St John’s Diamond Creek Talks

Peacemakers - Gently Restoring Others

Rather than sweeping conflict under the carpet and avoiding it we need to honestly and gently approach with other people when they have hurt or wronged us. Jesus tells us to go directly to the other person and deal with it one-on-one. This is perhaps the most ignored command in Scripture and we are often guilty of gossiping or complaining to other people rather than addressing the person concerned.

Peacemakers - Get the Log Out of Your Eye

The starting point for dealing with conflict is to search our own hearts and lives and see what we have contributed to the problem. Jesus tell his disciples to remove the log from their own eye before they try to remove the speck from someone else’s eye. Conflict gives us an opportunity to come before God, and to ask whether there are idols in our life that are fuelling this conflict, before repenting of the areas where we are causing the conflict.

Peacemakers - Glorify God in conflict

While many people see conflict as simply a problem it is also an opportunity where we can bring glory to God in the way that we approach it. As Christians we want to glorify God in all that we do and conflict is no exception. David in Psalm 37 is honest about conflict but encourages trusting in God and committing our way to him in the midst of it. He warns that evildoers will face God’s judgement but that the meek will enjoy peace.

Peacemakers - The Gospel and Conflict

The second episode in our Peacemakers series identifies that dealing with conflict is a gospel issue. This is not some sideline topical issue that we may or may not want to think about but is at the heart of our everyday lives. Broken humans are in conflict with God and considered his enemies. Fortunately for us, through the cross, God brings reconciliation and restores a conflict filled, broken relationship. When we're forgiven by Jesus, we need to apply the truth of the gospel to our own relationships and be active in seeking reconciliation.

Peacemakers: The Reality of Conflict

This new series looks at the reality of conflict. The Church today is the most conflict prone organisation in the world, and the most conflict adverse. This, believe it or not, should be expected! The Church brings in people with different habits, different backgrounds, different life experiences. The only common thread is Jesus. There is no criteria for goodness in the church.
The Bible passage for this talk is James 4:1-3.

White (Space) July - Do not worry

The final week of White (space) July addresses the lack of faith we often have when it comes to trusting God about the future. Younger generations, in particular, are put under a lot of Aussie pressure to set themselves up well for the future. Own a house, settle down, have savings, have investments, protect yourself!
The Christian life brings an alternate mindset that acknowledges we are in a lot less control than we’d like to be and that that’s okay. In fact, it might even be good for us to embrace this a little more!

White (Space) July: Jesus, Mary & Martha

Continuing our White (space) July series, Tim takes a look at Luke 10:38-42. This is a well-known passage warning against too much work but it’s relevance only seems to be growing. It’s not that Martha is wrong to work hard, it’s that her priorities are all wrong compared to her sister who is sitting quietly at the feet of the Lord. Mary has effectively carved out some white space for herself, whilst Martha’s life is too crowded.

White (space) July - Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath

Keen listeners will remember our White (space) Christmas series from late 2016. In God’s word, we have a powerful and repeated command to embrace Sabbath rest. Most of us at St John's are, by our own admission, ignoring or badly failing this command. This preaching series aims to help us do rest better and, when we do, everyone in our lives (family and friends) will benefit. Most importantly, our relationship with Jesus will benefit.
This week, we look at how Jesus reacted to the Pharisees' view of the Sabbath. As much as rest is a massive part of the Sabbath, it is ultimately about our relationship with God (and, consequently, with other people). It’s not about a legalistic “no work” day once a week but rather a day where work is set aside to fully focus on relationships.

Outward Signs // Inward Grace: Communion

Jesus gave us two rituals to show outwardly the grace we receive inwardly, baptism, and communion. In this mini-series, Tim looks at these sacraments, and how they display Jesus working in our lives.

Outward Signs // Inward Grace: Baptism

Jesus gave us two rituals to show outwardly the grace we receive inwardly, baptism, and communion. In this mini-series, Tim looks at these sacraments, and how they display Jesus working in our lives.