Ross P

Ultimate Wedding - are you ready for the Groom? - Ross P

In John 2 we get the first significant miracle recorded of Jesus’ ministry and that is the wedding at Cana. The institution of marriage is God given, Gen 2:24, and understood universally in all cultures as the basis for society’s well being and prosperity. Today Ross takes a wider look at marriage and examines why marriage rates have fallen and why it is not seen as vital or necessary.

Powerpoint slides download

Another aspect Ross looks at is how we are living as both single and married people in terms of sexual conduct and thought life, and how sex outside of a covenant marriage relationship is damaging to both the individual and those around. He asks the question whether we are getting ready for the ultimate wedding and the marriage supper where the Church will be presented spotless to the Lamb.

Preparing for your wedding

  1. Pray for God’s choice

  2. Seek guidance from friends and family

  3. Keep yourself pure Arousal? Song 2:7, Song 5:9, Song 8:4

  4. Learn self control Gal 3:23

  5. Agree on boundaries

  6. Enjoy the wife of your youth - Prov 5:18

Lastly, Ross gives example from his own marriage of nearly 50 years of how we can all prepare for our marriage partner, whether that be you future husband or wife, or as a single to preserve your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor 6:12-20

John 1:19-34 John the Baptist - Ross P

Ross takes a look at John the Baptist with his full PowerPoint notes here to accompany the audio. John the Baptist's message was for his hearers to repent but he had a different application to different audiences.

What distinguishes John was that:

  1. He knew his identity; when asked he knew who he was

  2. He knew his place; "even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” Do you know your place before God?

  3. He knew his role. His role was to point to someone else, Jesus the Lamb of God

  4. He came to know Jesus

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God    John 1:10-12

How do we come to know Jesus? Once he knew who Jesus was he was able to proclaim that he was the Lamb of God. Ross's question is do you know Jesus? We each need to follow the ABC

Admit- I am guilty before God

Believe - Believe Jesus died and rose again for me

Confess - Put my faith in Jesus as my Lord

You might have a head knowledge of Jesus but it is with our heart that we must believe. Many people will miss Heaven by 18 inches, the distance between our head and heart. There is a big difference between believing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. Even the demons believe and shudder!

Jesus is revealed by the Spirit of God working in our heart. We hear the Gospel and we are prompted that this is right and am moved to do something about our sin and eternal destiny.

2 Kings 9 Over Zealous for God? - Ross P

Ross takes a look at motivation and conduct of Jehu and his interaction with the prophet Elisha. At an initial reading the passages from 2 Kings 8-10 he gives the impression that no one can match his zeal for following God’s instructions to strike down the House of Ahab, 2 Kings 9:7.

Killed King Joram (Ahab’s son) 2 Kings 9:22-26
Killed Jezebel (Ahab’s wife) 2 Kings 9:30-37
Had 70 princes of Ahab murdered 2 Kings 10:1-11
Slaughtered 42 relatives of the (ex)king of Judah 2 Kings 10:12-14
Destroyed all Baal worshipers in their temple 2 Kings 10:18-28

He had a reputation for going to the limit in what he thought was his obedience to God. In v. 20 he is characterised as driving like a ‘maniac’ (NIV). Ross identifies is that despite the outward appearance of commitment and dedication Jehu lacked a genuinely committed heart for God. Jehu kept back and still worshiped idols. He did not keep the whole law of the Lord with all of his heart, 2 Kings 10:31

Our walk with God can be equally deficient, having the appearance of passion and zeal but underneath having hearts that seek after old sins.

Ross then looks at the the zeal of Elisha and finds a very different picture

Refused to leave Elijah’s side Ch 2
Care of the poor and childless Ch 4
Refused a fortune from Naaman Ch 5
Feeds his enemies Ch 6
Anoints kings Ch 8,9

The question is whether we really have a heart for the lost and those who have not believed in the Lord Jesus for their salvation. Are we showing the zeal we read of in Romans 12:11-18

[11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV)

Romans 15:14-32 Our true worth in Christ - Casper v N, Ross P

What does shovelling dirt, excellence in asphalt, loading wheelbarrows, holding Stop-Go signs and cups of coffee have to do with boasting in Jesus Christ? Listen to this message from Ross and Casper to find out.

