Welcome to our Sermons page
These talks are designed to be scriptural, informative and challenging.
This web page was released in March 2023 so we are still making improvements as we learn more.
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A Short History of the English Bible
Jeff Kendal preaching on December 3, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 119:33-48 and John 1:1-14
Bibles had to be hand copied until they could be available when the printing press was invented in 1455. But even then they were outlawed in English, because the church of the day required scriptures to only be in Latin, and very few could read or understand Latin. Jeff unfolds the difficulties encouintered to produce the English Bible which is so readily available in easy read versions.
Bibles are now readily available, but not in all people’s native language, so Bible translators around the world are busy working on making the Bible available to as many language groups as they can. The Bible is the most popular book, so why not ask God to reveal his word while you read it.
VIDEO NOT AVAILABLE
Awaiting printed notes to add here.
Bible History, The Canon of Scripture
Jeff Kendal preaching on November 26, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 119:17-32 and 1 Timothy 4:1-13
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Introduction to the Bible
Jeff Kendal preaching on November 19, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 19:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-9
What is the value of the Bible and do we need to know what is written in it? The Bible is an item that is found everywhere but often overlooked, and taken for granted? What is the purpose of this collection of 66 small books that have been gathered together in a single volume, and why is it split into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament?
What can happen if I pick up a copy and start to read it, and if I say a few simple words to God of how I feel and what I need? Jeff provides us with some excellent examples, two are videos of experiences that have had such a positive effect on people’s lives.
Daniel’s Final Vision
Phil Rawlings preaching on November 12, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 10:1-21 and Ephesians 6:10-20
Have you ever had a visitation from an angel or from Jesus? Daniel has spoken with angels, and even, it seems, met Jesus himself – as did Moses. Daniel is greatly troubled by these visions. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man…” Daniel 7:13. Daniel chapter 10 has marked similarities with Revelation chapter 1.
There is a spiritual battle going on, but thankfully Jesus on the cross reveals that the battle has ultimately been won, though the skirmishes currently still go on in our lives, until Jesus returns.
Parables #8 – The Ten Girls
Jeff Kendal preaching on November 5, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Matthew 25:1-13
This is also known as the parable of the ten virgins. Jesus is telling us here that we must always be prepared and ready because we do not know the day or the hour of his return, even though there is obviously a very long time span between his first and his awaited second coming. We are powerless to save ourselves, except by accepting Jesus’ invitation and turning to him, accepting him, and trusting in his unchanging word to us that we have in the Bible.
Civilisation is decaying. Society is decaying socially, morally, spiritually, and politically. Jesus tells us to be the salt of the earth that hinders corruption, seasons, but can sting. Jeff explains this to us in his sermon, as well as reminding us to be light to others. Thankfully “He has delivered us [those who accept him] from the domain of darkness…” Colossians 1:13-14
Parables #7 – The Wedding Feast
Jeff Kendal preaching on October 29, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Isaiah 55:1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus is in Jerusalem, and it is just a few days before he will be crucified. The religious leaders knew that he was talking about them and they did not like it. Jesus tells us about his invitation to all, and how so many people reject his offer of grace. God goes to great lengths to draw people to him, and this is illustrated by the parable. He is also virtually quoting from Isaiah 61:10 “…he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness…”
Paul then exhorts us in Romans 13:14 to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think of how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” This parable provides wise guidance to us.
Take Time to Pray
Phil Rawlings preaching on October 22, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 9:1-27
Daniel’s life illustrates real prayer and answers to prayer, likely throughout the 80 or so years of his life. Phil draws us to Daniel’s amazing prayer life with examples, particularly in relation to God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:10. Daniel 9:3 records for us: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes“. And God answered many if not all of Daniel’s prayers.
He then extends what Daniel tells us so that it helps us to understand prayer and its importance for us all. Our personal relationship that we have with Jesus is our key to life. Prayer is a discipline, and it can start with the simplest of prayers “Lord, teach me to pray”.
