St. John's Diamond Creek Sermons

Look at Jesus - Who are you?

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:52:03 +1100

In her first sermon at St John’s, Robyn Delbridge kicks off our new series, Look at Jesus, picking up where our Christmas series left off, in the book of John. We meet John the Baptist, who is telling everyone he can about Jesus, who is about to start his public ministry. When asked by the religious leaders, John makes it clear that he isn’t the be all and end all, and that soon, someone even greater will be them.

The reference for this talk is John 1:19-28.

A Creative God

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:55:30 +1100

The bible is set up to reveal God’s character to us, so we can get to know him better. The beginning of the bible, Genesis 1, and the creation of the universe, reveals part of God’s character which is often overlooked: his creativity.

The Full Story of Christmas

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 13:24:22 +1100

At our 11pm Candlelit Christmas Eve service, Kirk shares a reflection of zooming out from the Christmas story, to remember to look at the full life of Jesus, and to remember that the baby in a manger lived, died and was brought back to life, all for us. Kirk refers to the bible passage John 1:1-14.

How Do You React To Christmas?

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 13:08:28 +1100

Tim Johnson shared a brief message at our 5pm Family Service on Christmas Eve; looking at the reactions to news in 2017, and how we might react to the Christmas story.

Overcome the World

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 10:29:33 +1100

Sam concludes our Walk in the Light series, a week before Christmas. At the end of the letter of 1 John, John writes encouragements to the Christians who will receive this letter. Sam pulls out some hashtags that John might have used in his letter, if it were written in 2017.

#Love #ChildrenOfGod #Truth #LifeAndDeath

Sunday@6 Baptism and Confirmation

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 11:40:08 +1100

In this episode, Bishop Philip Huggins joins us for a special service of baptism and confirmation. We heard from a number of people publicly declaring their faith in Jesus, and the Bishop reflects on that truth.

Love One Another

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:59:57 +1100

Delle Matthews, self-proclaimed grumpy old woman, tears apart the commercialisation of Christmas, and looks deeper into the meaning of Christmas. Our society is trying to reclaim the “true meaning of Christmas” to be to love one another, to be kind, and to give some meaningful presents. A season of love sure sounds great doesn’t it? But what is love? Where does it come from? The message of Christmas being a season of love is close to the truth, but misses a critical element, twisting the truth in subtle ways.

Jesus and the Spirit #3

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 17:07:55 +1100

The finale of our series, Jesus and the Spirit. Kirk looks at truth, fake news, and how we can be guided by the Spirit into all truth.

Children of God

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 16:30:23 +1100

Tim continues our Walk in the Light series. Advent is a time of remembering the first coming of Jesus, and looking forward to the second coming, still to come. You can tell a lot from a snapshot of a single point in time, like an old family photograph. Who we are is shaped by whose we are; our identity is closely tied to our parents. John speaks of Christians as being children of God, and so as Christians, we should find our identity in that relationship.

Jesus and the Spirit - The Truth

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:29:20 +1100

The truth is sometimes hard to hear. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as an advocate, which Kirk spoke about last week, and the Spirit of Truth. What does that mean for us? Sam explores this idea in the second of our Jesus and the Spirit series.

Walk in the Light - Holding to Truth

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 10:15:51 +1100

Continuing our Walk in the Light series, Tim looks at the three tests and measures John gives us to gauge how we’re going with walking in the light of Jesus. 1: Follow the commands of God, in the context of a relationship with him. We don’t follow God’s commands to earn his love; rather God loves us regardless, and to honour him, we strive to follow his commands. 2: How do we treat each other? With love, or with hate? Finally, 3: Do you continue to believe the truth about Jesus, that he his the son of God.

If you’re wrestling with these tests and questions, keep asking questions about them. They are of vital importance, and fundamental to the Christian faith.

Jesus and the Spirit - The Advocate

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 11:28:00 +1100

As Christians, we believe in one God, with three distinct identities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The first two of these, are pretty easy to understand, at a basic level. God the Father is the big guy in the sky, God the Son is Jesus, God in human form, but the Holy Spirit? That’s tougher to wrap our tiny human brains around. This series looks at what Jesus said about the one who would come after him, the holy spirit.

