Posts by Pastor Steve
Issue #163
Today we start a new series of preaching and study. We are going to spend the next several weeks looking at seven parables that Jesus used to teach about God’s kingdom. The series is simply titled ‘Parables of the Kingdom’. We will use Matthew’s account of the parables to guide us in becoming better equipped to be citizens of God’s kingdom. It is important for us to gain a clear understanding of what God’s kingdom looks like and who may…
Issue #162
Today we come to the end of our current preaching series in 1 Corinthians. It has been an epic journey as we have looked in through the window, so to speak, of life in the early church at Corinth. What we have witnessed has been rather interesting to say the least. We have seen a troubled and somewhat divided church. Yet it is a church that Jesus loved and it is a church that God used for His glory. This brings much encouragement to me! Our…
Issue #161
It was so special spending time with the wider church last weekend at our Church Camp at Stanwell Tops. I hope that many of you found it as a time of encouragement as we met together for fun, fellowship, worship and teaching. The teaching from Mike Wilson was great too! Where would we be if Jesus did not rise from the dead? Where would we be if there is no resurrection for us? What if the whole concept of resurrection is all a hoax? Paul says…
Issue #160
Last Sunday was a great blessing for our little church family. It was a real joy to see so many friends and family here to witness the baptism of Eddie, Joseph, Hannah and Victoria. Once again I really need to thank those who have played an important role in the lives of these four young people. It is a team effort and there is much hard work in preparing people to hear the gospel and then to pray that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes…
Issue #159
To My Dear Church Family, How blessed we are to be part of Christ’s church! I never seem to be able to get over how God has placed us together in His family here at Kogarah. I marvel at Him doing this! Who would have thought it? Such a different group of people and yet we meet for worship every week! It is remarkable what Jesus achieved on the cross at Calvary and how He brought us together to be a body serving Him! Last weekend…
Issue #158
I love diversity! I think how boring life would be if everything was the same! Yet, for most people, having differences can cause difficulty. Being who we are, we find it difficult to accept others who are different to us, and in particular, when they do things differently to us. We often mistakenly think that there is only one to do this or that! How insecure we can become when placed beside people who may share the same foundational truths as us and yet act out these…
Issue #157
Recently I was overwhelmed by just being with my church family … yes that is right … being with you! How blessed I am to have you as my fellow Christian. I can’t imagine worshipping anywhere else on a Sunday morning and meeting with many of you during the week at various activities. I thank God for you! I am so blessed because of you! God is so good to me! The local church is very special to me. I remember listening to Bill Hybels, who…
Issue #156
A week or so ago I picked up a book to read just as I went to bed. It was designed to turn my mind off from a host of matters that were spinning around in my head and ease me into sleep. Nice idea but it was the wrong book to do this. I started reading the old classic by John Bunyan called ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. The opening sentences enticed me in, and soon I was so caught up in what I was reading that my…
Issue #155
I have been very encouraged over recent weeks and months to see our church family growing as well as seeing many serving their Lord. It is always a special joy for a pastor to see those whom he loves serving in a way that brings glory to God and joy to others. I have had a special week in so many ways. I have valued your prayers concerning my father. He is slowly responding and at the time of writing ‘hanging in there’! I so much…
Issue #154
Last Sunday, the City of Sydney was brought to a standstill as over 80000 runners competed in the now famous ‘City to Surf Fun Run’. I was talking with one competitor late that night and he said that by the time he started the race, the winner was already crossing the finish line! Such were the numbers in this 14km event. For many people this was just a run for fun. People were dressed in all sorts of costumes including gorilla suits! They took their time…