Rosebank Union Church Sermons

 Brett explores how Christians can return to the joy, passion, and devotion they experienced when they first encountered Christ — the love that fuels our faith, restores our hope, and transforms our daily walk with God.

Richard van Lieshout explores the depth, nature, and transformative power of God’s love for us. Whether you are feeling distant from faith or seeking a deeper understanding of the Gospel, this message serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love is not just a sentiment, but a life-changing reality revealed through Jesus Christ.

Richard explores the biblical practice of lament, using the Psalms to demonstrate how believers can bring their deepest pain, confusion, and frustration to God.The message centers on the reality that prayer does not always have to be polished or joyful; instead, Scripture invites an honest "wrestle" when our theology of a good God clashes with our painful circumstances.

Richard van Lieshout explores the essential elements of prayer as we seek God’s hand in our daily lives. Drawing from scripture, we dive into the three pillars of a balanced prayer life: asking for God’s Provision for our needs, seeking His Pardon for our shortcomings, and calling for His Protection against the challenges of the world.

Richard teaches from Matthew 6:9–13, focusing on what it means to pray to “Our Father.” This message explores the heart of the Lord’s Prayer and how Jesus teaches us to approach God in prayer.

Richard encourages us to start the year grounded in grace, embracing its power to rescue, train, and infuse hope, and to trust in its ongoing work in our lives. Grace is not a one-time event but a continuous reality that shapes identity, growth, and purpose.

In this sermon titled "Navigating the Storms of Life," Ndaba Mazabane delivers a powerful and encouraging message centered on Matthew 14:22–27. As 2025 draws to a close, he reflects on the inevitable challenges we face and provides a biblical framework for finding hope and stability in Jesus Christ.Key Themes and InsightsJesus in Command: Mazabane emphasizes that the focus of the story is not the storm, the boat, or even the disciples' fear, but the sovereignty of Jesus. He highlights how Jesus "compelled" the disciples to get into the boat, demonstrating that he is in full control of our circumstances even before the storm begins.The Reality of Storms: The sermon acknowledges that storms—whether they be health crises, marital failures, or grief—are an inevitable part of the Christian walk. Mazabane notes that being in a storm does not mean you are outside of God’s will; in fact, the disciples were in the storm precisely because they were obeying Jesus.A "Sanctified Imagination": To bridge the 2,000-year gap between the text and modern life, the speaker encourages the use of a "sanctified imagination" to truly appreciate the weight of the disciples' experience and the magnitude of Christ's power.Clinging to Promises, Not Explanations: A central takeaway is that believers must live by God’s promises rather than seeking human explanations for their suffering. Jesus’ command to "go ahead to the other side" was a promise that they would arrive safely, regardless of the winds against them.Practical Lessons for the New YearExpect Storms: Do not resent trials as intruders, but welcome them as opportunities for growth and maturity .Trust the Creator: The one who created the sea is the same one who commands the waves. If He says you will make it to the other side, you will.Jesus Sees You: Even when the disciples felt alone in the middle of the lake, Jesus was watching and praying, eventually coming to them in their moment of greatest fear.

In this Christmas sermon Richard Van Lieshout provides a deep theological reflection on John 1:14, exploring the mystery of the Incarnation and the significance of God dwelling among humanity.Summary of Key PointsThe Word Pitched a Tent: Van Lieshout explains that the word "dwelt" in John 1:14 literally means "to pitch a tent" or "tabernacle" [07:45]. This highlights that in Jesus, God is not building a fortress to wall Himself off, but is deliberately making Himself accessible and relatable to humanity [11:00].Connection to the Tabernacle: The sermon draws parallels to the Old Testament Tabernacle—a portable tent where God’s presence resided [13:58]. While the Old Testament access to God was complex and limited to rituals and a physical holy place, Jesus becomes the "True Tabernacle" where God's holiness is made visible and accessible to all [18:19].Seeing the Glory of God: The speaker discusses how God’s glory (the "weightiness" of His presence) was revealed through Jesus’ miracles, such as turning water into wine [22:11]. However, he emphasizes that it takes "eyes of faith" to perceive this glory, as it is often hidden in acts of service and ultimately in the cross [23:53].Grace and Truth: The fullness of God's character is summed up in "grace and truth" [26:10]. The truth reveals our inability to reach God on our own, while grace is God coming to us in human flesh to suffer the punishment for our rebellion, thereby opening the way for us [26:17].The Ultimate Trajectory: The message concludes by looking forward to Revelation 21, where the "dwelling place of God" will finally be with man in a new heaven and earth [29:12]. This future hope provides light for the current darkness of the world [30:45].ReflectionThe sermon encourages listeners to look closely at Jesus this Christmas—not just as a historical figure, but as the living Word who brings the light of God's glory into our lives today [28:02].____________________________________________________________________________________________For the month of December, 2025 we have just one service at 10am. We start three services at 8am 10am & 5pm again on Jan 11, 2026.