Getting The Message Right
Adam Lamb preaching on October 15, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: John 15:26-27 & 16:12-18 and Acts 2:42-47
Do we always get it right when we hear a message? Adam underlines for us the importance of feeding on the scriptures, and he gives us examples of how we easily get a wrong message. Thankfully, Jesus told his disciples that “when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” John 16:13
This video is to help us to get it right, because it is a challenge to stay true to Jesus. We need to “remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus foretold” in Jude 17, because we hear from them what Jesus revealed to them, and the Spirit still reveals his truth today.
Parables #6 – The Net
Jeff Kendal preaching on October 8, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Matthew 13:47-52 and Hebrews 10:19-25
This simple parable of the net of fish leads us to the Final Judgement of this world. They collected the good fish in baskets “but threw away the bad” Matthew 13:49. God wants us to escape from the final judgement and not be thrown out. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16. Are you a child of God, committed to Him? Do you say “Thy will be done” and believe in God, or will God wash His hands and accept your choice, saying to you “Thy will be done“? Talk to us if you are unsure – it costs you nothing to talk, and God’s gift to you is also free.
Parables #5 – The Treasure & The Pearl
Jeff Kendal preaching on October 1, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Matthew 13:44-46 and Philippians 3:7-14
Two very short parables back-to-back, but they provide a very instructive message, and sometimes this message is misinterpreted. What do the treasures in these parables represent? How do they relate to 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us“.
What do you treasure most, and what are you willing to lose. Are you prepared to lose all to gain much more? Australians are great gamblers. Jeff presents what is incredibly valuable but it is something you can’t lose if you want to keep it – and it is no gamble.
Every Dog Has Its Day – Daniel 8
Phil Rawlings preaching on September 24, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 8:1-27
There is heaps of history in Daniel, with frightening beasts that are different to those in Revelation in the Bible. But it helps us to understand God in our lives today. Our lives are ever changing and there are times when we go through the valley of the shadow of death. However, God is always with us in the good times and the bad, because God loves us totally and is in everything that happens to those who love and have accepted him.
Parables #4 – The Mustard Seed & The Yeast
Jeff Kendal preaching on September 17, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Ezekiel 31:3-7 and Matthew 13:31-35
These two parables teach us how the Kingdom of God advances. God’s kingdom is revolutionary and all-embracing. It does not come suddenly, in one ‘foul’ swoop, knocking everything else out of the way – the way revolutions happen, and the way that kingdoms are usually established in this world. God’s kingdom is different.
Do you wish you had a stronger faith? Do you want to increase your faith? Then go to the most unbelievable prophesies in Scripture.
Parables #3 – The Wheat and The Weeds (Tares)
Jeff Kendal preaching on September 10, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
At the time when Jesus walked this earth, the church leader’s expectation was that the Messiah – the Anointed One – would come as a conquering king who would overthrow God’s enemies. Jeff identifies each of the cast of ‘characters’ in these two parables of Jesus. Jesus has come for all people on this earth.
“No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)
One Like A Son of Man – Daniel 7
Phil Rawlings preaching on September 3, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 7 and Matthew 26:63b-68
This is a beastly sermon, revealing Daniel’s vision of the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7. The revealing of the Ancient of Days and One like a Son of Man is even better because it is life changing. Your life changes when it is revealed to you what is the most important to know in life, that Jesus is on the throne and that God never abandons those He loves.
When you believe in God then no matter what is happening in your life, always remember what God’s word says, and this includes that “The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Parables #1 – Introduction to Jesus’ Parables
Jeff Kendal preaching on August 20, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Isaiah 6:8-10 and Matthew 13:1-17
It is interesting that in the first two years of Jesus’ ministry he spoke plainly, but then in his last year he spoke often in parables. Why was this? Was it to make his message easier to understand? Was he now focusing on speaking to children? Jeff opens this up for us to help us to understand God’s word.
This is sermon #1 of the Parables series.
The disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Matthew 13:10
Daniel in the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6
Phil Rawlings preaching on August 13, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 6 and Hebrews 11:32-40
The first 6 chapters of Daniel are a historical summary, so Phil reviews the first five chapters and now adds chapter 6, including how these chapters relate together.
God’s saving of Daniel and his three friends are incredible miracles. How does God work in your life, each day in little things, and also in the big issues?
