Wishart Community Church

Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 Preacher: Pastor Jim de Witte Support the show

7/19/26 • 33:20

Stealing is a community problem, condemned by societies throughout human history. So, this commandment is relevant for all people. In Australia, the crime statistics and the public cost of stealing and robbery is huge. It is estimated that theft and retail crime cost Australia up to $9.3 billion annually. We have a problem, but our focus is going to be on us as Christians, rather than society in general. We need to pay attention to what God is saying to us in the eighth commandment. Because this commandment is more broadly about diligence, hard work, dealing fairly with others, paying your debts, justice for the oppressed, and trusting God for provision. Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Exodus 20:1-17 Support the show

7/12/26 • 31:17

King Manasseh’s life was one of the darkest stories in the Old Testament. He defiled the temple, created idols and worshipped other gods. Yet despite all this, the story has a twist, Manasseh humbled himself in the lowest part of his life and God met him with astonishing mercy, grace and restoration. Join me this Sunday, as we discover that no one is beyond the merciful and gracious hand of God and see how Manasseh’s story shows us the depth of human depravity and the power of God’s mercy and grace. Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-17 Preacher: Dylan Patruica Support the show

7/5/26 • 33:44

Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 Preacher: Pastor Jim de Witte Support the show

6/28/26 • 31:05

What can seem like acts of service that go above and beyond our expectations are in fact, the ordinary duty of servants in the Kingdom. In Luke 17:5-10, Jesus teaches that forgiving others and following Him are not extraordinary acts but the duty of those who have received grace. Even the smallest faith in a powerful Saviour is enough to do duty. Grace when properly understood, replaces recognition or reward freeing us to serve joyfully in humility and with gratitude. Preacher: Tony van Drimmelen  Passage: Luke 17:1-10 Support the show

6/21/26 • 33:38

 In the opening chapter of Galatians, Paul is at pains to express how important it is that we get the gospel right. If we get the gospel wrong, our eternity and the honour of Jesus are at stake. Since it is so critical to get the gospel right, we should also ask the question: how do we know which gospel is authoritative? How do we know whether the gospel we believe is authoritative? This Sunday, we will answer these questions by looking at the way Paul establishes his gospel-authority to the Galatian church. Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:11 to 2:10 Preacher: Ben Ring Support the show

6/14/26 • 35:35

One thing Paul makes very clear in Galatians is that we are free from the law. Free from judgement under the law and free from trying to win God's favour through the law. Does that mean we can just ignore it all together? That we can live however we want and God doesn't care at all? No, not at all. God rescues us from the present evil age, not just in the sense of forgiving us but by making us new and giving us a new love for Him and trust in Him. What does that new life look like however? We clearly aren't immediately perfect and this week we will see how God has planned for us to grow more and more like our saviour Jesus.Preacher: Jono Deenick Passage: Galatians 5:13-26 Support the show

6/7/26 • 47:26

Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour." While often summarized as "do not lie," this commandment specifically protects human dignity, community trust, and justice. We need it because we know it hurts when people lie to you or about you. We live in a world that spins truth as relative or categorize some lies as big and others as “little white lies.” Sometimes these lies are intentional and malicious, other times they are partial truths or misunderstandings that we share. The Bible teaches us that lying tears down real relationships creating real harm. The commandment teaches us to guard each other’s reputation and to speak the truth. At first glance you may think “I got this one covered!” but like with the other commandments, historically and scripturally, there is a much deeper understanding that teaches us that God loves truth and we love our neighbour best when we speak the truth to them, about them and to each other.Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Exodus 20:1-17  Support the show

5/31/26 • 28:58

Don’t murder seems pretty straightforward, and it is. The sixth commandment, you shall not murder, is grounded in the fabric of creation to the point that universally, everyone naturally knows it’s wrong. Murder is wrong, but in God’s eyes, there is more to it that just taking someone’s life. In the Sermon on the Mount, we see how Jesus transforms this commandment to reach the heart. So, knowing murder is wrong, how can live well in a way that builds our lives and communities? These are some of the things we will see as we dive into the sixth commandment.Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Matthew 5:21-26 Support the show

5/24/26 • 29:10

Today we look at the open of Paul's letter to the Galatians. It is in many ways a stern and strong letter as Paul warns them against deserting the gospel of Jesus for a different and fake gospel. As he does so he helps us to understand and marvel at the good news of our rescue through Jesus Christ. But why Paul was so determined to make sure the Galatian churches, and through them us, understood the true gospel that of Jesus our saviour? Why should we share a similar passion to see the gospel maintained? Passage: Galatians 1:1-10 Preacher: Jono Deenick Support the show

