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, 07 June 2020
The story of the Gospel of going to the ends of the earth is one that is full of people who ventured into unchartered territory. We all set boundaries and put limits on ourselves - and yet, we all have the capacity to step out of our own self-imposed comfort zones. The ends of the earth are less about geography in our 21st century globalised world. The different ways that we might consider going to the ends of the earth in our mission to take the Gospel of Jesus to places that haven’t heard about it could include, across the street, across the cultural divide, across the table, across the hard places or across the globe. Where are your ends of the earth?
Sunday, 31 May 2020
In order to communicate to others, we have to connect with them. We do this by looking, listening and connecting things in a way they will understand. If we are going to share the Good News of Jesus anywhere and with anyone, we may have to face the challenge of crossing the cultural divide. To do this it may mean understanding the culture, going to them, be willing to walk away from what everyone else thinks matters or talk about Jesus and the Gospel “as you go”.
Sunday, 24 May 2020
Duration: 27 mins 21 secs
All forms of translation are challenging tasks and there is a requirement to move beyond simply the transfer of information. Translation is about the transfer of meaning and understanding, not just words and phrases. We can be thankful to the many people who have made the effort to translate the Bible into many languages so that it is available to read for all. The Bible, in and of itself, has the power to transform individuals, communities and countries. As Christians today we need to have faith in the transformative power of the Bible and make it a priority to read it daily.
Sunday, 17 May 2020
Duration: 29 mins 30 secs
Why did the apostles keep on rejoicing and preaching? They persevered because they remembered three things: 1. What Jesus taught, 2. The values Jesus lived, and 3. How Jesus won their freedom. When we find ourselves faced with opposition and challenge because of the Gospel, we actually find ourselves with the opportunity to develop something crucial… faith. Is there someone or somewhere that you need to take the message of Jesus - despite the opposition that might face you?
Sunday, 10 May 2020
Duration: 26 mins 12 secs
Principles evidenced by the early church included the validity of Jesus where ten of His disciples went to their death for Him. The message of Jesus resonated with people. At the time, many people were slaves but Paul says there no more slaves, all are one in Christ Jesus. We have new identities in Christ and are new creations. Do you have a new identity in Christ?
Sunday, 03 May 2020
Christianity is not religious, moral or philosophical advice, but good news as witnessed Jesus' disciples. The apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit as are we. They were uneducated, ordinary men but they spoke with authority and confidence, because they had been with Jesus. You don't need an education to tell others about what you have experienced with Jesus in your life. We can witness to others through the power of the Holy Spirit in order further God's kingdom.
Sunday, 26 April 2020
Duration: 22 mins 44 secs
In this passage we see the doubts of Thomas expressed, which Jesus is not perturbed by. We can learn from Thomas' story as he makes one of clearest and boldest statements of faith - he overcomes his doubts and believes. Jesus wants us to move from doubt to faith. Whatever stumbling block is in our way, Jesus has conquered it. Blessed are those who believe without seeing.
Sunday, 22 March 2020
Duration: 21 mins 44 secs
The world knows with the COVID-19 pandemic that we are living in unprecedented times. Jesus on earth knew the events about to unfold were unprecedented times. In this passage, Jesus is arrested and we see the rebellion against the will of God in trying to save an earthly kingdom. God was in control back then and is in control of all that is happening around us today. Trust yourself to Him.
Sunday, 15 March 2020
Duration: 34 mins 59 secs
The last words of Jesus to His disciples in the upper room are words of a prayer. In this prayer, He prays for God to be glorified through His finished work, that the disciples would know His protection and His sanctifying work in their lives and that all Christians would have a unity in this world that is a reflection of the unity that He has with God.
Sunday, 08 March 2020
Duration: 22 mins 49 secs
As Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for His departure, He promises them that He will not leave them alone but send them a helper, the Holy Spirit. In this passage, we see how the Spirit is; our advocate, is truth, will testify about Jesus, guides us, speaks the words of Jesus and glorifies God. How well do we know the Spirit that Jesus has given to us?
