Today we are looking at Galatians chapter 3, exploring the impact of the Gospel and how it transcends mere adherence to law. Pastor Colin delves into the age-old struggle between feeling burdened by the law versus embracing the freedom and life granted through Christ. As we navigate this discussion, we’re reminded of the essential truth that the Go…

"She went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in law had commanded her." Ruth 3:2, 3:7, 3:9, 2:12, 3:11 After the winnowing was done, one of the farm workers would spend the night on the threshing floor to guard the grain. Naomi knew that Boaz would be guarding the grain that night (3:2). And when Ruth went to the threshing floor…

Today, we're looking at truths found in the Book of Galatians. We'll explore why living by laws or our own efforts can never impart life or righteousness. Discover how the gospel is not simply forgiveness plus the law, but rather forgiveness plus life—the life of Christ within us through the Holy Spirit. Pastor Colin helps us grasp the liberating d…

“Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor… When he lies down… go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” Ruth 3:2-4 Ruth 3:2-4 Naomi tells her daughter-in-law to make herself as attractive as possible, to sneak up on a man in the middle of the night, and to lie down at…

In today's discussion, Pastor Colin explores the topic of grace and its transformative power in our lives. As we dive into Galatians chapter two, we confront the challenging concept of righteousness and what it truly means to be justified not by law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the broadcast, Pastor Colin emphasises the crucial gospel …

My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Ruth 3:1 Naomi was an older woman. Ruth had made an extraordinary commitment to care for her, but what would happen when Naomi was gone? Naomi gives us a marvellous example of love. Love appreciates what others have done and seeks to do good for them. “Should I not seek rest…

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 The story of Ruth is a marvellous story of hope. If you are feeling hopeless today, what should you do? Do what you can. Ruth took responsibility, and she used the strength God had given her. She also took the initiative to go out into the fiel…

When [Ruth] rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16 Ruth had been following the reapers and picking up the scraps. But after the meal, the reapers started d…

Join us as we delve into Galatians chapter 2, exploring the early church challenges in maintaining the purity of the gospel. We'll uncover how Christian unity requires embracing the gospel of grace rather than imposing cultural distinctives. Pastor Colin emphasises that the gospel is truly for the world—rooted in grace and offering life. Listen as …

At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. Ruth 2:14 The whole Bible is one story that consistently points to our Lord Jesus Christ, and Boaz points us very clearly to…

Today, we explore how the Gospel addresses the planet's biggest issue—being on the wrong side of God. While life's challenges might seem overwhelming, Pastor Colin reminds us that the ultimate question is our relationship with God and the eternal implications of being estranged from Him. Join us as we delve into Galatians Chapter One, uncovering th…

The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge! Ruth 2:12 Boaz had heard about Ruth’s loving commitment to her mother-in-law. He is deeply impressed, and he wants her kindness to be rewarded. Boaz extends himself in showing kindness to Ruth, an…

In today's broadcast, we're embarking on an exciting new series called "Grasping the Gospel." Join Pastor Colin as he explores the heart of what it means to live a life of faith, just as Paul did, by trusting the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. We'll be diving into the book of Galatians, discovering how the Gospel isn't just about …

She… went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. Ruth 2:3 It seems that this all happened by chance. Ruth did not know the field belonged to an eligible member of her husband’s family. But we do! Boaz is a marvellous example of a good employe…

Today, we uncover the wisdom of giving up personal agendas to embrace a life centred around Jesus Christ. In today’s discussion drawn from 1 Corinthians 2, Pastor Colin delves into the concept of God’s secret wisdom and how it contrasts with the world's approach to life. Through inspiring personal testimonies and scriptural insights, learn how plac…

Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Ruth 2:1 Now we are introduced to the third main character in the story. The fact that Boaz belonged to Naomi’s family is mentioned twice (2:1, 3). We are being let in on a secret: There is another relative. He is “a worthy man” of good character …

In today's message, "You Are Wise," part of the "Be Yourself" series, we dive into the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Join us as Pastor Colin explores how true wisdom comes from living in Christ, rather than just accumulating information. Through the metaphor of "whole grain" versus "white flour" gospel, Pastor Colin illustrates how cruci…

I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 26:12-13 Here are two more principles for growing in faith in the midst of sorrow. Remember that the LORD has made a covenant with you. “LORD” in four capital letters is the name used in relation to the covenant God made with His people. The LO…

The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me… The Almighty has brought calamity upon me… Ruth 1:20-21 How are we to overcome the waves of sorrow, the distortions of grief, and the bitterness that lurks at sorrow’s door? A beautiful strategy unfolds in Naomi’s example. Here is the first of three principles for growing in faith in times of loss: affi…

“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty.” Ruth 1:20-21 Here are two more truths we learn from how Naomi navigates her grief. Grief distorts. “I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty” (1:21). When Naomi left Bethlehem, she had a h…

In this episode, "The Myths of the Holy Ghost," we explore the profound truth that Christianity is about more than just witnessing the glory of Jesus—it's about sharing in that glory. Pastor Colin reminds us that as Christians, we are not just in the world but sent into it, with the glory of Christ manifest in us. This message offers encouragement …

