https://sermons.logos.com/profile/6385880https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/files/4335088/assets/853323/content.jpg?download=true&signature=AsKn0UgiZQ0TNnYeYTUYSxnOizs&e=.jpghttps://sermons.logos.com/profile/6385880RSS for NodeSun, 05 Apr 2026 00:20:37 GMT60Willetton Christian ChurchSermons by Willetton Christian ChurchWilletton Christian Churchsermons@logos.comnohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1724005https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1724005Sun, 08 Mar 2026 02:57:11 GMTWilletton Christian Church2016nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1704907https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1704907Sun, 08 Feb 2026 03:00:37 GMTWilletton Christian Church2266nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1696556https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1696556Sun, 25 Jan 2026 02:47:45 GMTWilletton Christian Church2097nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1630286https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1630286Sun, 07 Dec 2025 02:53:33 GMTWilletton Christian Church2298nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1621875https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1621875Sun, 23 Nov 2025 03:04:43 GMTWilletton Christian Church2382nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1537692https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1537692Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:49:22 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAt the start of our series, we briefly saw Moses asking God two questions: 'Who am I?' and 'Who are you?' In today's passage, many centuries later, we see a group of religious leaders asking the similar questions of Jesus, questions of identity that are meant to make us consider our own identity through the answers Jesus gives. Are we slaves to sin, or have we been freed through believing in him? Are we children of God, descendants of Abraham through faith, or children of the devil, standing in lies? And ultimately, are we people who glorify Jesus as the great I AM, or do we want to put him to death for saying that of himself?2553nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533597https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533597Sun, 06 Jul 2025 04:06:26 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe Philistines have been ravaged by God. They captured the ark of Yhwh’s covenant, thinking that they have won the victory over him. However, as we saw in the previous chapter, God showed that he has supremacy over all other gods. The Philistines now realized this and wanted to get rid of the ark by sending it back to the Israelites. Even though they do not worship nor know the God of Israel, they knew what they were going through was the result of his judgement on them. They tried to satisfy his wrath and judgement by including golden tumours and rats (symbols of the judgement that befell them). Through the movement of the cart and cows, God confirmed to them that it was indeed his judgement upon their cities. Upon arriving in one of the towns of Israel, God struck down some seventy people because they “looked into the ark of the Lord”. They have not learned their lesson of the holiness of God. Even the Philistines, who did not receive God’s promises, began to learn to respect God2205nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533604https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533604Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:53:15 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMore than a millennia has passed since God declared his name, YHWH, to Moses. For Jews living under Roman rule, waiting for the Messiah, it seems like the great I AM is nowhere to be seen. For Jesus' disciples, sailing on the Sea of Galilee on a dark and stormy night, fighting for their lives, they must have felt that even more! And it is into this picture that Jesus steps, walking on water, declaring that there is no need to fear, for he is with them, and us - and he is that one and the same I AM.2197nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533601https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533601Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:47:32 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhile we don't often think too much about it in our culture, in the Biblical era, names often had special significance. In our text this morning, we will see how this is true even of God. When Moses asks for a name to give to the Israelites, to let them know their God would be with them, God replies not only by giving his name, YHWH (often translated as the LORD), but also gives that Name a meaning: I AM WHO I AM. This simple statement gives us a measure of who God truly is, in all his unchanging, eternal, sovereign power and glory, and over this series, we will come to see how these attributes and more are reflected in the Son, Jesus, who claims this name for himself.2163nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533598https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533598Sun, 22 Jun 2025 02:53:06 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn 1 Samuel 8-12, Israel wants a king—a visible leader, like all the nations around them. But in doing so, they reject the God who gave them everything. And what they receive is Saul: impressive on the outside but hollow within. Yet even in their failure, God remained faithful. He sent thunder not to destroy, but to wake them up, to bring them home.2082nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533594https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533594Sun, 08 Jun 2025 02:49:42 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe covenants God makes with his people (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus) help us make sense of the storyline of the Bible as a whole. God makes special promises to be our God, and we, God’s people, his people commit ourselves to the conditions of the covenant: to live as God’s people. But how do we hold on to God’s promises when we don’t see any evidence that God is going to fulfil what he’s promised? And if we know in advance that we’re going to fail to live up to the conditions (we’re sinful), how can we have hope that we’ll receive what’s promised? This morning, we focus our attention on God’s covenant with Abraham as we discover exactly how it is we can trust God’s promises when questions arise in our minds if God will do what he’s said. More than that, in a very strange and unusual ceremony in Genesis 15, we discover we can have every confidence that God will fulfil his promises to us despite our inevitable failures.2144nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533593https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533593Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:06:45 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe ark of the covenant has been captured by the Philistines. In the eyes of the world, this means that Yhwh is weak and was therefore defeated by the Philistine god. The ark was carried and placed in Dagon’s temple, next to Dagon. It was meant to be a sign of Dagon’s trophy, having bested Yhwh. The people of Israel should despair because their God has been humiliated and defeated. Or has he? No! In fact, it was Dagon that ended up prostrating before Yhwh. What’s more, Yhwh brought devastation on the people of Ashdod (one of the cities of the Philistines). The people were afflicted with tumours. They recognised that it was the ark of Yhwh’s covenant that has been causing their pain. The same thing happened in other cities in Philistine and they were terrified of Yhwh. Yhwh was not defeated. He is not weak. In fact, this chapter is showing us that he does not need Israel’s army to defeat his enemies. He defeated the Philistines all by himself. Far from being weak, Yhwh showed that2161nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533589https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533589Sun, 25 May 2025 03:01:06 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchDo we unknowingly treat God as a vending machine – that if we fulfil certain conditions and then God will be certain to give us some form of blessing? Do we think that if we only pray hard enough, serve long enough, be devoted enough, evangelise enough, that God should (maybe even be obligated to!) answer our prayers and requests to him? That was how the Israelites were treating God in the first half of 1 Samuel 4. They were in a battle against the Philistines (and it won’t be the last time). They were losing the battle and decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, thinking that God will be with them this time. They lost and the ark was captured. Hophni and Phinehas were killed. This was God fulfilling his judgement mentioned in the previous chapter. When news of that devastating battle reached Eli, he collapsed and died. Then the wife of Phinehas gave birth to their son, in which she also died, she named their son “Ichabod”, meaning God’s glory has departed. The 2259nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533585https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533585Sun, 11 May 2025 02:53:51 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn our passage this weekend, we are given a picture of the rot at the centre of Israel’s priesthood. “Eli’s sons were scoundrels.” Even though they were supposed to be priests of God, they had no regard for God at all. They took advantage of the sacrifices that people brought for God and used their position to sleep with women who served at the temple. They were supposed to be priests – mediators between God and mankind and teachers of God’s laws to God’s people. However, what they are doing is a complete mockery of who they were supposed to be. On the other hand, in the midst of this rot within the priesthood, we have faithful Samuel. Samuel, dedicated to the Lord since his birth, has been ministering faithfully to the Lord all throughout this period. He continues to “grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people.” God’s grace is working in the midst of the rot within the priesthood. While he is in the background at this moment, it is clear that he is being prepared b2687nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533583https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533583Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchHannah’s prayer is surprising to many of us. Remember that she has struggled for many years on her lack of a son and being provoked about it by Peninnah. However, God answered her prayer by giving her a son, and so she responds to God in her prayer. However, in her prayer, it is remarkable that the focus is not on herself, nor the son that God gave her, nor even her own situation. It is a remarkably God-centred prayer from Hannah. She begins her prayer by rejoicing in God for his deliverance. Then she very quickly moves on to the different characteristics of her God – his holiness, sovereignty, grace, and justice. Hannah recognises that her experience with God is a small display of the kind of God she worships and prays to. This is what he is like – he brings life out of death, humbles the proud, exalts the humble, accomplishes his great salvation in the