MBM Rooty Hill / Bible Talks

The main thrust of the book of Romans is to provide Paul’s clear explanation of the ‘good news’ which he was proclaiming and hoping to continue to proclaim. In order to provide the good news of the gospel, however, he begins in the first three chapters by providing the ‘bad news’ of our sinfulness. In order to establish just how sweet the gospel is, Paul begins in Romans 1:18–32 by showing how bitter life is when we choose to live apart from God. This is all designed to lead us to see God’s mercy in Jesus and the sweet salvation he provides to all who will believe.

What is it that causes you to commit to something? Or to have deep convictions? For Paul, it’s nothing other than the good news of Jesus Christ!

When someone builds a structure the first and most important part of the process is the underlying basis, the foundation. In perhaps the most of Paul’s letters to the early Christians, the letter to the Romans, Paul lays the foundation of the Christian Faith. He reveals that the message is one of ‘Good news.’ This good news, or gospel, finds its origin in God, is revealed throughout history in God’s plan, and focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1–7, Paul provides the theological summary or foundation upon which this rich book is going to build.

All of us have a time limit for life. Some will live long lives, others short lives, but 100% guarantee all of us have an expiration date, a terminus, a date with death. This is a problem for all of us. No matter how much we strive, no matter our background, our skill set, our income, we all will face the inevitable perishing. It is the context of death that Luke 24:1–12 is set. Just days earlier, Jesus of Nazareth had been killed. He was dead. Laid in a tomb. As this chapter reveals, however, history was about to change forever. Jesus defeats our great foe death. In doing so he not only reveals his power, but provides hope for all who will trust in him. Death, it will be seen, doesn’t have the last say over God’s people. This brings great hope.

A Good Friday message from Luke 23:32-43 exploring the repeated call for Jesus to “save himself” and why he chose not to. While others mock and misunderstand, one dying criminal recognises the truth that Jesus stays on the cross not out of weakness but to save others. This sermon invites us to see our need, stop trying to save ourselves, and trust the one who refused to save himself so that we could be forgiven.

Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Because he has ransomed/redeemed us in full, we are secure in him and no longer need to chase significance. That frees us to stop grasping and start serving.

While many people approached Jesus to test him, one man came to Jesus with a sincere and heart-felt question, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ The desire to live with God in his forever kingdom is something that this man, and most people since him, have wanted clarity on. How does one enter a relationship with God? How can we know with certainty that we will live forever with God in his kingdom? Jesus answers this man, but in doing so surprises both the questioner and his own disciples.

One of the most difficult yet joyous areas of life is Marriage. Marriage, God’s ordained institution between a man and a woman, can be a wonderful expression and reflection of the very character of God. It speaks of love and sacrifice. As broken people, however, we all contribute to a world whether things don’t always work out the way that we prayed or hoped. Marriage is one such example. As Christians, how are we to view marriage? What are we to do when things don’t go to plan? What does God expect marriage to look like? It is the areas of marriage, and divorce, that are the focus of Mark 10:1–12. In this section Jesus gives a counter-cultural perspective on what discipleship looks like regarding the union of marriage.

What does greatness look like? Jesus’ answer may surprise you.

At the centre of the gospel of Mark we find perhaps the most penetrating question one could be asked. About himself, Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Understanding who Jesus is and why he came is the foundational question for all of life. Jesus is either who he says he is, the powerful Son of God, or he is a charlatan who should be condemned. In this account Jesus reveals who he is, his mission to the world, and the subsequent call he makes on the lives of people.

When it comes to the person of Jesus of Nazareth there are a plethora of views as to his nature, his work, and his teaching. For many people, Jesus is a great moral teacher, a model to follow. Others find his to be something of a religious philosopher who provokes people to think. Still others accept him to be God in the flesh. In Mark 8, Jesus himself raises the stakes as he reveals not only his power, but sets before people the reality that they must make a decision as to who he is. In Mark 8:1–21 Jesus moves the listener to evaluate how they will take him, and he gives warnings about getting this wrong.