5/17/26 • 37:41

Today is Mother’s Day, when we celebrate and give thanks for the love of our mothers. The relationship between a mother and her child is perhaps the strongest of all human bonds, forged as it is in nine months of pregnancy, the pain of childbirth itself and the intimate care of a newborn child. It is a relationship marked by a sacrificial gracious love. Much of this mirrors God’s love for us. Out of love, he sent His Son to die for our sins and out of love he offers us the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as mothers care for their children unconditionally, we are called to love others, as we, also, mirror God’s love for us. So, let’s give thanks for our mothers and their love, whilst also remembering God’s love for us. As we do so, let’s learn to love others in the same way.Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: 1 John 4:7-12 Support the show

5/10/26 • 27:07

Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Psalm 27Support the show

5/3/26 • 31:00

We are picking up our 10 Commandments series, under ‘Life’s Building Code’. The first four commandments focused on God and the worship of him. The final six centre on the treatment of other people, with the first speaking about family. It is the first commandment with a promise, as it calls for a heart posture of respect, gratitude and care toward parents, treating them with ‘weightiness’, rather than merely showing outward obedience. That brings up an interesting relationship. Why is it that respect for one’s parents equals longevity in Canaan? To put it simply, respect for one’s parents will equal respect for other authority figures as well. Obedience to parents in the ‘small things’, will inevitably translate to obedience to God. A child that doesn’t respect their parents won’t respect other sources of authority, such as school administrators and local police. Ultimately, they won’t respect God. Of all the things we can teach our children that will have long-lasting effects, respecting an authority outside of self is near the top of the list. It is critically important. But what does it mean to honour your father and your mother? What does this look like?Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Exodus 20:1-17 Support the show

4/26/26 • 29:52

We might be confident that we pray to the Great God of heaven and earth but, as we pray, we may not be so confident about praying to our Father in heaven. One of Jesus’ disciples asks, “Lord teach us to pray”. In reply Jesus gives them more than mere words to recite aloud.  He goes on to tell them two stories. There is the persistent friend (v.5) and the little child (v.11) both of whom receive amazing answers to their requests.  Are we prepared to identify with one or both? We are challenged to ask relentlessly, yet rest in His wisdom, knowing He gives not what we want, but what is truly good.Preacher: Tony van DrimmelenPassage: Luke 11:1-13Support the show

4/19/26 • 37:09

We have spent a weekend contemplating the ‘What if’ question as we reflected on Christ’s sacrifice for us on Good Friday. And we celebrated that He is risen on Easter Sunday. But, so what? What does life look like for you after Easter? How do you live in the light of this momentous event? How does it change our lives? It’s now a week later so does everything go back to normal? Do we go back to living our regular everyday lives? The temptation is to treat Easter like it’s an ending, like a spiritual highlight of the year. The eggs have all been found, Jesus is risen, you went to church, and now it’s back to “normal life.” But nothing was normal after Jesus.  It stirred a revolution and brough significant change to the world. So, the question to ask is, ‘What difference does the resurrection make to my life today? Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35 Preacher: Jim de Witte Support the show

4/12/26 • 31:17

What if Jesus didn’t really conquer the grave would you still be a Christian? If archaeologists in Jerusalem discovered the body of Jesus of Nazareth, would you remain a follower of Christ? Would you keep living for Jesus because of His compassionate example, His inspirational teaching, His noble moral standards? Or would you abandon any pretence of following in His footsteps? If Jesus had not risen from the dead, I would not be a Christian because that would make Jesus a false prophet. Paul explained the dire consequences of such a scenario and the effect it would have on every believer. Our Christian faith would be worthless. There would be no pardon for sin. We would have no hope after death. But, we can rejoice that Christ has been raised and our faith is valid, the Bible is true, our sins are forgiven, and our hope of resurrection is secure.Preacher: Jim De Witte Passage: Matthew 28:1-15 Support the show

4/5/26 • 24:12

What if Christ had not died on the cross? Then there would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All the little pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from certain and ultimate doom for every member of the human race. Yet, the writers of the New Testament answer this question by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us. The apostle Peter declared that “Christ died for sins, once for all” (1 Peter 3:18). The apostle Paul observed that “Christ died for our sins, according to Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Scripture Reading:  Mark 15:21-39Preacher: Pastor Jim de Witte Support the show

4/3/26 • 27:04

The question this week is, ‘What if Jesus had missed Gethsemane? What if we didn’t have this prayer time in the garden? What would we be missing in the story of Jesus death and resurrection?’ Gethsemane was where Jesus and His disciples regularly went to, but here it will be the last time Jesus will be there with them before the cross. All 4 gospels record the scene at Gethsemane, so it has a significance we would do well to consider. It is the place that shows the agony and pain Jesus had to suffer in order to save us. It is also a place where we learn what it really means to do the Father’s will. The Garden of Gethsemane was necessary because it was there that Jesus chose to take upon himself the sin, suffering, and infirmities of humanity. Without Gethsemane, we would miss that truth.Scripture reading: Matthew 26:36-46 Preacher: Jim de Witte  Support the show

