Rosebank Union Church Sermons

Isaiah 25 is a song of praise celebrating God’s victory and faithfulness. After the judgments of the previous chapter, Isaiah rejoices that God has humbled the proud and protected the poor and needy. The Lord is pictured as a refuge in the storm and a shelter from the heat. On His holy mountain, God prepares a great feast for all nations, destroys the shroud of death, and wipes away every tear. Th...

Isaiah 24 presents a sweeping vision of God’s judgment over the whole earth. The Lord brings devastation because humanity has broken His covenant and defiled the land with sin. Joy fades, cities crumble, and the proud are brought low. Yet in the midst of destruction, a faithful remnant lifts their voices in praise, declaring God’s glory among the nations. This chapter reveals both the seriousness...

Things rarely go as planned in our families and it can be hard to navigate chaos and be flexible. In this episode, Zwai and Ansuné chat about how we can approach interruptions and disruptions from a biblical perspective. They discuss how God meets us when we feel like everything is out of control, and how Christ enables us to have joy that is secure even when things don't go our way.  Catch all th...

Isaiah 23 prophesies the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city. Its merchants and sailors are left mourning as the Lord brings judgment on its pride and materialism. Tyre’s strength and riches, which once seemed unshakable, are shown to be temporary under God’s sovereign hand. Yet after seventy years, God promises to restore Tyre—but this time its wealth will serve the Lord, not hu...

Welcome back to Sidebar from Rosebank Union Church — where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this second episode, Zwai, Richard, and Ansuné unpack the dramatic story of Shebna and Eliakim in Isaiah 22. An interlude between prophecies against Jerusalem. Why does God interrupt His oracle to focus on two royal officials? What does it mean to be a true steward of divine authorit...

Isaiah 22 delivers a message of judgment on Jerusalem. Instead of humbling themselves before God in a time of crisis, the people chose denial and self-indulgence—saying, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” The chapter also warns against misplaced trust in human leaders, using Shebna (the proud steward) as an example, and contrasts him with Eliakim, who is established by God as a faithful...

Isaiah 21 contains oracles against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. Babylon, the great empire, is pictured as falling suddenly under God’s judgment, showing that no worldly power is secure against His hand. Edom is warned of a time of distress with only brief relief, while Arabia faces hardship and scattering. Through these prophecies, Isaiah highlights the certainty of God’s word: what He declares will...

Isaiah 19 declares judgment on Egypt: its idols will tremble, its wisdom will fail, and its economy and leadership will collapse. Yet, the chapter also ends with a surprising vision of hope—Egypt, Assyria, and Israel united in worship of the Lord, showing God’s plan to redeem even former enemies. Isaiah 20 then gives a vivid sign-act: Isaiah walks barefoot and stripped of outer garments for three...

Justin speaks through some of his favoured scripture as he reflects on lessons learned and changes he has weathered throughout his life and career, as well as the effect that they have had in shaping him.

In Isaiah 17, God pronounces judgment on Damascus and Israel. Once proud and flourishing, they will be reduced to ruin because they trusted in idols and foreign alliances instead of the Lord. Yet, even in judgment, there is a glimpse of hope: a remnant will turn back to God, remembering their Maker. Isaiah 18 speaks to Cush (Ethiopia), portraying a nation of power and influence. Though Cush sends...

It's easy to feel guilty as a parent, but what is that guilt based on? In this episode, Ansuné is joined by Zee and Zwai Zulu. Together they share their experiences of guilt, and unpack the difference between true and false guilt. The talk about the hope we have in Christ no matter what form of guilt we feel.  Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministr...

In the oracle against Moab, Isaiah delivers a prophecy of judgment against Moab. The cities of Moab are pictured in ruins, and its people are filled with grief, weeping, and fleeing for survival. Yet in the midst of judgment, there is a call for Moab to seek refuge in Zion and to show kindness to God’s people. Ultimately, Moab’s pride leads to its downfall, and within three years the nation is hum...

Welcome to the Sidebar — a new podcast where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this episode, hosts Zwai Zulu, Ansune Schoeman, and Richard van Lieshout unpack the poetic taunt in Isaiah 14 and explore a compelling question: Is this passage only about the king of Babylon — or is there a deeper, spiritual reality at play? We journey from Genesis 10–11 through Isaiah, Daniel, a...

Isaiah 14 continues with God’s promise to restore His people and bring judgment on their oppressors. The chapter opens with comfort: the Lord will have compassion on Israel, gather them back, and give them rest from sorrow and fear. In contrast, Babylon—the symbol of pride and arrogance—will be brought low. The once-mighty oppressor is mocked, shown as powerless in death, and humbled before the Lo...

In this passage, God delivers a prophecy against Babylon, announcing its coming judgment for pride, cruelty, and idolatry. Through Isaiah, the Lord declares that He will stir up nations to bring Babylon down, leaving it desolate and without mercy for those who oppressed His people. The fall of Babylon is not only a historical event but also a reminder that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, c...

James closes his letter with a powerful call to patience, perseverance, and prayer. He urges believers to wait patiently for the Lord’s return, like a farmer waiting for the harvest. We are reminded of Job’s endurance and God’s compassion, encouraging us to remain steadfast in suffering. James ends with a call to spiritual restoration, urging believers to bring back those who wander from the truth...

James challenges believers to abandon arrogant self-confidence and instead submit their plans to God's will. He rebukes those who boast about future business ventures without considering God's sovereignty, reminding us that life is brief—like a mist. We are called to live with humility, ignoring God's will is not just careless—it's sinful. James delivers a warning to the rich who hoard wealth and...

Rarely do we compare ourselves as parents to others and experience joy. In this episode, Zwai and Ansuné are joined by her husband, Alex, and together they unpack the causes and effects of unhealthy comparison. They also turn to God's Word to discuss how we as parents can turn from comparison and find lasting joy in Christ instead. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the R...

We are constantly faced with choices in our lives, Brett counsels us on how to decide wisely as we control our tongues and responses in seeking to model Christ through our interactions. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/james Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

War has consumed humanity ever since we began, and James challenges us in how we control ourelves in the face of our desires that we might act in a manner that is honouring and loving rather than destroying and allowing our nature to take control of our actions. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/james Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://r...

Zwai and Ansuné introduce this series by reflecting on parenthood and its ups and downs. They discuss how the gospel can produce true and lasting joy through every tear and every triumph of parenting. They also look briefly at some things that threaten to steal our joy in parenting that will be unpacked in future episodes.  Additional resources: How the Gospel Produces Joy in Mothering — Risen Mot...

Justin challenges us on our tongue, a monster held by two cages yet released on whim, with the power to build or destroy, flowing both sweet and salty from the same source. He compares what James says to the words of Jesus on the same topic. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/james Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

Justin takes us through one of the most challenging passages in the book of James, where we look at what it means to have real faith. We unpack the words of James and compare them to some of the words of the Apostle Paul on the same topic. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/james Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

Alex delves into James' teachings on partiality, with reflection on Jesus' approach to the topic as well. James was disappointed to have discovered that the early church had fallen into the wordly tradition of partiality based on wealth, and Alex encourages us to examine our own hearts to find where we show partiality and how we view all as God calls us to. ~~~ Get more information on the series:...

Ndaba explores the theme of hearing and doing the Word within a world that does not desire to conform to the directives of the Word and how best we respond through our interactions based off of how we see and listen. But above all, we are called to obedience to Christ through His Word and teachings. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/james Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Chu...