Walk in the Light - Dealing with sin

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 11:34:38 +1100

The beginning of a new series in our morning services, Tim Johnson looks at the start of a letter written by John, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. John wrote this letter as someone who was there with Jesus, who had seen him, and heard what he had to say. The letter is not an intellectual exercise, and the truth of God shapes the way we live.

Our challenge is to walk in the light of God, rather than to persist in darkness. You might be conscious of areas of your life, which you struggle to hand over to God, and you might be worried about how that affects your relationship with God. Worry not! John is clear, the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. John doesn’t say we need to get rid of every sin in our life, but that we should strive to walk in the light; not worried when we fail (which we all will).

St John’s 150th Birthday Celebration

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 09:12:07 +1100

On our 150th birthday, we gathered as a body of believers to celebrate. We were joined by Archbishop Philip Freier, who spoke from John 15.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 4

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:35:38 +1100

The final chapter in our series on Ruth, our story concludes with the redemption of Ruth and Naomi through Boaz. The book concludes with a list of names, of the descendants of Ruth, all the way to King David, the greatest king of the Old Testament. The New Testament, and the story of Jesus begins with a similar list, from Abraham to David, and then to Jesus himself.

Ruth was part of God’s plan, and if you think you aren’t, you’re wrong. God brings all kinds of people, and brings them into a relationship with himself.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 3

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 15:25:21 +1100

The third chapter in Ruth’s story; we’ve met the main characters, and now the drama really begins. Ruth and Boaz find themselves in a potentially volatile situation, but Boaz’s character is revealed as he holds true to the law, and continues to protect and uphold Ruth.

Caution: This episode is rated PG, and deals with issues around sexuality.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 2

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 09:15:00 +1100

In this episode, we meet Boaz, owner of a field where Ruth has been picking up the scraps dropped during the harvest. He demonstrates faithfulness to God’s law found in the Old Testament, and goes above and beyond to ensure that Ruth is cared for; following not just the letter of the law, but the heart of it. Tim asks the questions: what is God doing in this story, and what do we see God’s people doing?

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 1

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:58:53 +1100

The book of Ruth zooms right in on a single family, in the times when Judges ruled Israel. These were hard times for most people, and in particular, Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. This four-week series looks at Ruth’s story, and how she finds hope in hard times.

In this episode, Tim explores Naomi’s relationship with God, and the hard truth that God gives, and takes away. How do you treat God in hard times?

Getting Right with God

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 08:53:05 +1100

Continuing our Luke mini-series, we see Jesus tell a story about two men, praying to God. One prays loudly, basically saying “Thanks God, that I’m so great. Also, that other guy is the worst.” The second man, a tax collector, someone usually corrupt and generally not liked, prays humbly, and earnestly. Jesus says, be like him. How do we get right with God? Be humble. Kirk explains what that looks like.

Pray, and Don’t Give Up

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 10:06:14 +1100

In this talk, Kat Shields encourages us to persevere in prayer, and pray without ceasing. Jesus tells his followers a story about an unjust judge, who shows justice to a widow for his own benefit. The story is flipped on its head though, when Jesus says that God is nothing like the unjust judge, and will bring justice in all circumstances.

Peacemakers - Reconciliation and Healing

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 10:57:03 +1100

At the conclusion of our Peacemakers series, we gathered together for services of reconciliation and healing, bringing teaching together with opportunities for people to deal with hurts they have been harbouring and people they have failed to forgive. Ros brings us this talk, and explores how to move on from conflict in our lives.

Building a Culture of Peace

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 13:15:25 +1100

Dealing with conflict is not just a matter for individuals but a group activity that should be a marker of the church community. Jesus prays for unity and love in the church and our community should be counter-cultural in the way that we deal with conflict: not ignoring it but being willing to repent and forgive and to move forward with reconciliation and love. What a powerful witness this would be if we did it!

Peacemakers - Go and be Reconciled

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:24:00 +1100

Continuing our Peacemakers series, on how to deal with conflict, when we get to the end result of the self-examination process, and after gently raising the issue with another person we must aim to seek reconciliation. Jesus commands us to prioritise sorting out conflicts even over worship and participation in religious traditions! He also challenges us to go and seek reconciliation if we know someone is holding something against us for what we did to them.

