Church in the Marketplace http://churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com Church in the Marketplace is a congregation in the vibrant heart of Bondi Junction, Sydney. We love God, His word & ALL people. Join us online for our weekly podcast or in Church at 10am Sunday. Wed, 10 Jan 2018 23:11:19 -0500 https://podbean.com/?v=3.2 en Copyright 2014 . All rights reserved. Religion & Spirituality:Christianity 1440 Church in the Marketplace, Bondi, Australia Church in the Marketplace is a congregation in the vibrant heart of Bondi Junction, Sydney. We love God, His word & ALL people. Join us online for our weekly podcast or in Church at 10am Sunday. www.cmponline.net Church in the Marketplace Church in the Marketplace joshua@cmponline.net No Clean http://podcast.cmponline.net/feed/ http://deow9bq0xqvbj.cloudfront.net/image-logo/668949/PodbeanLogo-Update.jpg Church in the Marketplace http://churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com 144 144 7th January 2018 - SELFLESS http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/7th-january-2018-selfless/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/7th-january-2018-selfless/#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2018 23:11:19 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/7th-january-2018-selfless-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Everyone seems to be in rush to get to work these days. As life gets faster and faster we become more and more consumeristic and entitled. I often find myself complaining about the smalls things, such as the quality of the coffee I’ve just paid top dollar for. The truth is people are becoming self-obsessed and life often becomes more about what we can get and not what we can give. We suffer from the “Mesus syndrome” instead of following Jesus.
 
Jesus tells us to not only  love God but also our neighbour (Matt 22:36-40). He goes on further and tells us to love our enemies and the un-lovable (Matt 5:44). Following Jesus means that we die to our selfish desires and we take up our cross and follow him, no matter the cost (Matt 16:24-26). ]]>  
Jesus tells us to not only  love God but also our neighbour (Matt 22:36-40). He goes on further and tells us to love our enemies and the un-lovable (Matt 5:44). Following Jesus means that we die to our selfish desires and we take up our cross and follow him, no matter the cost (Matt 16:24-26).]]> Everyone seems to be in rush to get to work these days. As life gets faster and faster we become more and more consumeristic and ...  
Jesus tells us to not only  love God but also our neighbour (Matt 22:36-40). He goes on further and tells us to love our enemies and the un-lovable (Matt 5:44). Following Jesus means that we die to our selfish desires and we take up our cross and follow him, no matter the cost (Matt 16:24-26).]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 00:26:49 68 full 7th January 2018 - SELFLESS 31st December 2017 - WHO MOVED THE GOALPOSTS? http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/31st-december-2017-who-moved-the-goalposts/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/31st-december-2017-who-moved-the-goalposts/#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2018 22:29:48 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/31st-december-2017-who-moved-the-goalposts-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 We live in an age of individualism and massive social, technological, economic, political and, dare I say, religious change.
Just when we think we understand what is going on around us an “expert” tells us that this may not be the case, or the government changes the rules, or our personal circumstances change dramatically.
Is it any wonder that many people in our society are having nervous breakdowns and quite often at a younger age?

We all need an expert who doesn’t move the goalposts and who can guide us through this morass.
His Name is Jesus, His Word is Truth & He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.

John 14:v6 Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth & the Life.”

]]> Just when we think we understand what is going on around us an “expert” tells us that this may not be the case, or the government changes the rules, or our personal circumstances change dramatically.
Is it any wonder that many people in our society are having nervous breakdowns and quite often at a younger age? We all need an expert who doesn’t move the goalposts and who can guide us through this morass.
His Name is Jesus, His Word is Truth & He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. John 14:v6 Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth & the Life.”]]> We live in an age of individualism and massive social, technological, economic, political and, dare I say, religious change.Just when we think we understand what ... We live in an age of individualism and massive social, technological, economic, political and, dare I say, religious change.
Just when we think we understand what is going on around us an “expert” tells us that this may not be the case, or the government changes the rules, or our personal circumstances change dramatically.
Is it any wonder that many people in our society are having nervous breakdowns and quite often at a younger age?
We all need an expert who doesn’t move the goalposts and who can guide us through this morass.
His Name is Jesus, His Word is Truth & He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.
John 14:v6 Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth & the Life.”
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 00:26:18 67 full 31st December 2017 - WHO MOVED THE GOALPOSTS? 25th December 2017 - THE ILLEGITIMATE GOD http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/25th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/25th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god/#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2018 22:02:14 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/25th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 These days, children being born out of wedlock is no big deal. Hey, we don’t even use that term anymore. Living together, having children without getting married … those are just, these days, seen as valid lifestyle choices. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they’re right, just that that’s how it is.

Back when most of us were growing up, the technical name for a child being born out of wedlock was, yep, you remember it: “a bastard”.

And as unsettling as it is, as disturbing as it is to our celebration of Christmas, that’s exactly what Jesus was and how He was seen when He was born, in a society far more prudish, far more legalistic, far more concerned with social morays, than even the one in which many of us grew up. 

Jesus, the illegitimate God.

So, what exactly should we be celebrating, this Christmas?

]]>
Back when most of us were growing up, the technical name for a child being born out of wedlock was, yep, you remember it: “a bastard”.

