https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist The newest sermons from Coro Baptist Church on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Coro Baptist Church http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/corobaptist.1742115725.jpg https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:20:38 +0000 30 Ray Bell no The newest sermons from Coro Baptist Church on SermonAudio. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41226626205932 Imagine that you have just received a text message from your closest friend who lives in a distant country. In the message, they write "Great News! I am planning to travel to Australia to stay with you. I will arrive soon. PS. I cannot be contacted until I see you face to face". Great news indeed! You immediately set your mind to the tasks required to prepare for their arrival. Shampoo the carpet, vacuum the curtains, buy new (living) indoor plants, stock the pantry with Vegemite, etc. At some point, as you write your preparatory list, you ask yourself one very helpful piece of information. Can you guess what it is? When did they say they were going to arrive? What day? What hour? Without this knowledge, your task of preparation must change. But into what? The Church in Thessalonica hope in the return of Christ. It is something that has kept them afloat during the storm of persecution they have weathered. But they have questions and worries. The first question was addressed last week: "What happens to believers who die before Christ returns?" The second question is… "Will we be prepared for the day of the Lord?" This question becomes especially important when Paul's first words say that we will not know what day or hour the Lord will return. Join us on Sunday morning to find out how Paul instructs the Thessalonian Church, and us, as we wait for the glorious day of our Lord's return. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41226626205932 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:38:32 no Nat Mills - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/4426619461256 In a letter full of encouragement, Paul now seeks to encourage the Thessalonian believers by applying the truth of Jesus' death, resurrection and return to one of the more trying of experiences for believers; grieving the loss of a beloved sister or brother in the Lord. He wants them to know that all believers will be raised up to be forever with the Lord, whether they have died ('fallen asleep') before his return or not. Those believers who have died before Christ's return will not miss out! Grief with this hope is very different to grief without hope. The hope that Paul is referring to is all the more wonderful because it is firmly based, not on sentimentality or wishful thinking, but in what Jesus has already done for us in dying and rising again. How fitting that we look again at the sure basis of this hope on Easter Sunday. In receiving this word of encouragement to the Thessalonians for ourselves, let our prayer be that our crucified and risen Lord Jesus so grips our hearts that even in times of bereavement we are full of thanksgiving for the hope we have in him of one day all being together with him forever. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/4426619461256 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Wayne Lines 0:47:31 no Wayne Lines - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/4326874642 As we approach Good Friday, I want us to work out our salvation, as Paul says, with fear and trembling, by asking the question found in the title of the message. "In Whom Do I Trust?" In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus encounters some people who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous". Encountering this, Jesus tells a parable about two men, a Pharisee and a Tax Collector, who go into the temple to pray. The first is more righteous than all others, but it is the second, a sinner, who receives justification. The difference is a matter of whom they place their trust. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/4326874642 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:33:20 no Nat Mills https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/32926459344918 The passage before us on Sunday is all about love. Paul, for three chapters, had spoken of what had happened during his brief stay with the Thessalonians. He's talked about how much love they had for him and each other. Knowing God chose them, they continued to show great care and hospitality to one another and broadly to all believers throughout Greece. Paul was desperate, like a loving parent, to see and encourage them so that he could help them in areas where they lacked understanding and address any concerns they may have. What mercy God has shown to call them out of their pagan worship, setting them apart for His glory. Paul urges them to continue in the teaching he freely shared while he was with them; that God's will for them (and us) is that they would be holy. He has made us holy in Christ, given us the Holy Spirit, so that we, who have been sanctified, are in Christ, and we continue to learn who we are in Him. As those in Christ, we do not live like the unbelievers in lustful passion, but we are to love and continue in love. But how? It is through the loving grace of the Father and His enabling of us in the command to love one another. We don't love one another to remain holy; we are holy because of Jesus, and we trust the Father's provision of love for one another. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/32926459344918 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Bob Ricks 0:38:57 no Bob Ricks - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3202651125430 Looking for some direction in life? Or maybe some affection? Or perhaps you are struggling to live a holy life? Paul's prayer at the end of 1 Thessalonians 3 teaches us where it is we will find the help we are looking for – God! This is the will of God for you, your sanctification! But be assured, he doesn't leave us to our own devices to reach any great heights of holiness. Instead, he has reached down to us in his Son and made us his own holy and beloved children. And so, even as we are instructed how to walk and to please God, like Paul we can pray with confidence that "he may establish our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints." https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3202651125430 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:10 no Ray Bell - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/31526554563156 In a world where it is easy to be cynical about the shady motives of some Christian leaders and preachers it is refreshing to see how openly Paul expressed his love for those he ministered to. He was not afraid of being vulnerable by opening his heart to them. He was not trying to manipulate through guilt and yet was not afraid of expressing how his sense of joy in ministry was bound up with how they were travelling in the faith. Here there is much to learn about how we relate to others with an open heart in the transparency of the gospel. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/31526554563156 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 John Dunkley 0:38:17 no John Dunkley - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3526226424140 Paul's confidence in the sovereign, electing love of God does not make him complacent or diminish his love or his prayers for the Thessalonian believers. Nor does it stop him acknowledging the very real and powerful opposition of the evil one. Instead, it spurs him on making him all the more eager to learn of their faith, even if this would come at great cost to himself. Such is the manner of the love of God at work in Paul. There is plenty enough both externally and within ourselves to tempt and hinder us from loving in this way. By the grace of God may we resist those opposing forces and, as the writer of Hebrews exhorts us, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3526226424140 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:36 no Ray Bell - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/312687451039 We resume our consideration of 1 Thessalonians 2 from verses 13-16. This is a pivotal passage that reminds the Thessalonians and us that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. Paul also reminds his hearers that this is the Gospel of God, not the word of man to be taken lightly. And as our Lord warned in Luke 8, we ought to be careful how we listen to His Word. Just as the Church at Thessalonica did, may we be strengthened to hear and embrace the Word of God, to stand firm in the faith, imitating these early saints and ultimately our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/312687451039 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Neveen Vincent 0:39:04 no Neveen Vincent - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/22026840534977 Paul continues from last week's message by reminding the Thessalonians of his conduct and attitude while he was among them. As we listen to Paul's self-testimony, we see how radically different not only the gospel is, but also the people shaped by it. Paul describes himself as childlike in purity of motive, a nursing mother in love and care, and a father in example, encouragement, and instruction. His life reflects more than personal character; it reveals a distinct culture — the culture of the kingdom of God. This culture is not man-made. It is established by the King Himself — the righteous and joyful King of Psalm 45 — who calls with power, His people to share in His Kingdom and Glory. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/22026840534977 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:39:29 no Nat Mills - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/21126413475675 For two reasons Paul is confident his work among the Thessalonians was not in vain. Firstly, there was visible evidence of the work of God in their lives. Secondly, and most significantly, they were chosen and loved by God, just as Paul, Silas and Timothy were. The first is the fruit and evidence of the second. For those in Christ, we too can just as sure and certain that our labours in life and faith are not in vain, for we too have been chosen and loved by God. Take a moment to look and see the work of God in your own life and give thanks to him for his grace and love towards you. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/21126413475675 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:38:43 no Ray Bell - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/262635144331 Paul was afraid for the young church he had been forced to leave in the city of Thessalonica. They were three weeks old and facing severe suffering for their choice to follow Christ. Paul's great concern, and the reason he sent Timothy to the people, was that in the midst of their trials they would have been tempted to abandon the faith. Wonder of wonders, that our passage this week is filled with Paul's thankfulness to God, that the young and seemingly ill-equipped church has not faded, but flourished in faith, love, and hope. Their faith became a model throughout the surrounding region and beyond. How can such a thing be possible? This church shouldn't have survived, let alone become a model to imitate. Human wisdom says this is very unlikely, if not impossible. The answer is they are a people chosen by a God who loves them. For this reason alone, the gospel they received was not simply words, but power, with the Holy Spirit, and conviction. What great power is bestowed upon those the Lord loves and has chosen? A power grounded in the reception and conviction of the word– power that results in a people of faith, love, and hope in Jesus, sharing in the glory of his suffering. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/262635144331 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:38:16 no Nat Mills - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12726224515041 As we begin a new series in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, we will hear how the church in Thessalonica had quite the rough and rushed beginning. This was no well-planned church plant or carefully executed evangelistic strategy. Those who brought the gospel to them were quite literally a 'band on the run'. But they were a band with a song to sing– with a purpose and a message. Wherever they went they proclaimed the gospel of Christ. And despite the rough and rushed introduction to Jesus the gospel they received gospel came "not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with full conviction." Only the gospel of God could establish a church in such circumstances and produce the fruit that we will hear of in the coming weeks. May the same word and power of the gospel be at work in us today by the Holy Spirit and produce the same fruit and full conviction. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12726224515041 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:38:49 no Ray Bell - The Word of God at Work in You https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12326235357231 As we come to the end of the Letter of James, we are reminded personally to turn to God in both good times and bad. We are encouraged to do this together as well– to pray for one another, confess our sins to one another, and to draw one another back to God when we wander from the truth. This is a call for us to be 'Godward' in all our life. May we be not only hearers but doers of this word which is able to save our souls. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12326235357231 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:35 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11826943372155 The Jews of the Diaspora to whom James is writing have endured hardship. We heard some of this last week as we read of the rich taking advantage of the workers in their fields, refusing to pay them. These hardships were enough to have the church wondering when the Lord would return and bring their difficulty to an end. 2000 years later, and the church of today is still asking that question, "When will the Lord return?" and longing for it to come true soon. The day of the Lord will be a wonderful day. All of creation will rejoice as the burden of the curse is brought to its final end, and all the promises of God are fulfilled. But the wait is long, the days are hard, and none of it is according to our timing. What are we to do? "Be patient and standfirm." This is the instruction James gives to the early church in their trying days, and it is just as applicable to us. James calls us to humbly submit our days to the Lord, long and trying as they may be. In the end, all things will be judged by Jesus. But we must be patient and standfirm in the faith if we are receive the compassion and mercy of the Lord, rather than his judgment. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11826943372155 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:36:33 no Nat Mills - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1826858152202 In our reading this week, James explores how easily the human heart drifts toward "substitute saviours"; the things we trust to give us security, identity, meaning and hope apart from God. He confronts those who allow reliance upon material treasures to eclipse obedience to God and love for neighbour. Their hoarded wealth, their unjust treatment of workers, and their self-indulgence reveal a deeper spiritual problem: misplaced trust. Jeremiah helps us to name these false saviours more clearly. Whether it is wisdom or pride, might or power, riches or possessions, or even our own performance, God warns us not to "boast" in them. They cannot save. They cannot satisfy. And they cannot endure the judgment of the Lord. Instead, God invites us to a better boast: "that we understand and know Him"; the One who exercises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. True security is found not in what we hold, but in the God who holds us. The call is simple and searching: where are we placing our trust? Christ alone is the Saviour who forgives, frees, and fulfils. Everything else is a poor substitute. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1826858152202 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Brian Cox 0:34:19 no Brian Cox - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/122695332327 As we head into the New Year, let's be wary of making plans without considering and submitting to the sovereign will of God. All our plans are contingent upon his will. To ignore or deny this, James tells us, is arrogant at best, and evil at the extreme. Yes, we can surely make our plans and live in the hope of them being fulfilled, but let's remember it is the Lord who determines our steps. In fact, truth be told, what he ultimately has in store for us is far better than any of the hopes or dreams we can come up with. Additional Bible References: Proverbs 29:18 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/122695332327 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:36:11 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/122725013251309 Within the heart of every believer, there is a tooth-and-nail battle taking place between the desires of the spirit and the desires of the flesh. All too often Christians listen to the tempting, yet empty, promises of the world to satisfy the desires of the flesh. James likens this relationship with the world to being like a close friendship. But it is a friendship that leads to dissatisfaction, fights and quarrels, pride, and most significantly, enmity toward God. Rather than seeking to have the desires of the flesh tickled by friendship with the world, James encourages believers to humble themselves before God, submit to him, wash their hands and purify their hearts of sinful ways. It is when we are humble before God that we will find ourselves lifted up, having the desires of the spirit satisfied by God, as God is satisfied in us. Additional Bible References; 2 Samuel 11:26-27; 12:7-10 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/122725013251309 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Brian Cox 0:35:15 no Brian Cox https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121825239457556 When you look at a Christmas nativity scene, what do you see lying in the manger? What do you see in the incarnation? Nothing less than the heart of God is revealed in the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ. It's often said, "Jesus is the reason for the season." But why? What's the reason for Jesus? What's the reason behind God's entire great plan of redemption? Love! For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son... His love for you is the reason behind the reason for the season. Believe and receive his love today. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121825239457556 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:29:37 no Ray Bell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121825237503617 There's nothing quite like a good tree that produces fruit that looks good and tastes good. James teaches us that wisdom is like that too– where it comes from determines both its form and its fruit. And the "wisdom from above" that James speaks of is demonstrated, not in knowledge or intellect, but by its conduct and character. True wisdom is shown by its works and its fruit! James wants his readers to know what this wisdom looks like, and to grow in it. He also warns us of a 'false wisdom' which has its own form and bears its own fruit too. O, how we need this wisdom from above in the church and in the world today. Where does it come from? It comes from above! From heaven. From God. And so again, we are drawn to prayer to ask Him who gives generously to all who ask in faith as we depend upon the Spirit of Christ who is our wisdom. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121825237503617 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:35:53 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121125559121542 From the preaching of a sermon to the teaching of Sunday school, Coro is blessed to have many individuals capable of teaching and preaching among us. They each have the ability to speak God's word and guide others in maturity and wisdom. Wouldn't it be wonderful if even more people became teachers and preachers both within and outside of Coro? I think it would be... but before we start tapping shoulders and filling rosters, James gives us a warning. While teaching is a noble role, it is not to be given to just anyone. Instead, it should be reserved for those whose speech reflects a heart transformed into Christlikeness, evident in their self-control and consistency. For teachers of the word are judged more strictly than others because, by their words, they wield great power—capable of both building up and destroying the lives of those who listen. Let us take James' instructions to heart and be wary of those whom we listen to and place in positions of power in our lives. Not just those at Coro, but those we give ear to on YouTube, SermonAudio, podcasts and more. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121125559121542 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:32:53 no Nat Mills - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12225018194516 Faith by itself is dead. Faith apart from works is useless. Faith apart from works is dead. So says James in the passage before us this week. Whilst the passage is unique in that it has drawn much attention and debate over the centuries, the message it contains is not unique at all– not to James, and not within the Letter of James. The gift of saving faith is always accompanied by works of faith– faith, "working through love" as Paul puts it in Galatians 5:6 for example; and being "doers of the word, not hearers only," as James puts it in James 1:22. Far from being a doctrinal disaster, this is simply the power and work of the 'implanted word' bearing God's intended fruit in our lives as it matures within us– as God gives the growth. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12225018194516 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:38:13 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/112825329243161 God has no favourites in his kingdom and therefore, we are not to have our own favourites in the church – his family here on earth. To show partiality, James teaches, not only goes against the royal law of love, but sets ourselves up to be "judges with evil thoughts" and "transgressors of the law." Where would any of us be if not for the gracious favour God has shown each and every one of his children, without distinction? Our own salvation depends entirely upon the mercy of God. And so, as those "under the law of liberty" who have received such mercy from God, we are to receive one another in similar fashion– not in judgment, but with mercy. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/112825329243161 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:34:40 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/112325541263602 This week in our passage from James we encounter some clear yet rarely followed wisdom to the question, "How should I live in order to please the Lord?" Listen to the word of God, and do what it says. The world is full of advice givers trying to instruct and guide us on the best way to live. They tell us what they believe is most important—the what, where, when, how, and why of life. James joins the conversation, but instead of offering us people's thoughts and opinions, he points us to a higher source: the Word of God. James reminds us of the Word's vital role in guiding us to understand what God and the Lord Jesus Christ find pleasing, so we can live by it. There is no guesswork involved. However, it's not enough just to own a bible, is it? We must read it, listen to God's words, and follow what it says. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/112325541263602 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:37:11 no Nat Mills - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1113252214322059 Don't be deceived! If every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, why would we doubt his goodness and grace when trials of various kinds come our way? And yet, this is the temptation we all face when our faith is tested. James helps us to remain steadfast under such trials by making us aware of the 'life-cycle' of temptation and sin which brings forth death, and by reminding us of the gracious unchangeable character of God who has brought us forth into new life by the word of truth. Please pray that we might hear and abide by that word of truth and so be kept from being deceived. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1113252214322059 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:19 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11725128507134 How wonderful it is to know that Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11-12, Mark 3:34-35). And yet, is it equally wonderful to hear James, the once unbelieving brother of Jesus, call himself a "bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This letter of James is written by a changed man– from unbelief to saving faith; sceptical brother to humble servant; from cynical hearer to faithful doer of the word. What has brought about this transformation? – "He gives more grace." Far from being an 'epistle of straw' (as Luther once described it), the Letter of James is filled with practical gospel substance. James expects the grace of God to bear fruit in the lives of those who have received it and so exhorts us to a living and active faith. As we sit under this word in the coming months, may we be "not hearers only, deceiving ourselves," but "doers of the word" of grace that we hear. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11725128507134 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:35:01 no Ray Bell - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10292543492849 This week we commence a series on the letter of James. Ray will give a more in-depth introduction to the letter next week, while my sermon will focus on Chapter 1 verses 2-12. There James asks us, as his readers, to 'count it pure joy' when we encounter various trials. Is that reasonable? Is it even possible? Well, yes it is if we know that through trials God is maturing our faith so that we become steadfast. God is at work in us and will generously grant us the wisdom we need to endure each trial and remain firm in our trust in his goodness and sovereignty. Such trials may include poverty or wealth - both can test our faith - and James gives instruction on faith's response to both situations. When we are tested and remain steadfast in faith our love for the Lord deepens because we know he is the one who achieved this in us, such is his mercy and kindness to us in Christ Jesus. James reminds us that, as those who love God, we receive the promised 'Crown of Life', which, much more than the gift of immortality, is eternal life with the One we love. Could there be any greater blessing than that?! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10292543492849 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Wayne Lines 0:31:40 no Wayne Lines - James - Be Doers of the Word https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10222535394132 As we come to the last of our 'Finishing Touches' this week, my hope and prayer is that by putting before us just one of the many images of our future hope found in the Scriptures we might be encouraged and equipped to persevere in faith, even with joy, as we face times of trial and affliction in this life. More than that, I pray the Lord might produce in us the good fruit that comes through suffering in faith – the fruit of perseverance, character and hope. This hope, and the confidence we have in it, does not come because of our perseverance, or lack thereof. It is not up to us to make our hope sure. Praise be to God! This hope does not disappoint or put us to shame because of God's love which has been poured into our hearts though the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10222535394132 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:30:41 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10182571712601 James exhorts us to be patient and not cave in when life throws us a curve ball. He provides some vivid examples of what it means to be steadfast in the light of Christ's coming, no matter what we face. We may struggle with the shock and despair that suffering brings and wonder what on earth God is doing. As with Job, the reason behind our suffering may be hidden from us, but we need not doubt the Lord's purpose nor His compassion and mercy even in the darkest of times. This is not an encouragement to passive resignation. It is an invitation to exercise active faith – a faith that is not closed off to the powerful action of believing prayer whereby even the sick may be healed. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10182571712601 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 John Dunkley 0:34:29 no John Dunkley - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10122551914867 1 Peter is a letter written to Christians spread across several regions. Folks who have been chosen, destined, and sanctified by the Father and Spirit to be obedient to Jesus. While many are aware of the blessing of such a calling from the Lord, the Apostle Peter knows that it comes with a cost. It is not for nothing that Peter refers to the church as Exiles, and spends a great deal of time in the letter addressing the suffering of the church. To call Jesus Lord and live accordingly results in the contempt of the world and various trials in life. How do we respond to such a foretelling of the future? It is easy for the believer to dwell on the difficulty and bleakness of such a hostile and isolating future. It is easy to be overcome with hopelessness, insecurity, and fear. It is also common not to know how to comfort brothers and sisters of the faith when they are faced with such bleak prospects. Peter addresses these very issues by offering believers a different way to look at their future. Not denying the seriousness of suffering, Peter would have the church set all their hope for the future on the grace of Jesus Christ, and the blessings he has bought and secured for us, to be revealed on the day of the Lord. Blessings that are a new birth to a living hope, an eternal inheritance of salvation kept for us in heaven, and a joy that endures every trial. Peter shows that on that final day when Christ appears, even our suffering will be revealed to have served a purpose, the testing and refining of faith, which results in the praise, glory, and honour of Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10122551914867 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:38:01 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10125327572758 Here the Apostle is giving a passage chock full of assurances for us the believers– assurances given under the backdrop of suffering in this life. We live in a sinful world, opposed to God, where the creation and we with it groan, even the Holy Spirit within us groans, as we await the final revealing of the glorified community. For this is not our home. We will be with God in the renewed creation, glorified like the Son. What is the way to glorification, it is suffering. As those who are joined to the Son, Jesus, we will all suffer too. And God will work all things out for good for those who love Him, a passage we know well and often quote. But do things always work out for "the best"? We know that they don't and know great pain in the midst of trial. To quote Ray "So what is the good that all things are working towards?" It is the being conformed to the image of the radiant Son of God, being prepared for an eternal weight of glory, of a type and manner that we cannot imagine. Is suffering the cost of glorification? No, but it is way. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10125327572758 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Bob Ricks 0:31:34 no Bob Ricks - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92525231301054 After spending four months in our 'Lessons From Job' series, I wonder what we have learned. I do hope and pray we have learned something of God– his sovereignty, his justice, his love. What might we now say to a friend or loved one going through a difficult time? What comfort and counsel might we offer to those in deep anguish? I wonder what Job's three friends would tell their families when they return home after their time with Job? And especially after this final chapter in the story? They spoke wrongly of God, and yet still the Lord provides for them a path of restoration through sacrifice and intercession, just as he has for us in his Son. Even in this final 'lesson' there is much to learn. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92525231301054 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:40:06 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92425732503171 This is the last of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessings. Our primary focus is in the letter to the Ephesians 1:3-14 which begins, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These blessings in Christ are revealed to have been planned before the foundation of the world and are many. These blessings are in Christ bring us to the place of seeking His kingdom over any other and cause us to praise Him for His glorious grace. The study concludes by highlighting the seven beatitudes contained in the Revelation of St John the Divine. The final beatitude describes those who have had their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb as blessed with the right to the tree of life and to enter the city by the gates where we joyful worship our triune God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92425732503171 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:42:44 no Geoff Cottrell - Unstoppable Divine Blessings https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/91625546243717 Behold Behemoth! Consider Leviathan! No matter how big and strong you might think you are; no matter how good and righteous, blameless and upright, or clever and wise you think you are, none of us are able to save ourselves. This is the lesson Job learns at the end of the Book of Job. The blameless and upright man repents, and puts himself in the dust and ashes. It is a lesson we all need to learn time and time again. We don't have an arm like God. He is God, and we are not. His arm alone is mighty and able to save. And in his love and his grace, he does just that! These things are "too wonderful for me, which I did not know." But now we do! What strength! What love! What grace! What a faithful covenant Father we have in the Lord God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/91625546243717 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:02 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/91625724331025 This is the fourth of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessings, this time considering Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes which appear to be in tension with Old Covenant (Mosaic) prosperity blessings. The approach is to begin with Mosaic promises of blessings in their homeland that were conditional on heart obedience. We need to see Jesus Christ as the only obedient Israelite and who is deserving of such blessing yet became curse for His redeemed people. We can then consider His teaching on blessing that rouses in us what is needed to renew our hearts to love God as He leads us to the everlasting homeland. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/91625724331025 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:59:44 no Geoff Cottrell - Unstoppable Divine Blessings https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/914259546567 Where is wisdom found? Job has been looking for the wisdom needed to place his suffering in the world. His search for wisdom has been in seeking an answer to the question of "why?" Not alone, Job's friends have sought to help him out with their own answers. Yet, wisdom has eluded Job. This week, God makes Himself known. Speaking to Job from within a whirlwind, God will reveal to Job that the wisdom he is seeking isn't found in knowing the "why" of his suffering, but "who" is sovereign over it. Intent on revealing Himself as sovereign creator and sustainer, God asks Job question after question, leading him from the foundation of the world to the life of a majestic eagle. Thus, Job will begin to grow in his wisdom, through a deepening fear of the Lord, seeing his own life, the times of blessing and suffering, as in the hands of an awesome God. Pray that, like Job, we might all bear witness to the immeasurable greatness of God's power, and in that knowledge have wisdom for all seasons of life. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/914259546567 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:37:31 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9102583312424 This is the third of five studies on the topic of Unstoppable Divine Blessings. It focuses in on the blessings contained in the Aaronic High Priestly prayer, a familiar and often recited benedictory blessing. Do we understand what it means for the Lord to bless you by keeping you, to graciously make His face shine upon you, and for you to know peace with Him when He lifts His countenance upon you? God's plan to bless Israel, His firstborn son, is revealed through their redemption and covenant. The blessings brought through sacrificial atonement are highlighted in the Aaronic high priestly blessing. It is a prayer, given by God, that points to the efficacious prayer of our High Priest who always lives to make intercession for us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9102583312424 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:35:31 no Geoff Cottrell - Unstoppable Divine Blessings https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9125142216197 Last week Wayne introduced us to the young, angry man who name is Elihu. His name means, 'He is my God' and he is intent on telling Job who his God is and how he acts towards us mere mortals. But sadly, Elihu does not truly know his God. In fact, he admits, "God is great, and we know him not… The Almighty – we cannot find him." Elihu knows only of a deity who is distant and indifferent to us. A God who has no regard at all for the proud. But why then does the Lord come and speak to Job? Why is he mindful of us? Why does visit and speak to us? Why does he come to be with us in his Son - Immanuel? All of this suggests, not a distant and indifferent God but one who longs to know us and to be known by us, one who loves us and draws near to those who draw near to him in faith. He is my God. I pray he is yours too. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9125142216197 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:01 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9325826395873 This is the second of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessing. This study focusses on the blessings given to Abraham and Israel and their spiritual significance for believers today. It highlights God's redemptive favour through the central blessing of relational presence, alongside the blessings of place (homeland), people (offspring/nationhood), purpose and protection. The promises to Abraham are received by faith. Those of faith in Abraham's seed, Jesus Christ, are the spiritual descendants of Abraham and the "Israel of God". Those in Christ are the recipients of the covenanted blessings in His new creation. In the now, and in the yet to come, they are fulfilled more gloriously in Christ than any alternative prosperity could hope for. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9325826395873 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:37:07 no Geoff Cottrell - Unstoppable Divine Blessings https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8312579536507 Chapter 32 introduces us to Elihu, a young man who burns with anger at Job and his three friends. He thinks he has the perfect wisdom to settle the argument between them and he is busting to have his say. And he certainly lets it rip! So does he have the irrefutable answer for Job's situation? Sadly, no. His passion and self-confidence do not guarantee wisdom. While Elihu says a few things differently to the others, he still shares the shortcomings of their strict justice/retributive view of God. Lacking a covenantal understanding of God, Elihu paints God as one who may save us from destruction by terrorising us in our dreams as we sleep or by inflicting us with immense pain. He also sees God as inaccessible and so rigid in his exercise of justice that he considers Job to be blasphemous in seeking an explanation from God for his suffering. This is a far cry from the true God revealed to us in the Son, who loved us, entered our world of suffering and gave his life for us. God does speak to us in our suffering, not to terrify us but to draw us into a deeper appreciation of his own suffering for us as the cost of his atonement for sin. So it is through suffering we come to know more of the love of the Triune God for us and are led to worship him. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8312579536507 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 31 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Wayne Lines 0:47:28 no Wayne Lines - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/82825716442843 Whilst God blesses all of creation to flourish, People are specifically blessed by God's Word spoken directly to them. They are blessed to flourish in this blessed Place; blessed with a wonderful Purpose to Edenize the world and, most importantly to obediently walk in His Presence. In the Fall (disobedience, distrust, sin, autonomy) Man chose death, barring the way into Eden … but God has an unstoppable plan to bless through His Word. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/82825716442843 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:40:27 no Geoff Cottrell - Unstoppable Divine Blessings https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8222510728112 This week, Job offers up his final defence to his friends and God. He reveals that the greatest longing of his heart is a restored intimate friendship with God. This isn't just a prize in the eyes of Job; it is the most fantastic prize any person could ever desire, let alone have. A relationship of glory and enjoyment between God and a person. It is a longing to walk with God that humanity has had from creation and will one day have again. Like all great treasures though, it can only be acquired at great cost. The cost of extreme humility, unanswered prayer, unjust suffering, and perfect obedience. Job's story is a foreshadowing of Jesus'. Jesus' humility, unanswered prayers, unjust suffering, and perfect obedience, and his reward of the ultimate prize, intimate friendship and unity with God. For Job and us, the cost for this treasure has already been paid for by our Lord Jesus Christ, and given freely to us through grace and faith. Such a prize is ours already in Him. The humility, unanswered prayer, and unjust suffering we may experience as believers are God's work in making the sufferings of Christ complete in us. He is waking us up to the glorious prize of friendship with God that we can boldly claim in Jesus' perfect obedience, that we might rejoice more fully in it even today! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8222510728112 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:39:28 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/815252319255135 In our sinful depravity we may well deserve the moniker of "maggots" that Bildad attributes to us, but that is not how God treats us. We may well be small in comparison to his infinite majesty and might as Job argues but the Lord makes much of us, having made us in his image and likeness. More than that, he has made us for his glory and speaks to us as his own children, telling us mere "worms" where it is we can find true wisdom - wisdom which equates to a true knowledge of God himself, and therefore a true knowledge of ourselves. Do you know where to find this wisdom? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/815252319255135 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:37:18 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8825215207593 It doesn't always seem fair, does it? When you look around the world and see faithful believers in Christ struggling in life's circumstances, while those who deny God seem to succeed. The lives of those who cherish the things of this world can appear so full, right up to death. Compare this to the life of a believer, who, in the pit of their despair, can come to fear what plans the Lord has in store for them next, even as he brings them into his holiness. This week in Job 20-24, we will consider four things from the comments of Job and his friends Zophar and Eliphaz. First, the success of the wicked is temporary and ultimately ends in destruction. Second, suffering can lead to impatience with the timing of God's judgment of the wicked. Third, it is easy to judge a person's favour with God based on their circumstances. Fourth, a faithful person can become afraid of God's plans for their future. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8825215207593 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:34:09 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8125152283656 Comfort has quickly turned into competition between Job and his three friends. They are all determined to stick to their guns which, whilst admirable, only serves to intensify their animosity for each other. In the midst of all this Job maintains his innocence and displays brief but bold glimpses of his only remaining hope. He has longed for a mediator (9:33). He now claims to have a 'witness' in heaven who will testify for him (16:19) and then declares, "I know that my Redeemer lives" (19:25). This side of the cross we may know more than Job, but only because we share the same hope and Redeemer, who has revealed himself to us in his Son, Jesus Christ. In this hope we are saved! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8125152283656 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:39:27 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/72225438375648 Despite having no mediator and knowing he has little chance of surviving an encounter with the Almighty, Job is determined to argue his case with God. He has had enough of the counsel of his friends'– 'worthless physicians' that they are. He wants to take his chances with God and speak to him, face to face! A little like life itself, it is not always easy to distinguish the wise counsel from the worthless in the book of Job. Even Job's knowledge of God seems to fluctuate between the two. And yet, one thing we can learn from these chapters is Job's deep longing to both speak to and hear from God. He wants the truth revealed – even if it costs him his life! What a gift it is we have in our Mediator, Jesus Christ, who not only argues our case on our behalf, but exchanges places with us so that we might indeed meet with God, face to face! He alone is the way, the truth and the life. An inexpressible gift indeed! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/72225438375648 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:40:24 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/72025652422965 A VAST GOD – Job 9-10 Dear friends, Nat continues our 'Lessons From Job' this week and writes, "Last week, we heard Bildad provide wisdom to comfort Job by setting his feet on the solid ground of God's character. So we learnt that God is just, welcoming the blameless, and rejecting the wicked. Frustratingly, Bildad's understanding of God was limited to this one characteristic, and so it offered little in the way of comfort or wisdom. This week, we hear Job's reply. Job rejects Bildad's wisdom based on his personal experience of innocent suffering. To Job's mind, God is not 'justice' alone; he is 'vast in wisdom and power' alone. Job's wisdom, like Bildad's, is greatly perverted by this limited understanding of God. Despite these misunderstandings, Job reveals a deep desire to be in good standing with God and longs for a mediator to bridge the great divide between mere mortals and God. Job cannot comprehend such a mediator existing... can you? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/72025652422965 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:35:52 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/7132510595195 In difficult seasons of life, the question we often find ourselves asking and seeking comfort in is... Why? This week, in Job 8, we learn what a bad answer to this question is through the wisdom of Bildad. Bildad has a simple answer... God is just. He punishes sinners and rewards the upright. This is why Job and his family have suffered. And it is how he can be restored. That's all there is to it. Bildad's answer would have been a good one... if he had continued and also explained God to be just, loving, merciful, gracious, forgiving, and faithful. With a wider understanding of who God is, there would have been room for Job to be the Innocent Sufferer we know him to be. Room for Job to be a man God delighted in, and had chosen to reveal his glory to. Sadly, Bildad's understanding of God as 'just' alone is too small. He has no real wisdom or comfort to offer Job in these trying days. May we learn from Bildad's mistakes when considering the "why?" of our suffering in the hands of a BIG God, gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/7132510595195 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:32:56 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/7625532132639 Believers are not bullet-proof – they still bleed! When what feels like undeserved suffering comes our way, it is hard to bear the counsel of those who cannot tolerate our questioning of God's wisdom and ways. Job's disillusioned faith may seem too bleak compared to the one who knows Christ and the glory He has promised. The reality is that any of us can find ourselves in places so dark and desperate that for a season we lose sight of the reality of what we have in Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/7625532132639 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000 John Dunkley 0:37:08 no John Dunkley - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6242566477338 How does one respond to Job's deep heart cry that we heard last week from Chapter 3? Breaking a weeklong silence, Eliphaz ventures to be the first of Job's three friends to speak. And like so much false teaching, much of what he says is true, but it's not the whole truth. He declares God's sovereignty and justice but not his covenant grace and faithfulness, and he therefore fails to comfort Job. May the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory, restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us in his covenant faithfulness in Jesus Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6242566477338 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:40:17 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6222523454686 Come and join us for a deep dive and discussion into the realm of Artificial Intelligence as we explore the opportunities and challenges it brings to the church. Can we, should we, and how might we engage with AI ethically, theologically and practically in life and ministry? James Foley, our guest speaker for this occasion, is the pastor of Salisbury Baptist Church where he loves to teach the Word of God and to equip others in ministry. He describes himself as a 'recovering mathematician' after studying Maths & Computer Science at Adelaide University and working for a maths textbook company for a couple of years. Since then he has studied theology at Moore College in Sydney, and worked in church & university ministry contexts. He is married to Rachelle, and they have three children. He enjoys classical music, games and puzzles, and can run further than he used to but would rather play table-tennis. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6222523454686 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Foley 0:39:33 no James Foley - AI and the Great I Am https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/62225555536762 Job 3 is one of the darkest chapters in all of scripture. In it we hear the heart cry of a man in deep, deep suffering and, unusually, it ends without even a word of hope. Yet Job is not suffering for any sin or action of his own, indeed he is called 'blameless and upright' by God Himself. As with every chapter in scripture, Job 3 is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. For those weeping now, I hope hearing Job's heart cry will be an unexpected source of comfort. For those not weeping currently, I hope we can learn something of what it might mean to weep with those who weep. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/62225555536762 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nathan Elgar 0:42:16 no Nathan Elgar - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6232501511472 Come and join us for a deep dive and discussion into the realm of Artificial Intelligence as we explore the opportunities and challenges it brings to the church. Can we, should we, and how might we engage with AI ethically, theologically and practically in life and ministry? James Foley, our guest speaker for this occasion, is the pastor of Salisbury Baptist Church where he loves to teach the Word of God and to equip others in ministry. He describes himself as a 'recovering mathematician' after studying Maths & Computer Science at Adelaide University and working for a maths textbook company for a couple of years. Since then he has studied theology at Moore College in Sydney, and worked in church & university ministry contexts. He is married to Rachelle, and they have three children. He enjoys classical music, games and puzzles, and can run further than he used to but would rather play table-tennis. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/6232501511472 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Foley 0:54:48 no James Foley - AI and the Great I Am https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/61425839116001 This week we will be introduced to Job's three loyal friends who come to show their sympathy and to comfort Job. They are stunned when they see their brother. He is unrecognisable to them– such is his anguish and affliction. After weeping and wailing loudly and expressing their own grief they fall into a week-long silence with their friend. Perhaps like us sometimes, they don't know what to say. Or perhaps, just being there with Job is enough to express their love and to comfort him with their quiet company. May the Lord teach us how to 'suffer well' in faith, and to know how to love those around us who are experiencing their own anguish and grief. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/61425839116001 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:44 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/642563294904 We turn this week to Job 2, where Job finds himself on the receiving end of a second round of testing from the hand of Satan. And yet still, astoundingly, Job continues to hold fast his integrity. Such is the work of the Spirit in those who fear God. Even as Job sits in ashes scraping his sores with a piece of broken pottery, the glory of God shines brightly out of this jar of clay. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/642563294904 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:08 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/53025855223259 Does Job fear God for nothing? We started the book of Job being introduced to the man himself. As far as men go, Job is a good man, blameless, upright, fearing the Lord, and turning from sin. Job is blessed by God with wealth, power, and a harmonious family (no small blessing for a family of twelve). But… what if Job had none of these blessings, would he still bless God's name? "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." The passage in Job seeks to stretch our understanding and worship of God into something bigger and fuller. It stretches us to see that God is worthy of our worship simply because he is the sovereign power over all creation. He is the giver and the taker. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/53025855223259 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:30:45 no Nat Mills - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/52125147517617 We sometime sing "You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, 'Lord Blessed be your name.'" These words come from the lips of Job for whom they are not merely some theological cliché or theoretical belief, nor are they simply the emotive words of a worship song – they are his lived experience. Job's theology, his faith and his very soul are tested to the extreme and still he says, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." In our new 'Lessons From Job' preaching series commencing this Sunday, we will hear some brutally honest questions and statements from Job and his friends regarding God and his justice, especially when it comes to the matters of sin and suffering. This week we will learn that Job is both blameless and blessed, and yet he also knows the great need for sin to be atoned. This is something many in our own affluent (blessed?) society have forgotten. Job is a large book, and not an easy one to get our heads around. To help prepare our hearts and minds for the coming series can I encourage us all, young and old, to check out this short (11 minute) video from The Bible Project before this coming Sunday. It gives an excellent summary of the Book of Job. (Click HERE to watch the video! - or use the link below.) You will find it extremely helpful as we endeavour to learn some 'Lessons From Job'. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/52125147517617 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:18 no Ray Bell - Lessons From Job https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/51425740443335 We continue in our short series from Genesis 3 as a prequel to the book of Job. God created us to be faithful and fruitful, and to find meaning and purpose in the work He intended for us. However, sin is the great disruptor causing friction, frustration and futility. We will explore three questions about work: 1. What was the original created purpose? 2. How has sin corrupted, but not destroyed, that purpose? 