Peacemakers - Gently Restoring Others

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 11:06:56 +1100

Rather than sweeping conflict under the carpet and avoiding it we need to honestly and gently approach with other people when they have hurt or wronged us. Jesus tells us to go directly to the other person and deal with it one-on-one. This is perhaps the most ignored command in Scripture and we are often guilty of gossiping or complaining to other people rather than addressing the person concerned.

Peacemakers - Get the Log Out of Your Eye

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:44:11 +1100

The starting point for dealing with conflict is to search our own hearts and lives and see what we have contributed to the problem. Jesus tell his disciples to remove the log from their own eye before they try to remove the speck from someone else’s eye. Conflict gives us an opportunity to come before God, and to ask whether there are idols in our life that are fuelling this conflict, before repenting of the areas where we are causing the conflict.

Peacemakers - Glorify God in conflict

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:55:22 +1100

While many people see conflict as simply a problem it is also an opportunity where we can bring glory to God in the way that we approach it. As Christians we want to glorify God in all that we do and conflict is no exception. David in Psalm 37 is honest about conflict but encourages trusting in God and committing our way to him in the midst of it. He warns that evildoers will face God’s judgement but that the meek will enjoy peace.

Peacemakers - The Gospel and Conflict

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:05:11 +1100

The second episode in our Peacemakers series identifies that dealing with conflict is a gospel issue. This is not some sideline topical issue that we may or may not want to think about but is at the heart of our everyday lives. Broken humans are in conflict with God and considered his enemies. Fortunately for us, through the cross, God brings reconciliation and restores a conflict filled, broken relationship. When we’re forgiven by Jesus, we need to apply the truth of the gospel to our own relationships and be active in seeking reconciliation.

Peacemakers: The Reality of Conflict

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:11:29 +1100

This new series looks at the reality of conflict. The Church today is the most conflict prone organisation in the world, and the most conflict adverse. This, believe it or not, should be expected! The Church brings in people with different habits, different backgrounds, different life experiences. The only common thread is Jesus. There is no criteria for goodness in the church.

The Bible passage for this talk is James 4:1-3.

White (Space) July - Do not worry

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 11:46:30 +1100

The final week of White (space) July addresses the lack of faith we often have when it comes to trusting God about the future. Younger generations, in particular, are put under a lot of Aussie pressure to set themselves up well for the future. Own a house, settle down, have savings, have investments, protect yourself!

The Christian life brings an alternate mindset that acknowledges we are in a lot less control than we’d like to be and that that’s okay. In fact, it might even be good for us to embrace this a little more!

White (Space) July: Jesus, Mary & Martha

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 11:36:02 +1100

Continuing our White (space) July series, Tim takes a look at Luke 10:38-42. This is a well-known passage warning against too much work but it’s relevance only seems to be growing. It’s not that Martha is wrong to work hard, it’s that her priorities are all wrong compared to her sister who is sitting quietly at the feet of the Lord. Mary has effectively carved out some white space for herself, whilst Martha’s life is too crowded.

White (space) July - Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 10:35:00 +1100

Keen listeners will remember our White (space) Christmas series from late 2016. In God’s word, we have a powerful and repeated command to embrace Sabbath rest. Most of us at St John’s are, by our own admission, ignoring or badly failing this command. This preaching series aims to help us do rest better and, when we do, everyone in our lives (family and friends) will benefit. Most importantly, our relationship with Jesus will benefit.

This week, we look at how Jesus reacted to the Pharisees’ view of the Sabbath. As much as rest is a massive part of the Sabbath, it is ultimately about our relationship with God (and, consequently, with other people). It’s not about a legalistic “no work” day once a week but rather a day where work is set aside to fully focus on relationships.

Outward Signs // Inward Grace: Communion

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 11:29:14 +1100

Jesus gave us two rituals to show outwardly the grace we receive inwardly, baptism, and communion. In this mini-series, Tim looks at these sacraments, and how they display Jesus working in our lives.

Outward Signs // Inward Grace: Baptism

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:52:43 +1100

Jesus gave us two rituals to show outwardly the grace we receive inwardly, baptism, and communion. In this mini-series, Tim looks at these sacraments, and how they display Jesus working in our lives.