most unexpected way. This is exactly the pattern that we see with Christ – humbling the proud, exalting humble sinners, and acc2291nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533581https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533581Sun, 27 Apr 2025 03:09:38 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThere are times when God seems silent. There are times when we feel like God does not care. However, no matter the situation we find ourselves in, God knows and God cares. Hannah found herself in such a situation. She was not able to bear a child for her husband, Elkanah, while his other wife Penninah had children. Year after year, she was taunted by Penninah about her childlessness. One year, she cried out to God in anguish, weeping bitterly. In an unsurprising turn of event, she did bear a child eventually. Her vow was to dedicate whatever child God decides to give her. She did just that after weaning him. God heard her cries of anguish and her pleas and answered her. He hears and cares.2483nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533580https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533580Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMany people today believe that there is a crisis of leadership in our world. The reality is that often leaders are not trusted by those they are called to lead. The image of biblical leadership is most often portrayed as shepherding leadership. It is the exercise of leadership that leads by example and leads in a sacrificial manner. The Apostle Peter writing to the elders of the church states, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-3).2211nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533573https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533573Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchOne of the regular rhythms in our Christian lives should be our service to our brothers and sisters in Christ. That is the only appropriate and reasonable response in view of God’s amazing mercy to us in Christ. Therefore, it is important to remember that we are serving one another, not to be saved, but rather because we are saved in Christ. We are one body in Christ, and so we should not think of ourselves more highly than others. Rather, we think of ourselves as part of the body of Christ, serving and encouraging one another. We have different gifts from God, therefore we should use those gifts to build up, edify, and encourage the body of Christ. One mark of a disciple or follower of Christ is his/her desire to serve another in love. Another mark of a disciple of Christ is that he/she recognises that all we have is from God. Therefore we should be generous with our offering/giving to the church. This is different from tithing in the OT, as the NT focus is on us as living sacri2129nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533571https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1533571Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:35:24 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMuch ink has been spilled over the topic of the Lord’s Supper during the Reformation than we think. Martin Luther, the German monk who started the Reformation, was famously willing to split the church over this issue. Just what it is about the Lord’s Supper that is so important? Isn’t it just mere “bread and wine”? There are two traps that we can fall into with regards to the Lord’s Supper – thinking that it is “magical” or a “mirage”. Some have thought it “magical” to the point where if we take the Lord’s Supper, we will receive God’s blessings and healing in our lives. Others merely think of the Lord’s Supper as a memory aid for us to remember Christ. The Lord’s Supper is important because it is ultimately about the Gospel message of Christ and how we take hold of God’s promises. Celebrating the Lord’s Supper has been done within the Christian church since its beginning. It has deep spiritual significance for us as a church when we celebrate it – it unifies us in Christ, helps us 2236nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467252https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467252Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:04:01 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchBaptism is the sign and seal of the person into the covenant community of God. It shows that the person who is being baptised has now become part of the people of God in the same way that circumcision marks the child out as part of God’s people. Just as how circumcision was a sign of God’s blessing and grace to those who are born into God’s covenant community, baptism is a sign of God’s grace and blessing as well. Whether it is an infant or an adult who has come to faith, baptism celebrates God’s grace and goodness in bringing that person into the covenant community. Baptism is one of two sacraments that God instituted for the church. They are the Gospel message proclaimed to us in a visual form. Therefore, they are God’s means of grace to us – that is, we receive God’s grace when we celebrate them because we are once again having the Gospel proclaimed to us for our hearts to take hold. 2416nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467251https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467251Sun, 09 Mar 2025 02:48:53 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe people of God has always been set apart from their surrounding nations. Ever since God gathered his people around him, he has called his people to be different, because he has rescued and redeemed them. The New Testament continues this pattern with Jesus Christ. We are gathered around Jesus, set apart for him because of the redemption that he purchased for us. The church is a people that God has rescued through Jesus Christ. We are saved into a people, therefore our faith has never been a merely private experience, but one that is lived together with others who are in Christ. Membership in the local church is a way of expressing that reality we have in Christ. We belong to the universal church – the people saved by Christ. This is expressed by belonging to the local church. We belong to our local church family, helping each other in our discipleship to Christ, under the leadership of the elders. We all help each other in our Christian discipline, so that we grow in our love and 2439nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467250https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467250Sun, 23 Feb 2025 03:13:05 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThere are endless opinions when it comes to the singing and music in our weekend services. That is not surprising as music and songs connect to us on a deeper and emotional level. It just “feels” so much more personal than a sermon. That is why it can elicit such strong opinions. However, when you think about it, as a society, we do not actually do a lot of singing together with others. There are hardly any events that we do that. The only exception is probably concerts or birthdays. Christians, on the other hand, have been a singing people since the beginning. In fact, we sing every single week when we gather with other Christians. Why do we do that? What is so special about singing that we have musicians spending hours each week practising, so that they can lead us in singing songs? Let us explore that this coming Sunday.2303nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467249https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467249Sun, 16 Feb 2025 02:59:15 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe are starting our new sermon series this weekend on the Rhythms of Grace. Each Sunday as Christians, we gather at the church building. In that gathering, we have different elements of the service that we go through – we sing, we pray, we give, we serve, we listen to preaching, etc. Going through all that becomes a rhythm in our lives, like a constant beat for a piece of music. It keeps our Christian lives in sync and provides a pattern for the rest of our lives. However, if we do not re-examine why we do what we do weekly, we can become complacent or lose sight of the purpose of each element. We will be going through each element, starting this weekend with preaching. As we dig into what the Scriptures, we will find that sitting under the preaching of God’s word weekly is too important to give up. In fact, this rhythm or pattern has been going on for almost all of 2000 years of church history – there has to be a good reason for that.2365nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467248https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467248Sun, 19 Jan 2025 02:54:04 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe account of David and Mephibosheth is a very small one in the Old Testament. However, it presents us with a beautiful picture of our abject sinfulness and the loving heart of God. This Sunday, we will explore the character of Mephibosheth: both who he was and why he was so miserable. We will also take a closer look at David’s heart for Mephibosheth in comparison with God’s own heart for us. We will finish by unpacking the remarkable end to Mephibosheth’s story and discover how God’s undeserved favour can truly transform our hearts and minds.2003nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467246https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467246Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchPsalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It is a psalm that is all about loving, celebrating, and delighting in the commands, laws, and word of God. Psalm 119 calls us to delight in God's word. It makes us wise as it teaches us about God's world and how it operates. God's word also brings us joy and delight as it tells us about God's love and heart for us. It reveals to us our sins, so that we can run to Christ, through whom our sins are forgiven. Through God's word, we know a God who has loved us and cared for us. God's word also helps us in our sufferings. We know through God's word that we are not alone - God is our refuge and shield. Ultimately, God did not just send a "letter" to us, but he sent his own Son who perfectly shows us his love for us. Through Christ, we know that God is not aloof, but he is near us and has come to us personally. We delight in God's word, Jesus Christ - the one who makes us wise, the one whom we delight us, and the one who is with us in our suff2237nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467245https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1467245Sun, 05 Jan 2025 02:49:07 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGod is speaking continuously – both through his creation and in his word. Are we listening? God is speaking through his creation. Since the beginning of creation, the whole creation is displaying God’s power and divine nature. We often leave marks of who we are in the things that we create, and it is the same with God and the whole creation. We see marks of who this Creator is by noticing and “listening” to creation. They speak of God’s immeasurable power and his unlimited creativity. God is speaking through the word that he gave us. This is the only way that we can know more about this God and what he is like. God’s word tells us about even more characteristics of this creator God. That is why David describes God’s word as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, and firm. That is why it is important we read our Bibles. It is only through that word that we know this God who has loved us in Christ – the word that was made flesh, ultimately the greatest revelation of God.2423nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1415463https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1415463Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAcross the centuries, we have different kinds of rulers, from tyrannical to the incompetent. Last week, we read about Matthew declaring that the promised awaited king has come. But what kind of king is he? We will be looking at Matthew 1:18-25 this weekend, and in that passage, we see two aspects of Jesus’ kingship. This promised king will be our saviour. He has come to save “his people from their sins.” That is what a king is supposed to do – to protect, rescue, and care for his people. However, our deepest problem is our broken relationship with God, as a result of our sins. This king has come to restore our most foundational problem. This promised king will be God’s presence with us. This is a God who has come close to us, instead of staying in his “lofty” position. This is a God who knows and experiences human life through king Jesus. Jesus Christ is king of God’s saving grace, rescuing us from our sins and walks with us in our lives. 