A Bible-based family church in Elizabeth, South Australia

A message from Pastor James O'Sullivan from Metropolitan Baptist Church, Sydney. An address to the youth break-out session of the National Baptist Fellowship, Adelaide 2024.

Psalm 1: Contrasting Two Men
Introduction: Psalm 1 outlines the lives of two men: the ungodly and the blessed. These represent parallel, never-overlapping paths. They are defined by distinct purposes, counsel, and outcomes, as emphasised in verses 1 and 6.

While these paths do not merge, the ungodly are not inherently "evil"; rather, their lives are devoid of God. It's a reminder to reflect on our spiritual state—whether we are walking with God or have veered into ungodliness. The psalm challenges us to evaluate and realign our walk with God.

Text (Psalm 1):

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I. The Ungodly Has No Filter
The ungodly lack discernment, accepting influences indiscriminately. Verse 1 highlights the blessed man's deliberate choices, avoiding ungodly counsel, sinful behavior, and scornful attitudes.

A. Wrong Counsel:
The ungodly absorb worldly thinking without filtering it through God’s truth. Believers must test thoughts and ideas against Philippians 4:8: is it true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy? Failure to filter worldly ideologies corrupts our thinking.

B. Wrong Company:
Bad associations influence behavior and mindset. Teenagers and adults alike must prioritize worship and spiritual growth over secular activities, even when culturally acceptable. Standing with sinners leads to a compromise of godly values.

C. Wrong Spirit:
Ungodly attitudes often manifest in mocking holiness or scorning sincere faith. Believers must guard against adopting a dismissive spirit toward righteousness, even subtly. Sincerity in faith should inspire us, not provoke ridicule.

II. The Ungodly Has No Food
A blessed person delights in God’s Word (v. 2), drawing spiritual sustenance from it. In contrast, the ungodly starve spiritually, neglecting Scripture and godly meditation.

A. No Delight in God’s Word:
To delight in God’s Word is to desire, prioritize, and take pleasure in it. Spiritual growth requires engaging with Scripture, not merely knowing it. The ungodly lack this hunger and therefore miss the joy and guidance Scripture offers.

B. No Meditation on God’s Word:
Meditation involves deeply reflecting on Scripture and applying its principles. The ungodly fail to internalize God’s truth, leaving them spiritually malnourished and susceptible to worldly influence.

III. The Ungodly Has No Future
While the blessed have a future secured in God, the ungodly face eternal separation and judgment (v. 5-6). Their path, devoid of God, leads to destruction.

A. Temporal Prosperity vs. Eternal Security:
The ungodly might appear successful by worldly standards, but their achievements are fleeting, like chaff driven by the wind (v. 4). In contrast, the blessed are firmly rooted, flourishing in God’s provision (v. 3).

B. The Judgment of the Ungodly:
The ungodly cannot stand in the congregation of the righteous. Their lack of spiritual foundation disqualifies them from God’s eternal promises.

Conclusion:
The paths of the ungodly and the blessed are distinct and unchangeable without saving faith.

While the blessed filter worldly influences, feed on God’s Word, and secure their future in Him, the ungodly lack discernment, spiritual nourishment, and eternal hope.

The psalm invites us to evaluate our lives: Are we walking with God and delighting in His Word? Or are we compromising and absorbing worldly influences? Let us choose to be rooted in Christ, filtering out ungodly distractions, feeding on Scripture, and embracing the eternal blessings of a life dedicated to God.

Vision: Seeing God's Plan

This sermon explores what the Bible teaches about vision - not just physical sight, but spiritual vision and discernment of God's purposes. The word "vision" appears 31 times in the Old Testament, referring to how God communicates His plans to mankind.

Standing Watch Like Habakkuk
In Habakkuk 2:1-2, we find the prophet standing watch, attentive and ready to receive God's guidance: "I will stand upon my watch and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me."

Like a watchman protecting the city, Habakkuk demonstrates the importance of being alert and receptive to God's direction. God responds by telling Habakkuk to "write the vision and make it plain." This emphasises several key principles about spiritual vision:

We must be receptive and ready to receive from God
The vision should be clear and understandable
We need to record and preserve what God reveals
We should act on the vision with urgency

Spiritual Eyesight
Our spiritual vision can face various challenges:
Spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4)
Earthly distractions
Unclear or faulty vision
Loss of heavenly perspective

Like Elisha's servant in 2 Kings 6:17, we sometimes need God to open our eyes to see His presence and protection. Prayer helps lift our vision beyond immediate circumstances to eternal realities.

