Blaxland Reformed Church - Sermons

Stand FirmBible Readings: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-16 & 1 Corinthians 16:13Summary: Paul calls the church to stand firm in the gracious workof the triune God. We are loved by the Lord, chosen forsalvation, sanctified by the Spirit, held by the Truth, and calledthrough the gospel to share in the glory of Christ. Therefore, insuffering, confusion, temptation, and fear, we stand firm in theWord.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 5/7/26 AM Service

The Incarnation Of The Son Of GodBible Reading: Philippians 2:1-10Summary: The sermon proclaims Christ’s incarnation as God’sgracious fulfilment of His covenant, emphasising Jesus’ true divinityand true humanity.In profound humility, He became a servant, suffered, and died toreconcile sinners to God. His perfect holiness removes our sin,making Him our only Mediator and Saviour.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 28/6/26 PM Service

Christ’s Certain Victory Over LawlessnessBible Readings: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12Summary: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 comforts believers troubled bylawlessness, deception, and end-time confusion. Paul teaches thatrebellion and the man of lawlessness will appear, yet evil remainsrestrained under God’s sovereign rule.Christians must not be shaken, deceived, or fascinated bydarkness, but love Christ’s truth, endure in faith, and rest in Hiscertain victory, for Jesus will destroy lawlessness and reignforever.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel AM service 28/6/26

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is GainBible Reading: Philippians 1:19-30Summary: This sermon, based on Philippians 1:19–30, centres onPaul’s confession: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Writtenfrom prison, Paul’s words show that Christ gives meaning to life,courage in suffering, and victory over death. The sermonencourages believers to trust God even in hardship, knowing thatthe Spirit strengthens them and that their lives can still honourChrist. It explains that salvation comes through Christ’s death andresurrection, not human strength. Because Jesus conquered sin anddeath, Christians can live faithfully, face death without fear, andhope confidently in eternal life with Him.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 21/6/26 PM Service

We Ought Always To Give Thanks...Bible Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12Summary: The sermon on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–12 teaches thatbelievers should follow Paul’s example by giving thanks for God’swork in the church, even during hardship. Paul thanks God for theThessalonian congregation because their faith is growing, theirlove is increasing, and their endurance remains steadfast underpersecution.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 21/6/26 AM Service

Work In ProgressBible Reading: Philippians 1:1-18Summary: Paul writes these words from prison, yet his message isfull of joy and confidence in God’s faithfulness. Christian assuranceis built on what Christ has already done on the cross, which bringssalvation and starts us on a journey of spiritual growth, no matterwhat we face. Paul tells the church that God never leaves Hiswork unfinished. While people may give up or leave thingsincomplete, God always finishes what He starts. This reminds usthat our faith, perseverance, and growth come from God’s grace,not our own efforts. Paul’s joy in difficult times shows us thathardships can help spread the gospel and encourage others. In theend, his message reassures us that God’s work in our lives continuesthrough every season and will be completed when Christ returns.We are invited to stand firm, rejoice in Christ, and trust fully inGod’s work in us.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 24/5/26 PM Service

Pray Without CeasingBible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28Summary: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 compares prayer to breathing,calling it the soul’s spiritual breath, made possible by the HolySpirit. The sermon points to Pentecost as the time when the Spiritturned the early church into a community of prayer. Prayer isdescribed as essential to Christian life, not just an extra activity.Paul’s words to “pray without ceasing” mean living in constantdependence on God, showing gratitude, and staying connectedwith Him, rather than praying nonstop. Even though the youngchurch in Thessalonica faced hardship and persecution, Paulencourages them to stay faithful, love one another, and keeppraying as people who live in God’s light.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 24/5/26 AM Service

Grace For Those Who Love ChristBible Reading: Ephesians 6:21–24 & Revelation 2:1–7Summary: This sermon teaches that Christ preserves His churchby grace, gives peace, love, and faith, and calls believers topersevere in sincere love for Him. It warns against coldorthodoxy, urges remembrance and repentance, and points thechurch back to joyful fellowship with Christ.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 17/5/26 PM Service

The Hope That Guards Our HeartsBible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11Summary: This sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 teaches thatbelievers should live with sober faith, love, and the hope ofsalvation as they await Christ’s return. Rather than fearing thefuture, Christians are called to holiness, to encouragement, and toconfidence in Jesus, who saves them from wrath and gives themeternal hope.Preached by Rev Lourens Nel on 17/5/26 AM Service