There are moments in life where we some experience deep desperation. Things happen in life that catch us by surprise and leave us rattled. A health diagnosis, a relationship breakdown, financial and mental health struggles. Often we feel helpless, hopeless, and don’t know where to go. In Mark 7:24–30 we witness the story of a woman in dire circumstances. She is desperate and brings her needs to Jesus. In this surprising encounter we learn about God’s grace in Jesus, and what sort of posture he desires from those who would seek him.

It is a good thing to be earnest and sincere. Having these traits, however, doesn’t mean we are right or wise in regard to our desire. We can be sincerely wrong or misinformed. One of the common beliefs of today is that all religions are basically the same and as long as one is sincere then it will be ok. In this passage in Mark 7, however, Jesus confronts the failure of religion and reveals that even the best and most sincere efforts to reach God are fraught with failure. Jesus challenges his audience to rethink how one can approach God.

One of the great mistakes some Christians mistake is to overlook the integral role the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life. The Holy Spirit, God’s abiding presence, equips, empowers, and accompanies his people to serve and know him. In this sermon we explore the identity of the Holy Spirit and his ministry of support, comfort, and teaching in the Christian experience.

Today we ask the question, does prayer change things? And we prayerfully ask God to give us more confidence to pray, help us make practical commitments to pray and guide us to intentionally engage relationally with him.

In answering the question “What is faith?”, Hebrews 11 shows us that faith is not blind optimism or wishful thinking, but thoughtful, confident trust in a faithful God who has spoken and acted. True faith believes God’s promises, rests on His proven character, and reshapes how we live even when the path ahead does not make sense. This passage calls us not merely to believe in God, but to believe God, placing the full weight of our lives on His word and His Son.

Often in the busyness of life we fail to slow down and take stock of our lives. As we come to the end of the year it is easy just to move on without learning or reflecting on the year that has been. In this message we will reflect on the five books we have studied this year: Mark, Leviticus, Revelation, Haggai, and 1 Peter and ask ourselves, what do these books reveal about God? Reflecting on who God has revealed himself to be in these books will provide us a solid footing as we approach the new year.

At Christmas we long for gifts that bring happiness. No matter what we get, however, we long for more. At Christmas we celebrate the coming into the world of Jesus as we find in him the best gifts that money can’t buy, light, hope, and peace.

Christmas brings the comfort that God sees His people and has come to rescue all people

At Christmas we praise God because he has come near, and because he has come near, we can have redemption and peace.

Songs have a way of expressing important truths about what we think or feel. In the Gospel of Luke we have a series of songs that communicate important truths about God and give words to how our hearts ought to respond to him. In Mary’s song, we have a song of praise about God. His care for the lowly, his judgment of the proud, and his faithfulness to keep his words.

God keeps His people to the end through the very things we would never choose, using suffering and the care of His church to refine, strengthen, and preserve us. In every season His grace is the power that helps us endure.

Living as God’s chosen people in a world that has different values than his often feels difficult. How do we live godly lives that demonstrate God’s way, when we live in a world that chooses its own way. In 1 Peter 2:11–3:7 Peter provides clarity as to how to live counter-culturally in such a way as to point people to Jesus, not through words, but actions.

As Peter continues his message to Christians who are facing persecution for their faith, he remind them who they are in Jesus. Peter encourages them to Live with hopeful minds as they remember their new identity in Christ.

One of the great tensions of the Christian life is living between two kingdoms, the kingdom of this world, and the kingdom that is yet to come. 1 Peter was written to exhort Christians to remain faithful to their heavenly kingdom as they lived in a world where they didn’t fit. As 1 Peter starts, the author begins by providing a foundation for believers to place their trust, the character of God. As we build our foundation on who God is, that will enable us to live with meaning in a world where it doesn’t seem we fit.