And as unsettling as it is, as disturbing as it is to our celebration of Christmas, that’s exactly what Jesus was and how He was seen when He was born, in a society far more prudish, far more legalistic, far more concerned with social morays, than even the one in which many of us grew up. 

Jesus, the illegitimate God.

So, what exactly should we be celebrating, this Christmas?]]> These days, children being born out of wedlock is no big deal. Hey, we don’t even use that term anymore. Living together, having children without ...
Back when most of us were growing up, the technical name for a child being born out of wedlock was, yep, you remember it: “a bastard”.

And as unsettling as it is, as disturbing as it is to our celebration of Christmas, that’s exactly what Jesus was and how He was seen when He was born, in a society far more prudish, far more legalistic, far more concerned with social morays, than even the one in which many of us grew up. 

Jesus, the illegitimate God.

So, what exactly should we be celebrating, this Christmas?]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 00:18:52 66 full 25th December 2017 - THE ILLEGITIMATE GOD 24th December 2017 - MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/24th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/24th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god/#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2018 21:30:00 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/24th-december-2017-the-illegitimate-god-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Think about it - there is only one person in all of history who could have arranged the exact circumstances of their own birth. Jesus.

So, what did He choose for Himself? A castle? Royal comfort, prestige and wealth? Clearly not.

He choses a smelly, draughty and, shall we call it, an intensely unhygienic stable in which to be born. The most humble of circumstances, and, as things turned out, the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances that saw him becoming a refugee.

And yet, here we are, about to celebrate a nice, safe, comfortable, dare one say, ritualistic Christmas, with all its trappings, two thousand years on.

Here’s the question, then, that inevitably hits you between the eyes? What in the blazes was God thinking, schlepping His Son through this terrible place? And what is He trying to say to us, here and now, in our comfortable little Christmas ritual?

]]>
So, what did He choose for Himself? A castle? Royal comfort, prestige and wealth? Clearly not.

He choses a smelly, draughty and, shall we call it, an intensely unhygienic stable in which to be born. The most humble of circumstances, and, as things turned out, the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances that saw him becoming a refugee.

And yet, here we are, about to celebrate a nice, safe, comfortable, dare one say, ritualistic Christmas, with all its trappings, two thousand years on.

Here’s the question, then, that inevitably hits you between the eyes? What in the blazes was God thinking, schlepping His Son through this terrible place? And what is He trying to say to us, here and now, in our comfortable little Christmas ritual?]]> Think about it - there is only one person in all of history who could have arranged the exact circumstances of their own birth. Jesus.So, ...
So, what did He choose for Himself? A castle? Royal comfort, prestige and wealth? Clearly not.

He choses a smelly, draughty and, shall we call it, an intensely unhygienic stable in which to be born. The most humble of circumstances, and, as things turned out, the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances that saw him becoming a refugee.

And yet, here we are, about to celebrate a nice, safe, comfortable, dare one say, ritualistic Christmas, with all its trappings, two thousand years on.

Here’s the question, then, that inevitably hits you between the eyes? What in the blazes was God thinking, schlepping His Son through this terrible place? And what is He trying to say to us, here and now, in our comfortable little Christmas ritual?]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 00:22:40 65 full 24th December 2017 - MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE 17th December 2017 - Receiving The Gift of God’s Son http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/17th-december-2017-receiving-the-gift-of-gods-son/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/17th-december-2017-receiving-the-gift-of-gods-son/#comments Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:29:53 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/17th-december-2017-receiving-the-gift-of-gods-son-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 “The Son of God came so we could recognise and understand the truth of God - what a gift!  …  Jesus is both true God and real life.”  1 John 5:20 (Message)
 
Have you ever received a Christmas gift, that disappointed you? 
 
In his letter, John describes the coming of Jesus (that we celebrate at Christmas) as a “gift”. 
 
And what a gift! 
This gift from God is personal, practical and useful.  
This gift won’t break.  In fact, it will last forever. 
 
And … it will change our lives.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
 
This gift from God helps us to lose our loneliness, get a new start, discover our true identity, and receive strength to keep going.  ]]>  
Have you ever received a Christmas gift, that disappointed you? 
 
In his letter, John describes the coming of Jesus (that we celebrate at Christmas) as a “gift”. 
 
And what a gift! 
This gift from God is personal, practical and useful.  
This gift won’t break.  In fact, it will last forever. 
 
And … it will change our lives.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
 
This gift from God helps us to lose our loneliness, get a new start, discover our true identity, and receive strength to keep going. ]]> “The Son of God came so we could recognise and understand the truth of God - what a gift!  ...  Jesus is both true God ...  
Have you ever received a Christmas gift, that disappointed you? 
 
In his letter, John describes the coming of Jesus (that we celebrate at Christmas) as a “gift”. 
 
And what a gift! 
This gift from God is personal, practical and useful.  
This gift won’t break.  In fact, it will last forever. 
 
