(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.

(SERMON) Communion

The breaking of the bread in homes and together as a church is the fourth thing the Church must be dedicated to.  Communion is challenging, it must not be received unworthily and without discernment.  It is the great sign and bond of the fellowship of believers, but more importantly it is - by the power of the Holy Spirit- the partaking in Christ's very body and blood.

(SERMON) Teaching - 2 Peter 1.16-21

Are we obstinately single-mindedly dedicated to the teaching of the Bible?  Do we actively reject false teaching as strongly as the Bible calls us to and do we seek after wholesome teaching with all our hearts?

Within all of this, what is the role of the minister in the New Covenant?  The historical Anglican view that the minister is primarily a teacher and preacher brings back the Biblical focus; let us not forget it again,

(SERMON) Fellowship - Acts 2.42-end

Fellowship was right at the heart of the apostolic church - alongside teaching, prayers, and communion.  Fellowship which is not shallow but rather radical and irrationally loving must be put back at the heart of the church today.  Ultimately, Christ was forsaken by His Father so that we might have fellowship with both God and each other; we must be changed by this truth day by day.