Episodes
Sunday Nov 08, 2015
A corrupt religion and a poor widow (Mark 12)
Sunday Nov 08, 2015
Sunday Nov 08, 2015
Mark 12:38-43 has often been called 'The Generous Widow.' But unfortunately this is a misnomer. Jesus is not celebrating the widow's generous gift - he is lamenting the corrupt religious system that would take the last of a poor widow's money.
As people who belong to God, we have been given true spiritual riches by Jesus, who by his grace deals with all the dimensions of poverty: poverty of spiritual intimacy, poverty of community, poverty of self, poverty of stewardship. Jesus calls his people, his church, to walk with him and work alongside him in breaking the dimensions of poverty for others - not because of guilt but because of grace and the good news of the gospel.
This sermon was preached at Pakenham Lakeside Church on Sunday November 8th, 2015.
It goes with the Prezi zooming visual found at this link.
Enjoy!
Sunday Oct 11, 2015
Camels, needles, rich men, Jesus - and us (Mark 10:17-36)
Sunday Oct 11, 2015
Sunday Oct 11, 2015
A rich young man comes to Jesus asking 'Good teacher, what must I do to be saved?' The conversation takes a very unexpected turn.
Jesus says 'It is harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.'
But what if it was an infant pygmy camel and a giant novelty needle?
There are no loopholes in receiving the Kingdom of God and eternal life - Jesus has closed them all. There is only Jesus. What is impossible for people is possible for God.
This sermon was preached on Sunday 11th October 2015, at Lakeside College in Pakenham, Victoria.
It can be listened to in conjunction with the Prezi zooming visuals found at this link.
Wednesday Aug 20, 2014
The Freedom of Forgiveness: Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45-50)
Wednesday Aug 20, 2014
Wednesday Aug 20, 2014
Faced with the chance for revenge, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers.
One of the choices that most shapes our character is the choice to choose forgiveness when we have been hurt.
We are both victims and perpetrators of sin: we are hurt, and we hurt others. But with forgiveness comes freedom from the guilt and fear of wrongs we have committed, and freedom from the pain and bitterness of wrongs committed against us.
This sermon explores forgiveness through the story of Joseph and his brothers found in Genesis 45-50.
It can be used in conjunction with the Prezi zooming visuals found at this link.
It was preached at Sunday Night at St John's, Southgate, Melbourne on August 17th, 2014.
Enjoy!
Monday Oct 28, 2013
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Monday Oct 28, 2013
Monday Oct 28, 2013
No one is worthy but everyone is welcome...
In Luke 19, Jesus tells a story that proclaims the mercy of God. No-one is worthy to stand in God's presence, no matter how 'good' they are, but bby God's mercy everyone is welcome
None of us can make ourselves right with God - but God does not leave us in our sin and death. He comes to us through Jesus to make us right with himself.
This sermon was preached on October 27, 2013, at Sunday Night at St John's Southgate.
It's designed to be used with the Prezi zooming visuals found at this link.
Enjoy!
Monday Nov 14, 2011
Children of the light...ready for Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5)
Monday Nov 14, 2011
Monday Nov 14, 2011
As a child, I used to think 'I hope Jesus doesn't come back before Christmas, because then I might miss out on my presents.' But the return of Jesus is not something to be feared or put off. For Christians, children of the light and of the day, it will be like the surprise visit of an old friend. Paul unfolds the joyous hope of Christ's return in 1 Thessalonians 5. This sermon was preached at St John's Southgate Lutheran Church on Sunday November 13, 2011. Enjoy!