This weekend I have the privilege to lead a marriage retreat at Rolleston Baptist church where I serve as Pastor. This is always one of the must humbling things I do as a Pastor. I say ‘humbling’, because, other than parenting, there is no other subject which so clearly reveals my own sin. I say ‘privilege’ because it is a tremendous privilege to… Read more →
Theology
Thinking Biblically Regarding Eldership
Beginning Sunday we are going to spend four weeks considering the office and role of Elder & Deacon. Lord willing we will appoint two men to eldership and two to the diaconate on the last Sunday of March during a congregational meeting. As I have been preparing for these sermons and especially considering eldership I was reminded of a helpful… Read more →
Marriage “Retreat” – 13,14 March
Please plan to attend this “retreat”. Please reply (using the “contact” form on this website) by 02 March to RSVP. 7-9pm Friday; 10am-9pm Saturday @ Rolleston Christian School – 571-575 Springston- Rolleston Road This isn’t a retreat where the couples come away for an entire weekend, etc. That would certainly be wonderful, however, to help keep costs down and the assist with… Read more →
Our Sunday, 9:30am Workshop
Since we started as a church we have met together at 9:30am Sundays for a “workshop” [no I am not very creative when it comes to naming these kinds of things] prior to our main morning service. During this same time slot we have a Children’s Sunday School as well which has evolved from more of a creche to, beginning… Read more →
RBC Sunday School
We are excited to begin our new Children’s Sunday School ministry very soon (22 Feb). All children are invited to participate. The primary age range is from 3 years of age through School Year 6. However, even 1 & 2 year olds can be a part for as much as they are able. In order for the children to get… Read more →
Shepherding the Heart NZ Tour with Tedd Tripp
Two books which have been extremely helpful and influential in developing our understanding of Biblical parenting have been authored by Tedd Tripp. Tedd was also pastor of Grace Fellowship Church which served as an “advisory” church to the church plant we were a part of in the States before moving to New Zealand in 2006. Going back even further,… Read more →
What Child is This? – Luke 2:22-35 – An Advent Sermon
What Child is This? Luke 2:22-35 A sermon preached at Howick Baptist Church in 2013. You can watch or listen here. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, a time often associated with joy, cheer and the “good things in life.” At the same time, for some, Christmas is often depressing and painful. We remember painful Christmases of our… Read more →
What’s in a Name?, Matthew 1 – An Advent Sermon
What’s in a Name? Matthew 1 A sermon preached at Howick Baptist Church in 2012. You can listen to the audio here. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, a time often associated with joy, cheer and the “good things in life.” At the same time, for some, Christmas is often depressing and painful. We remember painful Christmases of… Read more →
The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-56 – An Advent Sermon
Luke 1:46-56 The Magnificat A sermon preached at Howick Baptist Church in 2011. You can listen to the audio here. Intro: The Anticipation of God’s People OT – Historical/Theological Context Genesis 3:15 => God promised to send His Redeemer as a seed of the woman Genesis 4:1 => Eve believed God! Abraham & Sarah Leah with Jacob Tamar with Judah… Read more →
Christmas and the Incarnation
The Christmas (or Advent) season provides a wonderful time to purposely reflect on the Incarnation of Christ. Here are some quotes from others to help you begin to think carefully and deeply on this wonderful miracle! “It is no wonder that thoughtful people find the gospel of Jesus Christ hard to believe, for the realities with which it deals pass… Read more →