2397nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1405576https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1405576Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt is great to have the peace that passes understanding that, because we belong to Christ, we are comforted in life and death. That in belonging to Him, our sins are covered by His precious blood and all things must work for our good without a hair from our head falling apart from the will of our Father in Heaven. This is what we rejoiced in when last I preached in Willo. In Sunday’s service we focus on Q&A 2 which raises the question as to, what do we need to know in order to have this comfort. It is one thing to know about this comfort, it is altogether a different thing to have it. This sermon then explores how it is we come to obtain this amazing comfort for it is clear, not every possesses it.1958nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1397398https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1397398Sun, 17 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn Romans 16, we read of Paul’s greetings to all the people that have laboured in Gospel ministry. There is a camaraderie and personal touch in Christian ministry. Paul knew many of these people personally, and they laboured together in Gospel ministry. Christian ministry involves working together with others and it is not merely the effort of an “anointed” few. One of the roles of being in Christian ministry is to watch out for those who would cause divisions within the church. These people are serving themselves, rather than God. They deceive us through smooth talk and flattery, and therefore it is important that we continue to be obedient to God and know his truth intimately. Paul ends his letter to the Romans with a wonderful benediction that once again brings our minds to focus on the Gospel of God. God has established the church based on this Gospel – that Gentiles are now eternal sharers with the Jews in the blessings of Christ – in which all glory goes to God alone.2436nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1397397https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1397397Sun, 10 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe church is made up of a diverse group of people who have been accepted by God in Christ. Therefore, we should accept one another within the church of God. The relationships that we have built within the church have a greater impact on us and the watching world than we imagine. A united people from diverse backgrounds with strong and deep relationships is a rare breed in our world. We are united in the Gospel of Christ with our mission to proclaim this Gospel to the nations. That was the heartbeat of Paul’s life, and therefore we can learn from Paul’s example in our own lives. While we may not play the same role as Paul, our lives can be as intentional about proclaiming Christ as Paul’s life. In the end, we are all in this together as partners for the Gospel of Christ. Contrary to what many think, we do not have to share the Gospel of Christ by ourselves. We do it together as partners in Christ.2403nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1388528https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1388528Sun, 03 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchChristians have many different opinions on different ways of being obedient to God. This is especially true on things that God himself has not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. Paul mentioned a list of issues that the Jews and Gentiles would disagree about. However, he insists that we all belong to the Lord and each of us will have to give an account to God, not to each other. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on each other on these topics where we have freedom to practise in different ways. The kingdom of God is not about the “physical” things on earth, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, as God’s people, let us focus on doing what leads to peace and to mutual encouragement of each other. We want to build and cultivate a culture of encouragement, rather than judgement of each other. There’s enough of judgment in our world, let us not add to that. Instead, let us be a culture of grace, modelled after our Lord Jesus Christ. 2530nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1384065https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1384065Sun, 27 Oct 2024 03:01:13 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAll glory is to be to God alone. The culmination of the first four “solas” of the Reformation is that glory belongs to God and God alone. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone through God’s sheer grace alone, promised to us in the Scriptures alone. All of that is only possible because of God’s initiative and work, both through the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit in us. That is Paul’s conclusion at the end of Romans 11. He has been declaring the wonders of the Gospel message of Christ all the way from Romans 1:18 onwards. He concludes the whole story of redemption in chapter 11, and it is only appropriate that he ends all of that with a doxology (praise) to God. In many senses, that is exactly what good theology is supposed to do – to raise our affections for God and increase our praise to him. Paul does exactly that at the end of Romans 11. He praises the wisdom, knowledge, and plan of God. 2317nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1380129https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1380129Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:56:03 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe receive the grace of God through no work nor merit of our own. We are justified purely on the basis of Christ’s righteousness counted as ours, received by faith alone. We do not need elaborate rituals, activities or work for us to gain favour from God. God doesn’t help us only when we help ourselves. Instead, God gives his grace to us freely in Christ. An encounter with the transcendent gracious God does not leave us the same. This God has saved us in Christ out of his sheer grace. This grace also works in and through us to grow in our holiness and Christlikeness. Finally, this is a grace that is to come in the future when we will see Jesus. Christ will come back and make all things new, and give us a new perfected, sinless bodies to dwell with God forever.2188nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1380128https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1380128Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMost Christians are familiar with the basic outline of the Jonah narrative. It's one of the first Bible stories we are taught. But are there truths and details that we miss due to this familiarity? In this message, we take a deep dive into the kind of person Jonah was.1954nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372453https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372453Sun, 06 Oct 2024 03:10:29 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe continue our short sermon series on the Five Solas. This week, we focus on the fact that we are saved in Christ alone through faith alone. In Ephesians 2, Paul begins by describing our condition and lives before Christ. He does not paint a pretty picture of who we are – spiritually dead and deserving of God’s wrath. It is a stark reminder of what we are saved from – our sins. Because of God’s great love, mercy, and kindness to us, he accomplished salvation for us in Christ. All these blessings that God gives is only possible in Christ. He made us alive in Christ, raised us up with him and seated us with Christ in the heavenly realms. We are no longer enslaved, because we are united to the one who freed us. All that belongs to Christ now belongs to us – in Christ alone. We receive all these blessings through faith alone in Christ alone. These blessings are not given to us via all the good works that we have done. The means by which God gives us his grace in Christ is through ou2385nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372451https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372451Sun, 29 Sep 2024 03:02:25 GMTWilletton Christian Church500 years ago, it was thought that the Scriptures were too complicated for lay people. All we need to receive grace from God is to attend Mass at the local church. It did not even matter that we would not have been able to understand what was said during Mass, as long as we are a part of it, then we would receive God’s grace. Therefore, through this sort of thinking, the teaching of the church and the Scriptures themselves are put on equal grounds. However, it is not the case today because of the Reformation. Scriptures are the very words of God, and what is remarkable is that we are able to understand Scriptures. As the people of God, we are the creature of the Word. We have been brought to life by God’s word. Because of that, God’s word must be central in all that we do as God’s people, as Scripture alone is our final inerrant authority in all areas of our Christian life and faith.2281nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372450https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1372450Sun, 22 Sep 2024 02:45:01 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThere was a Latin phrase that was once popular amongst Christians and was even used in some Christian liturgies, and that is the phrase Coram Deo, which means "before the face of God". This captures the essence of the text for this week, that the whole of the Christian life is to be lived Coram Deo - before the face of God. To plan our lives apart from God, as if to forget him, is to rob him of his glory. What is more, is that when we forget God and rob him of his glory, we also take his place as the captain of our future, but it is God who works the future