Plant & Pray — Living Faithfully in Exile (Jeremiah 29:1–14)
This sermon on Jeremiah 29:1–14 explores how Christians live as “elect exiles” in a world that is not their home. When life doesn’t go to plan, God calls His people to plant, pray, and seek the good of others while trusting His sovereign purposes. Discover how God’s promises sustain us in hard seasons—He has good plans and draws near to those who seek Him.
Jeremiah 29:1–14
In this sermon from Jeremiah 29, Pastor Mike Westhuyzen reminds us that God’s people have always lived in seasons where life doesn’t go according to plan. Writing to Israel in exile, God calls His people not to despair, withdraw, or assimilate—but to live faithfully in the midst of a foreign land. As “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1), Christians today are called to plant, pray, and seek the good of the world around them, while ultimately living for a greater King. Even in hardship, God’s promises remain sure: He is working for our good, and He is near to all who seek Him.
1. When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan
Life often unfolds in ways we wouldn’t choose—marked by disappointment, confusion, and seasons of despair. Jeremiah 29 meets us in that reality. The people of Israel found themselves in exile in Babylon, a situation that seemed like complete failure. Their hopes were shattered, their homeland lost, and their future uncertain.
Yet this was not outside of God’s control. Their exile was not random—it was a direct consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. Even so, it was also part of God’s sovereign plan. This reminds us of a foundational truth: God is always in control, even when His plans are not what we would choose or expect.
2. A Hard Word from God (Jeremiah 29:4–9)
Jeremiah delivers a letter from God to the exiles—a message that would have been deeply confronting. Rather than promising a quick return or immediate relief, God tells them to settle in:
Build houses
Plant gardens
Marry and raise families
Seek the welfare of the city
Pray for it
This was not a short-term detour; it would last 70 years. God was calling His people to faithful endurance, not escape.
This reveals an important reality: God’s Word does not always tell us what we want to hear—but it always tells us what we need to hear.
3. Living as Exiles Today
The New Testament picks up this theme and applies it to Christians. In 1 Peter 1:1, believers are described as “elect exiles.” This means:
We belong to God
We live in a world that is not our ultimate home
This raises the question: How should we live as exiles?
Three Possible Responses:
1. Assimilation
Becoming indistinguishable from the world—adopting its values, priorities, and ways of life. This sacrifices holiness.
2. Withdrawal
Disengaging entirely—retreating from culture and society. This neglects mission.
3. Incarnation (the Christian calling)
Being fully present in the world, yet distinct from it. Living among others, but for a different King.
This incarnational model reflects the way of Christ Himself—entering into the world without being shaped by its sin.
4. Plant & Pray: The Mission of God’s People
God’s instruction to the exiles is striking: seek the welfare of the city and pray for it.
This means Christians are called to:
Invest in their communities
Contribute to the common good
Care about justice, peace, and flourishing
Pray earnestly for the places where God has placed them
As John Piper puts it, Christians must never lose sight of the city’s greatest need—not just material prosperity, but salvation. While we care deeply about present suffering, we are especially concerned with eternal realities.
This reflects the command of Jesus: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
5. Two Anchoring Promises (Jeremiah 29:10–14)
In the midst of exile, God gives two profound promises:
Promise #1: God Has Good Planned
God assures His people that their future is not abandoned. His plans are purposeful and good. Even in exile, He is working toward restoration.
This doesn’t mean immediate comfort, but it does mean certain hope. God’s purposes cannot fail.
Promise #2: God Is Near to Those Who Seek Him
God promises that when His people seek Him with all their heart, they will find Him. He hears their prayers and draws near.
In exile, the greatest gift is not a change in circumstances—it is the presence of God Himself.
6. Conclusion: Faithful Living Between Promise and Fulfilment
Jeremiah 29 calls us to live faithfully in the tension between present hardship and future hope.
Like Israel, we may find ourselves in seasons that feel like exile. But our calling remains clear:
Plant — live faithfully and invest where God has placed you
Pray — depend on God and intercede for others
Trust — believe that God’s plans are good
Seek Him — draw near to the God who is already near to you
Ultimately, we live not for this world, but for our true King. And with that perspective, even exile becomes a place of purpose, mission, and hope.
Easter Sunday
In this sermon, we celebrate Easter Sunday by examining the encounters that Christians have had with God that bring them to faith. The sermon especially focuses on the conversion of Paul in Acts 9. We find that:
Meeting Jesus is personal.
