Sermon 26th October 2025 – The Reformation The Reforming Church

 Sermon 26^th October 2025 – The Reformation

The Reforming Church

 

There is Latin phrase that has become the catch cry of the reformation that says – semper reformanda. Basically it means – the church is always reforming, or the church always needs to be reforming. This is often misunderstood as a need for the church to always be changing to meet the needs of a changing world. However, reforming does not mean changing but – re-forming – as we see in the Reformation with the church of Luther’s day being reformed by the Word of God.  This is not a call to reinterpret the gospel to today’s situation. It is a call to return to God’s Word by listening to the Spirit who renews us day by day as he does in our Baptism that reforms us day by day as Luther said: Our sinful self with all its evil deeds and desires should be drowned through daily repentance and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever. And that applies to the church also – that it needs to arise anew each day to live with God in righteous and purity forever.

 

St Paul also said in Romans 12 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. There is always the temptation to move away from the Word of God to be accepted by a changing world that we live in. As we heard St Paul warn his dear Pastor Timothy last week: For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will gather for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.

 

It was the downfall of humankind with the first sin where Eve was tempted away from God’s Word – did God really say? Constantly we keep hearing from God’s word to keep coming back – From the book of Hebrews - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Jesus himself said - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. The foundation of reform is the authority of God’s Word so that’s where we need to keep returning day after day. We do not reform the church to fit our preferences, but we reform to the truth God has revealed in his Word.

 

God’s Word is the standard by which all doctrine, teachings, worship, and practice must be measured. When we read God’s Word, it reveals both the grace of God in Christ and our own idols of comfort, power, and self-justification. And therefore the truth of God’s word challenges us: Hebrews 4 says: the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

 

So Paul says in Ephesians that at times we must speak the truth in love so that we grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Therefore, a truly reforming church remains teachable, humble before others, and ready to be corrected.  Remember what St Paul said last week about God’s Word: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, So, through faith, the Church and all Christians hold fast to the gospel and refuse to pretend that “all is well” when the gospel calls us to repentance.

 

But we need to be careful of going too far where the Word of God is weaponised to attack and judge. The Gospel guards against legalism that weaponizes reform against people. The Spirit’s work reforms the church’s teaching that always returns the Christian to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As we are transformed by the Gospel, we become more faithful witnesses to the gospel.

Our worship deepens; our ethics become more consistent; our care for the vulnerable grows.

The church reforms so that it might proclaim Christ clearly, demonstrate His love, and live in a way that invites others to seek Him. Our church and message become places where God’s truth reshapes how we treat others, how we use God’s gifts and resources, and how we pursue justice and mercy.  Reformation is not about preserving the past but about preserving the Gospel.

 

So how do we apply the Reformation today: For individuals: Cultivate a daily practice of reading God’s word and spending time in prayer. Be open to reform.  When the Word convicts, respond with repentance and faith;  Confess and seek grace to grow.

 

For families: Teach your children the basics of the faith: Prayers before meals and bedtime. Sharing a word from Scripture in family time, and modeling a faith that seeks and accepts correction by the Word.

For the church community: Embrace instruction by listening to God’s Word; regular use of the means of grace (Word, sacraments, prayer). Welcome thoughtful critique without becoming defensive; In our daily life: Speak and example God’s truth with gentleness and respect as Peter says – being prepared to give the reason for the hope we have. Be a witness that demonstrates reform thought joyful obedience to God by loving your neighbor and honoring God in public life.

 

As God’s church we must always be open to the Spirit’s work through the Word.  It is a call to stay hungry for truth, to imitate Christ in humility, and to pursue holy living that lives and examples the gospel we proclaim. The good news lives forever: in Christ, we are alive to God; by the Spirit, we are being formed into His likeness; and for the sake of the world, we are assured that the one who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

 

The church always reforming means being continually shaped by the Word of God and the Spirit of Christ. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about being faithful. It’s not about being a museum to maintain the past but being a living body, breathing, growing, repenting, and reforming church of God.

 

Sermon 19th October 2026 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Luke 18:1-8 = Persistent Prayer

 Sermon 19^th October 2026 – 19^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Luke 18:1-8 = Persistent Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. It serves as a means of communication with God, seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and requesting help. Among the various forms of prayer, persistent prayer holds a special place due to its emphasis on unwavering faith and perseverance.  