In this sermon titled "The Word At The Beginning | The True Light," Joshua Soal explores the profound continuity of God’s grace from Genesis through the life of Jesus Christ. Using the prologue of John’s Gospel as a foundation, the message challenges believers to see the Bible not as two disconnected stories, but as one unified plan of salvation.Key Themes and InsightsGrace Upon Grace: Soal explains that the phrase "grace upon grace" from John 1:16 does not mean Jesus replaces the Old Testament. Instead, it suggests that the grace revealed through Moses was a precursor to the "fullness" of grace found in Jesus. Like an ocean, new waves of grace follow those already bestowed.The Law vs. The Light: The sermon addresses the common misconception that the Old Testament (the Law) is "angry" or "redundant." Soal uses the analogy of Peter Pan’s shadow—the Old Testament is the shadow that stretches back through history, but Jesus is the reality (the person) that gives that shadow its form.Jesus as the Greater Moses: Drawing parallels between the two figures, Soal highlights how Moses was a mediator who brought God’s word, while Jesus is the Word of God. Just as Moses lifted a serpent in the wilderness to heal the people, Jesus was lifted on the cross to provide eternal life to all who believe.The Christmas Story in Genesis: The message emphasizes that Christmas didn't start in a stable; it began "in the beginning" with the Word. All of history’s promises and prophecies find their culmination in the person of Jesus.Practical ApplicationDon't "Con" the Text: Soal warns that "if you don't pay attention to the context, you will be conned by the text". He encourages the congregation to read the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus to see the full picture of God's character.A Call to Respond: Using Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, Soal points out that God is fully outstretched toward humanity, but Adam must "twitch his finger" to respond. The sermon concludes with an invitation to move beyond "head knowledge" and enter into a lived reality with God, which Jesus defines in John 17:3 as eternal life.______________________________________________________________________________________Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visitFor the month of December, 2025 we have just one service at 10am. We start three services at 8am 10am & 5pm again on Jan 11, 2026.

In this powerful message, Richard Van Lieshout dives into the Gospel of John to explore the "ultimate Christmas story." While the other Gospels give us shepherds and a manger, John gives us the theological foundation of who Jesus is: the Eternal Word and the True Light that enters our world.Through the lens of John the Baptist—whom the speaker refers to as "John the Witness"—we learn the importance of knowing who we are (and who we are not). Discover how to live with contentment in your divine assignment and how to let Christ's light shine through your own imperfections.In this sermon, you’ll discover:Why John’s "Christmas story" is unique among the four Gospels.The vital role of "witnessing" and why it matters for every believer.The secret to true humility: "He must increase, but I must decrease."How God uses our "cracked clay jars" to reveal His glory.____________________________________________________________________________________________Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visitFor the month of December, 2025 we have just one service at 10am. We start three services at 8am 10am & 5pm again on Jan 11, 2026.

John ain’t no small talk, he’s into the Trinity in a few words. If you’ve ever missed the true significance of Christmas, this is the correction you need. The story of Jesus doesn’t begin in Bethlehem; it has no beginning at all. Join us as we dive into these verses and rediscover why the Word becoming flesh changes everything.Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visitFor the month of December, 2025 we have just one service at 10am. We start three services at 8am 10am & 5pm again on Jan 11, 2026.

John ain’t no small talk, he’s into the Trinity in a few words. If you’ve ever missed the true significance of Christmas, this is the correction you need. The story of Jesus doesn’t begin in Bethlehem; it has no beginning at all. Join us as we dive into these verses and rediscover why the Word becoming flesh changes everything.Join us on Christmas Day at 8am & 10am https://ruc.org.za/visitFor the month of December, 2025 we have just one service at 10am. We start three services at 8am 10am & 5pm again on Jan 11, 2026.

