Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church

This is the eighth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Work”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:17-4:1.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the seventh sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Sexual”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Matthew 19:1-12.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays(00:00) - Introduction (00:54) - Life in a sex-saturated society is a challenge for us all (06:10) - The Bible tells a story about how to enjoy sex (17:05) - How to care for those with same sex attraction (35:32) - Conclusion and Prayer

This is the sixth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Relational”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Rhys Bezzant. Bible Reading: Mark 10:29-31.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fifth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Communal”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fourth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Emotional”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Psalm 42.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the third sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Rational”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Mike Bird. Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-9.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the second sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Physical”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 2:4-9 & 1 Corinthians 15:12-26.Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the first sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Created”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Genesis 1:27-2:2; 3:1-12.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the third and final sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Go for Me”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the second sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Come to Me". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Matthew 11:25-30.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the first sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Follow Me”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18-22.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Confidence & Hope”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 1 John 5:1-21.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the seventh sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Serving”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the sixth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Belonging”. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 John 3:11-24.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fifth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Obedience & Sin”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:28-3:10.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fourth sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Truth & Lie”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:18-27.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This week we’re taking a break from our series on 1 John, while we look at Psalm 96 to align with the teaching from our FOCUS weekend. This sermon is "Worship, Witness, and Wait". Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: Psalm 96.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the third sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Kingdom & World”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:12-17.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the second sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Love & Hatred”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 2:3-11.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the first sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Light & Darkness”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fourth and final sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. This sermon is “So That You Might Believe”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 20:19-31.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays00:00 Introduction04:37 Peace that Lasts11:22 Proof for Belief20:35 Purpose with Power25:02 Prayer

This is the third sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 20:11-20.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the second sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 19:1-24; 28-42.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the first sermon in our exploration of the story of Easter. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Matthew 26:17-25; John 13:2-17; Matthew 26:26-29, 36-42.https://stbarts.com.au/Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fourteenth and final sermon in our series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “To the Ends of the Earth". Preacher: Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 28https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-the-lord-in-the-stormVisit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the thirteenth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Lord in the Storm". Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-32https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-the-lord-in-the-stormVisit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the twelfth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Hope and Trial". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-23https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-hope-and-trialVisit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the eleventh sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Gospel and Courage. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 22:1-22www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/acts-gospel-and-courageVisit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the tenth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Farewell to Ephesian Leaders". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 20:1-38http://www.stbarts.com.au/sermons/act...Visit our website at the link above to:📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials for this week🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources for this week#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the ninth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Paul in Ephesus". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 19📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the eighth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Mission to Macedonia". Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 16-18📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the seventh sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Jerusalem Council". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 15📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the sixth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Gospel for those who have no God". Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Acts 12:25-14:28📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

This is the fifth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “Strategy and Sovereignty". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 12:1-24📺 WATCH the Sermon🎧 LISTEN to the audio or read the transcript📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au#stbartstoowoomba #toowoomba #lifetogether #openonsundays #onlineonsundays

Acts 11:19-30. This is the fourth sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Church in Antioch".

This is the third sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Spirit and Baptism". Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Acts 11:1-18📺 WATCH the Sermon📖 DOWNLOAD Small Group Materials🧒 Access KIDS + YOUTH resources🤝 Connect in a GROUP in small numbers or virtuallyEverything is available at https://stbarts.com.au

Acts 10:24-48. This is the second sermon in our new series on Acts: The Gospel Goes Out. This sermon is “The Gospel and the Spirit”.

Acts 10:1-23. This is the first sermon in our new series on Acts. This sermon is “The Power of the Gospel”.

Luke 2:1-18. This is the sermon from Christmas 2022. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-18

Romans 5:12-19. This is the fourth sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “At the Right Time”.