The two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Ruth 1:19 Ten years had passed since Naomi left Bethlehem. Three bereavements had taken their toll and when she arrived home with Ruth, her friends barely recognised her. The first t…

In today's broadcast, we delve into the often elusive concept of holiness. Pastor Colin guides us through John chapter 17 and 1 Corinthians 1:30, helping unravel the mystery of what it truly means to be 'holy.' With relatable anecdotes and clear explanations, Colin explores the dual meanings of holiness as both a position in Christ and a process of…

Ruth said… “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth makes a marvellous commitment to Naomi, and we see three marks of this lov…

Today, we continue our series "Be Yourself," diving into the liberating truth that sin is no longer your master. Pastor Colin elaborates on how, as believers, we stand in a new position—free to engage in the battle against sin with the strength and support of the Holy Spirit. In this broadcast, we unravel the depth of our identity in Christ and wha…

They lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And [Naomi] said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods…” Ruth 1:14-15 Orpah is a sad example of temporary faith. Ruth and Orpah had come under the influence of Naomi, and there is good reason to believe that they ha…

This week, we're embarking on a powerful exploration of freedom in Christ, focusing on Romans Chapter 6. Pastor Colin sheds light on the profound truth that being in Christ fundamentally changes our relationship with sin. Once a master, sin now becomes an enemy we can resist. Using vivid illustrations and relatable examples, Pastor Colin guides us …

Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband! Ruth 1:8-9 The book of Ruth is a love story. As events unfold in these ordinary lives, we will see three distinguishing marks of genuine love. F…

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin tackles the feeling of self-doubt that many Christians experience when questioning their faith. He explores how understanding the truth of being clean in Christ can empower believers to overcome the voice of the accuser, Satan. Pastor Colin delves into 1 Corinthians, highlighting that our righteousness is in Chris…

The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!” Ruth 4:14 When you bring ordinary people and our extraordinary God together, you get a story of redemption. The words redeem, redeemer, and redemption occur 23 times in the 85 verses of the book of Ruth, so in or…

I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 12:2,3 Right from the start we need to understand that the lives, loves, and losses of these ordinary people are woven into God’s hidden plan to bring blessing to the world. This story is about Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. But the central character is God Himself. Everyt…

A man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. Ruth 1:1 Here we come to a question that will affect how we understand and apply this story. Some commentators castigate Elimelech and Naomi for moving to Moab. Should they have stayed in Bethlehem and trusted God to provide? God’s Word offers othe…

What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? Pastor Colin introduces our exciting new series, "Be Yourself," exploring the profound transformation that occurs when we embrace a new identity in Jesus. In today's message, "You Are Clean," we delve into understanding the biblical doctrine of conversion, and what being justified in Christ truly me…

There was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. Ruth 1:1 There was a famine… in the Promised Land! This was the land God gave to His people—a land flowing with milk and honey. And the famine was in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” The fields in the are…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land. Ruth 1:1 The book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible. It is a story about ordinary people, and it is a story about our extraordinary God. When you bring ordinary people and our extraordinary God together, what you get is a story of redemption. Many of the stori…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Hebrews 2:13 The gospel story won't be finished until the day Jesus stands in the presence of the Father and says these words. Jesus has come to us. Now we must come to Him. The Gospels are given so that you will know this Jesus to whom you must come. The disciples came to Him in Galilee. We come to Hi…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

“Go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16:7 Mark ends his Gospel with an invitation for the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. This invitation is for you, not to meet Christ in Galilee, but to come to Him by faith. Notice, there is something for you to do. Imagin…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

“He has risen.” Mark 16:6 Christian faith hangs not only on what God has done, but on God’s explanation of what He has done. If all we had at Christmas was the story of a baby born to a virgin, lying in a manger, we would never know who this child is, so God gives us the explanation: Jesus is the Son of God. If all we had on Good Friday was the sto…

“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Mark 16:6 Notice that it was an angel from heaven who tells the women that Jesus has risen. Mary did not go into the tomb, find it empty, and say to Salome. "Jesus must have risen from the dead.” That thought did not …

Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? Romans 6:1 If you’re asking this question, it means you’ve understood the gospel. In Romans 5, Paul explains what Jesus achieved on the cross. Then in Romans 6, he begins with this question. Once you’ve understood the gospel, this is the natural question. And the apostle Paul’s answer is: “No!” The f…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace. Isaiah 53:5 Jesus suffered under the judgement of God so that, in Him, you would be saved from God’s judgement. There’s a movie called Double Jeopardy, in which a man fakes his own death and then frames his wife for his mur…

bfbe2eb9-f5dc-4f82-ba20-8b1a9dba9737Colin Smith

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34 Here we come to the deepest suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will never be able to fully take in what this meant for Jesus. The Father delights in the Son, and the Son delights in the Father.…

And when the sixth hour [midday] had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Mark 15:33 At the birth of Jesus, we’re told that shepherds were watching their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9). When Jesus was born, there was light at midnight, but …

They crucified him. Mark 15:24 Why crucifixion? Why did Jesus die this way rather than another way? No one was crucified in the Old Testament. Among the Jews, capital punishment was by stoning. The Old Testament had one rite that helps us to understand the meaning of crucifixion: "If a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to …