Messages

A message from the series “Mark – A King\’s Ransom.” In today’s sermon from Mark 1–8, Shane Dirks introduces a new series by giving an overview of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the central questions: Who is Jesus, and what has He come to do? Drawing from passages including Mark 1:1–13 and Mark 8:22–38, he explains how Jesus is revealed as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the true image bearer who embodies God’s kingdom. Shane highlights that Jesus’ identity cannot be separated from His mission as the suffering servant who must die and rise again, and shows how Mark’s account—including the healing of the blind man—illustrates the gradual understanding of who Jesus is. The sermon concludes by applying this truth to believers, emphasising that just as Jesus’ identity and mission are inseparable, so too the Christian’s identity and calling are united in a life of faith, holiness, and following Christ.

5 Questions to Think About
1. How does Mark’s Gospel answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” in Mark 1–8?
2. Why is it important that Jesus’ identity cannot be separated from His mission to suffer and rise again (Mark 8:31)?
3. How does the healing of the blind man (Mark 8:22–25) help us understand the way people come to recognise Jesus?
4. What does it mean for you personally to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34)?
5. How are your identity as a Christian and your daily life meant to reflect the mission God has given you?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. Jesus’ identity and mission are inseparable — He is the Messiah who must suffer, die, and rise again to accomplish God’s plan (Mark 8:29–31).
2. Understanding Jesus often grows over time — like the blind man, people may see partially before seeing clearly (Mark 8:22–25).
3. Christian identity shapes Christian living — followers of Jesus are called to live lives of faith, holiness, and self-denial as they follow Him (Mark 8:34–35).

A message from the series “Dwelling in Fullness.” In this sermon, Shane Dirks encourages the church to reflect on the hope, faith, and assurance found in Jesus Christ. Drawing on Scripture, the message points listeners to God’s faithfulness, the certainty of His promises, and the way Christian hope shapes how believers live in the present. Shane highlights how trusting God’s character anchors believers through uncertainty and calls the church to live with confidence, obedience, and encouragement toward one another as followers of Jesus.

5 Questions to Think About
1. What does biblical hope look like in your everyday life, especially during challenging seasons?
2. How do God’s promises shape the way you respond to uncertainty or fear?
3. In what ways are you actively trusting God rather than relying on your own understanding?
4. How can you encourage others in their faith using the hope you have in Christ?
5. What practical step can you take this week to live more confidently as a follower of Jesus?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. Christian hope is grounded in God’s character, not in changing circumstances.
2. Faith calls for active trust—living in obedience even when outcomes are unclear.
3. Believers are meant to encourage one another, pointing each other back to Jesus and His promises.

A message from the series “The Song of the King and His Apostles.” In tonight’s sermon, Peter Lenehan explores the theme of contentment through Psalm 23 and Mark 6:30–44, challenging the cultural mindset of always wanting more. He highlights how modern consumerism fuels discontentment, even though both Scripture and lived experience show that material things never truly satisfy. Using the imagery of God as a shepherd, Peter points to the deeper rest, provision, and security found in God alone, both in good times and in life’s darkest valleys. He ultimately calls listeners to shift their focus from temporary luxuries to eternal hope in Jesus Christ, where true and lasting contentment is found.

5 Questions to Think About
1. Do I truly believe “the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” or do my daily habits suggest otherwise?
2. Where do I most often look for contentment—God, or material things and circumstances?
3. How does our culture shape my expectations of what I “need” versus what is actually a luxury?
4. What would change in my life if I genuinely trusted that God’s presence is enough, even in hard times?
5. How can I practically shift my priorities from accumulating more to living more generously?

3 Key Takeaways
• True contentment is not found in possessions but in a relationship with God, who provides rest, guidance, and security.
• A constant desire for “more” can distract from joy and spiritual growth, even when we know it doesn’t satisfy.

A message from the series “The Song of the King and His Apostles.” In tonight’s sermon, Peter Lenehan encourages the congregation to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus faithfully at the start of a new season. Drawing on Scripture, the message focuses on God’s character, His ongoing work in the lives of His people, and the call for believers to live with trust, obedience, and perseverance. Peter highlights the importance of grounding faith in God’s promises rather than circumstances, urging listeners to centre their lives on Christ and to respond to the gospel with confidence and commitment.

5 Questions to Think About
1. What does it mean for your life to be centred on Jesus rather than circumstances or personal goals?
2. How does trusting God’s character shape the way you approach uncertainty or change?
3. In what areas of your life might God be calling you to renewed obedience or faithfulness?
4. How can Scripture help you remain grounded when your faith is tested?
5. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more intentionally this week?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. God is faithful and unchanging, even as seasons and circumstances shift.
2. Following Jesus requires intentional trust and perseverance, not passive belief.
3. A Christ-centred life shapes priorities, decisions, and hope for the future.

