A message exploring the true aim of life, no less, following Christ’s example in Philippians 2:5-11 (Palm Sunday, Years A, B or C). Introduction Today is Palm/Passion Sunday. We have had five Sundays in Lent and now we turn to Christ’s final week before Easter. Philippians 2:5-11 is not from that time/place, but it captures …
Tag Archives: preaching
Godless Foreigners!
A message about seeing with a fresh, Godly perspective (just like those Godless Foreigners), based on Matthew 17:1-9 (Epiphany, Year A). Today we have a well-known passage that describes the wise men coming to see Jesus – now a toddler. But there’s more to it than that! This is satire, a set of jokes at …
The Game Changer
A message about Jesus, the game changer: Matthew 11:2-11 reminds God’s people which side of history we are on (Advent 3A). Introduction Matthew, the most Jewish of Gospel writers, has a lesson for impatient followers of Jesus. John the Baptist asks about Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect …
United in our Differences and in Christ
A short message on being united, based on Romans 14:1-12 (Proper 19A). Introduction & Scripture In the second half of his letter to the Roman church, St Paul deals with practical aspects of Christian living. In this section, he speaks to Christian’s who are divided. One set feels that they must obey certain rules, like …
Thanks be to God, who Delivers Me!
Let’s be honest: God delivers me from my sin. A sermon based on Romans 7:15-25a (Proper 9A). Scripture Paul is having trouble understanding his own behaviour: Isn’t he one of God’s people? Isn’t he saved by Jesus sacrifice on the cross? Doesn’t he have the Holy Spirit living in him? Isn’t he a man of faith, …
Stand Firm in the Lord
Encouragement to ‘stand firm’, in response to recent terrible events, based on Philippians 3:17-4:1 (Lent 2C). Introduction We’ve heard two awful things recently, that George Pell[1]abused children, and of the murder of 49 Muslims in NZ. How should we respond as Christians? Scripture: Philippians 3:17-4:1 Paul has just cautioned believers: “For it is we … who …
Witnessing with Confidence
A message about witnessing, based on 1 Peter 3:13-22 (Easter 6A). Introduction In Chapters 3-4 Peter told Christians, scattered around the world, to live in harmony, to do good and to live for God; at the same time, he also repeatedly talks about suffering. If God’s people do these things, then why would we suffer? …
Meeting Our Needs
A message about allowing God to help us meet our needs, based on Exodus 17:1-7, John 4:5-42 & Romans 5:1-11 (Lent 3A) Introduction We are going to hear from three pieces of scripture today, but I only have time to read one – Exodus 17:1-7. Old Testament Scripture So God’s people are wandering in the desert and …
Why Reach Out to the Lost Sheep?
A sermon on ‘the lost sheep’, based on Luke 15:1-10 (Year C, Proper 19). Aim: To explain why the sheep is really lost, why we need to reach out and how. If you’ve spent your whole life in the church then the story about the lost sheep is really well known isn’t it? Perhaps we …
Investing Wisely
‘Investing Wisely’ is a sermon that aims to ask: where is our treasure and what is our perspective?It’s based on Jeremiah 32:1-15 and Luke 16:19-31 (Pentecost 18) It’s 587BC and Jeremiah is in a tight spot He’s been falsely arrested for Treason because he prophesied against the King. He’s imprisoned in the Guardhouse of the …
Preacher & Veteran 