And … it will change our lives.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
 
This gift from God helps us to lose our loneliness, get a new start, discover our true identity, and receive strength to keep going. ]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 26:23 64 full 17th December 2017 - Receiving The Gift of God’s Son 10th December 2017 - The Promised Emmanuel http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/10th-december-2017-the-promised-emmanuel/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/10th-december-2017-the-promised-emmanuel/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2017 21:49:15 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/10th-december-2017-the-promised-emmanuel-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Did you know, that “light” is a major theme of the Bible? 
The Bible says - “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 
The first act of creation was - “… let there be light.” 
Jesus said - “I’m the light of the world.” 
 
On Christmas, the very first Christmas, light played a major role.  The angels put on a spectacular light show for the shepherds when they announced - “Behold born this day, in the city of David is a Saviour, Christ, the Lord.”  The wise men followed some kind of star that led them from the east to the west to find Jesus. 
 
Light played a major role because Christmas is a celebration of God’s light entering our world.  John 1 says - “Before anything else existed, there was Christ with God…  His light is the light, that shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”    ]]> The Bible says - “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 
The first act of creation was - “… let there be light.” 
Jesus said - “I’m the light of the world.” 
 
On Christmas, the very first Christmas, light played a major role.  The angels put on a spectacular light show for the shepherds when they announced - “Behold born this day, in the city of David is a Saviour, Christ, the Lord.”  The wise men followed some kind of star that led them from the east to the west to find Jesus. 
 
Light played a major role because Christmas is a celebration of God’s light entering our world.  John 1 says - “Before anything else existed, there was Christ with God…  His light is the light, that shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”   ]]> Did you know, that “light” is a major theme of the Bible?  The Bible says - “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at ... The Bible says - “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 
The first act of creation was - “… let there be light.” 
Jesus said - “I’m the light of the world.” 
 
On Christmas, the very first Christmas, light played a major role.  The angels put on a spectacular light show for the shepherds when they announced - “Behold born this day, in the city of David is a Saviour, Christ, the Lord.”  The wise men followed some kind of star that led them from the east to the west to find Jesus. 
 
Light played a major role because Christmas is a celebration of God’s light entering our world.  John 1 says - “Before anything else existed, there was Christ with God…  His light is the light, that shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”   ]]> Church in the Marketplace Yes No 30:31 63 full 10th December 2017 - The Promised Emmanuel 26th November 2017 - Good News - Jesus Changes Everything http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/26th-november-2017-good-news-jesus-changes-everything/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/26th-november-2017-good-news-jesus-changes-everything/#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:14:07 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/26th-november-2017-good-news-jesus-changes-everything-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Many parts of the Christian church will celebrate this Sunday, the last before the season of Advent begins, as ‘Christ the King’ Sunday.  The celebration has its origins in the early 20th century as a response to increasing, worldwide movements of secularisation.
 
We can see Jesus’ own view of His “anointing” in Luke 4:18-19 … “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me, to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to recover the sight of the blind, to release the oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
 
No matter where we’re at, if we’ve got a broken heart, if we feel hopeless about our situation, if we’re a captive to something, Jesus (Christ the King) wants to proclaim God’s favour for us.  It’s the same favour we celebrate at Christmas – Jesus is “Emanuel”, God with us.
 
May you know God [...]]]>  
We can see Jesus’ own view of His “anointing” in Luke 4:18-19 … “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me, to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to recover the sight of the blind, to release the oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
 
No matter where we’re at, if we’ve got a broken heart, if we feel hopeless about our situation, if we’re a captive to something, Jesus (Christ the King) wants to proclaim God’s favour for us.  It’s the same favour we celebrate at Christmas – Jesus is “Emanuel”, God with us.
 
May you know God’s favour as we celebrate Christ the King.]]> Many parts of the Christian church will celebrate this Sunday, the last before the season of Advent begins, as ‘Christ the King’ Sunday.  The celebration ...  
We can see Jesus’ own view of His “anointing” in Luke 4:18-19 … “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me, to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to recover the sight of the blind, to release the oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
 
No matter where we’re at, if we’ve got a broken heart, if we feel hopeless about our situation, if we’re a captive to something, Jesus (Christ the King) wants to proclaim God’s favour for us.  It’s the same favour we celebrate at Christmas – Jesus is “Emanuel”, God with us.
 
May you know God’s favour as we celebrate Christ the King.]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 29:07 62 full 26th November 2017 - Good News - Jesus Changes Everything 19th November 2017 - Acceptance = Change http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/19th-november-2017-acceptance-change/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/19th-november-2017-acceptance-change/#comments Sun, 19 Nov 2017 18:47:14 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/19th-november-2017-acceptance-change-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector – despised by society. He was a notorious sinner who ripped people off for a living.
 
But he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his world for ever. Jesus accepted him where he was at, and from that, transformation took place.
 
When we encounter Jesus for real, our lives start to transform in a radical way. It doesn’t matter where we are right now, Jesus loves us and accepts us. He calls us by name to follow Him and be transformed from glory to glory. ]]>  
But he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his world for ever. Jesus accepted him where he was at, and from that, transformation took place.
 
When we encounter Jesus for real, our lives start to transform in a radical way. It doesn’t matter where we are right now, Jesus loves us and accepts us. He calls us by name to follow Him and be transformed from glory to glory.]]> Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector – despised by society. He was a notorious sinner who ripped people off for a living.   But he ...  
But he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his world for ever. Jesus accepted him where he was at, and from that, transformation took place.
 
