The Temple Collapses

Posted on by Stephen McDonald

Preacher: Rev. Neil McDonald
Date: 7 November 2010
Readings: Psalm 23:1-6, Amos 9:1-15

Amos’ fifth vision is of God in the Temple, brining it down on the worshipers. His judgement would come and no one would be able to escape or hide from Him, Genesis 3:8-10. Death, hell, heaven or high mountains do not take us out of God’s reach, Psalm 139:7-12.

The Fall of Rome
The people wanted to escape from God’s rule. They had not listened to God’s word or obeyed Him. Israel thought that, nevertheless, God’s promises to Abraham meant that they would never face God’s wrath, v10. They had had faithful messengers of God’s word for many years, but were unreceptive listeners. Amos warned that sin would find its full payment in death, v10. Their social goodness or religious uprightness was not the final issue: Sin and rebellion against God remained to be dealt with.

If we put our faith and trust in Jesus, we can rely on Him for salvation. Having done so, we must live lives which demonstrate that His Holy Spirit dwells in us.

Listen here.

Creative Commons: The Fall of Rome by Lazlo-photo

Titus In One Bite

Posted on by Stephen McDonald

Preacher: Stephen McDonald
Date: 14 November 2010
Reading: Titus 1-3

When the expected preacher didn’t arrive, Stephen was thrust into the pulpit to preach. Thankfully he had been meditating on the book of Titus over the past week and was able to preach from a very scant outline drawn up while the whole book was read aloud to the congregation (see photo).

Stephen thinks he’s discovered a new adrenaline sport!

Listen here.

Reformation Sunday: John Knox

Posted on by Stephen McDonald

Preacher: Rev. Neil McDonald
Date 31 October 2010
Readings: Psalm 21:1-13, 1 Kings 18:16-40

Osama bin Knox

John Knox was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest, but left Catholicism and became the bodyguard for the Scottish Reformer George Wishart. After Wishart was murdered, Knox fled and began to preach. He was later imprisoned and exiled several times, joining English speaking protestants in Geneva and Frankfurt. Returning to Scotland, he taught that where true Christian living and worship were suppressed, the people could oppose the authorities by military means. The Scottish Parliament adopted the Scots’ Confession, officially entrenching the reformation of the Church of Scotland. Knox opposed Mary Queen of Scots when she exceeded her power, demonstrating how to say “this far and no further” and the basis on which we make these judgments: God’s word.

Listen here.

Creative Commons: Osama Bin Knox by kyz

Ripe for Judgement

Posted on by Stephen McDonald

Preacher: Rev. Neil McDonald
Date: 17 October 2010
Readings: Amos 8:1-14, Psalm 22:1-31

Basket of fruit

Israel was ripe for judgement, as depicted by a bowl of fruit. The sins God condemned were not new: oppressing the poor and rigging weights. God said that He would not forget their sins. Their religious festivals would be turned into mourning.  Israel would wander around searching for meaning, but find none. People today think that they will determine their future or morality.

Listen here.

Creative Commons: Basket of fruit by smudie