Clothed With Christ: Standing FirmIn The Whole Armour Of GodBible Reading: Ephesians 6:10–20Summary: Life can be hard, and believers often feel pressure tocompromise, but God’s Word assures us to depend on God. Paul,writing while imprisoned, reminds us that we live in the timebetween Jesus’ victory and the ultimate defeat of evil. This meansspiritual struggles are ongoing. Our real battle isn’t against otherpeople, but against powerful, unseen forces that work throughlies, subtle pressures, accusations, and tempting desires. Goddoesn’t ask us to rely on ourselves; He invites us to draw strengthfrom Him. He gives us everything we need in Christ. Truth keepsus steady; Christ’s righteousness protects us from guilt and inspiresus to live differently; the good news of peace helps us stand firmwhen we feel anxious; faith puts out the fires of fear, shame, andtemptation; hope of salvation guards our minds; and God’s Wordis our spiritual weapon. Prayer holds everything together, keepingus close to Jesus and supporting each other. The message isn’t “tryharder,” but rather, “let Jesus clothe you with His strength andstand firm in Him.”

A Mother’s Day Comfort, Grief With Hope In ChristBible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; John 19:17–27Summary: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 encourages Christians togrieve, but with hope grounded in Christ. The passageacknowledges that death is a painful enemy caused by sin andassures us that Jesus has already defeated it by sharing in oursorrow, dying, and rising again. Paul wrote to a young church inThessalonica that was worried about believers who had diedbefore Christ’s return. His goal wasn’t to tell them not to cry, butto help them link their grief to God’s promises. Christian hope is adeep confidence rooted in Jesus’ real, physical resurrection.Because Christ rose, those who have “fallen asleep” in Him aresafe, present with the Lord, and their bodies will one day rise too.When Christ returns, those who have died in Him will rise first,and then those still alive will join them to meet the Lord and bewith Him forever. That’s why Christians are called to comforteach other.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 10/5/26 AM service

Authority, Obedience, And Christian LifeBible Reading: Ephesians 6:1–9Summary: People naturally resist authority because of sin,beginning in Paradise when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’scommand. This rebellion appears in homes, workplaces,governments, and society. Yet through Christ, God restores joyfulobedience. The Fifth Commandment teaches us to honour parentsand all authorities, for God rules through them. Children obeyparents, parents discipline with love, workers serve sincerely, andleaders (employers) act justly under Christ’s Lordship. Evenflawed governments deserve respect, unless they oppose God.Jesus, the perfect obedient Son, forgives our rebellion andteaches us true obedience through His Spirit.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 03/5/26 PM service

A Quiet Life In The Lord.Bible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 & Ecclesiastes 4:4–6Summary: Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, encourages Christians tolive out their faith in everyday life, seeking to please God. A quietlife, according to him, is shaped by holiness, genuine love forothers, deep contentment, and honest work. Ecclesiastes 4:4–6adds a warning about three traps in everyday living: envy, laziness,and overworking. Envy pushes people to chase after what othershave, leaving them exhausted. Laziness wears down responsibility,while overworking leads to restlessness and emptiness. Solomon’swisdom is simple: “Better is a handful of quietness”, a life contentin God.Preached By REv Lourens Nel on 03/05/26 AM worship service

Submission To One Another Is True LoveBible Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33Summary: Ephesians 5:21–33 calls believers to mutual submissionout of reverence for Christ. Wives are to support their husbandsas the church submits to Christ. Husbands must love sacrificially,like Christ, who gave Himself for the church. Marriage is a sign ofChrist’s church.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 26/4/26 PM Service

Be Steadfast Under Trials, Christ Is Coming Again!Bible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13Summary: Paul comforts the Thessalonians, explaining that hedidn’t want to leave them, but he was forced to. He remindsthem that hardship and opposition are normal for believers, butJesus is always faithful to care for His church through Hisprovidence, through dedicated people, and through everydayblessings. Paul encourages them not to be suspicious but to loveone another deeply, grow in holiness, and remain strong in faithas they wait for Christ to return.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 26/4/26AM service

You Are Now The Light in the LordBible Reading: Ephesians 5:6–21Summary: This sermon shares the message of Ephesians 5:6–21,reminding believers that they were once in darkness but nowlive in the light because of what Christ has done. Paul encouragesChristians to live out their new identity by walking as children oflight. He highlights the importance of living wisely and beingfilled with the Spirit, showing goodness, righteousness, truth,thankfulness, and mutual respect. The sermon also cautions againstdeception and empty actions, while offering hope that Christ’slight reveals what is wrong and brings new life. In the end, iturges God’s people to let their lives shine until all darkness isovercome.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 19/4/26 PM service