When we encounter Jesus for real, our lives start to transform in a radical way. It doesn’t matter where we are right now, Jesus loves us and accepts us. He calls us by name to follow Him and be transformed from glory to glory.]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 21:43 61 full 19th November 2017 - Acceptance = Change 12th November 2017 - The Season of Waiting http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/12th-november-2017-the-season-of-waiting/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/12th-november-2017-the-season-of-waiting/#comments Mon, 13 Nov 2017 21:15:06 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/12th-november-2017-the-season-of-waiting-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 50:31 (Living Bible)

We’ve all had a time of waiting. Truth is, many of us long for something. There’s something in our lives, that we can’t get by our own wit, by our own schemes, by our own finances, by our own endurance. It seems as if only God can grant it.

Then, why does God make us wait? If God can do things immediately, and He can, why do we have to wait? Scripture points to at least one answer. Because of what happens inside of us, when we wait. Because waiting is one, of God’s greatest tools for growth.

Waiting renews our strength, it refines our character and focuses our purpose.

When we’re waiting it often helps to wait on God, to wait with others and to remember that God waits for us.

May God be close to you and you clos [...]

]]> "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, ... "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 50:31 (Living Bible)
We’ve all had a time of waiting. Truth is, many of us long for something. There's something in our lives, that we can't get by our own wit, by our own schemes, by our own finances, by our own endurance. It seems as if only God can grant it.
Then, why does God make us wait? If God can do things immediately, and He can, why do we have to wait? Scripture points to at least one answer. Because of what happens inside of us, when we wait. Because waiting is one, of God's greatest tools for growth.
Waiting renews our strength, it refines our character and focuses our purpose.
When we’re waiting it often helps to wait on God, to wait with others and to remember that God waits for us.
May God be close to you and you close to God in your times of waiting.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 29:27 60 full 12th November 2017 - The Season of Waiting 5th November 2017 - The Season of Temptation http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/5th-november-2017-the-season-of-temptation/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/5th-november-2017-the-season-of-temptation/#comments Sun, 05 Nov 2017 17:49:30 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/5th-november-2017-the-season-of-temptation-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 We’ve all experienced it!  Temptation.  Paul, when he was writing to the church in Rome said it this way … “What I don’t understand about myself, is I decide one way, but end up acting another way, doing the things I absolutely despise … A power within me, keeps sabotaging my best intentions.  I obviously need help, and I don’t have what it takes.”  (Romans 7:14 ff)   
 
Temptation is a human problem. In the Lord’s prayer, the prayer that Jesus taught, He prays … “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.  It’s like Jesus is saying –
God … help us not to go there, in the first place, but when it happens, please help us out.
Deliver us!
 
Scriptures gives us some clues about how to respond in a “season of temptation”.  Today we’ll explore how we might anticipate temptation and then act responsibly, ask God for help, find support and avoid tempting situations.  ]]>  
Temptation is a human problem. In the Lord’s prayer, the prayer that Jesus taught, He prays … “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.  It’s like Jesus is saying –
God … help us not to go there, in the first place, but when it happens, please help us out.
Deliver us!
 
Scriptures gives us some clues about how to respond in a “season of temptation”.  Today we’ll explore how we might anticipate temptation and then act responsibly, ask God for help, find support and avoid tempting situations. ]]> We’ve all experienced it!  Temptation.  Paul, when he was writing to the church in Rome said it this way … “What I don't understand about ...  
Temptation is a human problem. In the Lord’s prayer, the prayer that Jesus taught, He prays … “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.  It’s like Jesus is saying –
God … help us not to go there, in the first place, but when it happens, please help us out.
Deliver us!
 
Scriptures gives us some clues about how to respond in a “season of temptation”.  Today we’ll explore how we might anticipate temptation and then act responsibly, ask God for help, find support and avoid tempting situations. ]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 28:09 59 full 5th November 2017 - The Season of Temptation 29th October 2017 - The Gospel In The Autumn Feasts Of Israel http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/29th-october-2017-the-gospel-in-the-autumn-feasts-of-israel/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/29th-october-2017-the-gospel-in-the-autumn-feasts-of-israel/#comments Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:35:09 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/29th-october-2017-the-gospel-in-the-autumn-feasts-of-israel-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 I’m looking forward to Sunday because Mark Landrum from Jews For Jesus will be our guest.

Each year, we try to touch base with the ministry and mission of Jews for Jesus. We occasionally host their activities here in our building.

Mark is going to help us think about “The Gospel in the Autumn Feasts of Israel”.

In particular he will be sharing about:

the gospel in the the Feast of Trumpets - (Rosh Hashanah)

The gospel in the Day of Atonement - (Yom Kippur)

The gospel in the Feast of Tabernacles - (Sukkot)

Understanding the Jewish celebration customs in Biblical times, is significant for our understanding of the context of so much of the New Covenant. It will also help us understand more about key holidays our Jewish friends observe.