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the third sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Fully Human Fully God”. Preacher: Bishop Cam Venables. Bible Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).Next Steps this WeekBIBLE READING: Hebrews 2:14-18Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.SMALL GROUP QUESTIONSDownload in PDF format.CONNECT: How could we grow in our service to others to be more like Jesus over advent? WARM-UP What do you think is the best thing about being human? What do you think is the most challenging?Do you think people find it more challenging to acknowledge Jesus as human or divine?Read Hebrews 2:14-16As you think through the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, how do we see his humanity?As you think through the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, how do we see his divinity?What does it mean to you to know that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine?What does the author mean by, “the children have flesh and blood”? Why was it necessary for Jesus to also share in our humanity?How did Jesus ‘help’ us (along with all of ‘Abraham’s descendants’)? How can that fill us with wonder?If Jesus is fully human, in what ways can he sympathise with us? How does that bring you comfort?How did Jesus suffer when he was tempted? How can Jesus help us when we are tempted? Practically, how can we better: (a) recognise that we need help in those situations; and (b) come to him?In your own devotional life, how does (or could) remembering Jesus’ humanity help shape your prayer?If Jesus is fully God, in what ways can he know and help us? How does that shape your life as worship?Who holds the power of death? How is it a form of slavery? How does Jesus break those bonds?Have you ever thought of yourself as a slave? If so, in what way? What does it mean to you to be free?Do you ever have a tendency to emphasise one aspect of Jesus’ nature over the other (i.e., you might tend to emphasise his humanity over his divinity, or his divinity over his humanity)? Why so?What can it look like to emphasise Jesus’ humanity over his divinity? How might that be a problem?What can it look like to emphasise Jesus’ divinity over his humanity? How might that be a problem?As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, how can you be reminded that Jesus is both fully human and fully God?APPLY: What is one way that your prayer life this week can reflect both Jesus’ humanity and divinity more richly?PRAYERGracious God, thank you that your Son became flesh—fully sharing in our humanity— in order to break the power of sin and death. Thank you that it is in Jesus we find the one who is perfectly able to sympathise with us and help us, especially in times of temptation. Please help us to see who Jesus is clearly and run to him. Amen.GOING DEEPEROn Your Frontline This Week: Ask someone what is the most challenging moment of Christmas?Listen, Watch, and Read:WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on AdventLISTEN: “The Suffering Son” by William TaylorLISTEN: “And was made Man” by John StottLISTEN: Handel’s MessiahSERIES Resources:Series Overview (PDF & Audiobook)Read: “The God who Became Human” by Graham ColeRead: “On the Incarnation” by AthanasiusRead: “What Christians Ought to Believe” by Michael BirdRead: “Is Christmas Unbelievable” by Rebecca McLaughlinWatch: “The Word Becomes Human” by the Bible ProjectWatch: “The Incarnation (Spoken Word)” by Humble WordListen: A Carols Playlist (curated by the St Bartʼs staff team)Grow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the second sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Begotten Not Made”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Philippians 2:1-11 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What is one practical way (this advent) that can help you to grow in the wonder of the incarnation? WARM-UP Think about the most humble person you know. Why do you think they were like this? What does our culture think about humility? Read Philippians 2:6-11 How does Paul describe what Christ has done for us in these verses? What was the nature of Jesus before he became human? How does this make the incarnation all the more wonderful? What did he do with his high position of being with God? How is this different from people in authority here on this earth? How did Jesus make himself nothing? In becoming human, how was this Jesus emptying himself? What did Jesus empty himself of? Why did Jesus have to become human? Why is it important that Jesus didnʼt become any less God or any less of a human? How is this of great comfort for you? In what ways has our God served us? How is this distinct from other human religions? If you were to ask your friends who donʼt know Jesus yet what they thought Christianity was all about, what do you think they would say? Does this align with the picture we see here? How could you let them know of the reality of what Jesus has done for us? Read Philippians 2:1-5 What would make Paulʼs joy complete? Why do you think that this should be a high priority and hope for the church? In what ways might we be tempted to do things for our own praise or our own selfish ambition? As we interact with others, what should be the lens through which we think of serving them?APPLY: How could we grow in our service to others to be more like Jesus over advent? PRAYER Lord God, thank you for the awesomeness of the incarnation, that Jesus would step down from his high position to become human and serve us. Help us in our interactions with others to be like him. Amen GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Ask someone what is their favourite moment of Christmas. Listen, Watch, and Read: WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on AdventLISTEN: “Worthy of the Gospel” by Simon ManchesterLISTEN: “Adopt Jesusʼ Death as the Test of Your Outlook” by Don CarsonLISTEN: “Humility” by John StottLISTEN: “Imitating the Incarnation” by Tim KellerBORROW & READ: “Knowing God” by J.I. PackerSERIES Resources:Series Overview (PDF & Audiobook)Read: “The God who Became Human” by Graham ColeRead: “On the Incarnation” by AthanasiusRead: “What Christians Ought to Believe” by Michael BirdRead: “Is Christmas Unbelievable” by Rebecca McLaughlinWatch: “The Word Becomes Human” by the Bible ProjectWatch: “The Incarnation (Spoken Word)” by Humble WordListen: A Carols Playlist (curated by the St Bartʼs staff team)Grow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the first sermon in our Advent series on the Incarnation. This sermon is “Word Made Flesh”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: John 1:1-14DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord? WARM-UP When was the last time that you experienced a sense of ʻwonderʼ? What is at the heart of wonder? What is the ʻincarnationʼ? How is verse John 1:14 a brilliant summary of this event and good news? Read John 1:1-5 What are the opening words in Johnʼs Gospel? What do they remind you of? Who is the Word? What is the Word like? When did the Word begin? What are the ways in which John points to the Sonʼs eternal nature? How is he uniquely qualified to bring us life? What is the darkness? How have you experienced that? How is Godʼs light greater than the darkness? Read John 1:6-14 How human did the Son become? What evidence do we have that the Son was not merely masquerading as a human, but truly human? Do you think people struggle more with Jesusʼ humanity or divinity? Why do you think that is the case? Do you ever emphasise Jesusʼ humanity over his divinity (or vice versa)? What could be the effect? How is God becoming human a big ʻYESʼ to our humanity and physical world? What does John mean by the Word making his dwelling among us? How is it related to the tabernacle? What are the implications of Jesus dwelling with us? What significance does that have for you? What are the ways that people try to “find God”? How is it through Jesus that we can meet with God? Re-Read verse 12. What is the status we can receive from Jesus? How do we become ʻchildren of Godʼ? What are the types of filters that prevent or inhibit us from seeing who Jesus is fully? Do you have any filters that particularly are a struggle for you? What could help you this year to let the wonder of the incarnation interrupt your life more? APPLY: What is one practical way (this advent) that can help you to grow in the wonder of the incarnation? PRAYER Gracious God, thank you for the tremendous news that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Help us to grow in our wonder of this truth, that Jesus may take a bigger grip on our lives. Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Who are you going to invite to CAROLS? Of all events in the year - this is the simplest invite! Maybe you could invite a neighbour, family friend, colleague or someone youʼve just met. Listen, Watch, and Read: WATCH: Seminary Now: Talks on AdventLISTEN: Word Became Flesh by Stephen NicholsLISTEN: Carols Service Talk by William TaylorLISTEN: In the Beginning by Tim KellerSERIES Resources:Series Overview (PDF & Audiobook)Read: “The God who Became Human” by Graham ColeRead: “On the Incarnation” by AthanasiusRead: “What Christians Ought to Believe” by Michael BirdRead: “Is Christmas Unbelievable” by Rebecca McLaughlinWatch: “The Word Becomes Human” by the Bible ProjectWatch: “The Incarnation (Spoken Word)” by Humble WordListen: A Carols Playlist (curated by the St Bartʼs staff team)Grow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the seventh and final sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Prepare the Way of the Lord”. Preacher: The Rev’d Daniel Rouhead. Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-31DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 40:1-31 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to herthat her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.A voice of one calling:‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’A voice says, ‘Cry out.’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures for ever.’You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout,lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm.See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counsellor?Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way?Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it.A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot;they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.Do you not know? Have you not heard?Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers.He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground,than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One.Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these?He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel,‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’?Do you not know? Have you not heard?The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord? WARM-UP In times of distress or uncertainty, what brings you comfort? Read Isaiah 40:3-8 Why would the words of Isaiah be words of “comfort” for the people of ancient Israel/Judah? How are these words different from the message of Isaiah 1-39? What has changed? How do you seek the Lordʼs comfort in times of need? What do these verses say about the barriers that exist between the Israelites and God (and between us and God)? How did they (and how do we) prepare a way for the Lord? What habits help you to maintain a clear

