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.

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Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://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.

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Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://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.

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Recommended Resources:

-The Supreme Malediction by RC Sproul

https://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.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: https://youtu.be/060uJTJZwLY

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://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.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: https://youtu.be/060uJTJZwLY

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

Things rarely go as planned in our families and it can be hard to navigate chaos and be flexible. In this episode, Zwai and Ansuné chat about how we can approach interruptions and disruptions from a biblical perspective. They discuss how God meets us when we feel like everything is out of control, and how Christ enables us to have joy that is secure even when things don't go our way.

Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za

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This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

Isaiah 23 prophesies the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city. Its merchants and sailors are left mourning as the Lord brings judgment on its pride and materialism. Tyre’s strength and riches, which once seemed unshakable, are shown to be temporary under God’s sovereign hand. Yet after seventy years, God promises to restore Tyre—but this time its wealth will serve the Lord, not human greed.

This chapter reminds us that worldly success and wealth can easily become idols if they draw our hearts away from God. But when surrendered to Him, even material blessings can be used for His glory and kingdom purposes.

Earthly riches and power are fleeting, but God’s rule is eternal. True prosperity is found when we use what we have to honor and serve the Lord.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: https://youtu.be/060uJTJZwLY

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

Welcome back to Sidebar from Rosebank Union Church — where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this second episode, Zwai, Richard, and Ansuné unpack the dramatic story of Shebna and Eliakim in Isaiah 22. An interlude between prophecies against Jerusalem. Why does God interrupt His oracle to focus on two royal officials? What does it mean to be a true steward of divine authority?

We explore:

-The arrogance of Shebna, who builds a grand tomb for himself while the city faces crisis

-The elevation of Eliakim, clothed with authority and called “a father” to the people

-The powerful metaphor of “a peg in a sure place” — and how it points forward to Christ

-Connections to Christmas, the throne of David, and Jesus’ promise: “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David” (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7)

Key Passages:

Isaiah 22:1–25 | 2 Kings 18:18–37 | Isaiah 9:6 | Revelation 3:7

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Recommended Resources:

-Preaching the Cross by Mark Dever

https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Cross-Mark-Dever/dp/1581348282

-The Unfolding Message of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12982162-the-unfolding-message-of-the-bible-the-harmony-and-unity-of-the-scriptu

-Study note on “sons of God” and “Nephilim”

https://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim/

https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-the-truth-about-satan-and-demons-iain-duguid/