 

]]> I'm looking forward to Sunday because Mark Landrum from Jews For Jesus will be our guest. Each year, we try to touch base with the ministry ... I'm looking forward to Sunday because Mark Landrum from Jews For Jesus will be our guest.
Each year, we try to touch base with the ministry and mission of Jews for Jesus. We occasionally host their activities here in our building.
Mark is going to help us think about "The Gospel in the Autumn Feasts of Israel".
In particular he will be sharing about:
the gospel in the the Feast of Trumpets - (Rosh Hashanah)
The gospel in the Day of Atonement - (Yom Kippur)
The gospel in the Feast of Tabernacles - (Sukkot)
Understanding the Jewish celebration customs in Biblical times, is significant for our understanding of the context of so much of the New Covenant. It will also help us understand more about key holidays our Jewish friends observe.
 
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 29:33 58 full 29th October 2017 - The Gospel In The Autumn Feasts Of Israel 22nd October 2017 -The Season of Parenting http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/22nd-october-2017-the-season-of-parenting/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/22nd-october-2017-the-season-of-parenting/#comments Tue, 24 Oct 2017 18:52:27 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/22nd-october-2017-the-season-of-parenting-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 “Children are a gift from the Lord.”  Psalm 127:3
 
We may not think of parenting as a season of life, but it is.  If we’ve got kids, they’re not going to remain kids forever, and most likely we won’t have them “with us”, forever.  One day we’re strapping them into their car seat, and it only seems like the next day that they’re asking for the car keys!
 
Even if we’re not parents, there are going to be children involved with our lives, at different times; nephews and nieces and neighbours kids.
 
We naturally want to be good parents and long to be part of loving and effective families and communities.  The Bible gives us some important clues about parenting and relating to kids.  And perhaps it’s not surprising that what kids need is also what we need and God, “our Father in heaven” gives to us.  Rick Warren summarises kids needs (and ours) for - compassion, counsel, correction, confidence, ce [...]]]> "Children are a gift from the Lord."  Psalm 127:3
 
We may not think of parenting as a season of life, but it is.  If we’ve got kids, they’re not going to remain kids forever, and most likely we won’t have them “with us”, forever.  One day we’re strapping them into their car seat, and it only seems like the next day that they’re asking for the car keys!
 
Even if we’re not parents, there are going to be children involved with our lives, at different times; nephews and nieces and neighbours kids.
 
We naturally want to be good parents and long to be part of loving and effective families and communities.  The Bible gives us some important clues about parenting and relating to kids.  And perhaps it’s not surprising that what kids need is also what we need and God, “our Father in heaven” gives to us.  Rick Warren summarises kids needs (and ours) for - compassion, counsel, correction, confidence, celebration, challenges, and consistency.
 
May God equip you as you parent your kids, or relate to the kids in your community.
]]> "Children are a gift from the Lord."  Psalm 127:3   We may not think of parenting as a season of life, but it is.  If ... "Children are a gift from the Lord."  Psalm 127:3
 
We may not think of parenting as a season of life, but it is.  If we’ve got kids, they’re not going to remain kids forever, and most likely we won’t have them “with us”, forever.  One day we’re strapping them into their car seat, and it only seems like the next day that they’re asking for the car keys!
 
Even if we’re not parents, there are going to be children involved with our lives, at different times; nephews and nieces and neighbours kids.
 
We naturally want to be good parents and long to be part of loving and effective families and communities.  The Bible gives us some important clues about parenting and relating to kids.  And perhaps it’s not surprising that what kids need is also what we need and God, “our Father in heaven” gives to us.  Rick Warren summarises kids needs (and ours) for - compassion, counsel, correction, confidence, celebration, challenges, and consistency.
 
May God equip you as you parent your kids, or relate to the kids in your community.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 25:36 57 full 22nd October 2017 -The Season of Parenting 15th October 2017 - Growing Strong In God’s Grace http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/15th-october-2017-growing-strong-in-gods-grace/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/15th-october-2017-growing-strong-in-gods-grace/#comments Sun, 15 Oct 2017 18:00:13 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/15th-october-2017-growing-strong-in-gods-grace-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Grace the most authentic of Christian words.
 
It facilitates the best of attitudes e.g. gracious and grateful.
 
It is a unique Christian contribution and is the life transforming power of God, which reaches into people’s lives and brings them new possibility.
 
This coming Sunday Rev Keith Garner will be talking about how grace is applied to our lives.
He will be speaking from Matthew 20 but will clearly be making reference to the cornerstone of our understanding God’s grace “For by grace you have been saved by faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
  ]]>  
It facilitates the best of attitudes e.g. gracious and grateful.
 
It is a unique Christian contribution and is the life transforming power of God, which reaches into people’s lives and brings them new possibility.
 
This coming Sunday Rev Keith Garner will be talking about how grace is applied to our lives.
He will be speaking from Matthew 20 but will clearly be making reference to the cornerstone of our understanding God’s grace “For by grace you have been saved by faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
 ]]> Grace the most authentic of Christian words.   It facilitates the best of attitudes e.g. gracious and grateful.   It is a unique Christian contribution ...  
It facilitates the best of attitudes e.g. gracious and grateful.
 
It is a unique Christian contribution and is the life transforming power of God, which reaches into people’s lives and brings them new possibility.
 