Making the Vision Plain
God instructed Habakkuk to "make it plain" - the vision should be:
Clear and accessible
Easy to understand
Actionable
Based firmly on Scripture

We must be careful to avoid:
Manufactured visions
Extra-biblical revelations
Unclear or uncertain direction
Vision clouded by personal biases

Running with the Vision
The text speaks of those who "run" with the vision, indicating:
Urgency in action
Purposeful movement
Persistent effort
Active engagement

Like Paul in Philippians 3:13-14, we must forget what lies behind and press forward toward God's calling. Vision provides direction and motivation for service.

Vision for the Church
Corporate vision for the church should include:
Reaching the lost
Making disciples
Growing in maturity
Serving the community
Practical ministry
Strong worship
Multi-generational impact

As Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Vision is vital because:
It provides direction
It motivates action
It unifies believers
It focuses resources
It leads to growth

Personal Application
We should each:
Seek God's specific vision for our lives
Write down clear goals and steps
Act with purpose and urgency
Stay focused on eternal priorities
Maintain biblical perspective
Run with perseverance
Keep Jesus as our focus

Conclusion
Like Paul on the Damascus road, we should ask "Lord, what will you have me to do?" True vision comes from:
God's Word
Prayer
Holy Spirit guidance
Biblical wisdom
Church fellowship

The goal is not just having a vision, but running with it - taking action to fulfill God's purposes in our lives and church. As we begin this new year, may we seek fresh vision from God and commit to following His direction with renewed purpose and energy.

Are You Ready to Follow? Luke 9:57-62

Consider the call to follow Christ. We can face trials and sacrifice as we grow closer to our Lord.

1. Context
Luke 9 is pivotal in understanding Jesus’ ministry. Just earlier, Jesus empowered His disciples, fed the 5,000, and prepared His followers for challenges ahead. He taught, healed, and demonstrated His mission: to seek and to save the lost. He called to self-denial and devotion: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

2. The Three Interactions
a. The Enthusiastic Follower
A man declared, “Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” Jesus responded, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

Christ highlighted the personal sacrifices required to follow Him. C.T. Studd left wealth and fame to serve Christ, saying, “I deliberately at the call of God gave up my life for this work.”

b. The Hesitant Follower
Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” The man replied, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus answered, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

Jesus wasn’t dismissing family obligations but teaching that following Him must take precedence over cultural norms. Sometimes, good commitments must yield to greater ones.

c. The Distracted Follower
A third man said, “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first bid them farewell, which are at home.” Jesus replied, “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Christ emphasised focus and commitment. A farmer who looks back disrupts the field, just as a distracted disciple cannot fully serve God.

3. Application
Christ calls us to:
Personal Sacrifice: Prioritising Christ over comforts.
Cultural Sacrifice: Placing God’s call above traditions.
Undivided Focus: Staying committed without looking back.

Carrying a cross is no easy task. It’s a heavy burden—a daily commitment. The Lord wasn't a misleading salesman promising an easy life. He was honest, preparing His followers for challenges and hardships.

Following Christ means we must count the cost. Luke 14 reinforces this idea. In verses 25-27, Jesus says, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple...” This doesn’t mean literal hatred but prioritising Christ above all else, even our closest relationships.

We must count the cost. Luke 14:28-30: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

It's like a house I saw - nearly finished but it lacked a door, windows, and landscaping. Over time, it became an abandoned eyesore, a dumping ground for rubbish. The builder likely ran out of funds. Let us prepare for the life of discipleship to avoid failing in our commitment.

The apostles endured great sacrifices and trials, even martyrdom - testimony of their unwavering belief in Christ.

In Luke 10:2, Jesus says, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” The spiritual needs of people are immense, and dedicated labourers are few. There’s a pressing need for young believers to step up and serve.

Discipleship requires a single focus. Luke 9:62 “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We see this in the life of William Borden. Borden was from a wealthy family. He was gifted a trip around the world. Witnessing the spiritual needs across the world, he felt called to be a missionary.

Despite friends’ warnings that he was “throwing his life away,” Borden wrote in his Bible: “No reserves.” He rejected a life of comfort and wealth for Christ’s calling. After preparing for the mission field, he traveled to Egypt to study Arabic, intending to minister to Muslims in China. Tragically, he contracted spinal meningitis and died before reaching his mission field. Before his death, Borden added two more phrases to his Bible: “No retreats” and “No regrets.”

Though Borden’s earthly ministry was short, his commitment still inspires. May we seek to live with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets, fully devoted to Christ’s work.

Serving the Lord isn’t easy. There will be valleys, trials, and sacrifices. But “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” The rewards may not come in this life, but one day, faithful servants will hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Are you ready to follow? Christ invites us to a life of dedication, faith, and eternal purpose. Let us heed His call and serve Him wholeheartedly.