We come to the end of Romans and after the high peaks of doctrine, the work of the Gospel and our condition before God we have 48 verses of personal greetings and instructions. Ross likens this to a good coffee with the foamy introduction, full of anticipation, the longer flavoursome body and the remains in the bottom of the cup. Rom 15:14-32

Our attitude to these valedictory verses is that they don’t rank as highly as the rest of the epistle, but we find that there is gold to be discovered in the dregs. The scriptures are all God’s word and are profitable for teaching and correction unto righteousness. The value we get from the concluding verses is that it adds a human perspective to the message Paul is sharing and for that reason it makes the passage immediately useful and encouraging.

The reading is shared by Ross and Casper. Casper gives a powerful and encouraging message on why we should boast in the Lord Jesus and not in our own achievements. He explains where we find our true worth and meaning. If anyone is lacking self esteem and feeling of worth, then it is found in acknowledging the greatness and wisdom of God who loved us so much that he surrendered his Son’s life for our salvation. We are created in God’s image and we are so valuable in God’s sight that Christ was willing to die for our sake. When we affirm God’s true worth, we affirm God’s authority to declare us righteous in Christ. By boasting only in Christ then our position in Him is made even more sure.

Romans 9:1-18 To the Jew First - Ross P

Download message powerpoint

Ross teaches from chapter 9 and this marks a shift from the first 8 chapters of doctrine regarding the sin of all men, and God's provision of Christ's righteousness through faith. He reminds us of the key verse of Romans being Rom 1:16-17 regarding the Gospel but today looks at the significance of the reference to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles.

Is there any future for Jewish people in the church if Gentiles are now included in the kingdom? Tension arose between the Jews and Gentiles of Rome. Paul writes to explain the promises of God to Israel and God's sovereign right to choose a people group for blessing. The heritage of the people of Israel was of great advantage. Covenants, promises, patriarchs, and the human ancestry of Christ.

Ross considers whether there is a future for Israel or are the Church and Israel one entity. This matter has divided the church over the centuries where the church is a replacement for Israel. Is Israel still important in God's plans? Will God ever abandon Israel? Scripture tells us that God will never abandon Israel. Jer 31:35-37. God's word will never fail. God's mercy is relentless.

God is is always absolutely right and fair and just, and because of this we can trust Him for His promise of forgiveness, justification and eternal life for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. Everyone who calls on the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 7:1-12 Free from the Law - Ross P

Ross reads to us from Romans 7:1-12 and considers three aspects of the law and the differences between its implications for a believer and for an unbeliever.

Its Authority v1

Its Arousal of passions v5

Its Actuality v 6. We are now free/released from the law. It has no grip on us.

‘In Christ Alone’
As He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

Keith Getty/Stuart Townend

Romans 5:12-21 Whats under the cover - Ross P

Ross teaches through the Gospel and how sin entered the world through one man, Adam, but justification, free gift of righteousness comes through faith in the one Son of Man, Jesus Christ our Lord.

This is the righteousness of God revealed in Jesus.

The Gospel is the Good News about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Messiah.

Romans Introduction - Ross

The first of our new series for 2019 reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Editors note that the sound quality here is not high as the recording accidentally came in via a laptop pinhole mic rather than the PA system, so my apologies. It comes with back of church infant noises and door squeaks.

2nd Thessalonians: Book Series 2013 - Ross

Living in the Light of the Return of Jesus

In this series Ross works through Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonican church and considers the issues and doctrine presented regarding the second coming of the Lord Jesus, our response to persecution, correction of error, apostasy, the Day of the Lord, the Rapture of the Church, Antichrist, and church discipline; all topics that are often misunderstood or cause for disagreement. The letter covers a lot of ground but all come back to the question of how we should live in the knowledge and light of Jesus’ imminent return.

A reminder to the persecuted that Jesus will return

 

Apostasy and error needs to be confronted.

 

The Word of God is useful for teaching, correction and rebuke.

 

Hebrews 6:4-12 Falling Away

As we work through the Book of Hebrews we come to the controversial and difficult topic of whether a person who has made a profession and walk of faith can, over time, fall away and it be impossible for them to be restored to repentance and lose their salvation.

The text challenges our understanding of the Perseverance of the Saints, John 10:28-29, and yet we can all bring to mind people who no longer walk in fellowship and bear no sign of the Holy Spirit working in their life.

Ross carefully unpacks the verses by going to supporting texts that are clear to help us understand that at the centre of the writer's warning is the neglect of Repentance.

Editor note; apologies for the poor recording quality during the scripture reading (Jacob).

