Rosebank Union Church Sermons

In this teaching, Richard explains how receiving Christ Jesus the Lord means more than assent to doctrine; it invites the risen Lord to shape daily thought and action. He explores Paul's call to walk in Christ, rooted in the fullness of deity, and shows how that reality meets the demands of everyday life. Listeners are invited to consider the practical implications of Christ's preeminence for wors...

Zwai explores Paul's teaching on Christ's preeminence in Colossians 1:24‑2:5, confronting false philosophies that dilute the gospel. He highlights the apostle's call to proclaim Christ alone, to guard the church against syncretism, and to pursue true spiritual maturity rooted in the revealed mystery of Christ. The message invites listeners to examine whether they are seeking upgrades in faith or r...

Colossians 1:15–20 reminds us that Jesus is supreme over all creation, salvation, and the church. But what does it mean for Jesus to be preeminent in our lives? This sermon explores what it means to put Jesus above everything else and trust Him to hold all things together. ~~~ Church is better together, plan a visit to our church in Sandton, Johannesburg: https://ruc.org.za/visit We would love to...

What does a life truly worthy of the Lord look like? In this opening message on Colossians, Shaun Chinaboo unpacks the apostle Paul’s prayer for the church, revealing the secure, eternal hope we have in the gospel. This living truth does more than save us; it transfers us from darkness into Christ’s kingdom, empowering us to bear fruit, grow in spiritual wisdom, and endure with joyful patience. Li...

Preaching from Isaiah 39, Richard Van Lieshout exposes King Hezekiah's prideful reliance on worldly wealth and alliances. Revealing our own fickle hearts, this sermon points us away from flawed human leaders to Jesus Christ, the only perfect, sovereign King. ~~~ Find more from our series in the book of Isaiah at https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Preaching from Isaiah 38, Richard Van Lieshout explores King Hezekiah’s illness and the grace of personal lament. Grounded in God’s sovereignty over life and death, this sermon shows how our suffering is never wasted, pointing to Christ’s ultimate rescue of sinners from the pit of destruction. ~~~ Find more from our series in the book of Isaiah at https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

In this sermon on Isaiah 37, we explore how God responds to humble trust, the reality of His sovereignty over earthly powers, and the immense power of prayer.

In Isaiah 37, we see King Hezekiah brought to the end of himself. Faced with an impossible situation, he discovers that prayerlessness reveals an overestimation of self and an underestimation of God. As Hezekiah turns from relying on his own strength to trusting the Lord, we're reminded that God is far greater than we often imagine.

In Isaiah 36, Jerusalem comes under threat as the Assyrian army challenges God's people and mocks their trust in the Lord. Through a battle of words, the enemy seeks to replace faith with fear. Join Pastor Richardas he unpacks this chapter and shows how God calls His people to trust Him, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Find more from our series in the book of Isaiah at https://ruc.org...

In Isaiah 35, we see a breathtaking picture of God's salvation. The wilderness blooms, the weak are strengthened, the fearful are encouraged, and the Lord Himself comes to rescue His people. This chapter points beyond Israel's immediate hope to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ, who restores what is broken and leads His redeemed people home.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Richard van Lieshout explores Isaiah 34, a chapter that reveals God's righteous judgment against the nations and His unwavering justice. While the passage contains sobering warnings, it also points us to God's holiness, His sovereignty over all creation, and the certainty that His purposes will be fulfilled.

One of the foundational attributes of God is His simplicity. This does not mean that God is "simple" in the sense of being easy to understand or lacking complexity. Rather, it means that God is not made up of parts. His being is perfectly unified, and all of His attributes are fully and inseparably one.

Have you ever stopped to wonder, how old is God? It’s the kind of deep, unanswerable question a child might ask on a car ride; yet the theological answer is far more mind-stretching than just saying "a million" or "very old". In Part 3 of our series on the Attributes of God, we dive down the fascinating rabbit hole of God's eternality (His relationship with time). While our finite lives are define...

In a material world where absolutely everything is constantly changing, fading, or deteriorating, where do we find true stability? In part two of our series on the Attributes of God, Richard looks at the comforting (and sometimes challenging) reality of God’s immutability; His completely unchangeable nature. Scripture frequently refers to God as a "Rock." But what does a rock-solid, unchanging God...

This sermon explores the majestic attributes of God and the profound truth that His greatness is beyond human comprehension. From His holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and eternal nature to His boundless love, mercy, and faithfulness, God reveals Himself through His Word while remaining infinitely greater than anything we can fully describe or understand. As we reflect on the indescribable goodn...

Zwai Zulu unpacks Isaiah 33:17–24, a passage that lifts our eyes from the brokenness of the present world to the glory of God's coming kingdom. Isaiah paints a breathtaking picture of a day when God's people will behold the King in His beauty, dwell in perfect security, and experience the fullness of His salvation.

Is it ever too late to turn back to God? In this powerful message, Richard explores Isaiah 33:1–16 and reveals how God's mercy remains available even when we have failed, wandered, or delayed our response to Him. Through Isaiah's prophetic words, we see both the seriousness of God's judgment and the hope found in His grace for those who seek Him. This sermon challenges us to examine our hearts, tr...

"Trust, Pressure & Returning to God," Zwai Zulu explores the Book of Isaiah to address how we respond when life’s pressures mount and our trust is put to the test. Drawing from the historical and spiritual context of Isaiah, the message provides a powerful reflection on finding stability in God’s character rather than human solutions.

Where do you turn when life feels overwhelming or when trouble arrives at your doorstep? In this message, Richard Van Lieshout explores Isaiah 30, where God’s people were tempted to look for security in political alliances and human strength rather than in the Sovereign Lord. Richard unpacks the profound invitation of God to stop our striving and find true rescue not in our activity, but in return...

In this sermon titled "Hide & Seek," Richard Van Lieshout explores Isaiah 29:15-24, addressing the human tendency to live as "practical atheists" by making life plans in the dark while ignoring the counsel of our Creator. Drawing parallels from the Garden of Eden to the prophetic warnings of Isaiah, the message highlights the danger of spiritual blindness and the futility of the "clay" hiding from...

Richard explores the "strange" and often unsettling work of God in the lives of His people. Drawing from Isaiah 29, the message addresses the danger of "Ariel"—a Jerusalem that had become a center of religious activity but whose inhabitants' hearts were far from God. Richard challenges us to consider whether our own worship has become a mere means to an end or a cultural ritual used to manipulate...