3. How does the Cross of Christ redeem the created purpose? Jesus has completed HIS work. God has raised HIS faithful worker from death. Therefore, we don't need to be authoritarian or weakly passive in our relationships. We don't need to use work to give ourselves an identity, and neither do we need to resent work as meaningless. Our certain hope for the future affects the way we live our lives now. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/51425740443335 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Brian Cox 0:31:08 no Brian Cox - Job Preparation - Genesis 3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/51025114155220 The mandate given to us by God at Creation has not been revoked because of sin, but it has surely been made more difficult to fulfil. Any fruitfulness now comes through pain and frustration– for both the woman and the man. They experience this together, but also in their own particular labours of life. As we will hear this week, the woman knows this pain and frustration particularly in motherhood and marriage. And yet, it is through this same pain and frustration that the promised 'offspring' of the woman is born. And, he will also be the True and Faithful Husband of his Bride, the church. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8– yes, creation has been subjected to futility, but in hope. Despite the pain and frustration we know in life, in Jesus Christ there is the sure hope of freedom, relief and glory beyond compare. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/51025114155220 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:42:04 no Ray Bell - Job Preparation - Genesis 3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/43025546382934 Have you ever loathed your life so much you wished you were never born? Have you ever cried out, "It's not fair!" Has God ever made your soul so bitter that you questioned his goodness and justice? These may sound like drastic questions– ungodly even to ask! And yet these are just some of the brutally honest questions raised in the Old Testament book of Job that we will be considering in a few weeks' time. Until then, we will be doing some 'Job Preparation' by spending three weeks in Genesis 3 looking at how God responds to Satan (this week), the woman, and the man after sin came into the world. In all of this, as Job declares, it is indeed good to know that 'our Redeemer lives'. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/43025546382934 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:39:45 no Ray Bell - Job Preparation - Genesis 3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/426251062500 Matthew's gospel concludes with what has come to be known as 'The Great Commission'– where Jesus tells his disciples to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… baptizing them… and teaching them." This commission is 'sandwiched' between the declaration of Jesus' authority over all things and the promise that he will be with us always, to the end of the age. As we go, wherever it is we are going, Jesus has given us all something to be about– making disciples. We do this because he is Lord, and knowing that he is with us always. Please pray that we might hear these words of Christ's afresh and respond to them in the obedience of faith. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/426251062500 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:24 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41625050573376 "After three days, I will rise again". These words of Jesus ring in the ears of the priests and Pharisees. To their understanding, these words represent Jesus' last deception. Our passage starts in the historically unique time found between the crucifixion and resurrection, and faith is nowhere to be seen. Jesus' humiliating death on the cross has brought into question the entirety of his three years of ministry, the wonder of his miracles and the revelation of his teaching. The eleven disciples are broken, and the followers are in mourning. If Jesus remains dead, he will go down in history as a deceiver, faith will be useless, and all believers are most to be pitied. But what if… "He has been raised"? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41625050573376 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:33:03 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41625049306659 On Good Friday we will hear Jesus cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and will be reminded how he could not save himself, but had to be forsaken so that we might be saved, and never be forsaken. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/41625049306659 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:29:59 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/49253012508 We often sing, "Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free, for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me." This week, as we draw near to the cross of Christ and hear of one notorious criminal and murderer being set free while Jesus is sentenced to death, we are given a glimpse into 'The Great Exchange' that takes place on the cross. For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Please pray that we might know the wonder of those words and the work of his grace, 'for our sake…'. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/49253012508 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:41:37 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/42251413260 Failure is something we would all prefer to avoid. And as for public failure… well, all the more so. And yet, Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus is recorded for all to hear and read. But what a lesson it is– for Peter, and for all who are willing to learn from it. A lesson which is in fact essential for us if we are to find our hope and strength in the unfailing love and all-sufficient grace of God rather than in our own faulty and insufficient selves. Please pray that we might be willing students in this lesson of love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/42251413260 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:39:55 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3282503829328 This week we read of the familiar scenes of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and trial. For the regular joe, any one of these events would be enough to leave us spinning out of control, but not Jesus. Matthew, the gospel writer, displays a saviour who not only gave prophetic words regarding our redemption but also wilfully fulfils them through his own suffering. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3282503829328 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:36:43 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/32025257415493 We have often sung, "There in the garden of tears my heavy load He chose to bear. His heart with sorrow was torn, 'Yet not my will, but Yours,' He said." However we understand the mystery and anguish of our Lord in Gethsemane we can be sure of this– Jesus went to the cross willingly. The Son never sought to do anything but his Father's will. And his prayer in the Garden was not in any way contrary to that. The very act of prayer is the Father's will. And to pray, "your will be done," is not to acquiesce to God's will because we cannot bend it, but is in fact to "actively will God's will and aid it." (P. T. Forsyth) Willingly, Jesus did this for you and me in Gethsemane and all the way to Calvary. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/32025257415493 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:38:05 no Ray Bell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/313251021267044 This week, we read of Jesus confronting the disciples with a profound personal truth– that when left to their own devices, apart from Christ, they would not be the men they hoped they would be– that of faithful disciples who would never abandon their Lord. Instead, the personal strength in which they trust would quickly fail them, resulting in the abandonment of the one they love. Yet, while the disciples may fail when relying on themselves, their identity as disciples is not marred. For, to be a disciple is to be in unity in Jesus, and trust in his strength all the day long. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/313251021267044 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:35:12 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/38251248956 As the time of Jesus' arrest and death draws near, and knowing he has a traitor in his company, Jesus shares the Passover with his disciples and gives thanks to God. Breaks the bread and taking the cup, he tells his disciples it is his body, and his blood. In doing this Jesus establishes, not only a new custom for us to follow, but a new covenant. "Take, eat… and drink," Jesus says, "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." O, how we need his forgiveness. O, how we need to feed on him. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/38251248956 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:36:07 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3125117105001 Timing is everything. For the fifth and final time in this gospel, Matthew writes, "When Jesus had finished saying all these things." The time of Jesus teaching his disciples has come to a close. Now, until the end of Chapter 27, we will read and learn of the passion story of Matthew's gospel. This is the time when God will hand over His own Son to be crucified as a sacrificial lamb so that we might be set free to be His people and enter the promised land. Jesus' love in laying down His life inspires two different reactions: hatred in the form of plotting, self-gain, and betrayal, and beauty in the form of freely given, costly love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/3125117105001 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:33:45 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/2192525153288 Flying in the face of the world which tells us we are masters of our own destiny, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we are not. In the 'parable' of The Sheep and the Goats it is not we who determine our fate but Jesus, the Son of Man. However, what we do or do not do in the days before he comes in glory will be remembered on that day. And on that day, I don't think I will mind in the slightest if Jesus calls me a little 'sheepish'. What about you? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/2192525153288 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:35:10 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/21325234956891 What is it we are to be doing while we wait for Jesus' return? In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us what 'waiting well' looks like in practice. This is not a passive and inactive waiting, nor is it a mad rush to get things done and 'speed his coming'. Instead, 'waiting well' involves our active engagement in faithful and fruitful service of God. Faithless inactivity results in judgment. But those who 'wait well' look forward to their Master's return with eager expectation and receive his commendation, "Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master." https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/21325234956891 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:34:13 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/292531121942 Last week, as we returned to the gospel of Matthew, we heard Jesus teaching his disciples about the Day of the Lord. While they expected it to be soon, Jesus revealed that the day would be delayed and spoke of the signs believers would encounter before the illustrious day. This week, we read on as Jesus continues his teaching of the coming day. Now, rather than speaking of the signs of the times, he provides instruction on what the disciples and all believers must do as they wait out the days: "Keep watch" and "be ready". I pray that we receive this word as our Lord intended it. It is generous instruction in how we might wait out this long period well, eagerly looking forward to the day of his return while anticipating the need for enduring faith. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/292531121942 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:34:44 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/212513151230 We recommence our series through Matthew's gospel this week with a passage which has caused much discussion and debate over the centuries. However, in answering the disciples' question regarding the destruction of the temple and his return at the end of the age, Jesus brings clarity to the situation, not confusion. And in turn, this clarity provides the courage and conviction needed when many others will be led astray, and their love grow cold. May the words of our Saviour, who will appear again in glory, bring the same clarity, courage and conviction to us so that we might live in faith and not in fear through our own days of tribulation. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/212513151230 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:34:52 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12625942172616 Proverbs 3:13-35 urges all who read it to consider three truths before providing some very practical examples of how to love our neighbours: 1) Wisdom is way more valuable than material stuff! 2) Wisdom isn't just about human decisions and interactions but is actually what God used (and uses) to create (and sustain) our world. 3) Wisdom followed and valued puts Sleep Psychologists out of a job! The father writing Proverbs then finishes this section with some pretty confronting truths: seek and value wisdom, and God absolutely will bless you, but fail to find or value wisdom, and God will detest, curse and mock you (I said it was pretty confronting!). What a good thing it is that the Wise Son of Proverbs (Jesus!) not only forgives us when we treat wisdom with disdain but also gives us His Spirit, enabling us to find and value wisdom! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/12625942172616 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nathan Elgar 0:38:39 no Nathan Elgar - Time For A Chat - Proverbs 1-3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11725631467532 Once again, we hear the wisdom a father shares with his son before he heads out into the world. These words concern the keeping of wisdom in his innermost place, the character he has on display, and his attitude toward the Lord, who disciplines him with Love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11725631467532 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:35:14 no Nat Mills - Time For A Chat - Proverbs 1-3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1122565456639 The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1122565456639 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 John Dunkley 0:39:00 no John Dunkley - Time For A Chat - Proverbs 1-3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1425448515 The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1425448515 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:32:38 no Nat Mills - Time For A Chat - Proverbs 1-3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1227242213376460 Can you remember a time when your parents sat you down at the table with the words, "We need to have a chat."? This week we commence a short 'holiday series' through the first three chapters of Proverbs which read a little like one of those conversations. The book teaches practical wisdom for living in a world which does not always present us with clear, black and white options. Warning us of the various seductive voices which seek to woo and entice us down foolish paths, Proverbs directs us, young and old to the voice of wisdom - wisdom which begins with the fear of the Lord. Ultimately, it leads us to Christ himself who "became to us wisdom from God." Only fools shun this teaching. So let's be wise and pray that the Lord might help us grow in wisdom. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1227242213376460 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:39:04 no Ray Bell - Time For A Chat - Proverbs 1-3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1220242243445046 On Christmas Day, at our 9:30am service, we will ponder the words of Mary in response to the promises of God made to her, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." May the Lord grant to each of us, by the Spirit, the same response of faith to his promises fulfilled in his Son. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1220242243445046 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:32:06 no Ray Bell - Advent 2024 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1220242245453492 What does the promise of a King, mean for us? Do we want a King? Do we need a King? Currently, in our culture, Kings and Kingship aren't in vogue, and may or may not figure much in our thinking. However, when we see Jesus, THE King, what HIS kingship looks like, we'll not only realize that we need THIS King, but that all our deepest longings find their fulfilment in the King of Kings, Jesus the Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1220242245453492 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Hadyn Jones 0:22:31 no Hadyn Jones - Advent 2024 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1215241248215363 Advent points to more than the baby Jesus. It points to One born to show us how to live, and to die to atone for the sin of humanity. We will consider the sacrificial cultus initiated by God for the people of Israel and how this sacrificial system was but a shadow of things in the heavens. God promised the nation Israel He would not forsake them. Even in their continued disobedience He remained faithful. God redeems humanity through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice that the blood of bulls and sheep and goats could not be. Though Jesus was forsaken on the cross, His forsakenness removes the forsakenness of those of faith. Therefore, the old covenant is replaced by a newer and better covenant; not of outward signs but one written in our mind and on our heart. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1215241248215363 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Rex Griswood 0:28:01 no Rex Griswood - Advent 2024 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/124242228492193 Last week we heard of the curses resulting from our unbelief and disobedience, including our enemy of death, and of the promise of a Son of Eve, Jesus Christ, who would defeat our enemies. God now speaks a Gospel promise of blessing at a time when all people groups worshiped false gods and were enslaved in dark idolatry. God's history-changing promise to bless Abraham integrates (1) a Land, (2) a Line of descendants that would bless all nations, and (3) that the Lord would be their God: A nation saved from idols, made righteous through faith in the Lord God's promises, and freed to bless the Lord in the place He provides. Abraham's promised Seed is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, the blessing to Abraham is eternally secured and fulfilled. God's promise flows out through the generations, extending as far as Abraham's Line in the Church at Coromandel Valley. Please pray that we hear, believe, live and share in God's Salvation mission to bless the nations. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/124242228492193 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Geoff Cottrell 0:41:23 no Geoff Cottrell - Advent 2024 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121242188965 This week marks the beginning of our Advent series, a time of preparation. For the next four Sundays we will be speaking on four different promises made by God in the Old Testament that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. This Sunday we approach the promise of a Son who would bring victory. The enemy, death, has stalked humanity from the moment of sin, keeping us in bondage to fear. But from the moment we had an enemy we also had a promise of a Son of Eve that would defeat it, and set us free forever. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/121242188965 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:28:08 no Nat Mills - Advent 2024 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11222436423459 Earlier in Matthew's gospel we saw Jesus' compassion for the people such as when they were "like sheep without a shepherd." This week we see that same compassion expressed in a different way as he declares seven "woes" against the Pharisees and Scribes - the teachers (shepherds!) of the people who do not practice what they preach and put on a show of righteousness that is merely a façade. As they reject his truth and love, Jesus grieves over what must take place – the desolation of Jerusalem. And yet, there is a word of hope in the promise that they will one day see him again and cry out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11222436423459 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:37:13 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/111724115555901 Jesus has had his turn answering the questions of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. One by one, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees have come to Jesus with questions designed to silence the false teacher from Galilee. One by one, this teacher from Galilee has prevailed over them in his wisdom and understanding of scripture. Now, Jesus takes a turn at asking them a question, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" The leaders have sought to trap Jesus with questions regarding poll taxes, marriage in the resurrection, and God's commands. Not one of these questions comes close to the primary reason they cannot accept Jesus as the Christ. The leaders' understanding of the expected messiah is small and insufficient. With a single question, Jesus reveals this inadequacy. He is the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the Lord, and his reign shall be like nothing they ever expected… or can accept. By the end of the passage, the false leaders, not Jesus, are the ones silenced. While the man from Galilee continues to speak. What is your understanding of the messiah? Join us on Sunday as we hear from the Word of God concerning who he is and why it changes everything! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/111724115555901 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:29:12 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1182451032942 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself. How wonderful it would be if we lived according to these great commandments– simply in our own homes, let alone throughout the world. But where do we find love like this? Where is the source for us to love like this? John tells us, "This is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to the propitiation for our sins." In other words, "we love because he first loved us." Please pray that the love of God might be perfected in us as we love one another. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1182451032942 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:34:57 no Ray Bell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11324547424439 The Sadducees came to Jesus to confound Him with their question about the resurrection. They didn't believe in the resurrection or the afterlife, or heaven or angels at all. Despite their study of the books of Moses, The Torah, they didn't know the God who is. They could not see the nature of God, nor understand or have faith in His power. There is eternal life in God. Why? Because in Jesus, death is defeated, sin is judged and through Jesus, the Father has established an eternal family. We are hid in Christ by faith and this is a permanent reality whether we are here, present in our bodies, or in Glory, present with God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/11324547424439 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Bob Ricks 0:28:04 no Bob Ricks - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1023241240471714 Jesus has finished speaking three parables, revealing the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians and the condition of their faith. They are not pleased and will not take Jesus' words lying down. Set on removing Jesus, the leaders take turns attempting to trap Jesus in his own words. This week, the Herodians, along with the disciples of the Pharisees, pose the question, "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Jesus' response leaves the people amazed. Join us on Sunday as we hear Jesus respond and discover how we are to live in relation to our government and God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1023241240471714 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:34:42 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1016242851769 The Parable of the Wedding Feast tells us of the immensely generous character of God, who not only prepares and provides all that is necessary to host this feast for his Son, but is intent on having a 'wedding hall' full of guests. The parable also speaks of a variety of responses to the King's gracious invitation. Sadly, not everyone who hears the call of the gospel responds in faith. They are found unworthy to enter the kingdom. Others still, believing they can enter on the basis of their own righteousness, refuse to receive and wear the 'wedding garments' provided them by the king. And yet, the banquet hall is filled with those who have heard the call, "Everything is ready, so come!" By the grace of God, we are grateful to be among those who have been called and chosen by God. May our lives bear the fruit of his grace towards us in his Son. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/1016242851769 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:36:49 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/101124221529713 The Lord is indeed merciful and gracious and slow to anger. In his divine forbearance he has passed over many former sins. But there will be a day when the time of his patience comes to an end. And on that day, those who have presumed upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance without coming to repentance and faith will realise the wrath they have been storing up for themselves. This is the message Jesus brings in the Parable of the Tenants to those who have seen the way of righteousness but refuse to change their minds and believe in him. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/101124221529713 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:30:51 no Ray Bell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10624935321102 Authority and submission. These two words are so heavily laden with sorrowful experiences and resistance that we only dare whisper them in public spaces, if at all. It is all too easy to think of stories where authority has been used to tear down, control, and abuse others. Equally, it is easy to see a history of humanity bucking the control of authority for the sake of independence and perceived freedom. For these reasons, our culture in the West resists any authority or submission. Yet these are words and concepts we find in the Bible—words and concepts that describe the author and perfecter of life and our relationship to him. In our passage this week, we read of Jesus possessing an authority over and above all of humanity, an authority by which he can judge the world's submission to him and an authority he uses to lead, build up, and liberate people into the kingdom of God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/10624935321102 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:36:18 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/926242311423984 As more and more people recognise who Jesus is – the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples "if you have faith and do not doubt," they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/926242311423984 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:40:29 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92224732118189 Not everyone who is not blind can see. Two blind men saw what the seeing crowd could not see. They not only believed Jesus was the promised 'Son of David' but they believed He was like no other king the world had known – He cared! He was willing to touch their eyes that they might see and follow Him. Have we seen and believed in this humble King of love who came to His own city riding on a donkey – the One who came not to be served but to serve? It's easy to be caught up in enthusiastic worship just as the crowds did but to be caught up in serving and loving as He served and loved – that is beyond us without us being taken up into His death and resurrection. He knew what it would take to bring us to that – something the crowds could never see. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/92224732118189 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 John Dunkley 0:35:29 no John Dunkley - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9122454730235 You have likely heard the saying, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." People have always vied for power and authority over one another. Sadly, even when intentions have begun nobly, over time, the self-serving nature of humanity has won over and resulted in poor leadership, immorality, and abuse. As slaves to sin, with only one exception, there has never been a person who truly used their authority to serve another. The exception is Christ. Jesus' use of authority is a perfect selfless service to God and humanity through his suffering, death, and resurrection. His actions are the power and pattern of authority in the kingdom of heaven that ransom us from slavery to sin. Only now, free from sin, can we follow our beloved Saviour in serving God and one another. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/9122454730235 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:30:40 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/95242330584281 When Jesus was asked a question to test him regarding the law and divorce, he responded by speaking about marriage– marriage, from the beginning. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that before we even consider the notion of divorce we must first understand what marriage is. No piece of paper such a certificate of divorce can nullify the one flesh union that God himself has joined together. As the disciples did that day, I pray that we might recognise the deep profundity of what Jesus teaches us here, and receive it in faith. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/95242330584281 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:47:16 no Ray Bell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8302406541951 The parable of The Labourers in the Vineyard before us this week from Matthew 20 is in fact a continuation from last week as Jesus explains the statement at the end of Chapter 19, "Many who are first will be last, and the last first." Most of us expect a certain 'order of things' in life to be kept and maintained by the vast majority. And it is interesting, and somewhat revealing, to observe how we respond when such expectations are not met. Jesus teaches us that we should not presume we are entitled to anything in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, whether we are first in line, or last, we receive far more than any of us deserve. It is all gift! Such is the generosity and grace of our Lord and God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/8302406541951 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Ray Bell 0:32:15 no Ray Bell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/825241036352074 In our passage, little children are brought to Jesus so that he might bless them, but the disciples again miss the point and turn the children away. Jesus shows us that salvation is for everyone, not limited to the rich and important. We also read of a wealthy young man approaching Jesus to find out what 'good thing' he must do to get eternal life. But the only one who is good and can bring salvation was standing right before him! The young man kept the six relational commandments, but Jesus saw his heart and knew he served money, not God. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, saying that he might have treasure in heaven and follow him. The Young man was sad and fled because he had great wealth. Jesus shows us what is important and what is not to both the young man and the kingdom. "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom". While Jesus' hyperbole reveals the impossibility of saving ourselves, 'with God all things are possible'. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/825241036352074 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 David Powell 0:31:40 no David Powell - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/81724633313996 We heard last week that believers have a position in the kingdom of heaven like that of beloved "little ones". With the image of believers as children in mind and a desire to guard them, Jesus addresses the most significant threat his children face: the threat of sin. Jesus warns those who would lead believers to stumble, and he warns believers themselves of the severe seriousness of participating in sin. To sin is to wander away from God, like a sheep going astray, or as we see in our passage this week, a brother or sister leaving the family. So, what happens when a "little one", a sheep, a brother or sister sins? Are they lost, doomed to wander? This week, we see Jesus's heart forgive sin and reconcile the wandering family—the same heart he would see family have for one another. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/81724633313996 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:44:20 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/81124742456320 Chapter 18 in Matthew lifts our eyes to life in the Kingdom of God and how those in the Kingdom are called to live and relate to each other. Jesus points us to the deep love of the Father for each of His children and reminds us of the need to show true humility, love and grace to others, even those whom we may not get along well with. While this passage reveals our God's unbounded compassion and love for His flock, it is also a strong and severe warning against the danger of taking sin lightly. May we reflect on Jesus's words humbly as we examine our own hearts and lives. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/81124742456320 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Neveen Vincent 0:37:26 no Neveen Vincent - Matthew's Gospel https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/73124356153514 We are all familiar with paying taxes. Few people would say it is a joyful experience, and most would avoid it if they were free to. In this week's passage from Matthew 17, Jesus teaches Peter that, as a son of God, Peter is free not to pay the yearly temple tax but that he should anyway. The question we might have is, what would drive a person like Peter, or even you and I, to do such a thing, to not make use of our rights as children of God and instead pay a tax that we are free from? Paul gives us a clear answer in 1 Corinthians 9, "For the sake of the gospel." Join us as we spend more time examining the words and heart of this passage. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/corobaptist/sermons/73124356153514 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Nat Mills 0:35:25 no Nat Mills - Matthew's Gospel