Skycrest Community Church cover art

Skycrest Community Church

Skycrest Community Church

By: Skycrest Community Church
Listen for free

About this listen

 Sermons Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Christmas Cards from God - Joy

    Christmas Cards from God - Joy
    Dec 23 2025
    Christmas Cards from God: Joy A Message of Joy from the Angels The heart of the Christmas story, as told in the Gospel of Luke, centers on the shepherds who were visited by an angel proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). This message of joy is not just historical. It is a Christmas card from God to us today, inviting us to live a life filled with joy. What Is True Joy? The sermon explores a direct question: Do you live with joy? True joy, as depicted in the Bible, is not mere happiness or a fleeting emotional state. It is strength that comes from God. This joy is a lifeline. It is a divine gift that empowers believers to navigate life’s challenges and temptations. Jesus’ Prayer for Joy In John 17:13, Jesus prays that His followers would have the “full measure of my joy within them.” This prayer highlights joy as a vital source of spiritual strength, even as Jesus faced His greatest trials. Joy is not superficial. It is deep-rooted strength that enables perseverance. The Joy of the Lord as Strength The sermon references Nehemiah 8:10, where Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This moment came after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The people were reminded to celebrate God’s deliverance instead of mourning past failures. Joy here means moving forward with strength and purpose. The Example of Jesus Jesus modeled this joy as He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). His anticipation of returning to the Father and securing salvation for humanity gave Him strength. Joy sustained Him through unimaginable suffering and kept Him faithful to His mission. Applying Joy in Our Lives 1. Return to the joy of salvation. Psalm 51:12 urges us to seek the joy of God’s salvation continually, remembering the grace that saved us and the mercy that forgives us daily. 2. Joy in obedience. Joy comes from knowing what to do and actually doing it. Obedience to God’s Word produces joy, as Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” 3. Anticipating eternal joy. Joy is rooted in the hope of eternity with God. Psalm 16:11 promises, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Conclusion This Christmas season, the message is clear. Embrace the joy God offers through Christ. This joy is not just a feeling. It is strength. It sustains us. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, remember His prayer for our joy. Live in that strength. The best is still ahead.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Christmas Cards From God: Week 2 - Peace

    Christmas Cards From God: Week 2 - Peace
    Dec 16 2025
    Christmas Cards from God: Peace In the latest sermon, we explored the profound theme of peace as a divine gift, focusing on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. This theme is deeply connected to the Christmas story, which celebrates a time when God gave us what we could never achieve on our own: peace in the midst of chaos. The Gift of Peace The sermon began by highlighting the incredible generosity of the congregation, which raised significant funds for clean water projects. These acts of kindness symbolize how generosity contributes to peace in the world. This giving parallels the peace God offers us through Jesus. Understanding Peace The concept of peace was broken down into two key ideas: Being at Peace: An internal state of calm and acceptance, regardless of external circumstances. Being in Peace: A state dependent on external conditions aligning perfectly, which is often beyond our control. God desires both forms of peace for us. This truth is echoed in Jesus’ words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus, the Prince of Peace The title Prince of Peace carries deep meaning. As the ruler and keeper of peace, Jesus offers a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. This peace is not earned or bought; it is a divine gift, inseparably tied to His presence. Isaiah 9:6 foretells the coming of the Prince of Peace, emphasizing that Jesus’ birth is God’s gift of peace to humanity. His reign means He governs a kingdom of peace, offering citizenship through spiritual rebirth. Entering the Kingdom of Peace To enter this kingdom, a person must be “born again,” as explained in John 3:5–7. This spiritual rebirth is necessary because sin separates us from God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, peace with God becomes possible. Colossians 1:20 reminds us that peace comes through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Living in Peace The sermon also acknowledged a hard truth: while we can experience peace in this world, complete and lasting peace will only be fully realized in eternity. Ephesians 2:14–19 shows how Jesus has broken down walls of hostility, reconciling us to God and offering true peace. The Pathway, Presence, and Promise of Peace The Pathway of Peace: Walking in God’s wisdom and commands leads to peace (Proverbs 3:13, 17; Psalm 119:165). The Presence of Peace: Even in hardship, the Holy Spirit provides peace that surpasses understanding. The Promise of Eternal Peace: Believers ultimately look forward to eternal rest and peace with God (Isaiah 57:2). Conclusion The sermon closed with a call to embrace the peace Jesus offers. It challenged listeners to reflect on their spiritual condition and to share this peace with others. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the Prince of Peace has opened the kingdom of peace to all who believe—offering peace for today and peace for eternity.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Christmas Cards From God: Week 1

    Christmas Cards From God: Week 1
    Dec 9 2025
    Letters from God: A Message of Hope As we step into the Christmas season, it is a time of reflection and reconnection, much like the old tradition of sending Christmas cards with letters to friends and family. In this sermon, we are reminded that God also sends us messages, and this Christmas these messages are filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 – A Message of Assurance The sermon begins with a powerful reminder from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse was originally for the Israelites during a time of despair, but it resonates through time, offering assurance that God is always thinking of us, even when we feel distant. The Power of Hope Hope is a recurring theme throughout the sermon, emphasizing its importance in various aspects of life: Health: Hope is linked to better health outcomes, and a study cited shows that hopeful individuals had a significantly lower risk of death after a heart attack than their pessimistic counterparts. Success: Hope is crucial for success, as it fosters resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. Relationships: Hope breathes life into relationships, making them more positive and fulfilling. Hope in Christ While hope in general is beneficial, the sermon underscores that hope in Christ is unparalleled. It is a hope that shines light into the darkest corners of our lives. The story of Simeon in Luke 2 exemplifies this hope. Simeon, a devout man, awaited the Messiah with hope, and upon seeing Jesus, he knew his prayers were answered. This encounter illustrates the transformative power of hope in Jesus. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:44 provides a vivid illustration of the value of hope in God's kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a treasure hidden in a field which, once discovered, prompts a man to sell everything he owns to possess it. This parable teaches that: True hope is unseen: Often our hopes are tied to visible, material things, but true hope is found in the unseen treasures of God’s kingdom. Hope gives direction: Like the man who discovered the treasure, hope in Christ gives our lives direction and purpose, guiding us toward a future aligned with God’s vision. Embracing God’s Hope The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the hope offered through Jesus Christ. This hope is the foundation for a life of peace and purpose, transcending the temporary and visible to provide eternal assurance. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the hope we have in Christ is like a treasure, offering us a future filled with God’s promises. Whether you are already living in this hope or seeking it, the message is clear: God has plans for you—plans for hope and a future. For those seeking prayer or guidance, the church offers support to help individuals move from despair to the hope found in God. May this season be one where God’s light and hope shine brightly in your life.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.