Romans 10:5–17 is Paul’s passionate reminder that salvation is not achieved by human effort but received through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is wonderfully accessible—“the word is near you”—and anyone who believes in their heart and confesses Jesus as Lord will be saved. Paul then asks a series of urgent questions: How can people call on Christ if they haven’t believed? How can they believe if they’ve never heard? And how can they hear unless someone tells them? He concludes with this powerful truth: “Faith comes from hearing the message.”This message speaks directly into the mission of Campus Outreach South Africa, serving students at Wits and UJ. University campuses are full of young adults searching for meaning, identity, direction, and hope. Paul’s words remind us that students won’t encounter the life-changing message of Christ unless someone brings it to them. This is why Campus Outreach places staff and student leaders in the “harvest field” of the campus—building relationships, sharing their lives, and clearly proclaiming the gospel so that students can hear, believe, and be transformed.Faith begins with hearing the gospel, and hearing requires messengers. God calls us—just like Campus Outreach—to step onto our campuses, workplaces, and communities so that others may hear the good news and find eternal life in Christ.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this passage, Paul reminds believers that God calls each person to serve Him right where they are. Whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised—our value and purpose come not from our status, background, or circumstances, but from belonging to Christ. Paul urges the church not to chase identity in social change or comparison, but to live faithfully in the place where God has positioned them, using what they have for His glory and the good of others.This truth speaks directly into the work of Rays of Hope in Alexandra Township. God is at work through ordinary people in ordinary places, transforming lives through consistent presence, dignity, and love. Rays of Hope doesn’t wait for “perfect conditions” or “ideal circumstances”—it steps into real communities with real challenges and reflects Christ’s heart by empowering, uplifting, and walking alongside families and children right where they are.God places us intentionally. When we serve faithfully in the context He has given us—whether in Alexandra or in our own neighbourhoods—He turns everyday obedience into Kingdom impact.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this passage, Jesus meets people in two powerful moments — first, healing a paralysed man brought by friends who refused to let barriers stop them, and then calling Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to follow Him. Both stories reveal Jesus’ heart for the broken, the excluded, and the searching. He forgives sins, restores dignity, and reminds the self-righteous that “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”Like the friends who carried the paralysed man and like Jesus reaching out to Levi, Red Frogs volunteers are called to meet people where they are—in the middle of the party, the chaos, or the confusion—and bring them hope, safety, and love. This is what it means to live out the gospel: to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who may not step into a church, but still need to encounter His grace.Jesus meets people in their mess, not their perfection. Through acts of care and compassion, like Red Frogs’ mission, we carry others to Him—showing that His love is strongest where it’s needed most.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this passage, Jesus calls His first disciples. After teaching from Simon Peter’s boat, Jesus tells him to cast his nets again, even after a fruitless night of fishing. Peter obeys—and the nets overflow with fish. Overwhelmed, Peter falls before Jesus, confessing his unworthiness. But Jesus lifts him up with a new purpose: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”This moment reveals Jesus’ power, Peter’s humility, and God’s grace in calling ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. The disciples leave everything to follow Him, showing that true faith responds in obedience and surrender.When we trust and obey Jesus, even against our understanding, He transforms our emptiness into abundance and calls us to a greater purpose in His kingdom.~~~Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

In this third episode of Sidebar Zwai, Richard, and Ansune dive into the sobering yet hopeful prophecy of Isaiah 24. A chapter that paints a picture of global judgment and ultimate renewal. They explore the theme of the earth’s curse due to human rebellion, the inescapable judgment awaiting both earthly rulers and spiritual powers, and the glorious promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Drawing connections to Revelation 21–22 and 2 Peter 3, they emphasize that God’s final act is not destruction, but redemption; remaking all things through Christ, the true Curse-Breaker. This is a message of warning, but also of deep hope for those who long for the day when creation is finally set free.~~~Recommended Resources:-The Supreme Malediction by RC Sproulhttps://www.renewingyourmind.org/2021/04/01/the-supreme-malediction-The Bible Project content on "New Creation" and "Judgment" for example:https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/heaven-hell-3-divine-judgment-and-resurrection-hope/https://bibleproject.com/articles/new-heaven-new-earth/

Isaiah 25 is a song of praise celebrating God’s victory and faithfulness. After the judgments of the previous chapter, Isaiah rejoices that God has humbled the proud and protected the poor and needy. The Lord is pictured as a refuge in the storm and a shelter from the heat. On His holy mountain, God prepares a great feast for all nations, destroys the shroud of death, and wipes away every tear.This passage beautifully points to God’s ultimate plan of salvation and eternal joy for His people. It reminds us that even through seasons of judgment and sorrow, God is working toward redemption and restoration.God turns mourning into celebration—He destroys death and brings everlasting joy. Our hope and praise belong to the Lord, who is our refuge, Redeemer, and eternal King.~~~Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: https://youtu.be/060uJTJZwLY~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit

Isaiah 24 presents a sweeping vision of God’s judgment over the whole earth. The Lord brings devastation because humanity has broken His covenant and defiled the land with sin. Joy fades, cities crumble, and the proud are brought low. Yet in the midst of destruction, a faithful remnant lifts their voices in praise, declaring God’s glory among the nations.This chapter reveals both the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God’s justice—but also the hope that remains for those who trust in Him. Even when the world shakes, God remains King, reigning in righteousness and faithfulness forever.God’s judgment is real and universal, but His glory and salvation endure. When everything else falls, those who trust in the Lord will stand firm and rejoice in His unshakable kingdom.~~~Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: https://youtu.be/060uJTJZwLY~~~Get more information on the series:https://ruc.org.za/isaiahPlan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburghttps://ruc.org.za/visit