Shaped By The Love Of ChristBible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16Summary: This sermon on 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16 reminds us thatChristians and the church are formed by Christ's self-sacrificinglove. Paul shares his heart, defending his ministry not for his ownsake, but to show that the gospel is always a gift, never ademand. Real ministry cares more about pleasing God thanimpressing people. It steers clear of greed, avoids flattery, andnever uses others for selfish reasons. Paul paints a tender pictureof Christian love, describing himself as both a nurturing motherand a guiding father. True Christian love isn’t just about sharingthe message—it’s about sharing our very lives. Because we belongto Christ, we belong to one another, supporting each other evenwhen we suffer.Preached By REv Lourens Nel on 23/4/26 AM service

The New Life In Christ: Walking In Love, Living HolyBible Reading: Ephesians 5:1–5Summary: Paul teaches that real love is defined by Christ’sselfless sacrifice, rather than by unlimited self-expression.Because believers have been chosen, redeemed, and sealed, theyare called to live as dearly loved children who imitate God bywalking in love. This new identity requires new purity: sexualimmorality, impurity, covetous lust, and coarse speech areunfitting for saints and destroy community life. Paul warns thatthose who make peace with unrepentant sexual sin have noinheritance in Christ’s kingdom. Yet the gospel calls sinners intolight, repentance, cleansing, and transformation.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 12/4/26 Pm service

The Risen Jesus Creates A People Marked By Faith, Love,Hope And Gives Peace To His ChurchBible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 1 & John 20:19-31Summary: On the Sunday after Easter, often called the “eighthday,” we will reflect on how the risen Jesus meets people intheir fear and doubt, offering His gift of peace. In John 20, thedisciples are hiding behind locked doors when Jesus appears tothem and says, “Peace be with you.” His peace is rooted in thecross and made certain by the resurrection. That same grace andpeace are still given to the Church today. 1 Thessalonians 1responds to the question, “How do I know God loves me and haschosen me?” The answer isn’t found by searching for hidden signswithin ourselves, but by trusting the gospel and noticing theSpirit’s fruit in our lives: faith that leads to action, love thatserves others, and hope that endures through hardship. LikeThomas, believers move from doubt to confession: “My Lord andmy God!” Our assurance is anchored in Jesus and His Word, not inthe strength of our own faith.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 12/4/26 AM service

The Church Must Live Like New People In JesusBible Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32Summary: This passage calls Christians to live in their newidentity with Christ. Believers are reminded that they arealready made new in Christ and therefore are called to a newlife in Jesus, worthy of their salvation. Maybe you’ve wondered:If I really belong to Jesus, why is it so hard to change? Why doold habits keep coming back? God’s grace isn’t just aboutforgiving; it’s about making us new in Christ. When we belong toChrist, He doesn’t leave us the same. He starts changing us fromthe inside out.Preached By REv Lourens Nel, 05/04/26 PM service

The Living Joy Of The Risen LordBible Readings: Psalm 100 & 1 Corinthians 15:1-33Summary: This Easter sermon proclaims the living joy that flowsfrom the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Psalm 100 calls God’speople to approach Him with joy, thanksgiving, and confidentpraise because Christ is truly risen (1 Corinthians 15). Psalm 100invites all the earth to worship the Lord gladly, reminding us thatpraise is central to our relationship with God and rooted ingratitude for who He is and what He has done.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel, Easter Sunday 4/5/25 AM service

“THE LORD REIGNS:THE HOLY KING LIFTED UP FOR THE NATIONS”Scripture : Psalm 99 & John 12:20-36Text Verse: Psalm 99:1Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on Easter Friday 2026

We Are Building The Church Through UnityBible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16Belgic Confession Art 28Summary: Ephesians 4 calls believers to live as one body inChrist, growing together in faith, love, and service through unityin God’s Word and SpiritPreached By REv Lourens Nel on 29/3/26 PM Service

Hosanna To The King Who SavesBible Readings: Psalm 98 & Matthew 21:1-11Summary: Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus as the humble King whosaves. Psalm 98 and Matthew 21 call us to cry “Hosanna,” trustChrist’s saving grace shown at the cross, and live as His redeemedpeople while awaiting His return.Preached by Rev Lourens Nel on 29/3/26 AM Service

