(SERMON) Hosea 13.15-14.9 'The chain of Salvation'

At the end of his Prophecy the Lord speaks to Hosea about the four stages through which we go to be saved.  It starts with judgement and damnation, the horrific reality of hell - which we deserve due to sin.  We then repent and renounce not only our idols but our attempts to save ourselves.  This repentance is blessed and we are assured of forgiveness and mercy freely given.  Finally we flourish in God's strength as we day by day abandon our idols and walks the paths of righteousness.

(SERMON) Being a Minister - 1 Timothy 3.1-7

Given the duties and responsibilities of Church Members, what are the duties and responsibilities of Church Ministers?  When considering this 'noble task' Paul considers the quality of moral life one must have and also the twin planks of ministry - hospitality and teaching.  Ministers must be above reproach but not above approach, dedicated to teaching and preaching but in such a way it is lived out in grace-filled hospitality.  Ultimately, Church Members are called to respect, submit to, and pray for their ministers.

(SERMON) Becoming a Member

If the church 'is' the members of it, how do you become a member?  Well, at the heart it is by becoming a Christian.  It starts with Faith in Jesus as Lord, God, and Saviour.  This leads to a true humbleness before Him which leads to true repentance.  Repentance leads to a changed life by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.  The official mark of entering into the New Covenant is baptism - which is for both us and our children.