3/29/26 • 29:51

As we draw closer to Easter, we are continuing to apply ‘What if’ questions to the events of Jesus’ last week before his death and resurrection. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the Passover meal that Jesus and the disciples celebrated. What if Jesus had not celebrated this ‘Last Supper’ with the disciples? What if the way Jesus used it to teach was not recorded for us? What significant understanding of the gospel would be lacking if we did not have this account? Scripture reading: Matthew 26:17-30 Preacher: Jim de Witte Support the show

3/22/26 • 28:56

With Easter just a few weeks away, we are going to look together at some of the events that mark Jesus final week leading up to his crucifixion. We are going to apply ‘What if’ questions to the accounts, wondering how things might be different if the event was omitted. Today we apply the ‘what if’ question to the triumphal entry, as Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. What if Jesus had just slipped into Jerusalem unnoticed, as he had done a few times before? What if Jesus had hidden away from the crowds; what if he stopped the chanting crowd. What would we be missing if we did not have this Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Luke 19:28-44 Support the show

3/15/26 • 30:15

Passage: Matthew 8:5-13Preacher: Juhan Klooster (JK)Support the show

3/8/26 • 27:51

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3/1/26 • 33:19

When we look at the third commandment it seems, on the surface, and easy one to avoid breaking: just don’t swear using the name of God. Simple, let’s move to the fourth commandment. If that’s all that is at stake, a little self-control would bring compliance. But names in the Bible do more than identify and individual and delving into the name of God is key to a deeper obedience to the command. It is more than misusing God’s name, but ensuring we honour him.Passage: Exodus 20:7 Preacher: Jim de Witte Support the show

2/22/26 • 31:47

Psalm 90 is a psalm of meditation and reflection. It reflects on two massive truths about God and life here on this earth. But these reflections aren't just an exercise in navel-gazing, they lead to a response. Psalm 90 shows us how to respond to God in light of the truths that it reflects on. Knowing what God is like, and what our lives are like, drives us to make him our help and our dwelling place. Passage: Psalm 90 Preacher: Jacob GreatbatchSupport the show

2/15/26 • 35:10

Last Sunday we looked at the first commandment which makes it clear who the object of our worship must be: YHWH alone. But how is he to be worshipped? That is the question addressed in the second commandment, which in brief says, with no idols. God’s uniqueness requires unique devotion. The warning is about avoiding any representation of God as if he is a part of creation, or even a created animal or being. So then, the commandment teaches us how we are to think of God, and it also teaches us how we are to worship God. It means we must worship God as he has revealed himself and as he has required: in Christ, through his Word and the sacraments, received by faith, in spirit and in truth. Bible Passage: Exodus 32:1-24 Preacher: Jim de Witte Support the show

2/8/26 • 37:58

Pastor: Jim De Witte Passage: Exodus 20:1-21 Support the show

2/1/26 • 30:53

Preacher: Bill Berends Passage: Zech 11:4-14; Mt 21:1-16, 23-46  Support the show

1/25/26 • 33:16

Psalm 15 is one of the shortest psalms, but it packs a punch as it asks the daunting question, ‘Who is worthy?’  Who is righteous enough to dwell in God’s presence? Who has the right, by the way they live, to be accepted with God? Our response might be that we long to be that kind of person and we pray that God’s empowering grace to help us. But the psalm doesn’t end with that. Instead, it points to Jesus, the ultimate answer to the question. Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life all of the time and in every way. He did that as our substitute because God knew that we would never live that way. Jesus, in his righteous life and acceptable death, purchased for us our acceptance with God. So, because we are now righteous in Christ, we can live in the presence of God. Passage: Psalm 15 Preacher: Jim de Witte Support the show

1/18/26 • 27:05

Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Psalm 14 Support the show

1/11/26 • 30:03

In Psalm 13 there is a recurring question, “How long?” David wants to be delivered. He thought God had forgotten him and more. David faith is tested as he feels abandoned by God and so doubts his goodness. Can anything be worse than that? Maybe you have experienced the same painful feeling of being abandoned by God. Yet this kind of fear and doubt is not the opposite of faith as we are sometimes told, but an element of our faith. How do we know that? We have Psalm like this one that demonstrate ways we can cry out to God, taking our pain and complaints to him and trust he is with us. As Alistair Begg has written, ‘God’s care for his children is like the sun: it’s constant. Even though clouds obscure it, it doesn’t mean the sun is not there.’Preacher: Jim de Witte Passage: Psalm 13 Support the show

1/4/26 • 29:36