A Prayer For StrengthBible Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21Summary: The passage is a prayer for strength. This is to ask thatChrist will live in us. It does not mean that He does not live in us,but it is a prayer that He will live in us even more! The word“dwells” means permanent, and it stands against a temporarydwelling. This means that Christ would determine our thoughts,our emotions and our deeds. Jesus does this through faith.Preached by REv Lourens Nel on 22/3/26 PM Service

The Lord ReignsBible Readings: Psalm 97Summary: God’s reign is righteous and just. God exposes falsegods, brings joy to His people, and calls those who love Him toreject evil and live in grateful worship. In the New Testament,this reign is revealed in Jesus Christ, who sits at God’s right hand.Jesus is the enthroned King, who secures light, joy, and hope forall who trust in Him.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 22/3/26 AM Service

The Mystery Of The GospelBible Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13Summary: The mystery of the Gospel was previously unknown,and therefore, the Jewish people believed that only they couldbelong to God. But now the mystery of the Gospel can berevealed; the great change in history was the resurrection ofJesus. And the Apostles can now reveal that all believers fromall nations can be part of the Church of Christ.Preached By REv Lourens Nel on 15/3/26 PM Service

Sing To The Lord A New SongBible Readings: Psalm 96; Revelation 15:1-7Summary: Psalm 96 begins with the words “Sing to the Lord anew song.” What is this new song? This is a song for the nations. Itis a song they have not heard. It is about the Lord’s salvation. Andthis needs to be proclaimed to all the nations. His glory needs tobe declared, and also His marvellous works. The Lord should bemade great, and He should be praised. Why? For the gods of thepeople are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. TheLord reigns, His Word is established, and He is coming to judgethe earth.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 16/3/26 AM Service

The Church Is One In ChristBible Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22Summary: Through Jesus Christ, Jews and Gentiles are united asone people in God’s family and built together as His holydwelling.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 8/3/26 PM Service

Do Not Harden Your HeartsBible Readings: Psalm 95Summary: Psalm 95 calls us to joyful worship and humbleobedience, warning us not to harden our hearts against God’svoice.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel on 8/3/26 AM Service

We Were Dead In Our Sins But Made Alive With ChristBible Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10Summary: Ephesians 2:1–10 reminds us that we were spirituallydead in our sins, unable to save ourselves, but God—rich in mercyand love—made us alive with Christ. Salvation is entirely God’swork, accomplished by grace alone through faith, not by our owneffort or goodness. Because of Christ’s finished work on thecross, believers are forgiven, restored to God, and assured ofeternal life. Saved by grace, we are now created in Christ to liveholy lives and to walk in the good works God has prepared forus.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 1/3/26 PM Service

The Lord Will Not Forsake His PeopleBible Readings: Psalm 94Summary: Psalm 94 reminds us that the Lord is a God of justicewho sees all wrongdoing and will not forsake His people. Thoughthe wicked may seem to prosper for a time, God hears, knows,and will repay arrogance and oppression. The Psalm affirms thatGod’s discipline is meant to restore and guide His people, not toabandon them. In times of trouble and injustice, the Lord is ourrefuge, steadying our feet when we stumble and bringingultimate justice in His perfect time.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 1/3/26 AM Service

How Do We Experience Christ’s Resurrection?Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23Summary: Christ’s resurrection is not only a future hope but apresent power, giving believers new life, forgiveness, and dailyrenewal through grace and the Holy Spirit.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 22/2/26 PM Service

Jesus Never ChangesBible Readings: Galatians 1:1-10, Hebrews 7:11-18Summary: Change constantly happens in natural, political,mechanical, moral and personal ways. It’s happened throughchanges with environment, architecture, education, transport,technology and fashion. It’s impacted our music, navigation,communication and parking. And, in the west, we seem to cravechange, desire it, expect it, with terms like “Use By”, “BestBefore”, Update” and “New” driving our mindset.And Christianity is also expected to change as the reformiststake the scissors to the Bible and look to give Jesus an updatedCV. But the Bible tells us that Jesus Never Changes ... he’s "thesame yesterday, today and forever" (Heb 13:8).If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and that no one come tothe Father but by him (Jn 14:6), then his person, purpose andpromises can never change if he is to save his people from theirsins. For Acts 4:12 reminds us that there is no other name underheaven given to men by which we must be saved.So we thank God for Jesus, who never changes, ensuring oursalvation and assuring us of our eternal hope. Is this the Jesus youtrust?Preached By Rev Colin Grant on 22/2/26 AM service

Christ Let His Church Share In His Redemption Through TheAssembly Of BelieversBible Reading: Ephesians 1:1-15Summary: The sermon proclaims that the church belongs toChrist, gathered and preserved by His Word and Spirit. We arecalled to live in holiness and grateful obedience under Christ itsonly Head.

