Isaiah 9:4-7 – The increase of his peace

It is harder still to understand the promise that Jesus' peace is increasing, as we don't seem to see it.  How does faith make sense of this?  (Erik Pattison, 10 January 2021)

Isaiah 9:7 and Matthew 13 – The increase of his government

Isaiah promises that the Messiah's kingdom will expand. Some people say this must be in the future as they cannot see it now.  But the parables of the Kingdom in Matthew chapter 13 give us Jesus' explanation of how his kingdom works now.  (Erik Pattison, 3 January 2021. Recorded in church, with additional remarks at the end from our online meeting)

Isaiah 9:1-7 – The zeal of the Lord

"To us a son is given… The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this."  God has a passion to achieve all that he wills.  (Erik Pattison, 27 December 2020. This recording includes the longer version of the talk given in church, and the Q&A from our online meeting.)

Matthew chapters 1 & 2 – Joseph, man of decision

Joseph is the forgotten hero of the Christmas story.  (Erik Pattison, 20 December 2020)

This talk mentions a song which we had listened to beforehand. This was Tim McGraw's song "It Wasn't His Child" (click for YouTube link).

1 John 2:3-14 – Made complete in love

John is offering powerful reassurance to people living through chaotic times.  John tells believers in Jesus that they have enough to save them now, and for all eternity.  (Erik Pattison, 6 December 2020.  Includes a long Q&A.  Please forgive the noises caught on the recording.)

1 John 1:5–2:8 – Atonement for the sins of the world

As we understand that people must repent and trust in Jesus, what does it mean that he is the atonement "for the sins of the whole world"?  (Erik Pattison, 29 November 2020.  Includes a long Q&A at the end)

1 John chapter 1 – Knowing God in confusing times

These are confusing times, but God may use such times to make us more clear about what really matters.  (Erik Pattison, 22 November 2020. Please excuse the lower sound quality.)