Message 4 of 4: What determines my identity? - Ross P John W

Our value as a human being is much greater than our sexuality. We are of infinite value because we are created in the image of God.

This message uses the audio from three sources:

Sam Allbury address to 2017 Anglican Synod, London, Feb 15, 2017
His brief remarks were very compelling as he challenged the assembly on their approach to the Christian doctrine on marriage. “My question to the bishops is not, ‘Will you preserve this doctrine?,’ but ‘Do you really believe in it? Is it good news for the world?,'” he said. “Many of us have found it to be life-giving, as the message and teaching of Jesus always is.”

Rosaria Butterfield, The Gospel Coalition, 'What Most Surprised Her About Christians When She Became One'

Rosaria Butterfield, The Gospel Coalition, 'Sexuality and Identity' Aug 21, 2015

 

Message 2 of 4: My Body My Choice - Intergenerational perspectives : Sam M and Ross P

In this second message in the series on Sexuality and Identity we have two speakers, Ross and Sam. Ross begins by summarising his message from last week on the origin of sex, gender and marriage and foundational understanding that men and women are image bearers of God who created us. We are created to glorify God and to find enjoyment in him.

Ross reads through Gen 3:1-7 and makes the observation that the deception of Eve starts with Satan

1. questioning what God says,…”did God really say..?”
2. contradicting what God says, “you won’t surely die..”
3. debating what God says, “God knows that you that your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God..”

The area of sexual sin and identity is a battle for the mind. Facing temptation is a battle of the mind. 2 Cor 11: 3.  Our thoughts are lead astray from sincere and pure devotion.

Sam then brings insight from the perspective of a ‘millennial’ generation person about gender, identity. He identifies that conversations about sexuality between generations is difficult and avoided since both sides are coming from a completely different set of 'rules' about the world and relationships. 

He tells how sex has become a recreational sport between people on the basis that if it felt right then there was no reason not to indulge so long as you were being true to yourself.  Individual expression became the moral wallpaper of his generation. There was no need or even concept of looking outside ourselves to an objective standard. 

He explains however that under the test of being authentic to yourself and absolute freedom actually brought about crises of anxiety and not knowing who you really are. Identity is sought from within rather than in the creator who made us. We are made to be in relationship with the One who made us. 

The crisis of anxiety comes from a deep desire to be fully known and fully accepted. Sam shared his own experience of finding caring friendships from young men and women who turned out to be homosexual and lesbian who were nonetheless, seeking to be known and loved. He identifies that our identity is only meaningful when it is anchored to Christ and is an ongoing relationship project where we are slowly being healed and restored to fellowship.

Ross then finishes by sharing about the privilege of being able to study the human body throughout his career and testifying how wonderfully and fearfully it is made. Ps 139. He implores us to flee sexual immorality, 1 Cor 6:12-20. Our body is a sacred and special place and we need to chose how we use it to either honour or dishonour it.

So to tie the two generational perspectives together, the millennial and baby boomer, the challenge we face is a battle for our mind how we view God’s plan for sexuality and how we use the temple of the Holy Spirit to honour God and to honour one another.

 

Overview of Daniel - Ross P

Prophecy brings numerous responses from ridicule, fear, indifference, scoffing, or excitement. Why study prophecy?
1. It promotes the scriptures. 30% of scripture is prohetic.
2. Prevents ignorance, 1 Thess. 4
3. Proclaims Christ. All scriptures point to Christ. Not about us, its about Jesus.
4. Promises personal benefit, Rev 1
5. Promotes holy living. Prophesy gives you perspective on the times to come and changes our conduct with this knowledge.
6. Persuades action now. Romans tells us our salvation is nearer now that when we first believed. We need to study prophecy to motivate us into repentance and action.

Look at the book of Daniel and how it fits into the scheme of prophesy.
Three prophecies:
1. Overview of the gentile domination of Jerusalem. Ch2
2. Seventy Sevens prophecy. Ch. 9
3. Nature of the final ruler, or Antichrist.

Principles of interpretation:
A When the plain sense of scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense.
B Perspective. Sometimes prophets did not see the difference between the near and far. Foreshortening.
C Prototypes. Partial fulfilment of something early that is completely fulfilled later.
D A text, apart from a context, is a pretext. Need to be careful with taking verses out of context and drawing incorrect conclusions.

