Bishop Alf Stanway speaking to prospective ordinands…

“If other people knew you the way God knows you – your failings; your thoughts; your sins – what secretly goes on in your mind that no-one else knows about; would they trust you with the kind of work that God trusts you with? God has supreme confidence in His Grace. He’ll take the likes of you and me and Paul and give you the privilege of being His saints and fellow workers.”

On Sunday night I preached at church on Leviticus 25. Felt pretty unprepared, but it came together on Sunday afternoon! Here are my three main points:

• Sabbath Year  -  looking at the theme of Rest

• Jubilee Year  -  looking at the theme of Redemption

• Grace  -  looking at how we respond to God’s grace…

You can listen to the sermon here  -  download MP3

You can see my notes here  -  download PDF

You can see my Powerpoint here  -  download PPT

On Saturday night at Bible by the Beach we welcomed Terry Virgo from Newfrontiers to speak, he spoke on Jesus walking on the water… here was his basic outline:

Mark 6:45-52

He sends them into the storm – he loves you just as you are, he loves you too much to leave you as you are.

He saw them in the storm – all is laid bare before him, he sees even through the darkness.

He saved them in the storm – he took the initiative, walking on water (this is truly God).

You can purchase a video DVD, an audio CD, or an MP3 download of the talk at the Bible by the Beach website.

John 20:1-3, 10-18
So from an ex-drugdealer to an MP who loves Jesus – he’s gonna read the passage.

The connection between the death and resurrection of Jesus is faith. The cross wasn’t enough to bring people to faith, because the people don’t get this act of love, but the resurrection triggered saving faith.

1. Faith rests in truth
Jesus said he would rise from death (that’s why they put guards on the tomb), but the disciples didn’t get it, it was the 3rd day! This defeats the chronological snobbery of modernists – these people didn’t believe in resurrections either! But they did believe, he convinced them by showing himself – at least 11 times, to over 500 people. The first witnesses are women! The evidence is powerful to break through any worldview. Christianity is true for everyone, and therefore fulfilling and relevant.

2. Faith comes by grace
Mary thinks she is utterly alone, but angels are in front of her, and Jesus behind her – if the resurrection happened then the Lord is close, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Who does Jesus choose? Mary is the first messenger – a woman with a dark past – it has to be about grace!

3. Faith works through love
Let the resurrection convince your mind and your heart. Do not hold onto me – Christ will ascend but he will dwell intimately with his people.

Started with a quick lookalike game if famous bald people who look like TK. Tim was interviewed and shared some stuff about Redeemer; how they started by simply preaching about who Jesus is, and aimed to be a church where Christians were edified and non-Christians could learn too. He spoke about the church growth post 9/11 and the significance of churches in cities and the importance of people comitting to being community in the city. He spoke too of his personal suffering and how that has changed and shaped him – suffering enables you to preach to change and to be a good witness.

Then we got to hear from an ex-drug dealer who loves Jesus – awesome! John 19:23-37, I spoke on this at Global Cafe last night… I think TK might do a better job!

1. How he died – in accordance with the Scriptures
Easy to over look, but John makes a point of reminding us. v.28 Jesus does what he does to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus throughout his life relies on God’s word and does what he does so that it may be fulfilled. When you’re under stress the real, instinctive you comes out – his instinct is to go to the Scriptures for strength and direction. Bathe yourself in the word of God.

2. Why he died – to be our substitute
v.29 Why a hyssop? It’s how they spread the Passover blood. v.36 Not a bone broken – like a perfect lamb.
In the wilderness the Rock is struck and water comes out – like Jesus.
Jesus is the ransom – it is finished. The common theme is substitution!
All love is a substitutionary sacrifice – if you don’t have atonement you don’t have love. You can’t love hurting people without you giving them strength and you hurting yourself. What about the Fugitive? If you take them in you loose your safety and security. All love is substitutionary sacrifice. Refers to a sermon, Christ’s agony – Jonathan Edwards, the garden is where you see Christ’s love – this is the point he could have walked away, it’s them or you.

3. What he offers – the Water of Life
Thirst is a metaphor for agonizing spiritual emptiness. Everyone craves something at the centre of their soul, but anything other than God will leave you spiritually dry. Dying of dehydration is a little picture of hell, and Jesus takes that spiritual thirst on the cross (v.28). You know and experience this water, it changes you, it becomes the centre of everything.

4. How it changes
It is finished. Take Jesus’ pardon then move on, don’t add to his finished work. You’re welcome now! Let the cross change your attitude to yourself.You’ve been at the cross, that’s what you have in common, let he cross change your attitude to others v.26-27. Tale of two cities: Are you dying for him? Sidney is a sacrifice and gives courage to others.