Read all of Hebrews chapter 11, which beautifully reminds us of historical faith in God; “…through faith conquered kingdom, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames…” Hebrews 11:33-34
Spiritual Disciplines 11 – Stewardship
Jeff Kendal preaching on August 6, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Genesis 1:26-31 and Luke 19:1-27
There is nothing that does not belong to God, including everything we own and everything we are; our gifts and talents as well. And he has made us stewards of his with responsibility and accountability. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” 1 Corinthians 10:26
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace…” 1 Peter 4:1
Jeff reminds us of Jesus’ parables which teach us that we are both responsible and accountable stewards.
Spiritual Disciplines 10 – Use of Our Time
Jeff Kendal preaching on July 30, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 and Ephesians 5:1-20
Time is something that can fly but can’t be retrieved. This precious commodity can’t be sold, but you can spend it. As we look at the age of our universe we realise our lifetime is so very short. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” James 4:14
Our time is in God’s hands. This is best illustrated when we read how Jesus used his time while here as a man. We are given all the time we need to come into a personal loving relationship with Jesus. So “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart.” Hebrews 4:7. Because “…all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
Listen to more of what Jeff says, to encourage us.
Spiritual Disciplines 9 – Christian Service
Jeff Kendal preaching on July 23, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Joshua 24:14-21 and John 13:1-17
What service do you do? Who benefits most, you or others? How do you measure humility and how is it related to service? Jeff gives us some practical advice on how to see the things that we do.
Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is a good example of Christian service “…she was always doing good and helping the poor…” Read about her in Acts 9:36-42
Peter learned a valuable lesson the hard way from Jesus on how to view service, John 13:1-8. Jeff gives us insight into what Peter learned.
How is service directly related to our happiness, and to humility? This video could be a catalyst to positive changes and amazing happiness in your life, by Jesus’ personal guidance.
Spiritual Disciplines 8 – Study
Jeff Kendal preaching on July 16, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church, Newport, Sydney.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 19:1-14 and 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Jeff’s focus is now revealing God’s word on this vital subject of Study – “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed…” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV). His message is a plea for us all to use our minds regarding our Christian faith, because “the word of God” is “the sword of the Spirit…” Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
How is religion viewed in this world? Unfortunately we can glibly rely on science theories, rather than to focus on obvious truths. Blind faith can be dangerous but factual truth with researched knowledge is essential to life. Jeff goes on to show us how we should study. Richard Foster’s book “Celebration of Discipline” (especially chapter 5 – “The Discipline of Study“) is most helpful. Refer to Philippians 4:8.
Forgive Stories
Rob Warren preaching on July 9, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 40:1-5, Matthew 6:9-14 and Luke 6:37
Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 It is wise and profitable to forgive.
Rob enlightens us with some very personal life stories showing forgiveness in practice, and showing how we can be involved in this already active world revival. He reveals some amazing answers to prayer. More information is on their web site www.forgivestories.com.
If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 Prayer is really important. We can only be truly effective when we earnestly and consistently pray.
Spiritual Disciplines 7 – Bible Intake
Jeff Kendal preaching on July 2, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 19 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Why is the Bible so important? Is it just ancient stories with some history, or is it a book that is too good to resist. Jeff gives us history on how the Bible came to be so readily available, and finishes with Bible quotes that reveal the Father’s compelling love letter, written especially and personally for you.
All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16
May God the Father reveal to you why his word is far too good to simply set aside, while we are being busy elsewhere, and how he amazingly guides us to far more productive lives as he prepares us for his eternal future.
The Writing’s on the Wall – Daniel 5
Phil Rawlings preaching on June 25, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 5:18-31
Phil tells us about the kingship of Belchazzar and where he fits into history, which is also wonderfully recorded in the book of Daniel chapter 5. What archaeologists found in the 1800s verifies that Daniel’s first chapters were written by an eye-witness. How the great Babylonian empire collapsed in such a spectacular way is also revealed.
Looking at the life of King Belchazzar, it is then good to ask ourselves, that if your sin is weighed in the balance, how would you fair against God’s holiness? Thankfully Jesus tips the scales in favour of those who turn to and believe in Him, because He paid the price in full to redeem His children.