Meeting Jesus transforms you.
Meeting Jesus is of grace.
In this sermon, we celebrate Easter Sunday by examining the encounters that Christians have had with God that bring them to faith. The sermon especially focuses on the conversion of Paul in Acts 9. We find that:
Meeting Jesus is personal.
Meeting Jesus transforms you.
Meeting Jesus is of grace.
Good Friday 2026
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
This Good Friday, we revisit the role of the sacrifice of the coming of Jesus that is echoed through the Bible starting from the book of Genesis. From the time where Adam and Eve were clothed during the fall with the skins of animals, again and again a substitute for the failings of man is given.
We rejoice that in Jesus’s death, the ultimate and only substitute for our sins was put in place, where Jesus gave over himself willingly.
Heb 10:1-10 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. And by that will (God’s will) we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Matthew 21:9-11 | Jesus is King
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Rejoice greatly and shout aloud. Behold, your king is coming to you!
In the lead up to the crucification, we look at what is means that Jesus is King. On Palm Sunday, we look at the day that the arrival of Jesus was welcomed to God's city. Where he was met with joy, before later being crucified in that same city. He who was promised.
Underneath God's rule we were designed to flourish and multiply over the Earth. The plan was very good - but we rejected God's authority over us, we rejected our King. But it was foretold that the promised offspring would come as king. That the throne would be filled not by an earthly king, but by Jesus who would come and reign over his people forever and ever.
On this Palm Sunday, we look at the moments where we almost had it right, where there were shouts of 'Hosanna to the Son of God'. But only five days later, He was again rejected by His people to shouts of 'Crucify Him'. We await the day when Jesus returns, not humbly on a donkey, but established in His full glory.
John 17: 1-5 | The Sacred Sound (Glory)
In John 16:16–24, Jesus prepares His disciples for the sorrow they are about to face while pointing them to the lasting joy that will follow. Though suffering is a reality in a fallen world, Christ promises that our sorrow will ultimately turn to joy through His death and resurrection. In this passage we see Jesus’ warning about coming trials, His promise of unshakable joy, and His invitation to draw near to the Father in prayer so that our joy may be made complete.
In John 17: 1-5, Jesus prays directly to God. He uses the word ‘glory’ or a variation of it 5 times, highlighting its importance. The passage also displays how Jesus prays to God as his ‘Father’, and outlines the gift of eternal life that awaits followers of Christ.
John 16:25-33 | Take Heart
In John 16:16–24, Jesus prepares His disciples for the sorrow they are about to face while pointing them to the lasting joy that will follow. Though suffering is a reality in a fallen world, Christ promises that our sorrow will ultimately turn to joy through His death and resurrection. In this passage we see Jesus’ warning about coming trials, His promise of unshakable joy, and His invitation to draw near to the Father in prayer so that our joy may be made complete.
In John 16:25-33, Jesus reminds his disciples of three things:
They are deeply loved.
They are weaker than they think.
Jesus is stronger than the World, and He has overcome it.
In John 16:25-33, Jesus reminds his disciples of three things:
They are deeply loved.
They are weaker than they think.
Jesus is stronger than the World, and He has overcome it.
John 16:16-24 | Your sorrow will turn to joy
In John 16:16–24, Jesus prepares His disciples for the sorrow they are about to face while pointing them to the lasting joy that will follow. Though suffering is a reality in a fallen world, Christ promises that our sorrow will ultimately turn to joy through His death and resurrection. In this passage we see Jesus’ warning about coming trials, His promise of unshakable joy, and His invitation to draw near to the Father in prayer so that our joy may be made complete.
In John 16:16–24, Jesus prepares His disciples for the sorrow they are about to face while pointing them to the lasting joy that will follow. Though suffering is a reality in a fallen world, Christ promises that our sorrow will ultimately turn to joy through His death and resurrection. In this passage we see Jesus’ warning about coming trials, His promise of unshakable joy, and His invitation to draw near to the Father in prayer so that our joy may be made complete.
In this message from John 16:16–24, Pastor Mike Westhuyzen helps us see how Jesus prepares His disciples—and us—for the reality of suffering while anchoring us in an unshakable promise of joy.
Jesus’ words come just before His arrest and crucifixion. The disciples are confused and unaware of the trials that are about to unfold. In verses 16–20 we see the warning: sorrow is coming. In a world broken by sin, suffering is not unusual but expected. Even Peter, full of confidence, would soon fail and experience deep shame. As followers of Christ we should not be surprised when hardship comes; often our most difficult days still lie ahead.