according to his goodwill and pleasure. The remedy to planning life without reference to God is not to tack “God willing” onto the end of our plans as some kind of Christian cliché but rather to tether it to our hearts as those who live all of life - Coram Deo.2124nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1360876https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1360876Sun, 15 Sep 2024 02:48:31 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn Romans 13, Paul continues his call for Christians to live a life of love towards others. He focuses on how Christians are to relate to the governing authorities. We are to submit to them as they are agents of God’s justice in our world. Through governing authorities, God restrains sin in our society and therefore creates a society in which there is order and justice. That is why Christians should submit to governing authorities, because in doing so, we are actually loving our neighbours by fostering a peaceful and orderly culture. However, we only submit so far as what they are promoting is right in the eyes of God. Love is the fulfilment of all of God’s laws. At the heart of all of God’s commands, particularly the 10 commands, is love for others. Love should be central in all our relationships and should characterise our lives as Christians. The end of this age is coming with each passing day. Therefore, let us live in the light, as God’s people with a life of love.2319nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1358660https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1358660Sun, 08 Sep 2024 03:02:08 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt is something people of all ages long for, especially in times of upset and distress…. COMFORT. The Heidelberg Catechism asks a very important question about comfort: “What is your ONLY comfort in life and death?” In other words, no matter what you’re facing, no matter how critical the situation, even life threatening, what is your only comfort? In the Psalms we find many beautiful songs of assurance and comfort, yes even in the face of death. When we look at the first question and answer of the Catechism and Psalm 16, we find much there that teaches us about the ONLY source of true comfort, regardless our circumstances. A comfort no doubt experienced by many in the face of recent grief and loss. In this service we are reminded of the only source of true comfort.2435nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1353135https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1353135Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:02:22 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchRomans 12 is a shift in Paul’s letter. After 11 chapters of declaring God’s redemption of his people, Paul shifts the focus to what our response should be towards God’s amazing mercy. In light of all that God has done for us, the only true and proper worship of God involves us offering our bodies as a living sacrifice for God. It is the totality of our lives that we give in our worship to God. Our worship begins with the renewal of our minds. We do not conform to the world, rather we conform to the mind of God. We begin to see the world as God sees the world. Our worship also involves us using our gifts to serve others within the body of Christ and we use whatever gifts God has given us to serve one another. That is how we love one another in our worship of God. So love becomes the primary way we relate, both within the body of Christ and to those outside the church. We pray, serve, share, welcome, honour one another – all out of love for them. Like Christ, we overcome evil with good2520nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1353134https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1353134Sun, 25 Aug 2024 02:59:29 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGod is the grand artist of history, and the world is his canvas. He is painting his story of salvation in this world. Paul gives us a further glimpse of what this completed canvas will look like in Romans 9 – 11. We have learned that God is completely sovereign in salvation and that the Israelites themselves rejected Christ, yet there is still a remnant chosen by God. Those of us who are Gentiles are grafted into the covenant community. Therefore, we should not be arrogant about the blessings we received when it is all God’s initiative and work. Our response should be one of overwhelming gratitude. Even though the Israelites have not embraced Christ as their saviour as this point in history, their hardening will not be forever. So we see, we are just one small part of a very large canvas in God’s plan of salvation. No matter what happens, we know that we play a part in glorifying the God of all, whom we know loves us and cares for us in Christ. To God be the glory forever!2362nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346065https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346065Sun, 18 Aug 2024 02:51:34 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe true offspring of Abraham is the children of promise, chosen freely by God and not based on human effort or desire. Because of this, God’s righteousness can only be obtained by faith alone in Christ alone, which the Gentiles did but the Israelites did not. The Israelites sought to establish their own righteousness, and therefore did not gain God’s righteousness through Christ. That is why Christ is a stumbling block to them, without realizing that Christ is the culmination of the law. This Gospel message of Christ is actually near and available to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. All one has to do to obtain the righteousness of God (i.e. salvation) is to believe that Jesus is Lord. This message is meant to be proclaimed, and the Israelites themselves have heard this message, but yet they rejected it. They thought they knew God through all the practices and rituals that they have heard, but yet rejected the one person to whom all these things pointed to.2341nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346064https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346064Sun, 11 Aug 2024 03:07:33 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchPaul is in anguish for his fellow Israelites. Even though they had all the blessings and privileges of receiving God’s revelation in the Old Testament, they did not have faith in Christ. There are scores of God’s promises in the OT for the Israelites. God’s promises were never based upon physical descent nor our own works. Right from the beginning, it has always been God’s own sovereign grace towards those that he chose. God is God and he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy. Our salvation is based entirely on God’s electing grace upon us. That does not mean that God is unjust – we are all sinful, deserving only God’s wrath (as Paul mentioned in 1:18 onwards). God would have been completely just in leaving us in our sins but yet in his sheer grace, he has elected some to be saved. That is why the golden chain of salvation is an unbreakable chain, because right from the start to the end, it is God and God alone who saved us.2781nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1339069https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1339069Sun, 04 Aug 2024 02:58:53 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchSuffering is inevitable in our fallen world. If we live long enough, we will go through suffering. If Christ himself suffered and died, how could we as his followers expect that we are protected from that? However, Christ was raised powerfully from the grave into a new glorified body. In that same way, there will be a future perfected world that we are looking forward to. We have a future hope because of Christ and we wait eagerly and patiently for that world. As we wait and live in this world, we have God’s Spirit working and interceding on our behalf today. He is our present hope, helping us to trust in God’s goodness in all things. There are times in our lives when our suffering, pain, and sorrow is so great that we feel numb inside, unable to voice our words to pray. In times like that, God’s Spirit who is dwelling inside of us walks besides us and helps us to pray. Through all these sufferings, we ultimately have a hope that is safe and secure in God’s love. 2380nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1339070https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1339070Sun, 28 Jul 2024 03:09:45 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThis week in Romans, we are looking at the high point of Paul’s argument. Paul has made the declaration that we are no longer in the realm of sin and death, and instead we are in the realm in which grace reigns. How should we approach our Christian life now that we have been rescued out of darkness into the kingdom of Christ? In Christ, there is no more condemnation as we have been set free by Christ. We now do not live according to the flesh, but to the Spirit. Living according to the Spirit means that we set our minds on what the Spirit desires. It is an amazing truth to know that God’s eternal Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead, is dwelling within us. Therefore, we do have an obligation – a familial obligation. God is our Father and we are his children. We are adopted as sons of God into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ. Thus, in our Christian life, we are meant to think of God as our heavenly Father, not as our Judge.2234nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1331111https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1331111Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:58:47 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThis weekend we resume our series on the book of Romans after a three-week break. We will be looking at Romans 7:1-25, which is about our relationship to God’s law. We are no longer bound by God’s law because we have died to God’s law in Christ. However, this doesn’t mean that the law is no longer applicable to us. In the first place, the law was given to reveal our sin. Sin being sin, used the law to entice and deceive us to sin. The giving and enforcing of God’s law in the Old Testament did not ensure righteousness. This means that true righteousness is more than mere behaviour as it starts from within our hearts. This also shows that God’s law itself does not guarantee nor produce righteousness in us, because ultimately, we need a change in our hearts. We still need God to save and deliver us through Christ! “Thanks be to God, who delivers [us] through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v25)2318nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1324256https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1324256Sun, 07 Jul 2024 02:43:20 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchHow important are relationships? Are we really so dependent on other people in our lives? The story of Cain and Abel is one of different views on this point. In this week's service, we will unpack the theme of relationship as it pertains to everything that we read in the Bible. Specifically, we will look at: 1) how sin rots our relationships with God and others; 2) God’s deep-rooted desire for walking-talking relationships; and 3) how God restored our relationship through