Restoration Church Toowoomba Sermon Podcast

Jesus is questioned why his disciples don’t fast. He explains that he is the groom of the wedding of the New Covenant – a time of celebration and joy for what it achieves. This is incompatible with the old way of doing things, and his disciples must embrace it.  

Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, showing that he has come to call even the worst of sinners to himself. The second group of sinners (The Pharisees) are oblivious that this is good news for them as well, because they are too caught up in their own self-righteousness.

Jesus proves that he is the only unique one with the authority to forgive sins. Therefore, when we can come to him openly and honestly, he can free us from our shame. 

When Jesus came to earth some 2,000 years ago, He accomplished many things. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed many miracles. However, none of these things was the primary reason He came. He came to preach, to proclaim the Gospel that the Kingdom of God is at hand, and to offer salvation to all who will trust and depend on Him.

How can we trust in God’s love for us when we feel far from Him, feel so unworthy of His love, and fail Him so much? We can fall into the arms of our Father’s love because His love is, and has always been, unfailing.

With three displays of power, Jesus shows that he has the authority to bring in the kingdom.  

Jesus begins his ministry in the region of Galilee where he calls his first disciples. You’re invited too, but you need to be aware of the commission and the cost. 

Mark is laying the foundation for the invitation to follow Jesus on the trip of discipleship. In 1:9-13 he shows us who Jesus is, his mission and his source.

The Gospel of Mark invites the reader on a trip of discipleship with Jesus. If you’re willing to follow you’ll never be the same again.

Where do you look for financial security? While society encourages us to accumulate and hold tight, Scripture offers a better way. Exploring Philippians 4:14–23, we see that Christ is completely sufficient for all our needs. By surrendering our resources to advance His Kingdom, we bless fellow believers, impact our communities, and trade temporary earthly riches for eternal treasures in heaven

We’re all desperately looking for something that always seems to be out of reach. We daydream about how to get it. We’ll go to the most extreme lengths to secure it. But still contentment seems to escape us. In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul tells us the secret.

How do we rejoice in the Lord when we face difficult circumstances? We stand and rejoice in our victorious Jesus together for He gives peace in all circumstances.  

There’s only ever been two types of character in the Bible – God and the Devil; Heaven and Earth; Man and Christ; The Spirit and the Flesh; Enemies  of the cross and those who embrace it; Philippians 3:15-21 warns us of the way of man and encourages with the hope for those in Christ.

We don’t just want to exist. We want to live…to feel alive. We mostly go looking for life through our achievements or fleshly pursuits. While it promises much, it never delivers. Paul teaches that experiencing true life comes from knowing Jesus. 

Paul writes to the Philippians to instruct them that believers who are motivated by their love of Jesus serve and suffer for others good and the advancement of the gospel, in light of the day of Christ. 

How are we to view obedience as a Christian? We need to be careful not to stray into legalism at one end or apathy at the other. God has given us the gift of his Son and freed us from the curse of death. But with great  freedom comes great responsibility. Thankfully, God is working in us to reflect the light of Christ for his good pleasure. 

​Gospel-centred humility is not only an aspect of living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ, but paramount to strengthening and safeguarding the unity of the church. The Apostle Paul encourages the Philippian church to look to the self-sacrificing humility of Jesus - both for their encouragement and as an example for how they should relate to one another.

How does a Christian live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ when suffering and persecution come? The Apostle Paul encourages the Philippian church to stand firm and not be frightened in light of two significant reasons. 

The Gospel shapes how we view and endure suffering. Looking at Paul’s imprisonment and his opponents, we see that suffering is meaningful under a sovereign God. It can be an opportunity for the Gospel to grow, strengthen believers, and deepen trust in Christ. Despite the pain and confusion of suffering, we can trust that God redeems it for His glory and our good. Remember, Jesus suffered too, enco...

Christ-like affection toward one another produces prayers that build each other up for God’s glory.

The Philippian church was an ‘accidental’ church that partnered with Paul for the sake of the gospel. Paul writes to them to remind them of the complete sufficiency of Jesus Christ for the believer in all circumstances. 

A confident declaration that the gospel is God’s powerful means of salvation for everyone who believes. Christ’s work on the cross was so powerful and complete that it covers our past, present and future sins.

This sermon concludes a series on Jesus by focusing on mission—how we help others connect with Him—through the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10. It explores the biblical idea of shalom as “normal,” meaning life functioning as God intended, and shows how sin disrupts this while Jesus restores it through His friendship. Highlighting four key principles—helping others get to Jesus, being interrup...

We have a rich hope in the coming consummation of our redemption in Christ. By faith, this hope produces love, which results in a holy life.

How do we have the power to endure hardship & suffering in this life? By the power and filling of the Holy Spirit, we may see Christ more clearly and live for Him more boldly. In this life, we battle in victory, not for victory.