I am… The Vine

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 16:18:24 +1100

The finale of our I AM series, Delle Matthews concludes with Jesus referring to himself as “the vine”, and his followers as “the branches”. How do we remain in Jesus, and attached to the vine?

I am… The Way, The Truth, and The Life

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 06:38:44 +1100

Possibly the most well known I AM statement from Jesus. Our series continues this week to explore who Jesus says he is. We live in a “post-truth” world, but what is truth? Jesus claims to be the truth, above all.

I Am…The Ressurection and the Life

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 31 May 2017 01:07:53 +1100

Andrew Bowles delivers his final sermon at St John’s. Jesus sits at the heart of the Christian faith, making several bold statements about himself. When Lazarus dies, Jesus mourns for his friend, but establishes and displays his power over death, stating that he is the resurrection, and the life.

I Am…The Good Shepherd

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Fri, 26 May 2017 03:49:07 +1100

Whose voice do we listen to? In this instalment of our ‘I Am…’ series, Sam Oldland reflects on Jesus’ statement that he is ‘The Good Shepherd’, and that those who listen to him and respond are truly hearing the voice of God. From John 10:11-21.

I am… The Gate

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 15 May 2017 04:22:10 +1100

Continuing our I AM series, we go back to what is at the heart of the Christian faith, and examine Jesus, and his revelation of God. There are seven times in the Gospel of John where Jesus said ‘I am’, and gave a series of images that explained who he was. This week, we look at Jesus when he spoke of himself as ‘the gate’ in John 10:1-10. Tim Johnson looks at what this means, with Jesus claiming to be the exclusive way to a relationship with the God the Father.

I am… The Light of the World

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 10 May 2017 01:11:20 +1100

Continuing our I AM series, we go back to what is at the heart of the Christian faith, and examine Jesus, and his revelation of God. There are seven times in the Gospel of John where Jesus said ‘I am’, and gave a series of images that explained who he was. This week, we look at Jesus when he spoke of himself as ‘the light of the world’ in John 8:12-20. Sam Oldland gives us his first talk at St John’s, and looks at what this means, with Jesus as the one who sheds light on the darkness, and saves us from it.

I Am…The Bread of Life

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 02 May 2017 06:36:00 +1100

When we go back to what is at the heart of the Christian faith, we find Jesus, and his revelation of God. There are seven times in the Gospel of John where Jesus said ‘I am’, and gave a series of images that explained who he was. The first we are looking at in this series comes from John 6:35-59, where Jesus spoke of himself as ‘the bread of life’. Tim Johnson looks at what this means, with Jesus as the one who nourishes and sustains those who believe in him.

Lost - Easter Sunday 2017

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 01:06:11 +1100

Easter Sunday is the most joyful day for the Church, as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. But the first Easter was not joyful to start with - in fact, it was a time of confusion and fear for Jesus’ disciples. Andrew Bowles looks at Luke 24:1-12 and how the disciples came to realise that Jesus was unexpectedly alive again. How can we know today that Jesus is risen from the dead, and how will this change how we think and feel about our lives and the world around us?

Lost: Is it too late? Good Friday 2017

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 06:11:34 +1100

The Lost series has been building to this moment. The crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday marks the beginning of the most important point in all of time. But is it too late? Have you, or I strayed too far for Jesus to love and forgive? In Luke 23:32-43, a criminal, dying next to Jesus on another cross, asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes in His Kingdom. It wasn’t too late for that criminal, and it certainly isn’t too late for us.

Lost - Weeping over the Lost

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 23:33:41 +1100

Our ‘Lost’ series continues on Palm Sunday as Jesus enters Jerusalem, from Luke 19:28-44. While this was a joyful celebration of his kingship, it ends on a sad note as Jesus mourns that the city will reject him very soon. This story gives us a helpful way to understand what our response should be to those we love who have said ‘no’ to Jesus.

Lost - To Seek and Save the Lost

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 00:01:20 +1100

In the lead up to Easter we are doing a short series reflecting on what it means for someone to be ‘lost’ when it comes to their spiritual life, and the concern that Jesus had for those who were lost. This week we look at Luke 19:1-10, where the story of Zaccheus shows Jesus’ mission to seek out those who seem to have no hope of coming to God.