the blood of Christ. At the end of the day, we all need to decide whether we want to live as Cains or Abels!1602nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1322302https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1322302Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAs we face a world in which war and conflict seem to be ever-present, and even getting worse, the reality of these events may naturally cause us to fear what’s next. As we explore these passages from Daniel and Acts, we will read of why we can be fearless in these fearsome times, for we will see, just as Daniel and Paul saw, that our God reigns, and he has equipped us to withstand the onslaught.1812nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1319103https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1319103Sun, 23 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn the Western world, we have been conditioned to crave freedom and break free of limitations. However, such thinking will only result in anarchy and confusion. In our efforts to be set free from all constraints, we find ourselves ironically enslaved to the one thing that we did not expect – our own desires. Ultimately, we are still enslaved. Given our sinfulness, being enslaved to our desires leads only to sin and death. True freedom is being set free to be who we are designed to be in God. In other words, true freedom as the Bible envisions is freedom to obey and worship God. In Romans 6:1-23, Paul declares that we are no longer enslaved in the realm of sin and death. We are set free from our slavery to sin and raised to new life in Christ. His story has become our story. Through Christ’s work on the cross, we are alive and free in Christ. Therefore, in Christ, we are truly free – free to obey and worship the God we love.2188nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1319102https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1319102Sun, 16 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThrough Christ’s work on the cross, we have peace with God. This is not merely an inner peace within us, but rather a peace that the Old Testament would describe as shalom – a complete wholeness of your personhood, particularly in your relationship with God. Because of this peace, we have the hope of the glory of God and we can boast even in our sufferings. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are now reconciled to God. We were enemies with God in the kingdom of Adam with no hope of escaping that kingdom. It is a kingdom that leads to sin and death, brought about by Adam’s sin. The trespass of this one man brought about condemnation. He is our representative head. However, Jesus’ obedience brought about our rescue from that kingdom. We are no longer in that kingdom, but we now belong to the kingdom of King Jesus, in which grace reigns supreme. It is through that grace that we have eternal peace with God, a peace that transcends all understanding.2410nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1312418https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1312418Sun, 09 Jun 2024 02:48:21 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThis morning we delve into the timeless truths of Psalm 46. Our sermon will explore how God is our refuge in all circumstances. First, we’ll see how He provides shelter and strength in the face of natural disasters, assuring us that even when 'the earth gives way' (because doesn't it feel just like that sometimes) we need not fear. Next, we’ll examine God’s protection amid political turmoil, reminding us that nations may rage and kingdoms may fall, but His power and presence remain steadfast. We'll also reflect on God’s gracious invitation to rest in Him, finding peace and stillness despite the chaos around us. Come and be encouraged by the assurance that God is our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress, and our source of true rest.1682nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1307864https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1307864Sun, 02 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian Church2613nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1305819https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1305819Sun, 26 May 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchToday, we will continue our reflection on the same passage of Romans 3:21-31. In this passage, we see that Christ is all the more worthy to boast about than ourselves. Salvation is of the Lord alone. In Paul’s description of the great Gospel message of Christ, it is God who initiates, executes, and applies salvation to us. We are merely recipients of this amazing grace. We receive this grace of God’s righteousness by faith alone in Christ alone. Faith in Christ is basically trusting in Christ and what he has done for us. Therefore, it is not about the intensity of our faith, but rather the object of our faith – who we put our faith in – Christ himself. Because it is entirely the work of God, accomplished by Christ on the cross, and applied to us by the Holy Spirit, we cannot boast in ourselves. There is nothing in our salvation that can be credited to us. To God be all glory. Therefore, we boast in God alone.2185nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1302338https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1302338Sun, 19 May 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAfter two chapters of bleak and convicting passage on sin, Paul speaks the words of life in Romans 3:21-26 to us. In that passage, Paul declares the wonderful Gospel message to us – what God has done for us through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross. That work – the atonement – is like a multi-faceted diamond where we can inspect the beauty of the diamond from different angles. Each angle provides us with another glimpse into the intricate structure of the cut of the diamond, and thus makes us appreciate it even more each time. In our passage, Paul uses three different images to declare the wonders of the Gospel to us. In Romans 3:21-26, Paul declares that: 1. God has declared us not guilty before him as a judge. 2. God has rescued us from slavery through payment by the blood of Christ. 3. God has placated his own wrath towards us through the sacrifice of Christ. The glories of the atonement is something we as God’s people can reflect, embrace, and meditate on for all eternity.2452nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1296995https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1296995Sun, 05 May 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhat is wrong with our world? Many have answered this, but at the heart of the issue according to God is the godlessness and wickedness of people. In other words, our sin. Because we did not glorify nor worship God, God gives us over to our sins. He gives us over to our sinful sexual passions. We pervert our sexual desires and activities, using our bodies in a way that God has not designed for. Because of that, we all suffer the consequences that that brings. He gives us over to our depraved minds, filled with all kinds of evil and vice. These are practices that would destroy any kind of flourishing community. We have “no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” In the Gospel, we have a God who understands, who is faithful, who is love, and who is merciful – the complete opposite to us. The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against our world today, but there is a greater revelation – the revelation of the righteousness of God found in the Gospel.2373nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1292032https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1292032Sun, 28 Apr 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThis morning, we get a glimpse into Paul’s love for the people of God and his unashamed passion for the Gospel. Even though he has never met them before, he prays for the Romans and longs to visit them. He would love to impart spiritual gifts to them to strengthen them in their faith. That is because he has been called to bring the Gospel to all mankind, particularly to the Gentiles. He does all this because the righteousness of God has been revealed in the Gospel, which is received by faith alone. It is the same Gospel that we believe today. It is the same Gospel that has transformed us, just like it did to Paul 2000 years ago. Therefore, we should seek to pray like Paul, strengthen others like Paul, and proclaim the Gospel like Paul.2265nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1288792https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1288792Sun, 21 Apr 2024 01:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe word "Gospel" means momentous, life-altering news. Right from the start, we read that Paul was an apostle that is set apart for this Gospel of God - momentous, life-altering news from God. This Gospel has been promised by God in the Old Testament through the many prophets that he has sent. This means that it is not Plan B for God, but rather that it has been in God's mind since the beginning. This Gospel is also about a real historical person and event that happened 2000 years ago - God the Son becoming the man Jesus, who lived a sinless life so that he could die for his people and redeem them. Through his resurrection, the Gospel is that Jesus is now crowned as Lord over all of creation. This news does not only have earthly significance, but it was eternal significance for all of creation. As we embark on this new journey through Romans, what is your response to this call of the Gospel? 2324nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1285028https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1285028Sun, 14 Apr 2024 03:00:34 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhy am I here... why do I exist? What is the purpose of my life? These are questions that people have asked for centuries. Those who have discovered the answer find that in a purposeful life, their life is found to have 'meaning' Many people all over the world ponder these questions. It is good for us to know there are very clear answers... our lives are not meant to be aimless, without purpose or direction. In this service we explore these questions and the answers God in His Word provides.2002nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1285030https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1285030Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThere are so many fake things in the world of information and media in which we live and breathe. We often don’t know their source, and the wise thing is that if we ignore them, our lives will be unaffected. But there is a radically important truth which will totally impact our lives and change our priorities. It is the truth about who Jesus is and what he has done. It is the Gospel. It is found in the Bible. This is truth which underlies everything in 3 John.1582nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277800https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277800Sun, 31 Mar 2024 02:34:19 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchResurrection Sunday Part 3576nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277798https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277798Sun, 31 Mar 2024 02:34:19 