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the sixth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “In Whom Shall We Trust?”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 36-39DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 36:5-19 You say you have counsel and might for war – but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. But if you say to me, ‘We are depending on the Lord our God’– isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’?‘“Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses – if you can put riders on them! How then can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this land without the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.”’Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.’But the commander replied, ‘Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall – who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?’Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, ‘Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! This is what the king says: do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, “The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”‘Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig-tree and drink water from your own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own – a land of corn and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.‘Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, “The Lord will deliver us.” Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: Consider one area of your life where there is conflict. How will Jesusʼ present and future reign resolve it? How can that future impinge on that conflict today? WARM-UP Have you had a situation in which you really had to trust someone because things were out of your control? How did that make you feel? What are the things (or people) that most compete for our trust and allegiance today? How big of a challenge do you think this is for Christians? Read Isaiah 36:1-12 At the beginning of chapter 36, how bad is the situation for Godʼs people? What has happened already? What were the three possible grounds for Hezekiahʼs confidence to defeat the enemy? Were any of these things a good basis to be confident? Why or why not? How did the enemy seek to systematically erode that confidence—particularly his trust in the Lord? Do you think the enemy still uses similar tactics today to erode our confidence in the Lord? Have you ever experienced or witnessed the pattern of dissatisfaction—doubt—driing play out? Do you think ʻdefectingʼ or ʻdriingʼ from God usually happens dramatically or incrementally? What do you think are the warning signs of slowly driing away from the Lord? Read Isaiah 37:14-20; 36-38 How does Hezekiah respond to the imminent threat and attempt to erode his trust in the Lord? What is the content of Hezekiahʼs prayer mostly concerned with? Why is this helpful? What helps you personally to bring your doubts to God as an expression of dependence on him? Did Hezekiah have cause to doubt Godʼs character or promise? Why or why not? Do we? Why can we be confident that Jesus is worthy of our trust and a solid basis for confidence? How can we demonstrate that trust day-to-day? When do you find it most easy or hard? What does God ultimately do with the Assyrians? If the Babylonians were going to conquer Jerusalem anyway, how would this victory help those in exile stand firm in the promises of God? APPLY: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord? PRAYER Gracious Father, thank you that because of Jesus that we can have every confidence that you will indeed bring your promises to completion. Please help us to be quick to come to you and trust in your faithfulness. Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Who are you go