Our Inheritance Is Established By Our Redeemer,Jesus ChristBible Reading: Ruth 4 & Romans 8:15-17Summary: It is God's promise that He will not forsake us; He didnot forsake Ruth, and we are His adopted children out of gracethrough His Son, Jesus Christ. It is personal; God’s Fatherhood isclosely related to us because He is our Lord. “We are co-Heirswith Christ”, we read in Romans 8, and in the Catechism, weconfess that the Lord is my Father because of Christ, His Son.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 8/2/26 PM Service

God ReignsBible Readings: Psalm 93Summary: Psalm 93 is a psalm of divine kingship that celebratesGod’s power over chaos, often represented by roaring seas orfloods. Do you believe that the Lord reigns? Do you believe Heis King? If you cannot hold on to this confession that God reigns,pray that God will remove your doubt and look to Jesus in faith;it is through Him that the Father rules all things.Preached By REv Lourens Nel on 8/2/26 AM service

God Acts In Seemingly Hopeless Situations As OurRedeemerBible Reading: Ruth 3Summary: Already in Ruth, the grace of God is evident. Fromthe marriage of Boaz and Ruth of Bethlehem, a son was born,Obed, who was the grandfather of King David, to whom Godagain confirmed His covenant. In the “bitter” Naomi's seeminglyhopeless situation, a dead end, God brought His Kingdom plan tofulfilment. God led Naomi, the widow who was without bread,to Bethlehem, which means house of bread, and cared for her.The Holy Spirit describes to us how the coming of the Messiahwas prepared. God’s plan ensured that Jesus Christ, ourRedeemer, was born, the One who would bring the ultimate rest.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 01/02/26 PM service

The Lord’s Day Is A Day To Give Thanks To TheLord And Praise His NameBible Readings: Psalm 92Summary: The Lord’s Day is a day of rest where we worship theLord, praise His Name and give Him thanks. What is the purposeof the Lord’s Day? It is the time for joyful praise, thanksgiving,and declaring God's love and faithfulness, both morning andnight. Believers worship the Lord, and this is why it is called aDay of rest. We rest the rest of our week’s labour, and we findour rest in the Lord. In Him we find rest and peace through Jesus,and we can be assured that He rules His church. Do you desirethis rest? Hear his call today and every day in Matt 11:28-30:“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will giveyou rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I amgentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 1/2/26 AM service

The Way Of The LordBible Reading: Ruth 2Summary:The way of the Lord is not always easy and can sometimes behard, resulting in hard days, but it will always be glorious.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 25/1/26 PM Service

He Will Deliver You From The Deadly PestilenceBible Readings: Psalm 91Summary: We can understand Psalm 91 and God’s protectiononly in Jesus. We should remember that Psalm 91 was written inan Old Testament perspective.Life in the Old Testament ended with the grave. We, as NewTestament believers, have a bigger perspective on Jesus. Wehave the perspective of the resurrection that we celebrateevery Sunday. Our perspective as New Testament believers is oneternal life and on the Lord keeping us.Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 25/1/26 AM Service

To Find Favour in Gods EyesText: Genesis 6:8Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 18/1/26 PM Service

Count Your DaysText: Psalm 90Preached By Rev Lourens Nel 18/1/26 AM Service

Learning To LamentText: Psalm 88Preached By Brother Nathaniel Vanderkolk 11/1/26 AM Service

In Jesus, we experience the greatest spiritual gify of adoptionText: Ephesians 1: 3-14Preached By Brother Daniel Schwartzel 4/1/26 PM Service

By Grace Through FaithText: Galatians 2: 15-16Preached By Brother Brian Paul 4/1/26 AM Service

"Be Ready"Mark 13Sermon By Chris Shannon, Read By Gary Zonneveld28/12/25 PM

"A Tale of Two Mountains" Hebrews 12: 18-29 Preached By Nathaniel Vanderkolk28/12/25 AM

"Jesus Had to take on a Human nature to redeem us from our sins completely" Matthew 1:18-25Philippians 2:5-7Preached By REv Louren Nel Christmas Day 2025

"A Psalm of Joyful Worship" Psalm 22 Sermon By Rev John Haverland, Read By Bill Zonneveld- (21/12/25AM)