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchResurrection Sunday Part 2554nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277797https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277797Sun, 31 Mar 2024 02:34:19 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchResurrection Sunday Part 1522nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277796https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277796Sun, 31 Mar 2024 02:34:19 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchResurrection Sunday Part 1522nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277793https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277793Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:46:18 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGood Friday Service Part 3503nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277792https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277792Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:46:18 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGood Friday Service Part 2452nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277791https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1277791Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:46:18 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGood Friday Service Part 1568nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1273758https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1273758Sun, 24 Mar 2024 03:57:35 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMankind longs for salvation. Some think that they can find it in gaining power, either power by strength or by influence. Others think it can be found by looking inward to ourselves, either by embracing all our impulses or discarding all our desires. We think that power or inward peace will bring about eternal peace and security to our restless souls. Thank God that true salvation is not found within us and what we can do. According to the Scriptures, true salvation is found external to ourselves in the one eternally unchanging God. He is the one who has revealed his righteousness to us in Christ, and through Christ, purchased our righteousness by Christ's death and resurrection. That is the great Gospel news, meant for all mankind. It is freely offered to all, no matter our background, ethnicity, culture, status, wealth, and moral status. That is why we are called to go and share this wonderful Gospel news. How can people believe in the Gospel without knowing who Christ is? How 2255nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1271640https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1271640Sun, 17 Mar 2024 02:54:13 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchTwo weeks ago, we read in Ezekiel 37:1-14 that God brings about our spiritual resurrection by his Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. God's people is a creature of God's word - creature in the sense that we were created and made alive by God's word. One author puts it this way, "She [the Church] has been made alive by the Word. God spoke her into existence through the declaration of the Gospel - his righteousness on our behalf." The church has been made alive by God's word. It is also God's word that sustains us, just as how God's word sustains all things by his powerful word (cf. Heb 1:2). This Sunday, we take a look at what the Israelites did when they returned from their exile in Nehemiah 7:73b - 8:18. It presents a wonderful and powerful scene of God's people gathering once again after their exile. There is much we can learn from their example in this case.2562nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1266528https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1266528Sun, 10 Mar 2024 03:09:59 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchMost people want something to believe in even if it’s just belief in themselves, something to hope for even if it’s a bit wishful, and some experience of love even if it's only fleeting. Our hearts are hard-wired for faith, hope and love. And this great triad is also at the heart of the gospel that is perfectly designed to meet, substantially and lastingly, our deepest desires. These three virtues take us to the essence of Christianity and the greatest needs of our souls.1806nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1263138https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1263138Sun, 03 Mar 2024 02:56:41 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe fundamental problem with our world is the spiritual death of mankind. There is nothing we can do to change that. What can dead people do to save themselves? Ezekiel speaks God's word to the very dry bones and they came to life. Only God can raise us from spiritual death to life. He accomplishes that through the proclamation of God's word by the power of His Spirit. This means that the first and most important activity of our Christian life is to sit under the faithful preaching of God's word. We trust in God's sovereignty in our redemption and in the redemption of the world. He is the one who saves and raises people from spiritual death to life, just like how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.2215nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1263137https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1263137Sun, 25 Feb 2024 03:12:53 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe’ve heard it a lot… ‘Step out in faith’. Yet do we really know what that entails? As individual Christians and as a church are we prepared to adventurously launch out with lots of unknowns and TRUST God that He will provide? Then also, when things appear to go ‘pear shaped’, do we have PATIENCE to ride out the storm with God in the boat knowing He can still the storm? In today’s sermon, looking at the life of Joseph, we will see what it means to trust God and have patience; really believing no matter what happens, He has it all in hand and His plans and purposes for our lives are being worked out for His glory.2280nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255746https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255746Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:51:12 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt is no easy task to be an elder in the church of Jesus. The church is not another club or organisation, it alone in all the world is the body of Christ, His bride for whom He is very jealous. He loves us dearly, warts and all. In the life of Moses we see how great the love of God is for His people, a love to be reflected in the love, compassion, grace and patience of those He appoints as leaders. Such Christ-like service seems impossible... not everyone in the church is easy to get along with, some are downright obstinate and difficult, just like those Moses was called to lead. God in great love for His people - yes, even the obstinate and difficult ones - calls elders and pastors today to be like Jesus to all His people. He not only calls them to be like Him, through the Spirit He empowers them to do the work to which he calls them.1627nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255747https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255747Sun, 18 Feb 2024 02:38:16 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchPrayer is a central part of the Christian life. So why is it so hard? We know the Lord’s Prayer. We sometimes pray around the dinner table or when we need him. But is this enough? This Sunday, we will look at the end of Ephesians - following on from the previous verses on the Armour of God. Here, Paul gives us his explanation of why we should pray; what we should pray; how and when we should pray; and who we can pray for.1467nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1248494https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1248494Mon, 05 Feb 2024 01:30:17 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt seems that we’ve had a good number of sermons this year on personal afflictions & suffering. Last Sunday we had John’s encouraging sermon from Hannah & the “pouring out of her heart” regarding her childlessness - a major affliction in her days & still today. It’s such a regular part of all our lives - grief, pain, anxiety in all forms. Do you still often struggle with the “why?” of your agonising? James thought so also as he devotes the first section of his epistle to the subject - as we have seen. Well, this morning points us to the God of all comfort - the God for the persecuted - the God who can ease the pain of the oppressed & suffering - & that’s good gospel news for our weary souls. James reveals the essence of God’s Being. This is true wisdom! Understand how our heavenly Father deals with His children! - a bulwark in times of trouble. Know God! Such a knowledge of God becomes a refuge, a strength for our faith Of course, He wants us to see reality from His perspective rat1984nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255749https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1255749Sun, 28 Jan 2024 02:56:33 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchLife can be great and most of us would know fun times, wonderful experiences and fantastic holidays. But it’s not always like that. At times there are tears in our eyes and we are left wondering, “why is this happening?” or “how long can this go on?”. It begs the question: Who of us gets through life without tears? What do you do then? Tough it out, hoping for better days ahead? Check out Psychology Today on your Newsfeed for helpful advice? Phone a friend? Each of these has some merit. The Christian knows that we should pray. On the days when the tears are running down our face, we have a resource so many should pray. But how? What do you say to a God who seems so distant and so… mean? Can you just vent and leave it at that? On Sunday morning we will see how Hannah prayed through her tears. You’ll get the bigger picture in 1 Samuel 1:1-20 and her prayer is found in vss 9-11. It’s a prayer that is sorely needed today and it’s gold.2320nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241459https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241459Sun, 21 Jan 2024 02:48:20 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAs it is still early in the new year, wisdom says that it is good to revisit regular aspects of our Christian life to know that we are not slipping in our devotion to our great Saviour. One vital & regular aspect is TEMPTATION - Ah! Yes! The dreaded word. Dreaded largely because we fail miserably in dealing with the temptations of our sinful hearts. The good news is - in God’s providence - this is the next topic of James’ letter to the scattered church of the 1st Century - so may the Lord by His Spirit bless us as we hear His Word to us this morning. You will need to compare the way you deal with temptations, consider your success rate & listen carefully to what James has written for our growth in wisdom. Some considerations: Does God tempt me? Or is it Satan? Or is it my fallen sinful nature? How did Jesus handle temptation? What is the process of temptation? How can I cope with temptation better in 2024?1904nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1238079https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1238079Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:57:38 