There are many examples of persistent prayer: St Paul praying 3 times for the removal of his thorn in the flesh – receiving his answer – “my Grace is all you need” And so Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians to: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Prayer is continuous communication with our God – our Heavenly Father – our Creator. And, like Paul, even when the answer seems to be “NO” we don’t give up – like the Canaanite woman praying to Jesus to heal her daughter: A Canaanite woman came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”  Jesus did not answer a word. His disciples urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” Jesus answered this time, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” She said, again. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Even Jesus prayed persistently – like Paul, 3 times, in the Garden of Gethsemane, not getting his will done: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” He went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Persistent prayer refers to the continual and unwavering act of praying, regardless of immediate answers or circumstances.  It involves maintaining faith and trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when prayers seem unanswered or delayed.

Persistent prayer is characterized by perseverance, consistency, and a deep desire to connect with God. Even Jesus, himself God, would find time to go off and pray in solitude – uninterrupted. No phone, no emails, no internet.. Jesus emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer and to not give in when he says: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you," highlighting the importance of persistent seeking. Some might ask – why pray if God already knows what we need and what he’s going to give us – isn’t he all knowing and all powerful?

Persistent prayer reinforces our trust in God's rule and goodness. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect and that He cares deeply about our needs. Consistent prayer fosters a closer relationship with God, allowing us to experience His presence more intimately and develop a deeper understanding of His will – which is not always equal to OUR will. Persisting in prayer teaches patience and resilience, helping us to endure trials and uncertainties with hope and confidence of God’s presence with us and his knowledge of what we are going through. Persistent prayer encourages us to seek God's will actively, aligning our desires with His divine plan rather than the other way around. And this is what Jesus teaches today when Luke says - Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.

The parable was about a persistent widow seeking justice. The judge initially refused but her persistence won out for her. It teaches us that persistent prayer can lead to divine intervention, miracles, and breakthroughs. As I constantly  hear and also experience personally, prayer is not easy. It requires discipline.. Like Jesus did, we can set aside dedicated time daily for prayer and reflection. No phone, no email, no internet or TV. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down prayers that seem to pop into your head, even in the middle of the night that wake you from your sleep.

Jesus teaches us that persistent prayer is not just a spiritual discipline—it’s an act of faith that refuses to give up, even when justice seems delayed. Jesus begins this parable with a clear purpose: “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  Don’t misunderstand Jesus’ analogy though. This is not suggesting God is like the unjust judge.  It’s a contrast: If even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a loving and just God respond to His people who cry out day and night?

Jesus is not just teaching us to pray—He’s teaching us to keep praying. Why? Because prayer is an act of trust.  When we continue to pray, even when answers seem delayed, we’re saying, “God, I still believe You’re listening.” Because prayer shapes our hearts.  The widow’s persistence wasn’t just about getting justice—it was about refusing to be silenced. Persistent prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God’s justice and mercy. Because God is not indifferent.

Unlike the judge, God is deeply invested in our lives. Jesus assures us: “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night?” This parable is about justice. The widow represents those who are vulnerable, overlooked, without a voice and powerless.  Her voice matters—and Jesus affirms that God hears such cries.

In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, this parable reminds us that God’s justice is sure, even if not immediate.

And it challenges us to be advocates for justice, just as the widow was—relentless, courageous, and faithful. Sometimes not taking “NO” for an answer. Jesus ends with a strange and haunting question:  “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Will He find people still praying, still hoping, still trusting, even when the world seems silent? Or will we give up – I pray we don’t.

Faith and prayer are active, persistent, and sometimes stubborn. Faith is not just believing in God’s existence; no, James says that even the demons have that level of faith. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe  that—and shudder.

True faith is believing in God’s goodness, even when life is hard. So how do we live this out? Pray boldly.  Don’t be afraid to bring your deepest needs to God again and again. Advocate for justice.  Be a voice for the voiceless, like the widow. We call that Intercessory Prayer – one of the most powerful forms of prayer we have. As we heard last week in the Jeremiah passage where Israel were asked to pray for their captors: But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

And, finally, hold on to faith.  Even when answers are slow, or “no”, trust that God is working. God is not like the unjust judge.  He is our Father, our Advocate, our Redeemer.  He hears every cry, sees every tear, and responds—not out of weariness, but out of love. So keep praying.  Keep believing.  Keep showing faith. Because the God who hears will answer—and He will not delay forever.