The Heart of Life - Our Pattern of Life

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:05:17 +1100

We finish our series on Leviticus with an overview of what we have learned, and looking at 26:1-13, where God lays out the blessings and promises he gives to those who live with him and follow his ways. We see that Leviticus challenges our ‘idols’, the things that we place in our hearts instead of God, and offers a vision of a life that heals our relationships and our world.

The Heart of Life - Our Relationship with Creation

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:10:50 +1100

Our journey through the book of Leviticus brings us to the question of how God’s people should relate to the environment. Tim Johnson discusses Leviticus 17:1-14, how we are to relate to animals and the land in which we live. This speaks to many of our current concerns with the destruction of the natural environment, and our part as Christians in God’s plan to renew the whole world.

The Heart of Life - Our Relationships with Others

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 05:05:22 +1100

This week our ‘Heart of Life’ series on Leviticus moves outwards to look at what this book says about how we treat each other, reading from Leviticus 19:1-18. We find that Leviticus is intensely interested in God’s people treating each other as neighbours, in justice and generosity, and in the restoration of relationships between people through the forgiveness that God brings. Andrew Bowles is our preacher.

The Heart of Life - Our Relationship with Ourselves

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:43:12 +1100

Our series on ‘The Heart of Life’ and the book of Leviticus continues with a reflection on the meaning of the ‘purity laws’ of the Old Testament. Tim Johnson looks at Leviticus 20:22-26, God’s call for his people to be holy as he is holy, how this worked out in their lives, and what it looks like for Christians to make of ourselves a place where God can live.

The Heart of Life - Our Relationship with God

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:21:43 +1100

We continue our ‘Heart of Life’ series this week, starting to look at the book of Leviticus. We consider the opening chapter of Leviticus, and the sacrificial system it describes. This shows us how we can think about putting our relationship with God at the centre of our lives, with practices of repentance and thanksgiving.

The Heart of Life - Introducing Leviticus

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 21:40:29 +1100

This is the first in our new series called ‘The Heart of Life’, where we think about how we can put God at the centre of our lives in practical ways. We will be looking at the book of Leviticus, a strange and difficult book of the Old Testament, which is probably the least favourite book of the Bible for many Christians. But it contains many images and concepts that make sense of the coming of Jesus. Kirk Mackenzie starts off the series by looking at Hebrews 8, where the ’shadow’ of Jesus in the Old Testament is discussed.

2017 Combined Launch Service - Our Calling as Christians

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 05:18:33 +1100

We began the first Term of the year together with a combined service, reflecting on our calling as Christians. Tim Johnson gave an interactive retelling of the calling of the first disciples in Luke 5:1-11.

The Early Years of Jesus - Jesus’ Baptism

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 04:08:16 +1100

For our final sermon in the ‘Early Years of Jesus’ series, Kirk Mackenzie looks at Luke 3:21-22, the short but significant story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. This story shows us more about who Jesus was, and how we can understand our own relationship to God the Father.

The Early Years of Jesus - Lost in the City

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:01:43 +1100

Our latest sermon in our series on ‘the early years’ of Jesus jumps to the last episode in Luke before we see Jesus as an adult. At age 12 Jesus leaves his parents to go and learn in the Temple. This shows us the growing self-understanding of Jesus, his knowledge of God as his Father, and the call to for us to take the next step onward in our personal knowledge of God. Andrew Bowles speaks from Luke 2:41-52.

The Early Years of Jesus - Growing in Wisdom

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 22:30:47 +1100

Our third sermon in our series on ‘The Early Years of Jesus’ considers what it meant for Jesus to grow in wisdom as he grew up as a boy. What can we learn from him about how Christian wisdom is acquired? Delle Matthews considers Luke 2:36-40, the story of Anna in the temple with Jesus and his parents.

The Early Years of Jesus - Presented in the Temple

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 09:14:22 +1100

Our second look at the ‘origin story’ of Jesus comes in Luke 2:22-35 when Mary and Joseph took him to the Temple as a baby, and met with the prophet Simeon. This story shows us the deeper meaning of the humanity of the Son of God.