Look to Jesus because He tips the scales in our favour
Spiritual Disciplines 6 – Fasting
Jeff Kendal preaching on June 18, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Ezra 8:21-23 and Matthew 6:1-18
Fasting is a spiritual discipline for spiritual purposes and is primarily to intensify our prayers, removing distractions so that our heart is focused on God.
There is not a lot in the Bible on fasting and there is no command to fast, but Jesus fasted and so did others who are recorded in the Bible.
Jeff reminds us that fasting is not necessarily just from food, but from any appetite, such as TV, sports, cell phones, shopping and sexual relations. As Dr M Lloyd-Jones said, “…fasting should be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself, for the sake of some special spiritual purpose...”
The Vilest Offender Who Truly Believes – Daniel 4
Phil Rawlings preaching on June 11, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 4:28-37 and Psalm 2
Has the Lord been patient with you? Do you deserve His grace in your life? Phil takes us through Daniel chapter 4 before embarking in future Sundays on the more challenging chapters of Daniel. Phil reminds us that God is in control of history and our lives. God shows amazing patience with us by showering his grace upon us, though sometimes our circumstances make this hard to see. That is the most important time when we need to pray fervently.
No one is beyond hope, not ever the ruthless Nebuchadnezzar The Great. We must never give up, and also not give up on anyone.
Always turn to Jesus – He delights to pardon even the vilest offender.
Spiritual Disciplines 5 – Simplicity
Jeff Kendall preaching on June 4, 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Matthew 6:19-34 and Luke 12:13-21
Jeff continues with his series showing that Jesus seeks simplicity rather than ritual and complication.
- Jesus simplified everything he touched
- Simplicity is a state of the heart
- Simplicity is discarding all that hinders us as a Christian Hebrews 12:1
- Simplicity is staying focused on Jesus Hebrews 12:2
- Don’t be deceived, Jesus is our saviour 2 Corinthians 11:3 and Acts 4:12
The Image of Gold & the Blazing Furnace – Daniel 3
Phil Rawlings preaching on May 28 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.BIBLE
REFERENCES: Daniel 3 and 1 Peter 4:12-16
Phil unfolds chapter 3 of the book of Daniel, firstly discussing Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold that he insisted be worshipped as a god, and his rage at the three faithful Jews who refused such worship. So Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown into the furnace, but they walked out after talking in the furnace to a fourth who was with them. Phil then reveals how God may work in our lives – and how we need to trust in Jesus, no matter what.
When Your Backs Against The Wall – Daniel 2
Phil Rawlings preaching on May 21 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 2
The history in these first few chapters prepare us to better understand the challenging text in the rest of this book of Daniel.
Spiritual Disciplines 4 – Prayer
Jeff Kendall preaching on May 14 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 8 (David’s prayer of adoration) and Matthew 6:5-15
Most people pray, but why? What is prayer? How should we pray? Who do we pray to? What should our prayers be like? ACTS formula.
- Jesus tells us how to pray Matthew 6:5-7, Luke 11:2-4
- The apostles exhort us to pray. Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Jesus often prayed. Luke 5:16,
- We need to freely give God our Adoration, our Confession, be in Thanksgiving, and lastly, to make our Supplication (humble requests).
- David’s heart-felt prayer of adoration. Psalm 8
Spiritual Disciplines 3 – Solitude & Silence
Jeff Kendall preaching on May 7 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 25 and Luke 5:12-16
Being alone with God in silence and solitude can be greatly uplifting. How ordinary people can walk with God.
- Did the patriarchs seek solitude? Genesis 32:22-30, 1 Kings 19
- Did Jesus advocate and practice solitude and quietness? Matthew 14:1-13, 1:23, Matthew 6:6, Luke 6:12-13, Luke 22:39-44, Luke 5:16
- What advantages did Jesus demonstrate?
- What tips should we follow?
Daniel 1 – An Uncompromising Life
Phil Rawlings preaching on April 30 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church.
BIBLE REFERENCES: Daniel 1 and Isaiah 39
An introduction to a 12 part series on the book of Daniel, covering chapter 1.
