Douglas North Audio

Perseverance of the Saints

July 21, 2024 • Jaco Erasmus • 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, John 15:1–5, Hebrews 12:1–3, 1 Samuel 17:32–37

Jaco Erasmus, lead elder of My Family Church in Keetmanshoop, Namibia, joins us this week at Douglas North. Jaco shares on the Perseverance of the Saints, encouraging us to run and not grow weary, by keeping your eyes on Jesus and overcoming as He will finish the work he has started.

Four12 Conference Testimonies

July 14, 2024

This week members of Douglas North congregation share what God has been speaking to them about over the last week when the Four12 Europe conference was hosted on the Isle of Man.

Andrew Selley

July 7, 2024 • Andrew Selley • 2 Timothy 3:5, Acts 2:38, Psalm 51:17, Galatians 5:19–21

Finding the One

June 30, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Romans 1:12, Philippians 4:11–12, 1 Corinthians 7:7–9, 1 Corinthians 7:24–35, 2 Corinthians 6:14–15

In Roman times it was easy to get married and also easy to get divorced. The Romans persecuted Christians. It is easy to lose your focus on Jesus with everything that is going on in the world. God does not call on us to have lots of relationships, you become a slave to sin. Finding the One is Jesus. Just to reiterate Jesus is the One!

Parenting

June 23, 2024 • Chris Staples • Judges 2:7–12, 1 Samuel 8:4–5, 1 John 3:1, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 12:7–11

This week in our "Making Disciples" series, Chris dives into the world of parenting through the lens of scripture. He explores the importance of intentional parenting, drawing parallels between raising children and discipling spiritual children in the church. Here's a taste of what you'll learn: The ABCs of Parenting: Chris shares practical advice on giving your children attention, helping them navigate difficult seasons, and implementing godly discipline. Parenting as Discipleship: Discover how the principles of good parenting directly translate to effective spiritual guidance. The Danger of Absent Parenting: Explore the consequences of neglecting your children's emotional and spiritual needs, illustrated by historical examples from the Bible. Modelling True Commitment: Learn how your daily life - your marriage, hospitality, and devotion - becomes a powerful teaching tool for your children and those around you. Whether you're a parent, a spiritual mentor, or someone who simply wants to strengthen your relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Blessed Marriage

June 16, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Matthew 19:5–6, Ephesians 5:31–32, 1 Corinthians 6:16, Malachi 2:14, Genesis 2:24

This week in our "Making Disciples" series, Adrian Porter focuses on the importance of marriage and God's blessing on this sacred union. The message explores key scriptures like Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, and Ephesians 5:31-32, emphasising: * The foundation of marriage: God designed marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6). * God's covenant in marriage: Marriage is a sacred covenant between a husband and wife, witnessed by God (Malachi 2:14). * Sex within marriage: Sexuality is a gift from God, intended to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage (Ephesians 5:31-32, 1 Corinthians 6:16). The message also emphasizes the importance of prayer: Let's pray for God's blessing on marriages in our community. Join us as we explore how to build strong, Christ-centred marriages!

Teach me to Pray

June 9, 2024 • Adrian Porter

Running the Race

June 2, 2024 • Jonny Knowles • Hebrews 12:1–2, Matthew 16:25

This sermon explores the Christian life as a race, drawing a parallel to a near-miss at the 1959 Isle of Man TT motorcycle races. We need to "look before we leap" just like rider Keith Heckles, but more importantly, to fix our gaze on Jesus throughout the race. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1-2 to run with endurance, focusing on Jesus. Jesus endured the cross for us, and by looking to Him, we find strength and purpose. Imagine being mesmerized by a fire – that's how we should be with Jesus! Running with our eyes on Jesus is important because: 1. He is God and deserves our worship. 2. He has the best plan for our lives, even when it's difficult. This race is a marathon, not a sprint. God calls us to a life of following Him, not just dipping in and out. Just like enjoying a delicious meal, we should fully embrace the life Jesus offers – a life filled with love, joy, peace, and purpose. Is your gaze fixed on Jesus?

Leaving a Legacy

May 26, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Colossians 1:3–8, Colossians 4:12–13, John 12:24, Philemon 23

This is our time to see the ripple spreading out and making Disciples to help others and starting other legacies. There are some big characters in the bible: Epaphras is one of them although he is only mentioned in the bible three times. He changed his area of the world - Turkey. Epaphras went from Colossae to Ephesus during Paul's stay at Ephesus. He was known as a servant of Christ Jesus. Paul was talking about everyone as being slaves, we are slaves to Jesus, with a master who loves us and gave his life for us. God came to set the captive free.