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the fifth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Spirit of the Lord”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Readings: Isaiah 11DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord –and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash round his waist.The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious. In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel;he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed;Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile towards Ephraim.They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people to the east.They will subdue Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea;with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the River Euphrates.He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals.There will be a highway for the remnant of his people that is left from Assyria,as there was for Israel when they came up from Egypt. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: Where can we most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of? WARM-UP Who is the best leader you have followed? What characteristics made them a good leader? Read Isaiah 11:1-9 Why are we only looking at a stump? Who has cut down Israel to only leave a stump? Who is ʻthe shootʼ and ʻBranchʼ related to? Why is that significant? (See 1 Chronicles 17:11-14) Who equips the King? What does the Spirit of the Lord equip the King with? How does this compare with leaders you know? What is one area of injustice in the world or in your own life that you struggle with at the moment? What type of justice would you like to see happen? How does Godʼs King respond to injustice? How is he able to bring ultimate justice? How do we see this in Jesus? Which predators are listed in verses 6-8? How do they relate to other animals and children? What does this tell us about the place and extent of peace? Are there areas of your frontlines (or maybe on the frontlines of others) where there is an absence of peace (i.e., worry, conflict, anxiety)? How does the reign of Godʼs King which brings peace transform how you approach conflict now? Can we separate comprehensive peace from knowledge of the Lord? Why/why not? What is surprising about this vision of new creation? What do you most look forward to? Read Isaiah 11:10-16 What will be peopleʼs response to the Root of Jesse ʻin that dayʼ? When is that day? Who is he? From where will people come to gather? Who on your frontline is from a different nation/culture? Who will remove every barrier and obstacle that might prevent people from gathering to Jesus? How does God remove barriers today? How are we used by God for this purpose? How is the present and coming reign of Godʼs King good news for you and those on your frontline? APPLY: Consider one area of your life where there is conflict. How will Jesusʼ present and future reign resolve it? How can that future impinge on that conflict today? PRAYER Gracious Father, thank you that you sent us your King unlike any other - who will bring everlasting justice and peace. As we await Jesusʼ return, please help us to be faithful witnesses of your reign. Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: If so