Isaiah 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. As We Remember the Lord’s Work at the Cross

This morning, I invite you to meditate on the "apparel" you are wearing. Of course, I’m not referring to the physical clothes you may have on today. Many of you are wearing your Sunday best—presentable, neat, and clean—which is proper for this occasion.

I recall an experience from our travels last year when we stayed at a famous and historic hotel in the Philippines. The area was quite humid, so my family and I were dressed casually in shorts and t-shirts. Upon entering the hotel, I was surprised to find it was a glamorous venue filled with people of high status attending a grand event. They were dressed in formal suits and elegant dresses. As we checked in at the reception, I couldn’t help but feel out of place.

But this feeling of being out of place was due to physical apparel. What the prophet Isaiah refers to in his passage is a spiritual garment. As we meditate on the Lord’s table this morning, let us focus on the "robe of righteousness" Isaiah mentions—a robe that makes us fit to stand in the holy presence of God.

Isaiah declares:
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.”

The Robe of Righteousness is From God
This robe is not something we can earn or achieve through our good works. In our sinful state, we are filthy before God. Only He can cover our sins, just as He covered Adam and Eve’s sinful nakedness. This righteousness is a gift from God:

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” (Romans 3:22)

Without this robe of righteousness, we would be utterly out of place in God’s righteous court. To be out of His sight means being under His just condemnation—eternal punishment for our sins and guilt. Yet, through Christ’s sacrifice, this righteousness has been made available to us.

On the cross, Jesus, the righteous King and holy Lamb of God, was stripped naked and bore the shame of suffering. He suffered under God’s wrath because He who knew no sin became sin for us. In that moment, He was stripped so that we might be clothed with His righteousness.

We cannot buy this robe. You can’t walk into a store and ask, “Is there a robe of righteousness here?” It is not for sale, nor can it be discounted. This robe is given to us by grace, through faith alone.

As the old hymn says:
“Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness,
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.”

Or as another familiar hymn declares:
“When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.”

And we will sing later:
“His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage;
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified,
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.”

As We Commemorate the Lord’s Supper
As the elements of the Lord’s Supper are passed to you today, let us remember not only His body and blood but also the spiritual apparel He has provided. You are clothed, robed, and arrayed in righteousness—not your own, but Christ’s righteousness alone.

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In this video, we explore the danger of worldly wisdom versus biblical truth. Discover how true fulfillment comes from seeking God's kingdom instead of chasing fleeting happiness. Learn to prioritize eternal treasures over temporary desires with a transformed mindset. #HeartDeceit #BiblicalWisdom #SeekTheKingdom #EternalTreasure #WorldlyMindset #Transformation #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #TrueFulfillment #GodsWord

Faith is a vital, central theme in the Bible, appearing over 250 times. Though the word itself is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament, its essence permeates Scripture. What does the Bible teach us about faith?

In 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy write to the church, acknowledging the Thessalonians' faith: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure."

Paul praises their faith, which "groweth exceedingly." This highlights that faith is not static but dynamic and capable of growth. Faith means trust, confidence, and assurance in God. It’s linked with love, as seen here—faith and charity are interconnected. The Thessalonians’ faith was thriving, a model for believers who desire a faith that increases. In Luke 17:5, the apostles prayed, "Lord, increase our faith," showing that growth in faith is a noble pursuit.

Biblical faith is centred on Christ. In 1 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, "We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe." This trust is saving faith, entirely reliant on the Savior. It’s a faith that brings the assurance of forgiveness and salvation. Unlike atheists who unknowingly depend on God for life and breath, believers consciously place their trust in the Lord.

The Bible repeatedly urges us to "trust in the Lord" (19 times). Trust in God should surpass trust in oneself, others, or worldly systems. Psalm 118:8-9 declares, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man…or princes." Faith means placing ultimate confidence in God rather than human efforts.

Trusting in the Lord offers security. Proverbs 25:19 compares misplaced trust to "a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Trust in people often leads to disappointment, but faith in Christ is unshakable. For the Thessalonians, their faith was not only steadfast but also growing—a faith that inspires us to seek growth and avoid spiritual stagnation.

Faith is often tested. Verse 4 of 2 Thessalonians 1 commends the Thessalonians for their patience and faith amid persecutions and tribulations. Trials test and refine our faith, producing perseverance and resilience.

The Thessalonians endured suffering, yet their faith remained strong. This aligns with 1 Peter 1:7, which describes the "trial of your faith" as more precious than gold, refined by fire to result in praise, honor, and glory at Christ’s return. Testing strengthens faith, transforming it into solid gold.

