Are You Coming?

A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema

on Heidelberg Catechism, LD 30b (Q & A 81-82)

Scripture Reading:

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Congregation in our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the period before Christmas the managers of some firms give a party for their employees and their families. It's a way of showing appreciation for the work the employees have done for the company that year. Now try to imagine a situation where the manager cannot attend. Before he's called away, he gives instructions to his deputy and assistants that only those who are presently employed by the company are allowed to come. All others are left out. So anyone, for instance, who worked for a while but then left, as well as those who were fired, can't come.

Then, when the party is on, all the present employees and their families come, plus some others. Among those others are a few curious, or greedy, trying to get in. And there are also those who've left their jobs, or who were fired because they weren't working properly.

"Jesus Only";

not "Jesus And"

A Sermon by Rev John De Hoog

on Galatians 3:1-14

Scripture Reading:

Genesis 15

Suggested Singing:

BoW 66; 150b; 238; 386; 514

Dear Congregation.

In his Letter to the Galatians, Paul is engaged in a strong argument against the false teachers who have come to Galatia. These false teachers are Judaizers - they are trying to impose the Law of Moses on the Gentile converts in the churches in Galatia - the churches in Pisidian, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Paul had preached, "Jesus only". These false teachers had now come preaching, "Jesus and". You need to trust in Jesus Christ and obey the Law of Moses in order to be saved.

Breaking Faith

A Sermon by Rev Jack Kapinga

on Malachi 2:10-16

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 5:25-33

Suggested Singing:

BoW 149; 216; 367; Rej 295

Brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction:

I think it's fair to say that in our day and age, faithfulness is on the decline. In our day and age people are decreasing in their loyalty, their allegiances and their commitment. Let me give you some examples. There was a time when an AFL (or Rugby League) footballer would begin his career with a certain club and that's where he'd stay until the day of his retirement. But now it's not uncommon for a player to go to two clubs, or to three or four. They'll be traded or they'll go to where the money's better and as a result they'll change their allegiance on a regular basis.

A Closing Prayer

A New Year's Sermon by Rev John Haverland

on Hebrews 13:20-21

Scripture Readings:

Psalm 90 and/or Eph 4:1-16; Hebrews 13

Theme: A prayer that God, through the death and rising of Christ, may work in us to do his will.

Purpose: To encourage you to do God's will in this new year on the basis of the death and resurrection of Christ.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

The words of Hebrews 13:20-21 may be familiar words to you. They are often used as a benediction or blessing at the end of our worship services. They are fitting words to consider as we look back over the past year and consider the year that lies ahead of us. They express the desire of the writer for his readers and our prayer for each other.