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the fourth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “A Great Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 9:1-7 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan –The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.) WARM-UP Have you ever been in a situation where you have experienced complete literal darkness? Why was Israel destined for darkness and judgement? Why would their loving Lord punish them? Read Isaiah 9:1-5 What towns are described as being humbled? How did this happen in practice? How will God eventually honour these towns? (See Matthew 4:12-17) What is the tense of these verses? Why is this significant? How can we be certain of Godʼs promises? Why is the light such good news for Israel? Whatʼs going to come before the coming of the light? What is the source of the peopleʼs joy? What are some of the things that we try and seek joy or satisfaction in? Who should be the ultimate source of our joy? Where do we experience/see darkness in our lives? How will God ultimately shine his light in these situations? How could we, practically, be pointers to the light in the meantime? What is so significant about the defeat in Midian? Why would God tell Gideon to make the army smaller? How does this principle apply to the following verses in Isaiah? Why will there be no more need for soldierʼs shoes? When will all of these promises of freedom and peace come in their fullness? How have we experienced the rescue and victory of the Lord? Do we ever doubt that Jesus has rescued us or that we get to experience this? What can keep us from doubting this? Read Isaiah 9:6-7 What was Godʼs plan for the ultimate rescue of his people? What do we learn about the son in these verses? What will he be like? How do we get to be a part of the Kingdom of God? What is this kingdom like? How long will it last?How can we live our lives now in the knowledge and anticipation of the final coming of our king? APPLY: Where can most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of? PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given us the light of life and the glorious king in Jesus, who came and died and rose for us. Keep us from living for our own glory, but instead help live as your people. Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else! Listen, Watch, and Read: Listen: “Waiting but not In Vain” by Paul ClarkeListen: “Who?” by Rico TiceListen: “Light in Darkness” by Alistair BeggListen: “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by Kings College, CambridgeSERIES Resources:Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The MessiahWatch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah OverviewLearn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John GoldingayAdvanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex MotyerAdvanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington IIIGrow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the third sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Your Guilt is Taken Away”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 6:1-13DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 6:1-13 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’He said, ‘Go and tell this people:‘“Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts,and turn and be healed.’Then I said, ‘For how long, Lord?’And he answered:‘Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant,until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged,until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste.But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.’ SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises? WARM-UP What are the most common ways in which our culture teaches us to discover our true self? How has knowing God helped you to have a clearer understanding of yourself? Read Isaiah 6:1-7 Who was King Uzziah? How does he compare to the Lord? Why might Isaiah be making this contrast? How does Isaiah describe the throne room of God? How do the various aspects reflect Godʼs character? What is the refrain of the seraphim? What does ʻholyʼ mean and what is the significance of the repetition? How does Isaiah respond to the glory of God? Why was Isaiah afraid at the sight of the Lord? Should we be afraid of the presence of the Lord? Why or why not? Do we ever have a tendency to underestimate the height of Godʼs glory and/or the depth of our sin? What helps you to have and delight in a right view of self and God? What are seraphim? What is the significance of the coal from the altar? How is this a provision of God? How has God taken away our guilt through Jesus? How have we been made holy? How do you know the presence of God and how have you experienced his grace? Read Isaiah 6:8-13 How keen is Isaiah to respond to Godʼs call? Why was he not enthralled with the task? What task was God sending Isaiah to do? Have you ever felt reluctant to respond to Godʼs call? Do you think that God was being unfair in what needed to be proclaimed? Why or why not? Has following the call of Jesus ever involved you rearranging any aspects of your life? Are there any parts of your life that you feel reluctant to reorientate in service of the Lord? Whilst a message of judgement, how is the promise of a ʻholy seedʼ a sign of hope? APPLY: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.) PRAYER Heavenly Father, please help us to grow our understanding of your holiness, deepen our experience of your grace, and grow in our commitment to serving you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else! Listen, Watch, and Read: Listen: “The Transforming Vision” by David JackmanListen: “To a people in darkness” by Rico TiceListen: “Cleansed and Commissioned” by Nigel Beynon Watch: “Can Judgement by Hopeful” by N T WrightListen: (PAID) “The Kingdom and its King” by Rory ShinerSERIES Resources:Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The MessiahWatch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah OverviewLearn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-cent