Sermon 12th October 2025 – 18th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 – being a blessing to others

 Sermon 12^th October 2025 – 18^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 – being a blessing to others

 

We often are reminded that as Christians we live in a world that can be quite hostile to our beliefs. St Paul makes it quite clear in Ephesians that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. So we often refer to this hostility as Spiritual Warfare. Perhaps you’ve witnessed it or maybe even experienced it in your own life. Maybe you’ve seen or experienced the mockery for believing in Jesus Christ.

 

I was watching recently the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the American who was assassinated during a rally at Utah University. During the memorial a host of speakers got up to pay tribute including the Vice President of America, JD Vance who spoke about his Christian faith. He said: I always felt a little uncomfortable talking about my faith in public,” he said. “As much as I love the Lord, and as much as it was an important part of my life, I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.”

 

Let’s be honest, sharing our Christian faith can be uncomfortable especially if we are in a situation where people don’t appreciate or accept what Christians believe. It can be at school, university, the work place, sporting activity, a family gathering or a party. Some people even find it hard to talk about their faith at church or in their home. In our Old Testament reading we have the situation where Jeremiah is speaking to God’s people who were taken from their homeland by force and now living in a land hostile to what they believed about God. They were often taunted – where is your God? If you recall last week’s Psalm where we heard the lament of the Israelites in a strange land where they sang: By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered you, O Zion. For those who led us away captive asked us for a song, and our oppressors called for mirth: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion." How shall we sing the Lord's song upon an alien soil.

 

But God’s message to them is to not give up hope in God even when it seems hopeless, but to use this opportunity to strengthen their faith in God and also be a witness to their oppressors. God says to them: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

 

Interesting that not only does God say to them to not stop living their lives but also to pray for their oppressors. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Legend has a similar outlook from Martin Luther: As legend has it, when Martin Luther was asked what he would do if the world were to end tomorrow, he answered, “I would plant an apple tree today.” It reminds me of what St Peter says to his fellow Jews who were cast out of their homeland into hostile territories: He says that even if they mistreat you - even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander

 

I often get criticised become I don’t encourage people to react against attacks on the church. But I remind people – what did Jesus ask us to do? Turn the other cheek. What did Jesus do? He asked his Father to forgive those who were crucifying him. Despite the exile, God reminds the Israelites that He is in control.  Their circumstances are not accidental but part of His divine plan. It’s not to say that God directs evil but he does not allow evil to succeed – as we see in the story of Joseph.

Sold as a slave to Egypt by his jealous brothers he does not take revenge when he has opportunity because he says –

It was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

In today’s reading, God instructs his people to build homes, plant gardens, marry, and multiply. This is a call to live fully and purposefully, even in difficult situations. Instead of despair or evil thoughts against their oppressors, God urges them to pray for the well-being of Babylon. God assures them that their exile is temporary and that He has plans to bring them back, giving them hope amid hardship. In our own lives, we may face times of difficulty or uncertainty.  Like the Israelites, we are called to trust God's plan and to actively seek His purpose. We are encouraged to pray for our communities and nations, understanding that our well-being is a witness to our neighbour, including those who oppose us. God encourages us to embrace our current circumstances with faith, knowing God has a plan for your future.

 

Let us remember that God's plans are for our good, even when we cannot see the full picture.  By trusting Him and actively engaging in our communities, we participate in His divine purpose. This passage challenges us that when life feels like exile—when we’re in places we didn’t choose, facing circumstances we didn’t want—God’s call is not to escape, but to live our lives. This is a radical act of faith. It means trusting that God is present even in unfamiliar places. While Israel lived for 70 years in exile it meant that some never got to experience God’s deliverance. Trusting in God requires patience, care, and hope.  And even though Babylon was the enemy, God calls His people to pray for its welfare. This is a call to love as God loves us: And if we think that’s unfair, let us remember what is truly unfair - St Paul said - God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And he died because we demanded his death – and yet God still loves us.

 

So we are called to be agents of peace. To work for justice, healing, and hope in the places we live—even if they feel foreign or broken. We are ambassadors of God’s peace. So wherever you find yourself today—whether it feels like exile or the Garden of Eden—remember: God is there. And He’s calling you to bloom where you’re planted.