 

Matthew 26:1-30 Contrast of Characters - Ross P

Here in Chapter 26 we are presented with the beginning of the last 24 hours of the life of Jesus before His trial and crucifixion. The chapter presents contrasts and illustration on the character of people close to Jesus Christ; from the betrayal by Judas to the devotion and worship of Mary, to the fragile commitment of Peter.

Ross asks what it is in the end that decides what side of the Cross do we fall on, and concludes that it is only by repentance of our sin and faith in the Lord Jesus. While Peter repented, Judas only regretted what he did.

Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Matthew 25: Be Ready - Geoffrey S Ross P

For the first time in this teaching series we hear from two speakers on Chapter 25. As the end time events were summarised by Ross last week we have incorporated a review of the parables of the Wise and Unwise Virgins and the Talents from Geoffrey, and then Ross concludes the last section of 25 on the final judgement to complete the end time message begun in Ch24.

All three of the end time parables, Wise, Talents and Sheep/Goats deal with being ready or standing in the right place of character and service when Christ returns.  The first two parables challenge us to be:
1. Patient, as if the Lord's return might be long be delayed
2. Prepared, to have attended to the Lord's work and be found in His service
3. Productive, to be using the gifts and talents the Lord has given us to the increase of His Kingdom.

Have you made the decision and bowed at the cross?
Will you be rewarded for using your talent well. Believers will be judged, not for our sin but for how well we have served the Master.

Faith and Works
Do you have any doubt as to whether Faith is justified by Works? Ross unpacks this question to show that what we believe motivates our works.

Where will you stand before the Judgement seat of Christ. Will your own words will condemn you?
Avoidance of God's judgement requires repentance and faith.

Look both up and around because the Lord is returning and there is a judgement coming.

Be ready.

Matthew 24: The Clash of Kingdoms - Ross P

Ross takes us through Matthew 24 and characterises it as the Clash of Kingdoms, the show down. Clash between the leaders of the nation of Israel and the Lord Jesus.  Here, Jesus tells his disciples about the future.

In this final week of the life of Jesus Christ there are three main events, 

1. Cleansing of the temple. ch 21.
2. 3 days of teaching to his opponents. ch 22.
3. Warnings to hypocrites. ch 23.

Ch 24 teaching is about the future. As Jesus left the Temple he predicted that every stone will be thrown down. When will this happen, what will be the sign? Jesus uses a a teachable moment with his disciples. An opportunity to teach the one who asked the question is ready to be instructed.

As Chapter 24 sets out future events we need to ask what is our attitude or reaction is to Prophesy. A word that generates different reactions from some.

1 Scoffers.  Not true, ridiculous!

2 Oh no! A cause of controversy. Frightened of what it can cause, nervous. Avoid at all costs

3. MEGO syndrome, boring, My Eyes Glaze Over? Why bother.

4. Curious. I want to know more.

Why bother with prophesy. Six reasons.

1. Promotes the study of Scripture, Heb 4:12, 30% of your bible is prophetic
2. Prevents ignorance. We need to be aware of things that are to happen
3. Proclaims Christ. Look for Christ in the passages
4. Promises personal benefit.
5. Promotes holy living. Seeing all these things are going to happen, what sort of people ought we to be.
6 Persuades action now. If you know the Lord is coming soon you need to be active now. How should we act in view of what is coming.

Are you ready for the return of Jesus or are you acting like those in the days of Noah? Judgement is coming

How do we change form serving idols to serving God. Repent and turn in faith to Jesus and accept what He did on the cross for your sin

Matthew 5:1-20 Sermon on the Mount - Ross P (*new*)

Ross brings to us one of the best know passages in Scripture where Jesus begins to teach the people about the characteristics of being a member of God's Kingdom. The message of the Gospel is that it starts with repentance. 

What does it mean to be blessed. What is happiness? Who has the greatest joy
What does it mean to be salt
What does it mean to be light
What was Jesus relationship to the Law such that he was able to fulfil the law

What makes happiness.  Not a function of a good feeling but living good lives which can include pain. Everyone has a different definition of happiness.

Four levels of happiness. 
Level 1 Immediate need fulfilled, but must be met over and over again.
Level 2, achieving a goal by denying yourself after a period of restraint. Only temporary. The anxiety of not achieving can lead to unhappiness
Level 3 Giving unconditional service and love. Only temporary.
Level 4, knowing God, changes everything and permanent.

Salt. Preservative in society. Flavour our society. Thirst inducer. Creates a desire for the living water that comes from the Lord Jesus. Essential for life. Salt solution used for resuscitation . Are we salty christians with the right level of seasoning. Does our speech always have flavour?