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the second sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Glorious Branch”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 4:2-6 In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding-place from the storm and rain. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week? WARM-UP What is the largest tree that you have seen felled? How was Israel to be cut down? Why might have Israel doubted that God was working out his purposes? Does anything ever cause you to wonder (or doubt) if God is working out his purposes? What can give us confidence that God is working out his purposes and will bring them to fulfilment? Read Isaiah 4:2-6 Where in Isaiah has the phrase “in that day” (or something similar) been used already? What does Isaiah actually mean by “in that day”? How is Isaiah like a tale of two cities? How would you describe these two cities? Up to this point in Isaiah, how has the prophet pointed to impending judgement and future restoration? What is the “Branch of the Lord”? What makes them the branch? What was Godʼs purpose for them? How is the Branch of the Lord connected to the land? What will the land be like? (Especially consider how this contrasts to some of the present descriptors of the land.) Read John 15:1-8. Whilst the Branch here is not likely a specific reference to the Messiah, how have Christians been graed into Godʼs people through Jesus the vine? What would the people “who remain” be called? What is meant by this? Whilst verse 4 may sound specific to women, how can we be sure this applies to both men and women? How would those who were saved become holy? How can we be made holy? How does God use judgement as part of the working out of his purposes? What hope do we have? What is the secure future that those graed into the Lord can be certain of? What are the parallels with the Exodus that are being drawn here? How do we enjoy the Lordʼs presence, provision, and protection today? How will we know and experience this in a complete way in the future? APPLY: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises? PRAYER Gracious God, we thank you that you are indeed working out your purposes and will bring them to fulfilment when the Lord Jesus returns. Please help us to be honest with our struggles and to grow in our trust in you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Where might you have new or existing opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion? If youʼre not sure, start by focusing on a time: what opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion at 10am? Listen, Watch, and Read: Listen: “The Storm and the Refuge” by William TaylorListen: “Isaiah 1-5” by Gary MillarRead (Academic Article): “A Christian Approach to Old Testament Prophecy Concerning Israel” by Christ WrightRead: “The Fifth Gospel: Why Isaiah Matters” by N T WrightListen: “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” by CitizenSERIES Resources:Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/isaiah Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview. https://bit.ly/3VdYQSa Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah. https://certificate.ridley.edu.au/courses/isaiah (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre )Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3eaJbTn Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex MotyerAdvanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington IIIGrow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the frist sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Rebellious Children”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: !saiah 1:1-20DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READINGS Isaiah 1:1-20The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege. Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What is one way that you can pour out God’s love with the most vulnerable on your frontlines?WARM-UP What would people who aren’t Christians think about the type of condemnation and words that we see in Isaiah chapter 1?What type of genre is Isaiah? What was the context that he was writing in?Read Isaiah 1:1-15Why does Isaiah call on the earth and the heavens to listen to the Lord? What type of message does God have for his people?Throughout Israel’s history, how has God provided for them and looked after them? What was their response to God’s love?How did Israel’s rebellion against God present itself? What were the repercussions for this?Do we ever rebel against God? In what ways can our forsaking of God present itself in our lives? Are we ever at risk of making light of sin? What is God’s response to this rebellion and sin? What was God’s response to the various acts of worship in Israel? Why was this so? How were they mistreating God? If God prescribed this sort of worship in the Law, why then is Israel’s worship deemed repulsive?If God doesn’t want this sort of religion, what does God desire of his people? How is this good news? In what ways are we free to live with and for him?Are we ever tempted to fall into doing stuff for God rather than being in relationship with him? What could help us reframe our thinking?Read Isaiah 1:16-20Why is it good news that God invites his people to ‘settle the matter’ with him? How does God ultimately make a way for that to be permanently possible? What is the alternative?How can we be completely confident that our sins have been completely done away with? What could help you grow in your awe of God’s compassion, grace, and mercy for us? APPLY: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week? PRAYER Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times when we have rebelled against you and mistreated you. Tha