Role: Pastor |
Hi my name is Phil Irvine and I’m the Pastor at Emu Plains Community Baptist Church. My family and I moved all the way from the Blue Mountains and to live in the community here in Emu Plains. Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” Sometimes we find that our lives are so full with things to do, but we don’t seem to be fulfilled. I enjoy running, spending time with my family, playing Xbox and a good coffee. But what fills my life is Jesus. If you are wanting your life full, the best it can be, why not check out Jesus and take him up on this promise?
Sunday, 01 March 2015
Duration: 33 mins 28 secs
What is church to you? Is it like a petrol station, where you come and get filled up and then move on; or is it like a movie theatre where you come to be etertained; or how about a chemist where to come to get fixed; or even a supermarket where there is a great service at a low price that offers the programs you want. We need to move away from this self-centred thinking. The bible paints the true picture of the church - a body of people with Christ as the head. Jesus chooses to work through us as a church. Every member of the church needs to be connected to the head (Jesus), but we also need to be connected to one another, encouraging and supporting each other. How are you connecting with the head and each other?
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Duration: 30 mins 53 secs
As Christians, whilst we face physical challenges in our life, the ongoing battle we face is in the spiritual realm. We are constantly in a spiritual battle, being led away from God by worldly influences. We cannot fight this battle without praying. We need to be in constant communion with God, not only in asking for His help and support, but by also praising Him in all the things that He has done and will do for us. Prayer is the power to victory. Paul also reminds us that we are to be ever watchful for other Christians and be in prayer for them. When we take the time to be in prayer to God, it is then that He can work in us, rather than trying to do everything in our own strength.
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Duration: 32 mins 59 secs
It doesn't matter who we are, one thing we all have in common is the amount of time each of us have each day. How do we make the most of this time? We focus on things eternal, not the temporary things of this world. There is a balance to be had, but when "time-wasters" become the priority in our life, then it is time for some changes. When our life is filled with God's Spirit we can't help but reflect to others the love God through our words and action. When we spend time in God's Word, the Bible, God can reveal, and allow us to understand, what His will is for us in our life and how we can serve Him. What are you doing in your life to serve God?
Sunday, 01 February 2015
Duration: 30 mins 38 secs
The purpose of the local church is not to exist but to grow as a church in Jesus Christ. God has given us all we need to have unity in the church and to grow in Christ. We all need to mature and get stronger as a church so that we can obtain unity in the faith and be equipped to encourage each other. Jesus is the foundation of our life. How are you connected to Jesus? Are you a participator or a spectator?
Sunday, 25 January 2015
As a Christian, unity is not an option for us. In this passage we see how God would want to work in the church. Unity does not just happen - it takes affort, sacrifice and submission to each other. Our actions should match what we believe. Being humble and gentle is having your strength under control. Unity requires us to show patience with each other. If we try for unity in our own strength we will fail. It is only through God's Spirit that allows us to obtain true unity. Living a life worthy of our calling, humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with each other in love. Which of these do you find the most difficult to apply in your life?
Sunday, 18 January 2015
Duration: 28 mins 12 secs
Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once separated from God and without hope, but now can have full access to God through Jesus Christ. The hostility that was present between Jew and Gentile has now been broken down because of Christ. As Christians, we too have have been given full access to God, we have become a part of a larger family and we have the Spirit of God dwelling within us. What a privilege this is! What does it mean for you to be a part of God' family?
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Duration: 38 mins 26 secs
It can be easy so say 'no' to God about the direction we should take in our life because we can't see how it might turn out for us. 'No' is an important word as it goes hand in hand with the word 'yes'. Sometimes we can't say 'yes' to do one thing without saying 'no' to something else. In using our abilities for God we need to recognise that God already owns everything we have, He gives us abilities to use for Him and we are to use those abilities. What keeps you from using your God given abilities for Him? Will you say 'yes' or 'no' to Him?
Sunday, 04 January 2015
Duration: 26 mins 15 secs
Paul has been accused of deception because of his change in plans of not returning to Corinth. For us to make plans with a clear conscience we need to, (1) be serious about the will of God; (2) glorify Jesus so that our witness and walk go together; (3) be on good terms with God's Spirit by being authentic servants of His call. If in our planning we live to please people there will be misunderstandings that will be difficult to resolve, but if in our planning we live to please God, we will be enabled to handle any misunderstandings. Whatever issues or conflicts we experience on our journey with other Christians, we know that we can all rejoice together at Jesus' return.
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Duration: 28 mins 52 secs
We live in a sinful world, but there is hope in Jesus. He is the Light of the world in which darkness will not overcome. To meet our physical needs we require light, air, water and food which is provided by God. Jesus is the way in which we can meet our spiritual needs. He the the Light, the Breath of Life, the Living Water and the Bread of Life. Satan tries to keep us in the dark and it can be easy to feel, as we look at the world as it is today, that darkness has the upper hand - but this is not the case. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Is the Light of Jesus a part of your life?
Sunday, 07 December 2014
Duration: 27 mins 54 secs
John first identifies Jesus as the eternal God, the Word of God, then the Light of this world, the Son of God, The Lamb of God, the Messiah, the King and the Son of Man. Jesus says He reveals the Father to us. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is the last word of God, the climax of God's relevation to us. Jesus took on humanity and can identify with us from birth, through life and to death. The Old Testament law was a fading glory, but Jesus' glory is eternally bright. Christmas is an opportunity for us to speak the truth about Jesus and to contemplate what He has done for us.