- A brief history leading up to the book of Daniel
- Babylon takes control of Judah in 596 BC
- 10,000 taken to Babylon, including Daniel and his friends
- What are God’s ways? Hebrews 11:33-36
- Do my boundaries and standards measure up to Daniel’s?
- Is God first in my life?
Spiritual Disciplines 2 – Christian Meditation
Jeff Kendal preaching on April 23 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCE: Psalm 77:1-12
Meditation for the Christian is a conscious focus on Jesus and his word.
- What is not Christian meditation
- What does Don Whitney say about Christian meditation?
- What does the Bible say about Christian meditation? Psalm 104:34, Hebrews 12:2
- What should we meditate on? Philippians 4:8, Psalm 77:10-12 & 48:9, Joshua 1:8
- Points on how to meditate, refer also to Psalm 77:6
- Meditation is to help us to walk with God. Psalm 8
Spiritual Disciplines 1 – Introduction
Jeff Kendal preaching on April 16 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCES: Psalm 42 and 2 Timothy 1:1-13
We all need disciplines but spiritual disciplines for the Christian life are easily overlooked.
- What does it mean to “walk with God”? Genesis 5:24 & 6:9, Micah 6:8
- What are the spiritual disciplines? Hebrews 10, 2 Timothy 1:7-13
- Don Whitney explains in his book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life“
- How does this relate to Psalm 42?
- Examples of other disciplines practiced by those who excel.
A more detailed handout is available on request.
He Is Risen – The Resurection
Jeff Kendal preaching on April 9th 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCE: John 20:1-18
SYNOPSIS: Christ has risen, and millions today defy sceptics and believe this truth, including many historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, lawyers and journalists.
- The homicide detective J. Warner Wallace was a confirmed atheist – now a believer [hear his story]
- Wallace assumed the supernatural was impossible. He writes in “Cold Case Christianity” – that “you can believe because of the evidence” that Jesus of Nazareth is the unique Son of God.
- ‘Criterion of Embarrassment’ is one of many confirmations of Biblical truth . . .
– Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea, not by his family or disciples Mark 15:40-47, Mark 14:55-56
– Women (then regarded as unreliable) were the first eye-witnesses; later this was confirmed by men John 20:11-29
– The disciples did not believe the women until it was verified by them John 20:18, Luke 24:9-11
- Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?
- Jesus told us why: “I am the way…”, “I am the good shepherd…”; “whoever believes in him shall not perish…” John 14:6, John 10:11, John 3:10-16
A more detailed handout is available.
Man Of Sorrows
Phil Rawlings preaching on Good Friday April 7th 2023 at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCES: Isaiah 53:1-12, John 19:16-37, Psalm 22:1-8
Jesus death on the cross shows us His amazing love for us, and His death was specifically for you.
- Jesus was taken to Pilot – Tacitus wrote of the horror of crucifixion
- Jesus carried his own cross, which may have been just the cross beam
- Jesus went willingly to suffer the cruellest of deaths for us
- Jesus did this, facing judgment for our sins, in place of us
- Jesus was separated from his Father God when facing this judgement Psalm 22:1
- Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Arguably this was at the same place as Jesus death Genesis 22
- John the Baptist declared Jesus as “the lamb of God” John 1:36
- Lambs were sacrificed in the millions by Jews in those times. Jesus, is our ultimate sacrificial lamb
- Nicodemus went to Jesus and was reminded of the snake lifted up to save the people Numbers 21
- Jesus told him that he, “the Son of Man must be lifted up” John 3:14
- 300 prophecies of Jesus were fulfilled, many on the day that he was crucified, and all in scripture were fulfilled by Jesus going to his cross
- Paul said “For I resolved to know nothing … except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
A Christian is someone who KNOWS that on the cross Jesus died in their place.
You too can reject or receive Jesus – you too can decide your own eternal destiny.
We love it that Jesus died on the cross and rose again, and we celebrate it because he willingly did this for you and me. Jesus did for me and for you what we couldn’t do for ourselves.
Jesus On Trial
Jeff Kendal preaching on April 2nd 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCES: John 18:28-38, John 19:1-16
SYNOPSIS: Jesus is tried by the religious leaders and the government. Though innocent he is then sentenced to be crucified.
- Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest, Annas John 18:12-14
- Then taken to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin John 18:24
- They took Jesus to Pilate; who sent him to Herod; who returned him back to Pilate John 18:28-29
- It was an illegal trial of Jesus, so why was he crucified?
- Why was Jesus silent and not speaking in his defence? Matthew 26:63-66
- Who was demanding that Jesus be crucified? Matthew 20:25
- What was Pilate afraid of to condemn this innocent man to death? John 19:6-8
A more detailed handout is available.
Jesus’ Arrest & Peter’s Denials
Jeff Kendal preaching on March 26th 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCES: John 18:1-14 and John 18:15-27
Jesus calmly accepted his arrest and the punishment we deserve. While Peter denied his Christ.
JESUS’ ARREST:
- Jesus went with his disciples across the Kedron Valley to the garden of Gethsemane John 18:1, Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32
- He was not a victim that was captured but he went willingly, knowing the consequences ahead, and he went calmly to face their judgement of him John 10:18, Acts 2:23, Revelation 13:8
- Jesus spoke his deity, saying “I AM” at his arrest Exodus 3:14, John 18:4-11
- Jesus was always in control.
PETER’S DENIAL:
- Peter was good at boasting that he would even lay down his life for Jesus Matthew 26:33, Luke 22:33, John 13:37
- He was also good at denying that he even knew Jesus – three times John 18:15-18 & 18:25-27
- Jesus forgave Peter three times and Peter affirmed his love for Jesus each time John 21:15-19
- If we turn to Jesus then he will forgive us too – we all need forgiveness 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
A more detailed handout is available.
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
Phil Rawlings preaching for Palm Sunday, but on March 19th 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
(In the church hall while election pre-polling was set up in the church)
BIBLE REFERENCE: John 12:1-26 (also Matthew, Luke, Psalms and Daniel)
SYNOPSIS: Jesus was hailed as king – then arrested on an invalid charge of blasphemy and sentenced for crucifixion.
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt to cries of “hosanna” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38, John 12:13, Psalm 118:26
- The Pharisees said to Jesus, this is not right, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” Luke 19:39
- Hosannas died quickly for Jesus in just a few days after his entry into Jerusalem
- Jesus had done many miracles, but the religious authorities wanted to arrest Jesus or stone him
- Daniel was told (500 years earlier) when the Messiah would come Daniel 9:25
- 7 + 62 = 69 sevens (or 483 years) = from March 14th 445 B.C to April 6th 32 A.D. Daniel 9:25
- Many claim that the Messiah came right on schedule, as prophesied
- John writes: It was not until we looked back, after his glorification – then we understood.
- The death and resurrection of Christ was the beginning of the Church, of a new people of God who would truly want to see Jesus and recognise who he is.
The door is open for everyone. You included.
The Holy Spirit Promised
Jeff Kendal preaching on March 12th 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCE: John 14:15-17
SYNOPSIS: Jesus tells his disciples and us about the Holy Spirit, what this means to us, and how we relate to him.
- Jesus tells those who love him that he will give them the Holy Spirit John 14:15-17
- You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38
- His focus is on YOU. It is your decision whether to accept him or not.
- The Holy Spirit is a Person and is God. He longs to lead us and give us insight in all things because he loves us more than we can know, and he wants to live within us through his Holy Spirit Romans 8:9-11
- The Holy Spirit must be obeyed and is not to be lied to or resisted Acts 10:19-20, 5:3-4, 7:51
- God is our Holy Father, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity, all in the one Person.
A more detailed handout is available. (as shown below – a centre-folded reference)
A Place Prepared For You
Jeff Kendal preaching on March 5th 2023, at Pittwater Presbyterian Church
BIBLE REFERENCE: John 14:1-3
What place will believers be in after departing this world – living, once dead.
- Jesus went to prepare a place for you and to take you there John 14:2
- Jesus victory was for our benefit Isaiah 53:5
- Do you want to be in that place of benefit? Revelation 21:3-5
- Covid has been nothing like the plagues in Rome (165 AD and 251 AD).
- Christians, focused on that place of God while nursing those ailing patients.
- This world is not all there is to life.
A more detailed handout is available.