Rosebank Union Church Sermons

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...

In this episode, Tom Jordi discusses parenting with perspective and helps parents to understand the impact of technology. They talk about the effects of phones and social media on children's developing brains. They also unpack strategies to help parents navigate this and the importance of community.  Additional resources: Common Sense Media - www.commonsensemedia.org Be In Touch Media - https://be...

Justin continues to explore the theme of enduring trials with faith, emphasizing that suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world, but through perseverance and reliance on God, individuals can grow spiritually and find joy not in the trials themselves, but in what they produce—maturity, strength, and deeper faith. Believers need to practice two disciplines: "consider" (self-talk grou...

Justin explores the theme of enduring trials with faith, emphasizing that suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world, but through perseverance and reliance on God, individuals can grow spiritually and find joy not in the trials themselves, but in what they produce—maturity, strength, and deeper faith. Believers need to practice two disciplines: "consider" (self-talk grounded in bibl...

Justin launches our investigation into the book of James as we explore the greeting that James delivers and how we would put forward our own greeting in relation to the powers in our life. ~~~ 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

Mike Marais joins Ansuné and Zwai to discuss parenting with principles. In particular, they talk about a framework for discipline that takes each unique parent and child into account. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za ~~~ This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johanne...

In the closer for season 1 of the Isaiah series, Richard speaks about the end, as Christ gathers the faithful remnant and believers of all nations to Him. A time when God's adherence to His promises is a comfort to those that believe and damning for those that stand opposed. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/isaiah Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannes...

The stump metaphor is continued as the line of Jesse is prophesied to give rise to a character that gives hope to all of Israel. In this hopeful passage we see Christ prophesied and a time of peace and prosperity under his reign. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/isaiah Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

Ansuné is joined by Lauren and Matt Gray as they share why proactivity in parenting is important. They also share many helpful tips and real-life stories. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za ~~~ This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our w...

Zwai speaks on how in spite of the impending judgement of the Lord we are not frightened by it but rather as believers we can find assurance and comfort through the realities of Christ. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/isaiah Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

Richard shows the wrath of God and how present as well as nexessary it is. Yet at the same time the equally present and necessary love and grace being extended by God to rescue us from the situations that we have created for ourselves. ~~~ Get more information on the series: https://ruc.org.za/isaiah Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit

In this episode, Catherine Marais joins us to unpack how we can connect with our children and be fully present with them. Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za ~~~ This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to fin...

Justin encourages us to meet God where we are at as we reflect on the victory won over death and sin on that cross. ~~~ Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg https://ruc.org.za/visit