A message from the series “Dwelling in Fullness.”

A message from the series “Dwelling in Fullness.” In this week’s sermon, Ruth Smith encourages the congregation to reflect on what it means to live faithfully as followers of Jesus in everyday life. Drawing on Scripture, the message explores God’s character, His care for His people, and the way Christian faith shapes relationships, priorities, and responses to life’s challenges. Ruth highlights the importance of trust, obedience, and dependence on God, calling listeners to live out their faith with sincerity and confidence in God’s promises.

5 Questions to Think About
1. What does this sermon reveal about God’s character and His care for His people?
2. How does your faith in Jesus shape the way you approach daily decisions and relationships?
3. Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now?
4. How can Scripture guide you when facing uncertainty or challenge?
5. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more intentionally this week?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. God is trustworthy and faithful, even when circumstances are uncertain.
2. Faith is lived out daily, shaping attitudes, actions, and relationships.
3. Following Jesus involves active trust and obedience, grounded in God’s Word.

A message from the series “Dwelling in Fullness.”

A message from the series “The Song of the King and His Apostles.” In today’s sermon on Psalm 24 alongside 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1, Langdon Stewart explores three key truths about God: that the Lord is Creator, worthy, and the victorious King. He explains that because God made and owns everything, all of life is lived under His authority and for His glory. The psalm then raises the question of who is worthy to stand before this holy God, highlighting humanity’s inability to meet the standard of “clean hands and a pure heart.” Langdon shows how this points to Jesus, the only one who is truly worthy, who through His death and resurrection makes people righteous before God. The sermon concludes with the image of the King of glory entering in victory, calling listeners to lift their heads, recognise Jesus as the triumphant King over sin and death, and respond in worship, trust, and wholehearted devotion.

5 Questions to Think About
1. How does knowing that “the earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1) shape the way you use your time, possessions, and influence?
2. What does Psalm 24 reveal about God’s holiness and your own need for forgiveness and grace?
3. Why is it significant that only Jesus perfectly meets the standard of “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4)?
4. How does Jesus’ death and resurrection give you confidence to approach God?
5. What does it look like in practice to “lift your head” and welcome Jesus as King in your life?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. God is Creator and owner of all things — everything belongs to Him and is to be used for His glory (Psalm 24:1).
2. Only Jesus is truly worthy — through Him, believers are made righteous and able to stand before God (Psalm 24:4–6).
3. Jesus is the victorious King of glory — He has triumphed over sin and death and calls for a response of worship and surrender (Psalm 24:7–10).

A message from the series “The Song of the King and His Apostles.” In today’s sermon, Shane Dirks focuses on the importance of living with confidence in God’s promises and responding to the gospel with faith and perseverance. Drawing from Scripture, the message highlights how God’s faithfulness provides a secure foundation for believers, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances. Shane encourages the church to remain grounded in Christ, to support and encourage one another, and to live with a forward-looking hope that shapes everyday decisions and relationships.

5 Questions to Think About
1. What does it mean for you to be confident in God’s promises in your current circumstances?
2. How does your understanding of the gospel shape the way you respond to challenges?
3. In what ways can you remain more grounded in Christ throughout the week?
4. How can you encourage others in your church or community in their faith?
5. What practical step can you take to live with greater hope and perseverance?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. God’s promises provide a firm foundation for faith, even in uncertainty.
2. Believers are called to perseverance, remaining grounded in Christ.
3. Hope in the gospel shapes everyday life, influencing attitudes, actions, and relationships.

A message from the series “The Song of the King and His Apostles.” In today’s sermon, Shane Dirks unpacks Psalm 22 alongside Matthew 27, showing how the psalm’s cry of “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. He explores the tension between human emotion and theological truth, encouraging listeners to engage both heart and mind in times of suffering. Rather than focusing on “why me,” the message reframes the question to “why you,” directing attention to God’s character—holy, faithful, and attentive throughout history. The sermon emphasises that while circumstances may not immediately change, a shift in perspective toward dependence on God leads from despair to confident declaration, grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
5 Questions to Think About:
1. When facing hardship, do I focus more on “why me” or on who God is (“why you”)?
2. How do I hold together what I feel and what I know to be true about God?
3. In what ways have I experienced my dependence on God, especially in difficult times?
4. How does Jesus’ use of Psalm 22 on the cross shape my understanding of suffering?
5. What would it look like for me to move from despair to declaration in my current situation?
3 Key Takeaways:
• Suffering is a normal part of life, but it is meant to draw us into deeper dependence on God.
• God’s character remains constant—holy, faithful, and attentive—even when circumstances are difficult.
• True peace comes not from changed circumstances, but from trusting God and declaring His goodness.