This coming Sunday Rev Keith Garner will be talking about how grace is applied to our lives.
He will be speaking from Matthew 20 but will clearly be making reference to the cornerstone of our understanding God’s grace “For by grace you have been saved by faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
 ]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 34:16 56 full 15th October 2017 - Growing Strong In God’s Grace 8th October 2017 - The Seasons of Life - Loss http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/8th-october-2017-the-seasons-of-life-loss/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/8th-october-2017-the-seasons-of-life-loss/#comments Sun, 08 Oct 2017 19:52:10 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/8th-october-2017-the-seasons-of-life-loss-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 The writer of Ecclesiastes says - “Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people.”  (Ecclesiastes 8:14)  We don’t always get what we think we deserve in life.
 
Life is full of losses. And it’s sobering when we realise that nothing around us is permanent. We will go through times of tragedy and seasons of grief and loss.  We can lose our finances, our job, our health, our relationships, and one thing that is inevitable for all of us; people we love will die.
 
The Bible gives us some clues about how we might approach a season of loss.  They include:

  • releasing our grief to God

  • letting others help us

  • refusing to be bitter

  • remembering what’s important, and

  • relying on God

 
May God hold you in your times of loss.

]]> The writer of Ecclesiastes says - "Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people."  (Ecclesiastes 8:14)  We don’t always get what we think we deserve in life.
 
Life is full of losses. And it's sobering when we realise that nothing around us is permanent. We will go through times of tragedy and seasons of grief and loss.  We can lose our finances, our job, our health, our relationships, and one thing that is inevitable for all of us; people we love will die.
 
The Bible gives us some clues about how we might approach a season of loss.  They include:
    releasing our grief to God letting others help us refusing to be bitter remembering what’s important, and relying on God
 
May God hold you in your times of loss.]]> The writer of Ecclesiastes says - "Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad ...
The writer of Ecclesiastes says - "Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people."  (Ecclesiastes 8:14)  We don’t always get what we think we deserve in life.
 
Life is full of losses. And it's sobering when we realise that nothing around us is permanent. We will go through times of tragedy and seasons of grief and loss.  We can lose our finances, our job, our health, our relationships, and one thing that is inevitable for all of us; people we love will die.
 
The Bible gives us some clues about how we might approach a season of loss.  They include:


releasing our grief to God


letting others help us


refusing to be bitter


remembering what’s important, and


relying on God


 
May God hold you in your times of loss.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 28:14 55 full 8th October 2017 - The Seasons of Life - Loss 1st of October 2017 - The Season of Self-Doubt http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/1st-of-october-2017-the-season-of-self-doubt/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/1st-of-october-2017-the-season-of-self-doubt/#comments Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:03:17 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/1st-of-october-2017-the-season-of-self-doubt-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Writing to the church in Corinth, Paul said - “I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3).  Even Paul, apparently, had times of self-doubt.  It’s a season of life, which we will all face at one time, or another. 
 
Later on, Paul tells Timothy how he faces such times - “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
 
We can listen to our doubts, try to ignore or contradict our doubts or respond to our doubts in a faithful and helpful way.  Paul identifies some of our doubts and tells us how we can respond -
we are influential >   set an example
we are inadequate > depend on God
we are invaluable > use God’s gifts
we are incomplete >  grow
]]> "I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling" (1 Corinthians 2:3).  Even Paul, apparently, had times of self-doubt.  It’s a season of life, which we will all face at one time, or another. 
 
Later on, Paul tells Timothy how he faces such times - "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
 
We can listen to our doubts, try to ignore or contradict our doubts or respond to our doubts in a faithful and helpful way.  Paul identifies some of our doubts and tells us how we can respond -
we are influential >   set an example
we are inadequate > depend on God
we are invaluable > use God’s gifts
we are incomplete >  grow
]]> Writing to the church in Corinth, Paul said - "I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling" (1 Corinthians 2:3).  Even Paul, apparently, ...  
Later on, Paul tells Timothy how he faces such times - "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
 
We can listen to our doubts, try to ignore or contradict our doubts or respond to our doubts in a faithful and helpful way.  Paul identifies some of our doubts and tells us how we can respond -
we are influential >   set an example
we are inadequate > depend on God
we are invaluable > use God’s gifts
we are incomplete >  grow
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 30:59 54 full 1st of October 2017 - The Season of Self-Doubt 24th September 2017 - SEASONS OF LIFE - LONELINESS http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/24th-september-2017-seasons-of-life-loneliness/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/24th-september-2017-seasons-of-life-loneliness/#comments Sun, 24 Sep 2017 22:20:57 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/24th-september-2017-seasons-of-life-loneliness-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 In the beginning God says - “It’s not good for man to be alone”  (Genesis 2:18)
 
All of us will face seasons of loneliness.
In 2 Timothy 4, we have the last words the Apostle Paul ever wrote. 
The last book, the last chapter, the last words.
He’s dying, in prison, in Rome. 
He’s about to be executed by Nero, the Caesar. 
All of his friends have left him. 
He’s struggling with loneliness. 
 
Paul’s story reveals 4 common causes of loneliness -
life transitions,
separations,
opposition, and
rejection. 
 
Paul faces this season in his life by -
utilising his time,
minimising his hurt,
recognising God’s presence, and
emphasising other’s needs.
 
