart of the mission of the disciples? How are they empowered for mission?
How do we in some way share in this same mission? How are we empowered for mission?
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus living between his ascension and his return? What do you find most challenging about waiting for Jesus’ return?
How should Jesus’ return motivate us to go into the world as witnesses of Jesus?
What are the most important details about God’s Kingdom that you have learnt or been reminded of during this series? What has stood out for you the most?

APPLY: What is one way this week that you can demonstrate that Jesus has sent you?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have enjoined us in your mission to the world as part of your church and empowered by your Spirit. Please embolden us to live in the reality of Jesus’ Lordship and every frontline, proclaiming the Good News that he is the risen, exalted, and returning King. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Next Series Resources (1 Corinthians):

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk
FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Ch...

God's Kingdom: Ascended King

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 13:39:28 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eleventh sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom. This sermon is ‘Ascended King’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 24:36-53

Download the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 24:36-53

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 6 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is something about your Easter that you could share with someone on your frontline this week? Who could you invite to Alpha?

WARM-UP

What do you think your friends who aren’t Christians yet think about Jesus’ resurrection?
Before this passage, who has Jesus appeared to?

READ Luke 24:36-43

Why were the disciples frightened at the sight of Jesus? What does this tell us about their expectations or hope of resurrection?
What type of body does Jesus have here? What type of body will we have in our resurrection?
Why did Jesus eat in front of them? How were the disciples reacting at this point?
How is the resurrection of Jesus foundational to the hope that we have? What would be the point of our faith if Jesus didn’t rise?

READ Luke 24:44-53

What does it mean for Jesus to fulfil what was written about him?
Read Hebrews 10:5-10. How has Jesus fulfilled the law of the Old Testament?
Read Isaiah 11:1-3 and 53:7-9. How has Jesus fulfilled these prophesies? Do any other passages come to mind?
Read Psalm 22:1; 6-8 and Psalm 23. How is Jesus the fulfilment of these Psalms?
How should this principle of a ‘Christ-centred’ reading of the bible shape the way that we read and/or teach the word?
In what way does Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament give us assurance and confidence in our relationship with God? How could we incorporate this when we tell others about our faith?
How does V45 inform the way that we read God’s Word? What should we always do before doing so?
What caused the disciples doubt and fear to turn to joy and worship?
Why is it important that Jesus ascended? Where is Jesus now? How is this good news for us?
What does this passage tell us about the identity, role and victory of Jesus? What role should he have in our lives?

APPLY: What could help you see Jesus more clearly and continually worship him as Lord of all?

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you that Jesus is alive! Thank you that you always had a plan for salvation for the whole world and that you didn’t leave humanity in its mess. Help us to continually grow in this knowledge, to grow in our love for you, to grow in our dependance on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk
FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: W...

God's Kingdom: Risen King (Easter Day 2021)

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:19:44 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the tenth sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom and also our message for Easter Day. This sermon is ‘Risen King’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 24

Download the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you both demonstrate and tell others about the peace that Jesus brings on your frontlines this week?

WARM-UP

Did you do anything different to celebrate Easter this year? How was it?
What was most significant, or helpful, in your celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection this year?

READ Luke 23:26-49

How does verse 34 point to Jesus’ ultimate purpose? How has it been fulfilled?
What was the irony in the mocking of Jesus, “he saved others, let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah the Chosen One”? Do you think we can ever mock Jesus with our lives?
How do the responses of the two criminals hanging alongside Jesus contrast? What is amazing about the insight that the criminal shows about the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom?
What is significant about darkness coming over the land? How about the curtain being torn in two?
All throughout the Gospel of Luke people have been confused about who Jesus is. Do you have confidence about who Jesus is? What is your response to this?

READ Luke 24:1-12

Other than Jesus’ resurrection, what is the most outrageous claim you have ever heard?
What is the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection? (Try to brainstorm as a group.)
How is Jesus’ resurrection the defeat of death and the beginning of life? When will death be destroyed?
What’s significant about the declaration of the messengers in verses 5-7? Why do you you think the women were afraid? Why did Jesus’ words then make sense?
How does Jesus’ resurrection secure our future? As we trust in Jesus, what sort of future do we have?
How does Jesus’ resurrection change how you live today? In priorities, trouble, and joy?
The disciples were not “poised on the brink of belief”, but utterly sceptical. It took some of them time to believe. What changed their hearts and minds? Who do you know that is sceptical? How can you invite them to ‘come and see’?
The women go and tell all they had seen. How is this a great model for us? Who can you tell this week?

APPLY: What is something about your Easter that you could share with someone on your frontline this week? Who could you invite to Alpha?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the Good News of Easter. Thank you for your phenomenal love poured out for us, and for your defeat of sin and death. Help us to never take the Gospel for granted but to revel in it, proclaim it, and be transformed and renewed in it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline could you invite to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk
FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch...

God's Kingdom: Crucified King (Good Friday 2021)

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 13:19:28 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sermon from Good Friday 2021. Bible Reading: Luke 23. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder.

Download the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

God's Kingdom: Betrayed King (Maundy Thursday 2021)

The Rev'd Dr Dan Rouhead — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 22:20:00 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

These are the three reflections from Maundy Thursday 2021. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead.