The Bible is filled with examples of faith under trial. Joseph’s life illustrates this vividly. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, Joseph’s faith never wavered. When he revealed himself to his brothers in Genesis 45, he recognized God’s hand in his suffering, saying, "God sent me before you to preserve life." His trials prepared him for a greater purpose.

Similarly, believers today face tests. These may include family conflict, financial struggles, health issues, or persecution. Such challenges are opportunities for faith to grow and demonstrate God’s sustaining power. As Peter writes, trials refine our faith to bring glory to God.

1 John 5:4 declares, "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Faith enables believers to overcome obstacles, fight battles, and persevere through hardships.

Faith equips us to handle life’s difficulties with grace. It’s not about avoiding challenges but facing them with trust in God. When trials come, they can strengthen faith rather than weaken it. As we exercise the "faith muscle," it grows stronger.

For example, a diamond’s formation requires intense pressure and heat. Similarly, faith matures through adversity. Trials transform us, drawing us closer to God. As Romans 5:3-4 states, "Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."

God often uses suffering to prepare us for ministry. Personal experience with trials enables believers to empathise and minister effectively.

Faith assures us of God’s presence in trials. In Acts 23:11, the Lord stood by Paul in prison, saying, "Be of good cheer, Paul." Likewise, God promises to stand by us. Psalm 23:4 reminds us, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Believers can trust that God uses difficulties for good. Job’s faith exemplifies this. Despite immense suffering, he declared, "When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Trials refine us, producing resilience and a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Matthew 1:21-23 reveals the profound truth of "God with us." The angel tells Joseph that Mary will bear a son, Jesus, who will save his people from their sins. He is Emmanuel—God dwelling among us.

Jesus left the perfection of heaven to enter a world of sin and suffering. John 1 describes Him as the Creator entering His creation. Imagine leaving heaven's golden streets and divine majesty for the challenges of human life. Philippians 2:7 speaks of His humility, taking the form of a servant and dying on a cross to bridge the gap between humanity and God, bringing hope and salvation.

Jesus, fully God and fully man, is our Savior. His name means "God the Saviour." Revelation 21:3-4 promises God will dwell with His people, wiping away tears and bringing eternal joy. His closeness is an enduring expression of love.

His arrival changed history. John 1:14 declares the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God's glory. Jesus offers peace, joy, and salvation, freeing us from sin and giving new life. Many feel unworthy of His love, but Hebrews 7:25 assures us He can save completely those who come to Him.

Jesus’ presence transforms lives daily. He isn't confined to history but is present every day, offering grace and redemption. Luke 15 shows His love for sinners, reaching out to the rejected and lost. Mark 12:37 reminds us that common people heard Him gladly. His love is universal, welcoming all who come to Him.

Ephesians 3:17 explains Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. His presence isn’t limited to buildings or special moments but is with us in every circumstance. Whether joyful or hurting, Jesus is near, offering comfort and hope.

God’s presence is for our benefit and to share His love with others. As the body of Christ, we bring His presence to the world. Matthew 18:20 assures us that where two or three gather in His name, He is there. His constant presence, 24/7, is a profound comfort and call to action. Knowing God is always with us should shape how we live and act.

In fellowship, His presence is evident, but He is with us everywhere—at work, home, or school. His presence empowers us to reach the broken and needy. Through us, God extends His healing and salvation. We are His hands and feet, called to point others to the Savior.

The church continues God’s mission. As in Acts, our lives reflect the ongoing "Acts of the Holy Spirit." God calls us to reach the lost, introducing them to Christ, the source of hope and salvation. The greatest gift we can offer is the gospel.

God has created us for good works and calls us to walk in them. The church should be a welcoming family focused on people and the gospel. God's presence, a recurring scriptural theme, is our comfort and strength, as seen in Exodus 33:14: “My presence shall go with thee.”

Jesus transformed lives by healing the sick, welcoming sinners, and giving hope to the broken-hearted. He calls sinners to repentance and restoration. Even in hardship, God is with us. Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2 assure us of His sustaining presence, even in overwhelming times.

The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, abides with us forever (John 14:17). Psalm 16:11 declares, “In thy presence is fullness of joy.” Jesus invites, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He offers rest to all who come to Him.

God’s invitation is open to everyone. No matter your past, John 6:37 promises, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” His presence comforts us in pain and wipes away every tear.

God dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Worship deepens our awareness of Him. Have you trusted Christ for salvation? Surrender to Him and experience the joy of His presence. God is with us—Emmanuel.