May God help us to do the same.
]]> "It's not good for man to be alone"  (Genesis 2:18)
 
All of us will face seasons of loneliness.
In 2 Timothy 4, we have the last words the Apostle Paul ever wrote. 
The last book, the last chapter, the last words.
He's dying, in prison, in Rome. 
He's about to be executed by Nero, the Caesar. 
All of his friends have left him. 
He's struggling with loneliness. 
 
Paul’s story reveals 4 common causes of loneliness -
life transitions,
separations,
opposition, and
rejection. 
 
Paul faces this season in his life by -
utilising his time,
minimising his hurt,
recognising God’s presence, and
emphasising other’s needs.
 
May God help us to do the same.
]]> In the beginning God says - "It's not good for man to be alone"  (Genesis 2:18)   All of us will face seasons of loneliness. ...  
All of us will face seasons of loneliness.
In 2 Timothy 4, we have the last words the Apostle Paul ever wrote. 
The last book, the last chapter, the last words.
He's dying, in prison, in Rome. 
He's about to be executed by Nero, the Caesar. 
All of his friends have left him. 
He's struggling with loneliness. 
 
Paul’s story reveals 4 common causes of loneliness -
life transitions,
separations,
opposition, and
rejection. 
 
Paul faces this season in his life by -
utilising his time,
minimising his hurt,
recognising God’s presence, and
emphasising other’s needs.
 
May God help us to do the same.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 27:53 53 full 24th September 2017 - SEASONS OF LIFE - LONELINESS 17th September 2017 - GROWING - IN THE SEASONS OF LIFE http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/17th-september-2017-growing-in-the-seasons-of-life/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/17th-september-2017-growing-in-the-seasons-of-life/#comments Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:04:04 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/17th-september-2017-growing-in-the-seasons-of-life-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 Ecclesiastes 3:1 says - “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” 
 
Growing in our faith doesn’t happen in isolation, it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.  We exercise faith, we put it into practise and we grow in our faith, all as part of the lives we live each day.  Ecclesiastes reminds us that we experience our lives, and we practice our faith, in seasons.
 
It’s true of the natural world that growth depends on seasonal changes.  And the same is true in our lives that we have to go through various seasons in order to mature and grow.  Those seasons are beyond our control, they’re sometimes confusing, and they include both good and bad times.  We sometimes experience them like times of “planting” and “harvesting”.  Looking back on our lives, each season seems to have had its purpose.
 
Each season of life is, in God’s purpose, an opportunity to learn, focus, enjo [...]]]> "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." 
 
Growing in our faith doesn’t happen in isolation, it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.  We exercise faith, we put it into practise and we grow in our faith, all as part of the lives we live each day.  Ecclesiastes reminds us that we experience our lives, and we practice our faith, in seasons.
 
It’s true of the natural world that growth depends on seasonal changes.  And the same is true in our lives that we have to go through various seasons in order to mature and grow.  Those seasons are beyond our control, they’re sometimes confusing, and they include both good and bad times.  We sometimes experience them like times of “planting” and “harvesting”.  Looking back on our lives, each season seems to have had its purpose.
 
Each season of life is, in God’s purpose, an opportunity to learn, focus, enjoy and help others.  May God bless you in this season of your life.     
 ]]> Ecclesiastes 3:1 says - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."    Growing in our faith doesn’t happen ...  
Growing in our faith doesn’t happen in isolation, it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.  We exercise faith, we put it into practise and we grow in our faith, all as part of the lives we live each day.  Ecclesiastes reminds us that we experience our lives, and we practice our faith, in seasons.
 
It’s true of the natural world that growth depends on seasonal changes.  And the same is true in our lives that we have to go through various seasons in order to mature and grow.  Those seasons are beyond our control, they’re sometimes confusing, and they include both good and bad times.  We sometimes experience them like times of “planting” and “harvesting”.  Looking back on our lives, each season seems to have had its purpose.
 
Each season of life is, in God’s purpose, an opportunity to learn, focus, enjoy and help others.  May God bless you in this season of your life.     
 ]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 29:46 52 full 17th September 2017 - GROWING - IN THE SEASONS OF LIFE 10th September 2017 - WORSHIP - A WAY TO BE http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/10th-september-2017-worship-a-way-to-be/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/10th-september-2017-worship-a-way-to-be/#comments Sun, 10 Sep 2017 21:05:04 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/10th-september-2017-worship-a-way-to-be-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 “The One who sent Me stays with Me.  He doesn’t abandon Me.  He sees how much joy I take in pleasing Him. When He put it in these terms, many people decided to believe.”  John 8:29-30
 
“How shall we worship?” - it’s a misleading question.  Because worship is more than certain religious behaviours and practices.  It’s more than singing.  It’s more than being at church.  It’s more than a ‘spiritual’ feeling.  It’s more than a compartment of our lives.  Worship isn’t situational, it’s relational.  Worship isn’t a way to act, it’s a way to be. 
 