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe armour of God is a very well known passage in Scripture. But what is it all about? What does it mean for us to put on God’s armour? And why do we need to do this? This Sunday, we will explore what Paul has to say about the spiritual war that rages in our world today and how we can best stand as soldiers for Jesus.2343nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1236181https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1236181Sun, 07 Jan 2024 02:49:43 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchRebuilding is no easy task. It's hard enough to start a project and see it through to completion the first time around, so to have to do it all over again can feel like a waste of time. In the Bible, we see on numerous occasions that this isn't just true of physical buildings either. In fact, buildings seem to represent our own lives, and our relationship with our own master builder, who is also our foundation: God himself. While we are being built into a 'spiritual temple' for him, the book of Haggai forces us to acknowledge our weaknesses, and examine our lives. Are we prioritising being 'built' by God? Is he the foundation we set our lives on? Or are we letting sin distract us from our purpose, because being built and rebuilt by God for his glory doesn't feel as important as the things of this world? Preacher: Jordan Gommer2079nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1231554https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1231554Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt’s that time of the year again. The world seems to get obsessed with their new resolutions for the New Year. Maybe they want to lose weight; drink less; make new friends; or learn a new skill. Whatever it is, most of the time, they’ve given up by the time February rolls by! In today’s service, we will take a look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In it, Paul provides a ’resolution’ for us that is actually of greater worth and significance. It is my hope and prayer that we can all be encouraged and challenged to make this resolution our lifelong resolution: to grow in and follow Christ.1551nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1229929https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1229929Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:30:05 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThere's something about darkness that just seems wrong. Whether literal or metaphorical, darkness hides and conceals all kinds of threats to our lives - physical, mental, and, above all, spiritual. The problem, though, is that the more we look at the world around us, and the more we look at our own lives, the more darkness we seem to find; things we're ignorant of, and things we would rather others not know about. This morning, though, we're going to discover that there is a light shining in this darkness, one named Jesus, who has and will reveal everything wrong in our world and our lives, so that we might look to him as the eternal righter of wrongs.1933nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225382https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225382Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:17:40 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIt's hard to escape all the lights around us at this time of year - it's Christmas, after all - but there is one light who stands above all others, who we'll be considering over a short Christmas series for the next couple of weeks. This week, we'll be thinking about what the apostle John means when he calls Jesus 'the light of life for all mankind' in the introductory passage to his gospel. Just who is Jesus, that John would give him such a title? Is he really that important to the lives of you and me? Hopefully, the answer we come to will be 'yes', as we see how Jesus gives us life, understands our life, and saves our life.2007nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1222080https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1222080Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:24:02 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe know the world needs to hear the gospel, but how do we get involved? Romans 10 gives us a logical process of how people are able to call on the name of the Lord and be saved, and it begins with people being sent to preach the good news. Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15 tell us that beautiful feet bring good news. Let us think about our own feet, what message are we bringing and where are we going with it? We are the sent ones and we are the ones called to preach good news. Many of us may be reluctant to think of ourselves as sent ones or as preachers, but let us be challenged to think about embracing this wonderful calling and let us see how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory through His empowerment. Preacher: Brendan Meyerink1998nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1222081https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1222081Sun, 10 Dec 2023 03:07:40 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhat do we think of the kings we read in 1 & 2 Kings? In my experience, we use the same summaries we were taught at Kids@Church: this king was good; that one was bad. This one was wise; that one was fat…and so forth. In 1 Kings 12, we learn about the kings that split Israel into two. On first reading, we might say they are just ‘bad kings’, but perhaps there is something to be said about us through their examples. This Sunday, we will take a closer look at Rehoboam and Jeroboam to see how their choices are a result of feelings and beliefs that we sometimes share. Ultimately, we will compare these to Jesus - the Servant King - who came to earth, not to be served but to serve. This is the way we should live and the King we should follow! Preacher: Josiah Kappert1891nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215176https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215176Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:13:06 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe world is a REALLY SCARY place at the moment. The war in Ukraine with Putin’s threats of nuclear war was unsettling enough. Now Israel is in a all out war with Hamas in the Gaza strip and at any time this could engulf the entire Middle East… then who knows what China might do with Taiwan? For some, these foreboding events and threats are enough to put plans on hold… ‘wait and see what is going to unfold’. In the context of a baptism in our worship service, I am reminded of many reports over the years of couples saying they would not have children in such a volatile world. How do we make our way as Christians through such torrid times? Well, it has to do with a matter of perspective… do you see Christ the Lamb who has become the Lion of Judah? Seeing Him in control changes everything!2031nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215175https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215175Sun, 19 Nov 2023 03:01:02 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchPicture this: As Mum's birthday approaches, anticipation fills the air, and the kids, determined to make this year truly special, forgo the usual gimmicks. A spirited debate ensues among them, each vying to contribute the perfect idea. Sensing the escalating tension, they converge on Mum's bed one morning, collectively seeking her birthday wish. Without hesitation, Mum's simple desire emerges: "I just want my kids to love each other and get along." In Philippians, the Apostle Paul, expressing deep affection for the Philippian church, unveils his heartfelt yearning. He says to them that the fulfillment of this one desire will "make my joy complete." What is this desire? That they may be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of the same mind." Paul's joy for the Philippian church finds its pinnacle in their unity, bound by love and on the same mission. The question echoes: What does this unity entail, and do we embody it? Preacher: Cam Bargerbos2058nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215174https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1215174Sun, 12 Nov 2023 02:46:03 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchSermon Description: Can we be assured that when all is said and done, God will welcome us into his Kingdom for eternity? It’s a critical question – not just for Christians but for all people. As we look at the Apostle Paul’s comment about his own future and the confidence with which he speaks about it in 2 Timothy 4, we see that biblical assurance isn’t wishful thinking or a waste of time, but something that can bring the believer not only benefit in eternity but also real, tangible benefits in the here and now. It’s definitely something worth seeking. Preacher: Josh van der Kooij1580nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206402https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206402Sun, 05 Nov 2023 03:08:40 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn Proverbs 8, we have Lady Wisdom calling out to all mankind to listen to her and follow her instructions. She calls us to choose her over gold and silver. Riches and wealth do not guarantee that we will flourish in God’s world. It is only through wisdom that we can flourish because wisdom teaches us how to do that in this world that God has made. As God created our world, he wove his wisdom into the fabric of his world and that is why true wisdom can only be found in a relationship with God. As we come to the New Testament, we see that Jesus Christ is God’s wisdom in the flesh. True wisdom in God is about establishing a relationship with God through Christ and letting Christ’s wisdom rule in our lives. True wisdom is a Christ-empowered life through the power of the Spirit that lives for the glory of God. Preacher: Chin Wee Ang2117nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206401https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206401Sun, 29 Oct 2023 03:00:05 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhen reading through the Biblical minor prophets, there are a number of themes and phrases that keep appearing, such as sin and judgement, repentance and mercy, restoration and hope, all of which are connected with 'the day of the Lord'. As it so happens, that phrase and these themes all feature prominently in Zephaniah, which makes it a great book to sink our teeth into for the sake of better understanding what God has to say to us across these books of the minor prophets, as we consider what is and is not being said in these chapters, and how we can only properly understand these prophecies through the lens of Jesus. Preacher: Jordan Gommer2139nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1198249https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1198249Sun, 22 Oct 2023 02:55:25 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe late Reverend Tim Keller wrote that most visitors to his church [in New York] would say that “they know there are many great stories and sayings in the Bible, but today you can’t take it literally. What they mean is that the Bible is not entirely trustworthy because some parts – maybe many or most parts – are scientifically impossible, historically unreliable, and culturally regressive”. That’s strong language and leaves the Bible with lots of holes in it, but it’s not hard to find similar sentiments here. Where do you land on the question “How can we trust the Bible?”