Sermons

Chasing Politics

Ecclesiastes 8

Ecclesiastes didn’t get the memo.

Idealism <<<<<<>>>>>> Cynicism

1. Power & politics are complicated, tread wisely & humbly (v2-9)

2.  Justice is painfully slow, tread fearfully & joyfully (v10-17)

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16)

(Preacher: Sam Hemming)

Chasing Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7:1-29
 

 

We chase wisdom to make life better.

 

 

1. We’re chasing something valuable: wisdom helps us navigate life. (v1-12)

 

 

2. We’re chasing something limited: wisdom can’t straighten life. (v13-22)

 

  

3. We’re chasing something beyond ourselves: wisdom leaves us searching for more. (v23-29)

 

 

“In Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3)

 

 

(Preacher: Sam Hemming)

Chasing Work

Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

The search for meaning continues with an exploration of wisdom and work – “under the Sun”.

The conclusion remains – they are a “chasing after the wind.”

The best we can do, is to enjoy the present. Yet even that is in God’s hands.

What should we take to heart from Ecclesiastes, as we now live – “under the Son”?

Chasing Time

Ecclesiastes 3

In a world of opposites…

  …there is a time for everything.

   

Yet a burden remains – a longing for something outside the cycle of time.

 

 And Jesus speaks into it with timeless words of eternal life.  (John 6:68)

 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Encore!

The Teacher’s Pleasure Project

1. The Methodology (1:12-13)

2. The Experiment (2:1-9)

3. The Findings (2:10-11)

Enjoying the Gift & the Giver

Two Perspectives

Preacher: Sam Hemming

Just Hevel

It shocks & soothes

1. The Characters (Eccl. 1:1; 1:12; 12:12)

2. The Core Concept (Eccl. 1:1-11)

3. The Conclusion (Eccl. 12:8-14)

True, but limited.

Preacher: Sam Hemming

Peter Meets Jesus

John 21

Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?”

Consider what Jesus is asking

• in the light of God’s love for the world and Jesus’ love for his ‘sheep’

• and what Jesus has taught his disciples about love

How would YOU answer Jesus?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Nicodemus meets Jesus…

John 2:23-3:12, 7:45-52, 19:28-42

 

Is Nicodemus born again?

 

What would it mean for Nicodemus to be born again? 

 

Are you born again?

 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Mary Meets Jesus

(John 20:1-18)

looking for one thing but finding something better

Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus

1. Mary looks for something

• She sees … (v1 – 2)
• She sees … (v11 – 13)
• She sees … (v14 – 15)
• … but doesn’t believe.

2. Then Mary finds something better.

• He calls her by name (v16)
• Everything changes(v17 – 18)

3. Who are you looking for?

(Preacher: Sam Hemming)

 

Do you need to see?

 John 20

 

We often think we need to see to believe…

 

But we don’t really need to see to believe (20:20)

 

What more do YOU need, to recognise Jesus is your Lord and your God?

 

 

Dear God,

I am sorry for ignoring the truth about Jesus

Thank you for sending Jesus to die my death and give me life.

Please forgive me and change me to live with Jesus as my Lord and my God.                                          

Amen

 

 (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)