Sermons

Poverty and Riches

Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12

Poverty brings misery (Eccl. 5:8-9)

 

 

…but riches don’t satisfy (Eccl. 5:10-17; 6:1-6)

 

…only God bestows joy (Eccl. 5:18-20; 6:7-12)

 

(Preacher: Cornelis du Plessis)

Life and Death under the Sun

Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 (and Romans 8:38-39)

Keep a foot on firm ground, while we explore two more observations of life ‘under the sun.’

1. The only certainty is death: this is ‘evil’. 9:1-3

– But, while there’s life, there’s hope. 9:4-6

– So, enjoy what you can, while you can. 9:7-10

2. You can’t predict or control what comes your way. 9:11-12

The firm ground of the Gospel of Jesus gives sure and certain hope in life and in death. Romans 8:38-39

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

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)