Clothed In Power

May 19, 2024 • Chris Staples • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Judges 6:34, 1 Chronicles 12:18, 2 Chronicles 24:20, Isaiah 40:29–31

Feeling weak and overwhelmed? In this episode of the "Making Disciples" series, Chris Staples explores how God's power can strengthen us in our moments of weakness. He dives into 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul emphasises that God's grace is sufficient and his power is made perfect in weakness. We are also encouraged by examples in the Old Testament (Judges 6:34, 1 Chronicles 12:18, 2 Chronicles 24:20) of how the Holy Spirit clothed individuals with power to accomplish God's work. Discover how being "Clothed in Power" from God can equip you with: * Strength for the Weak: God empowers those who feel inadequate (Isaiah 40:29-31). * Peace for the Troubled: The Holy Spirit replaces fear with God's love and peace (2 Timothy 1:7). This message also explores how God can use our weaknesses to His glory. The key people Chris mentions are: * Gideon (Judges 6:34) * Amasai (1 Chronicles 12:18) * Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20) * Disciples (Luke 24:49) * Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

The Infallible Word

May 5, 2024 • Chris Staples • 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Psalm 19:7–11, Matthew 4:4, James 1:22–25, Psalm 119:16

Chris Staples delves into 'the Bible' in this foundational teaching. Understanding the power and importance of the Bible is something that every person needs to navigate life and stay in God's will and purposes. Chris explores passages like 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and Psalm 19:7-11, highlighting the Bible's unique qualities: God's Inspired Word: The Bible is not simply human invention, but the very breath of God, offering wisdom and guidance for our lives. God's Usable Word: Scripture equips us for every good work, providing instruction, correction, and training in righteousness. God's Purposeful Word: The Bible is not just for reading; it's meant to be applied. It transforms our hearts and equips us to live according to God's will. Join us as we explore the life-changing power of the Bible!

Stronger Together

April 28, 2024 • Stuart Nelson • Ephesians 4:11–12, Acts 2:42–47, Hebrews 10:24–25, Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 2:19–21

Feeling isolated on your faith journey? This week in the "Making Disciples" series, Stuart Nelson explores the power of Christian community. He dives into Ephesians 4:11-12, reminding us that God equips his church with gifted individuals to build each other up. Stuart explores inspiring passages like Acts 2:42-47, showcasing the early church's dedication to fellowship, prayer, and shared meals. Discover how being part of a strong Christian community can: Equip you through teaching and shared knowledge (Ephesians 2:19-21, 2 Peter 3:18) Motivate you to grow in your faith through encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25) Sharpen your faith through interaction with others (Proverbs 27:17) Nelson shares an acronym on how being in a life group is "BEST". Join us and discover the power of being "Stronger Together"!

Where do I fit

April 21, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Matthew 14:22–36, 1 Corinthians 12:4–12

We are not like a family, we are a family! What purpose to you have for God? What gift of the holy spirit do you have? Everyone has at least one. How do we identify the gifts God gave you? Some people will know what your gift is, others may be fearful of the gift they have been given but God knows you and will give you the perfect gift for you. It is your choice if you activate your gift, you will not be forced into it.

Love comes First

April 14, 2024 • Mark Doyle • 1 John 4:7–8, John 3:16, Ephesians 5:2

The Power to Change

April 7, 2024 • Chris Staples • Romans 7:17–23, Romans 8:1–11, Galatians 5:16–25, John 16:13, Mark 9:24

Feeling stuck in a cycle of wanting to do good but ending up doing bad? In this message from our "Making Disciples" series, Chris Staples dives into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Chris explores Romans 7 and 8, highlighting the internal struggle between our desires and God's will. Chris reminds us that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are no longer condemned by this struggle. The Holy Spirit offers the power to change, setting us free from the grip of sin. Key Takeaways: 1. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1-11). 2. By following the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:16-25). 3. The Holy Spirit changes our desires and equips us with the ability to live a life pleasing to God (John 16:13, Mark 9:24). Are you ready to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? Listen to this message and discover how the Holy Spirit can empower you to change your desires, your abilities, and ultimately, your life. This message is a powerful reminder that with God's help, we can overcome any obstacle and live a life that glorifies Him!