"Destruction. Why does it happen?" MP3

As we all come to grips with the tragic loss of both life & property brought about by the horrific bushfires in Victoria, we need to reflect upon God's Word.
For it is in God's Word that we can find comfort & hope, even in the most desperate of times.
In it we read "I consider that the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
No matter what we find ourselves facing, or what terrible burden we have thrust upon us, we can rest securely in the promises of God.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered due to the fires, & we pray you are granted the strength you need to face another day.

In today's talk, Ian Willersdorf shares some thoughts about the destruction, & the solid hope we can hold onto no matter what.
Grace & peace to you all.

"Jesus is the Word of Life." MP3

Does it really matter what we believe about Jesus?
Isn't it more important that we just accept each others beliefs so that we can get along with each other?
After all, isn't it intolerant not to accept all points of view?
Shouldn't the "Church" embrace everyone, no matter what they believe?
The simple answer is no!
The Christian Church must stand firm on the apostolic teachings of the Bible.
The Apostle John wrote 3 short letters that we find near the end of the New Testament,
& in them he clearly states again & again that Jesus is the Christ, the living Word of God,
the Eternal Life of God, God in human flesh.
John reminds us that this is at the very core of the Christian faith, & when we stray away from that truth, we find ourselves in deep trouble!
Today, the Church is under constant attack from those who see the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ as offensive & intolerant.
But Jesus clearly stated that "I am the way, the truth & the life.
No one comes to the Father (God) except through me."
(John chapter 14 verse 6)
While we are to respect everyone's right to believe something different, we cannot allow false teachings & beliefs to become part of the Church.
Is that intolerant? Offensive?
Read 1 John to find out!

Saved to Grow and Go! MP3

Hi everyone!
Happy new year to you all as well!
Last year flew by didn't it?
As we start into this new year we need to remind ourselves of our purpose as Christians.
Here at Gundagai Baptist Church we display the statement
"We are Saved to Grow & Go!"
on our bulletins & on our big screen.
So I thought it was timely to once again
explain the truths behind this statement.
Through God's amazing grace we are saved,
then we are called to grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ,
so we can go into the world around us & live our lives in such a way
that others will come to know Jesus as their Saviour!
So as we start this new year, let's live our lives as God planned!
Blessings.

The gifts of Christmas. Peace. MP3

Christmas is nearly upon us once again, & as we prepare, we need to be careful our focus is actually on the "Reason for the season."

There are so many things that pull our focus away from Christ's birth & all that means for us!

Christmas is a time to celebrate, a time to give & recieve gifts, but I'd like to remind you of the great gifts that God wants to give each of us this Christmas.

Today we look at the incredible gift of PEACE.

We all recieve cards that wish us "may the peace of Christmas be yours"

Well, we need to understand what the peace of Christmas actually is before we can recieve it.

Listen along as I talk about;

"The peace of Christmas."

"Are you ready for Christmas?" MP3

Can you believe it's nearly Christmas again?
And where did this year go?
So, it's time to prepare for Christmas,
the question is 'how will you prepare?'
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah lived
700 years before Jesus Christ was born.
But in his book of the Bible, Isaiah speaks volumes about Jesus.
His birth, his life & his death on the cross.
In chapter 40 we read "prepare the way for the Lord.
...And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
& all mankind together will see it."
Here in these words we see the call for us to prepare this Christmas.
Prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ the Messiah.
Don't get caught up in all the decorations, food, presents & parties
& all the preparation that goes into them.
Get yourself caught up in the true meaning of Christmas,
celebrate the birth of Jesus, God in flesh!
Listen along as I ask the question;
"Are you ready for Christmas?"

"The man who ran." MP3

In the gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke,
Jesus comes face to face with a man who seems to have it all.
He's young.
He's rich.
He's influential.
Yet there's something he doesn't have,
something that he knows he needs.
We read how this man ran to Jesus, fell on his knees & asks
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Great question isn't it.
But Jesus' answer leaves him sad & discouraged.
Why?
Listen along to find out!
(Mark 10:17-27)

"Why Baptism?" MP3

In this weeks talk we look fairly & squarely at the topic of Baptism.

Depending on which denomination you're involved in,

baptism will bring different thoughts & images to your mind.

So to understand what baptism is, & what it's purpose is,

we need to understand what the word means & what the Bible says about it!

Sadly some of our Church practices have more to do with man made tradition than clear Biblical teaching.

So why not listen along as we answer the question "Why Baptism."

Blessings.