But sorrow is not the end of the story. In verses 20–22 Jesus gives the promise: sorrow will give way to joy. Using the illustration of childbirth, He shows how intense pain can lead to overwhelming joy when new life arrives. In the same way, the anguish of the cross—the darkest moment in history—became the very source of salvation and life. Christians still grieve in this world, but as Paul reminds us, we do not grieve like those without hope. Through the risen Christ we are given a joy that is “inexpressible and filled with glory,” a joy that no one can ultimately take away.
Finally, in verses 23–24 we hear the invitation: prayer is the doorway into experiencing that joy. Jesus invites His people to ask the Father in His name. Too often we stand on the edge of God’s grace like a thirsty traveller who finds an oasis but never stoops to drink. Prayer is the act of stepping in—cupping our hands and receiving what God freely gives.
Sorrow in this life is inevitable, but for those who belong to Christ it is never final. Jesus assures us that our sorrow will turn to joy, and He invites us to draw near to the Father in prayer so that our joy may be full.
John 16:5-15 | The Convicting Spirit, The Spirit of Truth
John 15:18-21
John 15:5-15 The Convicting Spirit, The Spirit of Truth
John 16:5-15 speaks about the coming of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Specifically, that He will be the convicting Spirit, and the Spirit of truth.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment - John 16:8
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth - John 16:13
He will glorify me - John 16:14
All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. - John 16:15
John 15:22-16:4 | Justice is Coming
John 15:18-21
John 15:22-16:4 Justice is Coming
Jesus warns the disciples about the rejection and persecution that they will experience from the world. However, he also reassures them that:
He will always be near to his followers.
Justice is coming for the world.
John 15:18-21 | Bearing His Name in a Hostile World
John 15:18-21
John 15:16-17 I Choose You
What does it mean to bear Christ’s name in a world that rejects Him?
In John 15:18–21, Jesus prepares His disciples not just to bear fruit, but to endure opposition. If the world hated Him, it will hate those who belong to Him. In this sermon, we consider what it means to be chosen out of the world, why faithfulness brings resistance, and how we can abide in Christ without seeking the world’s approval.
Will we fit in—or will we faithfully wear His name?
In this week’s sermon from John 15:18–21, we continue Jesus’ teaching on abiding in Him and bearing fruit that lasts. Last week we saw that Christ chose us to bear enduring fruit—lives marked by love for God, joyful worship, and love for neighbour. This fruit is not self-produced; it flows from remaining in Christ. As we abide in Him, we increasingly resemble Him.
But Jesus now gives a sobering warning: abiding in Him will also bring opposition.
When Jesus speaks of “the world,” He is not referring to creation itself, but to humanity in rebellion against God—the kingdom of darkness set against the kingdom of light. Scripture teaches that there is something in our fallen nature that is hostile toward God. We are either reconciled to Him through the new birth or we remain opposed to Him.
Jesus reminds His disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” The sinless, obedient Son of God was rejected, mocked, and crucified. Why? Because He obeyed the Father rather than men. Because He revealed the truth about human sin. Because He was the very God they refused to acknowledge. If the world hates us for our faith, it is ultimately Christ they hate.
We have been chosen out of the world. We now bear His name. And bearing His name will provoke a reaction. Jesus does not hide this reality from us—He tells us beforehand so that we will not fall away when rejection comes (John 16:1, 4). Opposition is not evidence that something has gone wrong; it is often evidence that we truly belong to Him.
The New Testament repeatedly describes this “strange offense.” When believers no longer join in sinful patterns, others are surprised and may malign them (1 Peter 4:3–4). A life transformed by grace exposes the emptiness of sin. Choosing Christ inevitably creates a form of estrangement from the world.
This raises a pressing question: are we seeking the approval of God or the approval of man? Scripture warns against loving the world (1 John 2:15), against becoming friends with the world’s system (James 4:4), and against fearing man more than God (Galatians 1:10). Even in Jesus’ day, some believed in Him quietly but would not confess Him publicly for fear of social rejection (John 12:42–43).
Jesus calls us to something better than blending in. Fitting in is not a valid option for those who have been chosen out of the world.
That reality reshapes our lives. It affects:
Our priorities — how we spend our time, money, and energy.
