Restoration Church Toowoomba Sermon Podcast

Ever wondered why what you believe and what you do don't always match up? Listen in as Peter kicks off the Project’s sermon series in James.

In the final message of 'Why the Church' Peter explains how the church is as relevant as ever.

Preaching is so good. To have someone get up in front of church and preach the gospel to you is precious beyond words. Here Pete talks about how important it is and how you can prepare for it each Sunday.

The church and corporate singing have had quite a cringey relationship at times. Whilst some of this is due to the way the church has done it, most of it is connected to Australian culture and our awkwardness in singing I public. In this message Peter looks at the abundance of singing in the Bible, God’s command to sing together, and why it is good for us to sing.

The church and money have quite a chequered history. Many have loved money and the power it brings. Jesus saw all possessions as belonging to God. He calls us to be generous with what we have. How we handle money is connected to our spiritual health.

You don’t need to look far to see the abuse of power and authority. It seems to be happening everywhere – even in the church! But the abuse of power and authority ought not lead us to abandon it altogether. Instead, we should embrace it as a good structure which God intends for our flourishing. Listen in as Peter explains.

This week’s question is: Do I Have to Go to Church to Be Christian? Those who ask this question seek to separate two things which normally run together – being a Christian and gathering with God’s people regularly. Or, in other words, if you are part of the universal church then you will gather with a local church. Peter explains.

Peter works to clear up some common misconceptions regarding the church. In this message he clarifies what it is, who it is, and why it exists?

We all like things to be fair, especially when we feel like we have missed out on something good. God’s kingdom operates on a whole different level - it is the kingdom of grace. It is a place where no one gets less than they deserve and many people receive far more.

There are beat-up people everywhere in our world. We can be beat-up physically, financially, spiritually … and so on. Jesus calls us to reach out and assist those who are hurting – those who have been beat-up by life. It is only Jesus who can create truly loving people. 

Jesus was a prolific story teller. His stories were earthy, relevant, and a little sneaky. On the face of it they seem harmless enough, but once digested they reveal amazing truths. Listen in as Peter takes us through one of the most well known stories of Jesus – the Prodigal Son.

Jesus’ personal presence always changes whatever we are going through. It did at the resurrection and it still does today.

Jesus is not bullied to the cross. He is intentional, authoritative, and sacrificial. Join Peter as he looks at Jesus in the Garden – the place of His arrest.

A central place where family likeness grows is within the home. There is a clear distinction with the Christian home. Jesus. Nathan asks two pertinent questions which help to shape what this home looks like and then gives 5 practical applications. 

If you want to grow up you will need to do relationship with God and others. Disconnect from these and you will be destined to remain immature forever.

If it is normal for a child to grow up, and we are God’s children, then how does one grow up? Listen in as Peter talks about things which can stall growth, and some of the ways we grow in created likeness.

God’s plan is that you grow up. He wants you to grow up in areas that have been affected by sin, and He wants you to grow into the person that He has made you to be. You are God’s child and it is good and right for you to grow up.

Being made in the image of God means that every human bears a family likeness (albeit a damaged likeness). Discipleship within God’s family is about the restoration and further development of this family likeness.

The benefits and the costs of being a disciple of Jesus are significant. To become his disciple one must die to oneself. Then, and only then will your life be saved – death always precedes resurrection.

Peter talks about the different levels of prophetic authority in the Bible and what that has to do with the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians. It is a good gift that encourages and builds up the church.

Who you are should always stay connected to what you do. When character slips away and people operate in their giftings without love you can guarantee that trouble will be on its way.

Gifting should never be connected to status in the church. Any Spiritual gift is just that – a gift. You don’t and you shouldn’t get any kudos from it. Your responsibility is to use it for the good of God’s family.

Peter looks at the second key passage about spiritual gifts in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12) and gives a brief outline of each of them.

Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, are energised by the Holy Spirit, and bring glory to God. They are an expression of God’s grace within his family. He is a good God who gives good gifts for the common good.

Spiritual gifts are one of the ways that God’s presence and kindness is made clear and concrete in the church. God gives them to everyone for the common good.