The Early Years of Jesus - Named & Circumcised

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 09:03:47 +1100

This month we think about the stories of the childhood of Jesus. We start with the story of the circumcision and naming of Jesus in Luke 2:15-21, and how it shows the destiny of Jesus as the Saviour of God’s people.

Christmas Eve 2017 - The Wait is Over

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 06:33:20 +1100

On Christmas Eve, Tim Johnson reminds us that while the world is still not all as it should be, because of the birth of Jesus we are no longer waiting for God to act to bring salvation and justice to us.

White (space) Christmas - Love All

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 23:17:06 +1100

In our final sermon in the series on ‘White (space) Christmas’, Jeremy Watson considers how we can relate to others in a way that reflects the true spirit of Christmas. We look at Philippians 2:1-11 and the sacrificial humility of Jesus.

White (space) Christmas - Give More

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:43:53 +1100

Our third topic in the ‘White (space) Christmas’ series is ‘Give More’. How can we be truly generous at Christmas, a time that demands so much from us already? We find help in the story of the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25), who was ‘God with us’, the greatest gift ever given.

White (space) Christmas - Spend Less

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 22:29:11 +1100

This week in the lead up to Christmas we consider the greatest threat to ‘white space’ at this time of year - the demands of spending and keeping up with the obligations of the festive season. This can reveal to us our ’slavery’ to money and its place in our lives.

White (space) Christmas - Worship Fully

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 05:00:05 +1100

In our month leading up to Christmas, we are thinking about how we can celebrate this season in a way that honours the meaning of Jesus’s birth. Tim Johnson looks at why we need to create ‘white space’ in order to see what is important, and how to focus on worshipping Jesus in our whole lives.

Keep Calm & Carry On - Pass on the Gospel

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 02:41:52 +1100

In this second in our series on 2 Timothy (from 2:1-13), Kirk Mackenzie considers the importance of passing on the Gospel, and how we can do this more effectively.

Keep Calm & Carry On - Not Ashamed

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 00:14:52 +1100

Our new series is on 2 Timothy, and Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to persevere in living out and spreading the Gospel. Tim Johnson starts at 2 Timothy 1:1-18, looking at why Christians need not be ashamed of the good news of Jesus.

Ridley College Guest Speaker - Lindsay Wilson

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 02:33:37 +1100

We were visited this week by Lindsay Wilson, a lecturer at Ridley College (www.ridley.edu.au), which is one of our church’s Mission Partners. Lindsay spoke about Christian ministry and opportunities to learn and grow in our faith, looking at 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Rebuild - Opposition and Success

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 23:56:31 +1100

Our final engagement with the story of Nehemiah (chapters 4-6) looks at his experience of opposition to the work that God has asked him to do. What does this tell us about the difficulties of following Jesus and growing in our spiritual lives?

Rebuild - A Job for Everyone

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 06:14:53 +1100

This part of the story of Nehemiah is about the rebuilding of the gates of Jerusalem. We learn here about the meaning this can have for us, as we contemplate the ‘ruins’ in our lives and our world, and God’s plans to make us part of his rebuilding effort.

Rebuild - A City in Ruins

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 06:07:10 +1100

Our reflection this holidays on the story of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah chapter 2, where as the cupbearer to the King, Nehemiah is faced with the challenge of how to be courageous enough to stand up for his people and their home city of Jerusalem.

The Generous Life - Generous Giving

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:35:56 +1100

What does it mean to be generous with our money? Luke 21:1-4 has the story of a widow giving to the offerings in the Temple, and Jesus explains how this tests our ideas of financial generosity. Tim Johnson is the preacher for this final sermon in our series.

The Generous Life - Generous Relationships

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:07:37 +1100

Our third sermon in the ‘Generous Life’ series considers Jesus’s words about reconciliation and forgiveness in Luke 17:1-10, and how this relates to our generosity to others.

The Generous Life - Generous Hospitality

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 23:59:26 +1100

In Luke 14:1-14, Jesus probes our attitudes towards hospitality, and unveils a new way of thinking about generosity - an open heart that gives to others out of the love we have received from God.

The Generous Life: Generous Service

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:08:16 +1100

We begin a short series on the topic of ‘generosity’ with a look at the generous type of service that Christians are called to by Jesus. Tim Johnson preaches from Luke 9:57-10:20.