Our message — resisting a “gospel of nice” that seeks cultural approval rather than faithfulness.
Our mission — remembering that our ultimate purpose is not winning temporary cultural or political battles, but participating in Christ’s eternal kingdom work.
We do not belong to this world anymore. Our identity, allegiance, and hope are elsewhere.
Jesus closes with this reminder: “All these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know Him who sent me.” The dividing line is ultimately about knowing God.
So the question before us is clear: will we seek to fit in, or will we gladly wear His name—trusting that abiding in Christ, even amid rejection, is the pathway to fruit that truly endures?
John 15:16-17 | I Choose You
John 15 1 6- 17
John 15:16-17 I Choose You
This sermon is quite theological one. We touch upon foreknowledge, election. Christianity begins with being found and not finding Him.
The three main takeaways for God choosing us first were:
Privilege
Purpose
Power
Practice
John 15:12-15 | He Calls Me Friend
John 15 1 - 11 | Abide in me
John 15:12-15 He Calls Me Friend
In this sermon, we examine how Jesus calls us to act as friends to one another, how we are called to love one another as He loved and still loves us. Our three main takeaways were:
We need friends
We need to be a friend
We have a friend in Jesus
John 15:9-11 | Abide in Me (Part 2)
John 15 1 - 11 | Abide in me
John 15:9-11 Abide in Me
The word ‘abide’ appears in the text John 15:4-11 (ESV) ten times. We look at the word in two contexts:
What the Christian life is -
Christianity is not first something you do – but someone you are joined to.
How the Christian life works -
Abide in my love
Keep my commandments; and so
Have more joy
John 15:1-11 | Abide in Me
John 15 1 - 11 | Abide in me
John 15:1-11 Abide in Me
Jesus give an illustration to the disciples in form of a vineyard. The Father prunes the branches not bearing fruit so that the healthy branches can flourish. This is both an assurance, a warning and rescue plan.
1.An illustration (v1-2)
2.An invitation (v3-4)
3.Two outcomes (v5-9)
4.A purpose statement (11)
2 Timothy 2:1-8 | Remember
This morning we observe the foundation of our faith, that we should remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and:
be strengthened,
pass on the gospel,
know your integrity matters,
that he rewards faithfulness.
Enoggera Baptist Church — Sunday Sermon
Ps Mike Westhuyzen • 2 Timothy 2:1-8
This morning we observe the foundation of our faith, that we should remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and:
be strengthened,
pass on the gospel
know your integrity matters
that he rewards faithfulness.
When Paul says in 2 Timothy, ‘be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (v1)’, it’s important to note the futility in earthly striving to attain strength, but to rely on the incalculable strength of Jesus.
We are called to ‘entrust to faithful men (v2)’ that what we have learnt, so that they too will pass on the Gospel message.
Our integrity matters because to corruptly try to grow the kingdom of God, does not honour God. While we have all fallen short, we know that Christ died for us.
Things that we do are not unseen, whether our generosity, self denial in love, or kind act, or else harsh words, selfishness or unkindness. Jesus is not unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown in his name.
2 Timothy 2 | Remember Him
In this sermon, Pastor Matt Maloney discusses what remembering Christ means for us going forward, and how we are ‘soldiers of faith’.
Enoggera Baptist Church — Sunday Sermon
Matt Maloney • 2 Timothy 2
In this sermon, Pastor Matt Maloney discusses what remembering Christ means for us going forward, and how we are ‘soldiers of faith’.
Luke 14:25 - 35 1 | Under God’s Rule
In this message of our Christmas series, Josh Diyn highlights the Royalty of Christ and the gift we can be his servants.
Enoggera Baptist Church — Christmas Series (Week 3)
Josh Diyn • Luke 14:25 - 35
In this message of our Christmas series, Josh Diyn highlights the Royalty of Christ and the gift of life and the blessing we have to his servants.
Matthew 1 and 2 | The King’s Place for US
A look at Matthew 2:1–3 as Ps. Matt Maloney opens our Christmas series, exploring the arrival of Jesus—the true King whose authority confronts our autonomy and invites us into His gracious kingdom.
Enoggera Baptist Church — Christmas Series (Week 2)
Ps. Matt Maloney • Matthew 1 and 2
In this message of our Christmas series, Pastor Matt Maloney explored how God will ultimately provide a heavenly place for us, and how we are both ‘strangers and exiles’ from the world (Hebrews 11), as well as ‘ambassadors for Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5).