Pastoral Passages
Our Standards Begin and End with Christ – Chae
We should not silently tolerate what destroys people, but neither should we use our personal standards to exclude those whom Christ has welcomed.
LRBC Values Discernment: We want to be a Christ-Centered Church
The first of the four values we at LRBC hold to as a church community
Encountering and being transformed by Jesus – Catherine
In meeting Jesus we are invited to surrender ourselves to the cross and welcome the transformation that Jesus brings.
The Gospel of John – Sermon Series on Encounters with Jesus
As we enter into this new sermon series on the Gospel of John, we will be focusing on some of the different characters that encounter Jesus
Languages are Confusing – Tin Tin
At Pentecost, there was no more confusion, nothing was lost in translation and barriers were broken down.
Pentecost – Lottie
At Pentecost, the outpouring of the Spirit empowers God’s people to live out the calling given at creation: to bring order and beauty into the world, to foster human flourishing, to restore relationships, and to fill the earth with God’s presence and glory.
The Potter’s Hands – Chae
It is important for us to remember that our lives are in God’s hands and to daily confess His sovereignty over every part of our lives.
No Cheating! – Chris
Some of the responses I receive online for posting about Christian faith resort to caricatures to criticize Christianity.
The Grand Ordinariness of Life – Kyla
Sometimes we can get caught up in thinking about the next big thing.
Hidden Value – Tin Tin
We might think we are no good and ready for the scrap heap, but God sees the value in us that others don’t.
Being Still – Lottie
As we learn to be still, may we grow in deeper trust, and know with confidence that God is always with us – and that He is more than enough.
God’s grace is made perfect in weakness – Thomas
Having limits doesn’t mean I get to opt out of following God’s call.
Loving God and his Disciples – Catherine
The church today faces multiple issues that can divide us just as the early church did and it is when we show love and understanding to each other in the midst of these issues that we strengthen the church and those within it.
The Greatest Gift of All – Tin Tin
For many people Jesus is like an unopened present because they do not open it and receive the benefit of it.
Keeping Focus – Chris
We evangelical Christians are people of the gospel. May we never be unfocussed evangelicals.
Reflection on John 1:1-18 – Catherine
This Christmas, may you know and experience as John did how beloved you are by Jesus, the light of the world.
“Her Faith was her Strength, her Love our Lasting Gift.” – Tin Tin
These were the words written about Beatrice by her family on the program sheet at her memorial service last week.
The Impulse to Praise – Chris
Every single facet of creation is called upon to worship God because he is the Creator, the King, and the Redeemer, but only humanity can articulate God’s worthiness with words.
Where do you find God? – Catherine
One of the places I see God is in music, particularly when it intersects with theology in a meaningful way.
Keep growing and be what God created you to be – Tin Tin
Like the great Kauri tree Tāne Mahuta, we are also God’s creation. We are made in his image, to have a relationship with him and stand up tall for righteousness.
“Christians Eat Babies” – Chris
A major need for commending and defending Christian faith today are ordinary Christians who are willing to talk with their neighbors and colleagues
The Veil – Catherine
Through Christ we have hope, and know that we will continue to exist after our death in a different form that we do not yet understand.
“Faithful to the Faithful God: Sticking with God in the Book of Jeremiah”
Our sermon series on the life and service of Jeremiah the prophet
Christ, the Giver of Life, our Sustainer – Catherine
The Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona is an extraordinary structure which dominates the skyline of Barcelona but up close the details reveal an intense attention to biblical and theological themes.
Jesus, Worthy to be Called Our Brother – Chris
Jesus has earned the right to be called the brother to his people. He is worthy to be followed and trusted as our leader and redeemer.
Training for Godliness – Catherine
Just as attention and training of the physical body will result in strength and fitness, so will attention to spiritual practices result in Godly reflexes and reactions that reflect Christ.
Citizens of Heaven – Tin Tin
Citizenship in a privileged nation is highly valued, but like Paul we can rejoice in an even more wonderful citizenship, citizenship in God’s kingdom.
“What’s the Point of it?” – Chris
For Christians, the center of our universe is bigger than both the glory of personal achievement and the honor of familial diligence.
Welcome and Inclusion in the Gospel of Luke: The Invitation to Cross the Threshold – Chris
Excluding others is frowned upon in New Zealand. Our Christianity runs the risk of amplifying the biblical theme of welcome and inclusion so much that other themes are drowned out. In the Gospel of Luke, sin remains a barrier to our access to God—but one that can certainly be crossed.