Rosebank Union Church Sermons

Richard teaches from Matthew 6:9–13, focusing on what it means to pray to “Our Father.” This message explores the heart of the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus teaches us to approach God in prayer.

Richard encourages us to start the year grounded in grace, embracing its power to rescue, train, and infuse hope, and to trust in its ongoing work in our lives. Grace is not a one-time event but a continuous reality that shapes identity, growth, and purpose.

In this sermon titled "Navigating the Storms of Life," Ndaba Mazabane delivers a powerful and encouraging message centered on Matthew 14:22–27. As 2025 draws to a close, he reflects on the inevitable challenges we face and provides a biblical framework for finding hope and stability in Jesus Christ. Key Themes and Insights Jesus in Command: Mazabane emphasizes that the focus of the story is not th...

In this Christmas sermon Richard Van Lieshout provides a deep theological reflection on John 1:14, exploring the mystery of the Incarnation and the significance of God dwelling among humanity. Summary of Key Points The Word Pitched a Tent: Van Lieshout explains that the word "dwelt" in John 1:14 literally means "to pitch a tent" or "tabernacle" [07:45]. This highlights that in Jesus, God is not bu...

In this sermon titled "The Word At The Beginning | The True Light," Joshua Soal explores the profound continuity of God’s grace from Genesis through the life of Jesus Christ. Using the prologue of John’s Gospel as a foundation, the message challenges believers to see the Bible not as two disconnected stories, but as one unified plan of salvation. Key Themes and Insights Grace Upon Grace: Soal expl...

In this powerful message, Richard Van Lieshout dives into the Gospel of John to explore the "ultimate Christmas story." While the other Gospels give us shepherds and a manger, John gives us the theological foundation of who Jesus is: the Eternal Word and the True Light that enters our world. Through the lens of John the Baptist—whom the speaker refers to as "John the Witness"—we learn the importan...

John ain’t no small talk, he’s into the Trinity in a few words. If you’ve ever missed the true significance of Christmas, this is the correction you need. The story of Jesus doesn’t begin in Bethlehem; it has no beginning at all. Join us as we dive into these verses and rediscover why the Word becoming flesh changes everything. Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visit For th...

John ain’t no small talk, he’s into the Trinity in a few words. If you’ve ever missed the true significance of Christmas, this is the correction you need. The story of Jesus doesn’t begin in Bethlehem; it has no beginning at all. Join us as we dive into these verses and rediscover why the Word becoming flesh changes everything. Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visit For th...

Romans 10:5–17 is Paul’s passionate reminder that salvation is not achieved by human effort but received through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is wonderfully accessible—“the word is near you”—and anyone who believes in their heart and confesses Jesus as Lord will be saved. Paul then asks a series of urgent questions: How can people call on Christ if they haven’t believed? How can they believe...

In this passage, Paul reminds believers that God calls each person to serve Him right where they are. Whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised—our value and purpose come not from our status, background, or circumstances, but from belonging to Christ. Paul urges the church not to chase identity in social change or comparison, but to live faithfully in the place where God...

In this passage, Jesus meets people in two powerful moments — first, healing a paralysed man brought by friends who refused to let barriers stop them, and then calling Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to follow Him. Both stories reveal Jesus’ heart for the broken, the excluded, and the searching. He forgives sins, restores dignity, and reminds the self-righteous that “It is not the healthy who nee...

In this passage, Jesus calls His first disciples. After teaching from Simon Peter’s boat, Jesus tells him to cast his nets again, even after a fruitless night of fishing. Peter obeys—and the nets overflow with fish. Overwhelmed, Peter falls before Jesus, confessing his unworthiness. But Jesus lifts him up with a new purpose: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” This moment reveals J...

In this third episode of Sidebar Zwai, Richard, and Ansune dive into the sobering yet hopeful prophecy of Isaiah 24. A chapter that paints a picture of global judgment and ultimate renewal. They explore the theme of the earth’s curse due to human rebellion, the inescapable judgment awaiting both earthly rulers and spiritual powers, and the glorious promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Drawing...

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...