Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from chapter 18. In it, he challenges prevalent cultural narratives and offers a deeply theological perspective on our sexuality. Pastor Ben shows how faith intersects with personal desires and cultural expectations, emphasizing the transformative power of grace. He discusses the church's critical role in offering healing and redemption to those grappling with society's conflicting sexual norms. Drawing inspiration from Christopher West's "Our Bodies Tell God's Story," he underscores the importance of embodying sexual wholeness and holiness to offer hope and light in a culture often perceived as morally decaying.Pastor Ben also examines the theological symbolism of marriage and sexuality, weaving parallels between earthly relationships and the anticipated union between Jesus and the church. Through this lens, he unpacks the significance of gender roles, the impact of the sexual revolution, and the enduring sacredness of the family. He concludes by encouraging us to open our hearts to the gentle mercy of Jesus, encouraging His presence to illuminate and heal parts of our lives that yearn for divine touch.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 19. He connects the teachings here in Leviticus with New Testament calls to live purposefully, in order to uncover the timeless value of compassion, justice, and holiness.Holiness transcends mere behavior; it's about belonging to God and living in love. By reflecting on the phrase "I am the Lord, your God," Pastor Damein helps us understand how this divine relationship influences our actions and fosters true holiness. He challenges the notion of morality based on fear or duty, emphasizing that genuine holiness is rooted in love and relational commitment. Ultimately, Pastor Damein illustrates how belonging to God through Jesus enables us to reflect His holiness, leading to changed behaviors and genuine freedom.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching on the themes of atonement and holiness from the ritual in Leviticus 16. He explores the high priest’s critical role in bridging the gap between God and His people, and the crucial symbolism of the scapegoat carrying away the sins of Israel. Here, we see how drawing near to God requires confrontation with our own ambivalence, guilt, and shame. Together, we can reflect on God's persistent love and His desire to dwell among us despite our shortcomings.Leviticus 16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the transformative power of Christ, as depicted in Hebrews. There, we can see how Jesus embodies the temple, priest, and sacrifice, removing traditional religious barriers. Pastor Ben concludes with practical advice on honoring the Day of Atonement through fasting and resting, and encourage us to embrace bold confidence in approach to God, not through personal merit, but through the grace offered by Christ.

Discover the timeless relevance of Leviticus as it intertwines with today’s political and personal beliefs. Explore the stark contrasts between the holy and the common, and the transformative nature of Jesus’ teachings. Delve into the psychological impact of cleanliness, alongside the societal implications of these ancient laws. Reflect on inner purity versus external behavior, highlighting the freedom from guilt that Christ offers. Witness powerful narratives of compassion that call us to embrace grace and healing amidst our struggles.

The discussion dives into the themes of consecration and love within Leviticus, illuminating the significance of worship and spiritual commitment. It warns against compromise, reflecting on the tragic tale of Nadab and Abihu, while emphasizing the call to holiness in today’s culture. The importance of community involvement and equipping believers for ministry is highlighted, paralleling spiritual dedication with the discipline of athletes. Ultimately, the transformative power of Jesus is underscored as the path to a life set apart for God's purposes.

Explore the vital role of prayer and God's presence as illustrated in Leviticus 6:13. A personal journey reveals how cultivating community can revitalize faith. Discover the importance of building spiritual 'altars' in everyday life for a deeper connection with the divine. Engaging analogies highlight the balance between divine love and human effort necessary to maintain spiritual vitality. Get inspired to keep the fire of faith burning in your own life and community.

Damein Schitter, a Senior Pastor, explores ancient sacrificial rituals from Leviticus 4 and their relevance today. He illustrates how unintentional sins reveal the need for accountability, emphasizing that ignorance doesn’t exempt us from consequences. Pastor Damein discusses the deeper meaning behind sacrificial acts, showcasing God's love and grace in atonement. He connects these rituals to modern experiences of guilt and the transformative power of knowing we are accepted by God, affirming that Christ's sacrifice achieves true purification and forgiveness.

In a thought-provoking discussion, the focus on Leviticus 3 highlights atonement as a bridge to God. The peace offerings symbolize restored relationships, inviting us to a shared communion with the divine. Through engaging anecdotes, the significance of children's questions in shaping our faith is explored. Themes of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation are connected to communal bonds, emphasizing the need for genuine connections, even in a digital age. Listeners are encouraged to pursue deeper fellowship with God and one another.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter kicks off our fall series, Leviticus is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 1. He tackles the cultural distance and perceived obscurity head-on, revealing profound insights into God's character and His values. By slowing down and examining the priestly and sacrificial systems, Pastor Damein connects the dots from these ancient practices to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. He also shows how laws against murder and theft reveal the values of the lawgiver, and how offering our best to God reflects His holiness and grace.Pastor Damein concludes by bridging Leviticus to the New Testament, drawing meaningful connections that underscore the inclusivity of worship and the completeness of atonement provided by Christ. Reflecting on Romans 12:1, he explores how offering our lives as living sacrifices is a powerful response to God's mercy. Through his message, we are prepared to deepen our love for Jesus and enrich our understanding of Scripture, recognizing God's relentless pursuit of fellowship with us.

Special Guest Preacher, the Rev Dr Irwyn Ince preaches from Hebrews 13:7-16. What does it mean to live a life of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ? How can we persevere through the trials and tribulations of our Christian journey? Pastor Irwyn highlights the critical message of Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." He underscores how this powerful truth equips us to face the costs of discipleship with courage and perseverance. By looking to Jesus, we find the strength to hold fast to our confession of faith, no matter the challenges.Pastor Irwyn explains how Jesus's sacrifice outside Jerusalem transforms our understanding of spiritual worship and everyday commitment to praise, good deeds, and sharing. He draws parallels to the Day of Atonement rituals, which encourages believers to bear the reproach of Christ and seek our lasting hope in the eternal city to come. He wraps up with reflections on living lives that continually glorify God, sustained by the steadfastness of Jesus.Pastor Irwyn is the PCA's Mission to North America Coordinator. You can find out more about the work he does by visiting their website here.