St John’s Diamond Creek Talks

Walk in the Light - Dealing with sin

The beginning of a new series in our morning services, Tim Johnson looks at the start of a letter written by John, one of Jesus' 12 disciples. John wrote this letter as someone who was there with Jesus, who had seen him, and heard what he had to say. The letter is not an intellectual exercise, and the truth of God shapes the way we live. 
Our challenge is to walk in the light of God, rather than to persist in darkness. You might be conscious of areas of your life, which you struggle to hand over to God, and you might be worried about how that affects your relationship with God. Worry not! John is clear, the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. John doesn't say we need to get rid of every sin in our life, but that we should strive to walk in the light; not worried when we fail (which we all will).

St John's 150th Birthday Celebration

On our 150th birthday, we gathered as a body of believers to celebrate. We were joined by Archbishop Philip Freier, who spoke from John 15.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 4

The final chapter in our series on Ruth, our story concludes with the redemption of Ruth and Naomi through Boaz. The book concludes with a list of names, of the descendants of Ruth, all the way to King David, the greatest king of the Old Testament. The New Testament, and the story of Jesus begins with a similar list, from Abraham to David, and then to Jesus himself. 
Ruth was part of God's plan, and if you think you aren't, you're wrong. God brings all kinds of people, and brings them into a relationship with himself.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 3

The third chapter in Ruth's story; we've met the main characters, and now the drama really begins. Ruth and Boaz find themselves in a potentially volatile situation, but Boaz's character is revealed as he holds true to the law, and continues to protect and uphold Ruth.
 
Caution: This episode is rated PG, and deals with issues around sexuality.

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 2

In this episode, we meet Boaz, owner of a field where Ruth has been picking up the scraps dropped during the harvest. He demonstrates faithfulness to God's law found in the Old Testament, and goes above and beyond to ensure that Ruth is cared for; following not just the letter of the law, but the heart of it. Tim asks the questions: what is God doing in this story, and what do we see God's people doing?

Hope In Hard Times - Ruth 1

The book of Ruth zooms right in on a single family, in the times when Judges ruled Israel. These were hard times for most people, and in particular, Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. This four-week series looks at Ruth's story, and how she finds hope in hard times.
 
In this episode, Tim explores Naomi's relationship with God, and the hard truth that God gives, and takes away. How do you treat God in hard times? 

Getting Right with God

Continuing our Luke mini-series, we see Jesus tell a story about two men, praying to God. One prays loudly, basically saying "Thanks God, that I'm so great. Also, that other guy is the worst." The second man, a tax collector, someone usually corrupt and generally not liked, prays humbly, and earnestly. Jesus says, be like him. How do we get right with God? Be humble. Kirk explains what that looks like.

Pray, and Don't Give Up

In this talk, Kat Shields encourages us to persevere in prayer, and pray without ceasing. Jesus tells his followers a story about an unjust judge, who shows justice to a widow for his own benefit. The story is flipped on its head though, when Jesus says that God is nothing like the unjust judge, and will bring justice in all circumstances.

Peacemakers - Reconciliation and Healing

At the conclusion of our Peacemakers series, we gathered together for services of reconciliation and healing, bringing teaching together with opportunities for people to deal with hurts they have been harbouring and people they have failed to forgive. Ros brings us this talk, and explores how to move on from conflict in our lives.

Building a Culture of Peace

Dealing with conflict is not just a matter for individuals but a group activity that should be a marker of the church community. Jesus prays for unity and love in the church and our community should be counter-cultural in the way that we deal with conflict: not ignoring it but being willing to repent and forgive and to move forward with reconciliation and love. What a powerful witness this would be if we did it!