Not In Polite Company - Gender

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:41:06 +1100

“Male and female he created them” says Genesis. Unfortunately, a persons gender is not that clear cut. Andrew talks in depth about gender in today’s society; from gender roles, to transgender and beyond. How should we respond to these modern concepts of gender? How would Jesus? (spoiler: respond with love!)

Not In Polite Company - Attraction and “doing it”

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:40:58 +1100

Sex. God’s plan for humans involves sex, yet it is one of the most taboo topics of conversation in polite company. Kirk works through the notion of sex, and how God wants us to respond to it, in a really practical way.

Life Within Limits - The Time of Your Life

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 23:54:47 +1100

In this final sermon in our series on Ecclesiastes, Andrew Bowles discusses the Teacher’s final words in Ecclesiastes 11:5-12:8 on the ‘meaninglessness’ of life. How do we understand the opportunities and challenges of the different stages of our lives, as we head toward an uncertain future?

Life Within Limits - A Common Destiny

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:54:32 +1100

How to we experience ‘life before death’? Delle Matthews explores what the Teacher says in Ecclesiastes 9:1-11 about how to face our ‘common destiny’ with hope and assurance.

Not In Polite Company - Romance

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 02:49:33 +1100

The Bible says heaps about love, and we hear lots of messages about loving God, and loving your neighbour (rightfully so, as they’re the two greatest commands). Did you know, though, that there’s a whole book of the Bible about romantic love, and sex?

In this talk, Kirk looks at romance, dating and finding your “soulmate” from a biblical perspective.

Life Within Limits - Let it Go

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 01:48:26 +1100

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Andrew Bowles looks at Ecclesiastes 6:1-7:4, where the Teacher critiques ‘the pursuit of happiness’ and our belief that things in the world are getting better. But Jesus also offered a deeper foundation for hope that can overcome the tragedy and darkness of the world.

Life Within Limits - The Problem of Money

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 23:12:43 +1100

It seems like whether we have lots of money or just a little, it still causes us problems. Tim Johnson looks at Ecclesiastes 4 & 5 and the ways in which money can either be a ‘phantasmagorical god’ or a useful tool for learning thankfulness before God,

Life Within Limits - A Season for Everything

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 23:37:26 +1100

This sermon by Andrew Bowles on Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 is about the tension between our desire for a perfect life and the reality that we experience seasons of good and bad times. This encourages us to reflect on why God has placed the desire for eternity in our hearts, and how to face reality with joy and thankfulness.

Not In Polite Company - A Biblical Overview of Sex

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 06:39:48 +1100

The second talk in our Not In Polite Company series. This week, Kirk talks about sex, and specifically what the Bible has to say about some of the messages we’re recieved from our culture in Melbourne, Australia.

CONTENT WARNING: Talks about sex.

Life Within Limits - Living the Dream?

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:00:12 +1100

All of us pursue our dreams of ‘the good life’, including our vision of the place of success and prosperity in giving meaning to our lives. Ecclesiastes reminds us that even if we achieve everything we ever hope for, it can still fall short of our expectations. The meaning of life is to be found somewhere else. Andrew Bowles considers Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 & 17-23.

Life Within Limits - Under the Sun

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:46:42 +1100

What is the meaning of life? Is there any at all? The book of Ecclesiastes challenges us to face the limits of our knowledge about what life is all about and how to live it. Tim Johnson begins by looking at the claim of the ‘Teacher’ that life is like a cloud of smoke that seems substantial but which we are unable to grasp. Ecclesiastes 1:1-14.

Not In Polite Company - Who Would Jesus Vote For?

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:47:15 +1100

A week before the Australian Federal Election 2016, Kirk takes a look at a Christian perspective on politics. How do you choose a political party to support? Being a Christian means committing every part of your life to Jesus, and voting is most certainly included in that.

Faith in Action - Pray at all Times

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 23:56:35 +1100

Tim Johnson concludes our ‘Faith in Action’ series on James by looking at 5:12-20, and the ways in which James encourages Christians to be faithful in prayer and hope in God’s action.

Faith in Action - Materialism

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 23:53:45 +1100

In this sermon on James 4:13-5:11, Andrew Bowles considers James’s words on the futility of trusting in our own plans and our financial security.