? I’m a convinced YES man, not because the church holds to this truth (important as that is) but because of personal conviction. I humbly believe there are credible reasons why we can – and should – trust the Bible, and that will be what I’m speaking about today. You may not agree. Why not get in touch later, and we can continue the discussion together? Thanks for listening. Preacher: John de Boer2452nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1198252https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1198252Sun, 15 Oct 2023 02:50:14 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchPsalms 42 and 43 could be described as Psalms of the Struggler. They describe the experience of someone who longs for God on the one hand, but who is honest enough to admit that they don’t feel God's presence. Someone who isn’t experiencing God’s love, although they long to. And, someone who doesn’t want things to stay this way. They desire things to change. But how? They’re not quite sure. And maybe that’s you as well. Or it will be you, at some point in the future. God gave us these Psalms to help us when we experience God at a distance. They help us understand some of the reasons why we might sometimes experience God distantly. But more than that, they help give us hope for the future and show us how we can, once again, draw near to a seemingly distant God. Preacher: Andrew Nugteren1923nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1191444https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1191444Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:16:50 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe all make promises in our lives - promises to do certain things, to behave a certain way, or to be certain places. And Psalm 132 is full of promises - promises keep, promises broken and promises ignored. But above all, Psalm 132 is about the best promise of all - God’s promise to us of a Saviour, Jesus Christ. 2459nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1191443https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1191443Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:06:04 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe epistle of James is concerned with living faith. A Faith that has come as the result of our new birth through the word of Truth (1:18). This word, that has given us new birth, is to govern the whole Christian life - James says we are to “humbly accept the word planted in you” and to “do what it says”. James spends much of his letter unpacking what this looks like both in word and deed. James 3:1 - 12 focuses on words. His big idea is that your words should draw from, and reflect, the word of truth planted within you. This means your words should build up and bring life, rather than tear down and bring death and destruction. James knows this is much easier said than done, he is aware that we still struggle with sin, and that our hearts are prone to wonder. What then must we do? We must harness the power of the tongue and let it be guided by the very word of truth that is now within us.2385nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1185727https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1185727Sun, 24 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchHave you ever noticed how the Christian life is the antithesis of what Society says? This morning we are confronted with God’s view of “happiness” contrasted with the world’s view. Indeed everyone wants to be “happy!” The media is always advising us of the steps to be at peace with ourselves; winning lotto, holidays - whether cruises, tours or just caravanning around Australia - the push for “good health” by the medical fraternity. A quick look in the library or around a book store you see how popular the theme is! God’s way is very practical - it absorbs the presence of hardships, bad news, anxieties and all, as facts that can’t be avoided - and directs us to accept them as part of life - circumstances given to us by the providence of God, our Creator and Redeemer, that lead us to trust Him in all the tough times of life. In fact He reveals to us that these events will strengthen our faith and provide us with the joy, peace and contentment that make up the state of “happiness.”2303nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1181122https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1181122Sun, 17 Sep 2023 02:47:01 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWe all want to live a good life; a life of peace and security, of comfort and prosperity, of life's pleasures, of relationship and community. Even if we don't expect to have all these things, we still desire them, because we recognise that they are good. But where do we turn to receive them? Where does the good life come from? In this passage from Jeremiah 2, we see that God himself is the provider of all the things we enjoy, but that Israel - his chosen people - had turned away from him and sought these things from elsewhere, and were coming away empty. In our text for today, we see both the goodness of God in his lavish grace towards us, and also a stark warning of what we do when we turn away from him to chase the good things he gives us, both now and - even more so - in eternity. 2038nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1177611https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1177611Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:01:02 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchAustralia is a wealthy nation & Australians are rich people by the world’s standards. James is writing to poor refugee Christians - the contrast could hardly be stronger! So is this passage of God’s Word unnecessary for us to give attention? Definitely not! There is great danger for rich Christians in this world which sets its goal of earthly happiness in wealth - not in the riches of grace that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ! Wealth is God’s gift to be used generously for the needy - inside & outside the church. James desires that us, as his readers, have a biblical view of money - whether we have it or don’t have it. A Christian World-&-Life-View! He has a word to the non-Christian also. What might that be, I wonder? James uses parallelism & contrast to get his important message of the wisdom of poverty across to us. He uses the words “high” & “low” to contrast the positions of poor Christians & rich non-Christians - then pointing out God’s perspective that we are to practise.1868nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1175218https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1175218Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:20:03 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchIn Psalm 33 we’re challenged to consider our picture of God and to ask whether it’s really big enough! In the Psalm we’re called to praise God for his power and his majesty, to remember that he is an all-powerful, all-seeing God who rules over all things. But we’re reminded that even though God is so big and so powerful he is still a God who watches over and cares for his people. In the light of that truth, then we are called to avoid putting our trust in the things of this world, or in our own plans and wisdom, and instead to rest in the power and wisdom of God and in his good purposes for us.1807nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1164334https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1164334Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:20:10 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchGod has done great things for us through Christ. Despite our sinfulness, he has chosen to send Christ as a propitiation for our sins, so that we are justified by faith alone in Christ alone. This God is for us! This means that there is no one that can condemn us before God because he himself has declared us righteous through the atonement of Christ. This also means that nothing in all of creation, no matter our circumstances, are able to separate us from God's love in Christ. Through Christ, we are more than conquerors. Preacher: Chin Wee Ang1985nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1130417https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1130417Sun, 28 May 2023 03:21:39 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchWhen turning to the book of Revelation how confusing do you find it? Do you know it is not meant to perplex us, but rather be a blessing by which as God's people on earth, facing overwhelming threats, we have COURAGE to go on an do the work Christ has commissioned us to do. So as we now turn to Revelation 4, we are taken up into Heaven to see God on the throne... our mighty, majestic, all powerful God who is seen in radiant light and glory. The temptation will be to interpret every detail, even though most of the finer details are not explained. Together, these details, layer upon layer, build up to a magnificent picture of the glory of God on the throne. If we fall into the trap of burying ourselves in details not explained, we risk losing the blessing of the bigger picture God wants us to see. By this vision, we the people of God, are meant to put aside any fears we might have, but be very strong and very courageous knowing that our God reigns, the victory belongs to Him and He is wi2449nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1127134https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1127134Sun, 21 May 2023 02:48:41 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThe psalmist calls the people of God to trust in God instead of idols. Idols promise much but cannot deliver. The God of the Bible, on the other hand, delivers what the idols cannot. Therefore, we trust in God because he is our help and shield, and will bless us. The greatest blessing that God has poured out for us is secured in Christ. Therefore, trust in Christ, not in idols.2339nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1122716https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1122716Mon, 15 May 2023 09:12:30 GMTWilletton Christian ChurchThis Sunday we spend our time at the feet of the apostle John, listening and seeking to understand his account of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the third sermon from chapter 6 – the first of which focused on Jesus being the true bread, the second on Jesus being in the boat. In both studies we considered the miracles of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and Jesus walking on the water and their subsequent teaching in versus 25-33 and 52-59. Continually in these passages we see the emphasis that Jesus doesn’t just provide bread – he is the bread, likewise Jesus doesn’t just calm the storm but he gets into the boat. The spiritual reality the miracles are manifesting is that Jesus is the source of life, our sustenance – the word made flesh who brings life by the Spirit. John’s purpose in writing this account is that by reading we might believe in Jesus as the son of God and that by believing we may have life in his name. He is at pains for us to not only see who Jesus is but also to res2558no