Life is full of decisions that we need to make. With the busyness of life we are forced to prioritize and juggle many areas. With the frenetic pace of life we make choices concerning work, family, finances, and friendships. In the midst of all those choices it is easy to drift away from what ought to be our main priority, God and his glory. In Haggai 1 God’s people are confronted with the importance of priorities and exhorted to ‘think carefully’ about what drives them. This passage has a contemporary message for all of us who experience the same tensions of priority.

Revelation 21-22 gives us a vision that will not fade, a picture of God making all things new, wiping away every tear, and dwelling with His people forever. In this sermon we see the glory of the new creation, the beauty of Christ’s bride, and the call to keep faithful, keep longing, and keep inviting until Jesus returns. This is the hope that holds when everything else is shaking.

From the earliest pages of Scripture the great story of the Bible is God’s unfolding plan to move things from despair to hope, brokenness to wholeness, death to life. As Revelation moves to and end we see the culmination of God’s redeeming plan as wickedness and rebellion against God is quashed and God establishes his glorious kingdom in fullness. In Revelation 17–19 we see a contrast between two women, two cities, and two outcomes, that leave us with one question we must answer.

God’s justice, though confronting, is given not to leave us fearful but to assure us with hope that evil will one day come to an end.

Revelation 12-14 pulls back the curtain on the cosmic battle behind history. The dragon rages, the beasts deceive, but the Lamb stands victorious with His people. These chapters call Christians to see through the lies, stay faithful to Christ (because we’re victorious), and follow Him wherever He goes.

During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.

When it comes to Revelation there are many questions we have about where we are in the context of God’s plan for history. In Revelation 6–7 we are presented with the reality of history as that which is under God’s sovereign control. In the midst of every generation God is working his plans in both the execution of punishment upon the wicked as well as protection of his people. In the midst of judgment, God reveals his love and vindication of his people.

In the busyness and chaos of our world it is easy to get distracted and discouraged. We get disappointed with ourselves, our surroundings, and it is easy to lose hope. In Revelation 4–5 John records a vision of heaven that gives us an insight into an unseen reality. God rules and reigns in victory. It is it this kingdom that is yet to come that we are to remember in our world of hopelessness. We don’t look inward for hope, we look upward.

One of the main visions presented to us growing us is the dream of being successful. Success, we are told, lies in financial stability, career progress, looking attractive, and looking younger than our age. While there might be elements of good within this vision, there are very big dangers that come with success. In Rev 3:14–21 Jesus confronts the danger of worldly success and offers something far more valuable and lasting. In a world of fleeting treasure, Jesus offers something that lasts forever.

In our chaotic world it is easy to become distracted from keeping the main thing the main thing. Work, leisure, family commitments, sport, can all pull our hearts and minds away from those things which are most important. In Revelation 2:1–7 we see a church in danger of spiritual drift. With the impact of their surroundings the Ephesians were in danger of losing their first love. In this letter, Jesus provides both encouragement and challenge to those, like the church at Ephesus, who are in danger of spiritual drift.

Revelation 1, which sets the tone for the entire book, lifts the curtain on reality not to confuse us but to reveal Jesus: risen, reigning and radiant. It is not a codebook for the end times but a vision to strengthen weary Christians living in the fog of suffering and uncertainty. In a world that feels like chaos, Revelation reminds us that history is not out of control; it is in His hands.

Nate explores three questions: 1. What freedom does Jesus offer? 2. What is the alternative to the freedom Jesus offers? and 3. How do you find this freedom?

Throughout Leviticus we have discovered the God who is Holy. In the final chapter of this crucial book this Holy God reveals the importance of being wholly consecrated to him as he addressed the issues of vows of devotion. Fittingly, the book concludes with the image of God’s people called to reflect his holiness through lives of integrity in word and deed.

God gives true rest, relationship with Him, as we re-orientate and remember what He's done.