Faith in Action - Whose Friend?

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 04:59:50 +1100

In this sermon on James 4:1-12, Kirk Mackenzie considers the issue of how Christians can avoid friendship with ‘the world’, and have a positive attitude to engaging with our culture.

Faith in Action - Wisdom from Above

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 04:39:52 +1100

What does it mean to be truly wise? In James 3:13-18, James compares the wisdom that comes from God with the usual wisdom of the world.

Pentecost - The Promised Holy Spirit

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 17 May 2016 23:16:08 +1100

As we celebrate Pentecost this year, Tim Johnson investigates the progression that we can see in the Bible, as God promises his people that they will receive a full experience of his Holy Spirit, a promise that was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost after Jesus ascended to heaven. Our Bible passages are Numbers 11:24-30 and Acts 2:1-4.

Faith in Action - Living Faith

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 17 May 2016 23:07:15 +1100

What is the difference between a faith that is dead and one that is alive? James 2:14-26 helps us to reflect on what it means to truly have a ‘faith that works’.

Faith in Action - No Favouritism

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 03 May 2016 05:54:35 +1100

This week in our series on James, Jeremy Watson considers the issue of favouritism among Christians, which James speaks about in James 2:1-13.

Faith in Action - Doers, Not Just Hearers

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 03 May 2016 05:52:16 +1100

What is ‘religion’ supposed to be really all about? Kirk Mackenzie speaks to us from James 1:19-27 about the importance of faith as something that translates to concrete action.

Faith in Action - Facing Trials

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 05:52:51 +1100

How do we deal with ‘trials’ - the difficult times, suffering, persecution, temptation, things that make us want to give up? Tim Johnson looks at what James has to say about this topic in the opening passage of his letter. James 1:1-19.

Faith in Action - James, a Personal Journey to Faith

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 06:32:11 +1100

In a prelude to our ‘Faith in Action’ series on the letter of James, Tim Johnson gave us a FPS (First-Person Sermon) introducing us to James, the brother of Jesus, and his journey to accepting Jesus as his risen Lord. The Bible passage was 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

An Unexpected Party - Resurrection Sunday

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 22:16:55 +1100

On Easter Sunday we looked at the accounts of Jesus’s first appearances to his disciples after the resurrection, where their lives were changed forever by the unexpected good news of God’s victory over sin and death. From John 20:1-29.

Because of the Cross - Jesus Restores Our Relationships

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 22:14:30 +1100

On Good Friday, we finished our ‘Because of the Cross’ series with a reminder of the power of the Cross of Jesus to restore our relationship with God and with others. Tim Johnson looks at 2 Corinthians 5:6-21 and our new role as ‘ambassadors of reconciliation’.

Because of the Cross - Jesus Makes Us Right

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:38:33 +1100

This week, we reflected on how the Cross of Jesus makes us right and heals our nature, the topic of ‘justification’. Andrew Bowles considers the teaching of Paul in the letter to the Romans (5:1-11).

Because of the Cross - Jesus Sets Us Free

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 22:04:26 +1100

In our second sermon in our series on the Cross, Tim Johnson considers another angle on what Jesus achieved - the topic of ‘redemption’, being set free from an old way of life in order to serve God. 1 Peter 1:17-21.

Because of the Cross - Jesus Takes Our Judgement

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:27:39 +1100

In our first sermon in the series ‘Because of the Cross’, Tim Johnson speaks to us about how on the Cross Jesus takes the ‘cup’ of God’s wrath and judgement and drinks it on our behalf. The Bible passage is Matthew 26:36-46.

The Kingdom of God is Like…A Drift Net

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 03:19:54 +1100

Our series on Jesus’s parables of the Kingdom from Matthew 13 closes with a look at the parable of the ‘drift net’, and Kirk Mackenzie considers how we face the challenge and comfort of the judgement of God.

The Kingdom of God is Like…A Hidden Treasure

stjohnsdiamondcreek — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 03:16:41 +1100

Among Jesus’s parables of the Kingdom of God are two that characterise the kingdom as a treasure that is worth seeking. Tim Johnson considers the parables of the treasure in the field and the precious pearl as they challenge us about what we truly value. From Matthew 13:44-46.