What are you looking for to bring you happiness.

Is our light shining. Are you hiding your light

Do you have a high view of scripture. Does your righteousness exceed the most pious person you know.

Have you been born again?

1 Repent, cannot save ourselves and turn toward God.

2 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3 - John the Baptist - Ross P

Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptist

  • John's Message
    In those days John the Baptist came. His message is REPENT.
    What does repent mean, …sorry?  Means to change your mind about yourself, God and Jesus.

Repentance makes you realise you are not as good as another and when you compare yourself with God everyone must repent but its hard. We instead admit regret or remorse or apologise. Things didn’t work out the way you meant it to. Repentance is a total change of mind. We must repent of our attitude toward God. Repentance gives us a glimpse of the holiness of God. Repentance shows in our behaviour.

  • His Mandate, his authority. The voice of one calling in the desert, Isaiah. Scripture spoke of him as the messenger
  • Manner, very unconventional. What he wore or what he ate.
  • Menace or challenge or warning. John was not a guy you could be comfortable with. You need to show evidence. You brood of vipers. Today would be considered hate speech. He condemned the religious leaders. You need to produce fruit. Religious heritage cannot save you. Just because Abraham was their father this will not save you. Wrath that is coming.  God’s judgment on this world is still coming. The wrath of God was satisfied on the cross.
    Saying these things does not win friends or make you popular.
  • Motive. Pointing to the Lord Jesus who is coming after him. Not even willing to carry Jesus sandals.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Spread to all God’s people. We are baptised into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Brought into one fellowship. If you know Jesus Christ as your personal saviour then you are baptised into the body of Christ with the HS.
With Fire. Like tongues of fire. Fire refers to judgment. Chafe and wheat, one is for burning and one is for storing away. Judgment on the world has not come yet but it will come.

Johns motive was to point to the Lord Jesus Christ. He must increase but I must decrease. I want to magnify the Lord Jesus.
Do this to be seen to be right. To fulfil all righteousness. Sometimes we need prompting to do the right thing.

  • Message one of repentance.
  • Mandate was the scripture
  • Manner was unconventional
  • Menace: Show the evidence, don’t just say it
  • Motive: to point to Jesus
  • Moment: when he saw the heavens opened.

What is our message? Repentance toward God, faith in Jesus Christ. Many people believe they are Christians because they believe only. So too do the demons believe. I’m not going to change. Both are essential. Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Mandate: Jesus said go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Tell the good news. You can be saved from the coming wrath through Him.

Manner: by all means to save some

Motive: we always point to the Lord Jesus Christ, we don’t point to ourselves. He wants us to be more and more conformed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Is Christ magnified in your life more now than last year?

Moment: What was your moment when you were acutely aware of God revealing himself to you. When sis God speak with clarity into your heart? When have you passed from death into life.

What happened to John? He became less popular. I must decrease. Spoke out about Herod’s adultery. Herod got mad and jailed him. Even if you had your moment, like John, you begin to have doubts. Health changes, lose your job. Matthew 11 records he questions whether Christ is the one. Doubt still happens. John was told that people were being raised to life and the scriptures taught. Jesus said that of men born to women John the Baptist was the greatest. Jesus said the least person was greater than he. John was the best man. the bridegroom. The most important on the day. The least person in the kingdom. 

We have the privilege of being united to Christ in the way the bride is to the bridegroom. Sad end. What happens to the messenger happened to the Master? Rejected, Crucified. 

An example for us in our Christian lives where Christ increases and magnified in our lives. The we might be hidden in him.

Matthew 2 : Responses to Jesus - Ross P

Ross takes us through Matthew Ch2 and examines the response of the three types of people who hear the gospel of Jesus today.

Firstly, there are the magi, or astrologers, who on the evidence of just a few prophecies, sought out Jesus that they might worship Him. They needed to find out and lean more about the King. They stopped what they were doing to find Jesus.

Second, there were the Pharisees who had full access to the Scriptures, knew all the prophecies predicting His birth, but were too proud in their own traditions to recognise Jesus when he came. People today can know the story of Jesus and hear the gospel but are indifferent to its truth.

Thirdly, there is the picture of King Herod who reacted violently to the thought of another King in Jerusalem. There are people who, like Herod, will not submit to the King and reject Jesus.

Our choice is to worship, neglect or reject Jesus and Ross asks what people group we each fall in to.