Redeemer Church Tauranga - Podcast

Redeemer Church Tauranga
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for Redeemer Church Tauranga, New Zealand. Ps Philip Brown and the Elders and guests bring Gospel-centered, Biblically-based, and Spirit-reliant messages each week that will inspire and strengthen your walk with Christ. Redeemer Church exist to see lives redeemed and our city renewed by the gospel for the glory of God. Visit us online at www.redeemerchurch.org.nz

  1. #3 The Novelty Wears Off (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)

    5d ago

    #3 The Novelty Wears Off (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)

    In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 2, Pastor Mark Davies explores Solomon’s bold experiment with hedonism—pursuing pleasure, laughter, wine, grand projects, wealth, music, and sensual delights—only to conclude that it is “vanity and striving after wind.” Drawing on neuroscience, personal testimony, and the tension between self-indulgence and asceticism, Mark shows how even the wisest king discovered that earthly pleasures, while not inherently evil, cannot satisfy the human heart. He contrasts Solomon’s self-focused creations with God’s good creation, highlights the law of diminishing returns in our own pleasure-chasing culture, and directs listeners to the lasting joy found in Christ. The message balances realism about sin with gospel hope, culminating in an invitation to find pleasure in God and the foretaste of eternal satisfaction at the Lord’s Table. "2:1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.  9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun" (Ec 2:1–11).

    43 min
  2. #2 An Expert in Fog (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

    Jun 21

    #2 An Expert in Fog (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

    In this second sermon in the Ecclesiastes series, Phil Brown explores the limits and frustrations of human wisdom. Solomon, the ultimate seeker with unmatched resources and intellect, pursues a comprehensive understanding of life "under the sun" only to discover that greater knowledge brings greater sorrow, and all striving after ultimate meaning ends in vanity—like chasing the wind. Drawing on philosophy, culture, everyday life, and the gospel, the message honestly confronts our modern obsession with education, self-improvement, and expertise while pointing to Jesus Christ as the true Wisdom from God who cuts through the fog and gives lasting meaning. "12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.  15  What is crooked cannot be made straight,  and what is lacking cannot be counted.  16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.  18  For in much wisdom is much vexation,  and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow" (Ec 1:12–18).

    45 min
  3. #1 A Road Trip Around Tonga (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

    Jun 13

    #1 A Road Trip Around Tonga (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

    In this opening sermon on the book of Ecclesiastes, Phil Brown introduces one of the Bible’s most raw and realistic books. Solomon (the Preacher) confronts the "hevel" of life under the sun—its frustrating cycles, rapid passage of time, repetitive weariness, and ultimate futility when viewed apart from God's story of redemption. Life feels like an endless merry-go-round of generations, unfulfilled desires, and forgotten efforts. Ecclesiastes brings necessary “bad news” that heightens our appreciation for the good news of Jesus, the greater Son of David, who lifts the curse and gives meaning, purpose, and hope. "1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.  2  Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,  vanity of vanities! All is vanity.  3  What does man gain by all the toil  at which he toils under the sun?  4  A generation goes, and a generation comes,  but the earth remains forever.  5  The sun rises, and the sun goes down,  and hastens to the place where it rises.  6  The wind blows to the south  and goes around to the north;  around and around goes the wind,  and on its circuits the wind returns.  7  All streams run to the sea,  but the sea is not full;  to the place where the streams flow,  there they flow again.  8  All things are full of weariness;  a man cannot utter it;  the eye is not satisfied with seeing,  nor the ear filled with hearing.  9  What has been is what will be,  and what has been done is what will be done,  and there is nothing new under the sun.  10  Is there a thing of which it is said,  “See, this is new”?  It has been already  in the ages before us.  11  There is no remembrance of former things,  nor will there be any remembrance  of later things yet to be  among those who come after" (Ec 1:1–11).

    51 min

  4. Jun 6

    #18 Self Control

    In the final message of our Flesh and Fruit series, we explore self-control—the culminating fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. This sermon examines what self-control truly is, how God perfectly embodies it, and how Jesus demonstrated it throughout His life and at the cross. Discover the Spirit-empowered pursuit of goodness in everyday life, and be encouraged to live as faithful citizens of God’s kingdom with endurance and grace. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

    49 min

  5. May 30

    #17 Gentleness

    In this timely message from our "Flesh and Fruit" series on Galatians 5, we explore the often-overlooked fruit of the Spirit: gentleness. Phil unpacks what true biblical gentleness looks like—not cowardice or harsh abrasiveness, but a humble strength that flows from Christ's own gentle heart toward us. Drawing from Scripture's rich imagery of God as shepherd, husband, and high priest, this sermon challenges Kiwi tendencies toward conflict-avoidance while warning against online rage culture. It calls us to receive Christ's gentleness afresh so it can shape our speech, relationships, and daily interactions. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

    50 min

  6. May 24

    #16 Faithfulness

    Faithfulness — the fruit of the Spirit we want from everyone else, but often resist in our own lives. In this message from our Flesh & Fruit series on Galatians 5, Pastor Phil explores what true faithfulness looks like, the unchanging faithfulness of God, and how the Spirit forms us into reliable, loyal people who keep their word. Honest, practical, and grounded in Scripture — perfect for anyone tired of flakiness in a 'free spirit' culture. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

    47 min

  7. May 17

    #15 Goodness

    In this message from our "Flesh and Fruit" series on Galatians 5, Phil unpacks the fruit of the Spirit: goodness. What is "good" in a world of moral confusion, conflicting pleasures, shifting societies, and postmodern relativism? We explore how God Himself is the unchanging standard and source of all goodness—revealed in creation, mercy, justice, law, and supremely in Jesus Christ, who absorbs wrath so God can be both just and the justifier. If the Spirit lives in you, He produces real moral goodness: not just kind intentions, but obedient action, practical wisdom, and alignment with God's created order. A timely, hope-filled call to grow as forgiven sinners into the image of our good God. Perfect for anyone wrestling with ethics, purpose, or Christian living today. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

    53 min

  8. May 9

    #14 Kindness

    In this engaging message on kindness from Galatians 5, Pastor Phil unpacks the fruit of the Spirit in a world that craves — yet often fails at — genuine kindness. From God’s surprising patience and grace toward us, to rich biblical examples of forgiveness and provision, to practical kindness that includes both tenderness and hard conversations, this sermon calls us back to the kindness of Christ. Part of the Flesh & Fruit series at Redeemer Church Tauranga. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

    55 min
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About

Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for Redeemer Church Tauranga, New Zealand. Ps Philip Brown and the Elders and guests bring Gospel-centered, Biblically-based, and Spirit-reliant messages each week that will inspire and strengthen your walk with Christ. Redeemer Church exist to see lives redeemed and our city renewed by the gospel for the glory of God. Visit us online at www.redeemerchurch.org.nz

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