Download the Sermon Transcript (PDF).

God's Kingdom: Entering King

The Rev'd Michael Calder — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 07:56:57 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the ninth sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom. This sermon is ‘Entering King’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 19:28-44

Download the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 19:28-44

After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you maximise your gifts in service of the returning King?

WARM-UP

What comes to mind when you think of a grand entrance?
What does Jesus’ entrance indicate about the type of King he is?

READ Luke 19:28-40

What was the significance of the Mount of Olives?
Why did Jesus choose to enter into Jerusalem on a donkey? How would this have been different to the entrance of other Kings into their cities?
What did the disciples do with their cloaks and clothes? What does this show about their relationship to Jesus?
In V37, why do the disciples praise God and lift their voices? What do the miracles tell us about the significance of Jesus?
Read Psalm 118:25-29. How does Jesus fulfil this Psalm? What does it mean for Jesus to come ‘in the name of the Lord’?
Read Luke 2:13-14 and compare to V38. What type of peace does Jesus bring? How do we experience this peace even in the midst of this broken world?
What should the experience of this peace ultimately lead to in our lives?
Why were the Pharisees not happy with the cries of the crowd? How did they react?
What could you do to remind yourself both of the kingship of Jesus and the peace that he brings? What could you do to help you rest in this knowledge?

READ Luke 19:41-44

What do Jesus’ tears show us about his character and his heart for the lost?
What would have brought Jerusalem ultimate peace? What ultimately happened to Jerusalem around 40 years later?
What happens when people reject the offer of peace that God has won for us? How is your heart for those who haven’t turned to Christ?

APPLY: How can you both demonstrate and tell others about the peace that Jesus brings on your frontlines this week?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus who demonstrated, declared, and won the ultimate peace of being reconciled with you. Help us to continually recognise him as king in our lives. Give us the same mind of Christ Jesus that we may have compassion for the lost and share your good news with them. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: As you share about your Easter long-weekend plans, can you also share about how the news of Easter shapes your life?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk
FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids Talk

eBook: Bible eBook

God's Kingdom: Returning King

The Rev'd Adam Lowe — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 21:15:44 +1000

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth sermon in our series on God’s Kingdom. This sermon is ‘Returning King’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 19:11-27

Download the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Luke 19:11-27

While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

“He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

“ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

“The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

“His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

“Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

“ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ ”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you invite the lost in to hear more of the Good News of Jesus?

WARM-UP

How often do you think about Jesus returning? Does it change your priorities when you do?
What is the recent regional history that Jesus is likely alluding to in this parable? If Jesus is not saying that he is like Archelaus in character, what is the parallel that he is drawing?

READ Luke 19:11-15

What were people expecting of Jesus as he arrived in Jerusalem? What was actually going to happen?
How is it evident in the parable that the gifts ultimately belong to the master?
What gifts do you think God has entrusted to you? What does it mean to you to recognise those gifts as ultimately belonging to God?
What is the ultimately purpose to which we are to put our gifts to work? What do you think that looks like on one of your frontlines? (You might even be able to offer suggestions to one another.)
How was the third servant’s failure to act really an act of disobedience and rebellion?
How do you think God could be leading you to grow or focus your gifts more intently for his Kingdom purposes? Are there any gifts, time, or resources that you resist using for God’s purposes?
If Jesus is returning, how do you think it should shape your approach on one of your frontlines?
Which do you think you’re ever most in danger of: (a) underestimating the value of God’s gifts entrusted to you; (b) failing to recognise that those gifts belong to God; or (c) being risk-averse with what God has entrusted to you? What could help you avoid whichever you are most susceptible to?

READ Luke 19:16-27

What most surprises or confuses you about this part of the parable? What were the lasting effects?
How could we read this part of the parable incorrectly as pointing to a Gospel of works?
To what extent are the rewards disproportionate to the acts of obedience? How is this God’s grace?
How do you think God multiplies out his gifts through our obedience? How do have you witnessed God’s gracious multiplication (for his glory) at St Bart’s? What could that look like in the future?
How does accepting Jesus as Lord mean that we are recipients of his grace? How does rejecting Jesus mean that we face judgment on our own?

APPLY: How can you maximise your gifts in service of the returning King?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you so much that Jesus went to the cross for us, rose from the dead, and is coming back again. Please help us to be aware of the gifts that you have entrusted to us, motivated to use those gifts for your Kingdom purposes, and mindful of the account we will give when you return. Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What is distinctive about how you see others serving Jesus on their frontlines? Make time to encourage them?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

OUTLINE: for Series with key verses, big ideas, and reflection questions:
https://bit.ly/39w5Ggk
FOR FAMILIES: Download the St Bart’s Kids Lego Devotional Guide: https://bit.ly/2YrP3Mf
WEBSITE: “Gospel of the Kingdom of God” by the Bible Project: https://bit.ly/2NFP2SJ
BOOK: “Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, the Gospel in Revelation” by Graeme Goldsworthy
BOOK: “Luke for Everyone” by Tom Wright
Course: “The Bible Overview” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course).
https://bit.ly/3pGDVH7 (We’ll also be offering this in Term 3 of 2021 at St Bart’s.)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and