Worship is our life. And just as it was true for Jesus, it’s true for us that we can have a great joy in living lives of worship, lives that are ‘pleasing’ to God.
]]>  
“How shall we worship?” - it’s a misleading question.  Because worship is more than certain religious behaviours and practices.  It’s more than singing.  It’s more than being at church.  It’s more than a ‘spiritual’ feeling.  It’s more than a compartment of our lives.  Worship isn’t situational, it’s relational.  Worship isn’t a way to act, it’s a way to be. 
 
Worship is our life. And just as it was true for Jesus, it’s true for us that we can have a great joy in living lives of worship, lives that are ‘pleasing’ to God.
]]> “The One who sent Me stays with Me.  He doesn’t abandon Me.  He sees how much joy I take in pleasing Him. When He put ...  
“How shall we worship?” - it’s a misleading question.  Because worship is more than certain religious behaviours and practices.  It’s more than singing.  It’s more than being at church.  It’s more than a ‘spiritual’ feeling.  It’s more than a compartment of our lives.  Worship isn’t situational, it’s relational.  Worship isn’t a way to act, it’s a way to be. 
 
Worship is our life. And just as it was true for Jesus, it’s true for us that we can have a great joy in living lives of worship, lives that are ‘pleasing’ to God.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 33:43 51 full 10th September 2017 - WORSHIP - A WAY TO BE 3rd September 2017 - WORSHIP WHEN IT DOESN’T ALWAYS MAKE SENSE http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/worship-when-it-doesnt-always-make-sense/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/worship-when-it-doesnt-always-make-sense/#comments Sun, 03 Sep 2017 19:38:07 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons churchinthemarketplace.podbean.com/worship-when-it-doesnt-always-make-sense-24b00f90dd1700f333f1ee8f1a4eedd1 “Therefore I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies, as living sacrifices, wholly and pleasing to God.  This is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1
 
Worship isn’t limited to singing.  Worship isn’t limited to the time we’re in church each week.  How we live our lives is an act of worship.  When It comes to our worship, the question isn’t “how was church” (the music, the message, the people or the parking), but “how was my worship” (did something come alive in me, that makes me want to know God in a more intimate way?)
 
We can enhance our “spiritual act of worship” as we focus less on ourselves (quieten ourselves, look to God’s word and the Spirit’s nourishment in our lives) and prioritise God (rejoice and marvel at the things of God).
  ]]>  
Worship isn’t limited to singing.  Worship isn’t limited to the time we’re in church each week.  How we live our lives is an act of worship.  When It comes to our worship, the question isn’t “how was church” (the music, the message, the people or the parking), but “how was my worship” (did something come alive in me, that makes me want to know God in a more intimate way?)
 
We can enhance our “spiritual act of worship” as we focus less on ourselves (quieten ourselves, look to God’s word and the Spirit’s nourishment in our lives) and prioritise God (rejoice and marvel at the things of God).
 ]]> “Therefore I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies, as living sacrifices, wholly and pleasing to God.  This is your spiritual ...  
Worship isn’t limited to singing.  Worship isn’t limited to the time we’re in church each week.  How we live our lives is an act of worship.  When It comes to our worship, the question isn’t “how was church” (the music, the message, the people or the parking), but “how was my worship” (did something come alive in me, that makes me want to know God in a more intimate way?)
 
We can enhance our “spiritual act of worship” as we focus less on ourselves (quieten ourselves, look to God’s word and the Spirit’s nourishment in our lives) and prioritise God (rejoice and marvel at the things of God).
 ]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 33:33 50 full 3rd September 2017 - WORSHIP WHEN IT DOESN’T ALWAYS MAKE SENSE 27th August 2017 - HOW TO BE AN E(CELLENT) DAD http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/27th-august-2017-how-to-be-an-ecellent-dad/ http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/27th-august-2017-how-to-be-an-ecellent-dad/#comments Sun, 27 Aug 2017 21:47:52 -0500 churchinthemarketplace Weekly Sermons http://podcast.cmponline.net/e/27th-august-2017-how-to-be-an-ecellent-dad/ None of all life’s challenging assignments is greater than parenting. Nothing else comes close to demanding the energy required for this role. It’s not an accident that we call its beginning “labour”! No matter what we expect in the beginning, we soon realise our theories were wrong.

As parents, God asks us to:

(1) prepare our kids for life;

(2) protect our kids in life’s storms;

(3) play with our kids for fun; and

(4) point our kids to God.

The problem is, about the time we’ve got it figured out, they’re gone. Parenting doesn’t last that long. The truth is we only have a brief window of opportunity.  May God bless all our dads today.

]]> None of all life’s challenging assignments is greater than parenting. Nothing else comes close to demanding the energy required for this role. It’s not an ... None of all life’s challenging assignments is greater than parenting. Nothing else comes close to demanding the energy required for this role. It’s not an accident that we call its beginning “labour”! No matter what we expect in the beginning, we soon realise our theories were wrong.
As parents, God asks us to:
(1) prepare our kids for life;
(2) protect our kids in life’s storms;
(3) play with our kids for fun; and
(4) point our kids to God.
The problem is, about the time we’ve got it figured out, they’re gone. Parenting doesn’t last that long. The truth is we only have a brief window of opportunity.  May God bless all our dads today.
]]> Church in the Marketplace Clean No 21:27 49 full 27th August 2017 - HOW TO BE AN E(CELLENT) DAD