Sermon 30th November 2026 – 1st Sunday in Advent Text: Matthew 24:36-44 – The unexpected arrival.

 Sermon 30^th November 2026 – 1^st Sunday in Advent

Text: Matthew 24:36-44 – The unexpected arrival.

 

Imagine a friend is arriving from overseas – they’re not sure what time their flight gets in, how long they have to wait to get through customs or how long to retrieve their luggage and then grab a cab to come and stay at your house. You don’t know what time they are coming, but you do know the day. So you have your house ready for any moment even though it could be hours away. You don’t start tidying up as you see the taxi pull up or the doorbell ring. Jesus speaks not of a guest, but of His return—a moment that will reshape history and eternity.  And the haunting truth?  No one knows when – not even the day.

 

This passage isn’t meant to stir fear, but to awaken faith – because faith removes all fear. Jesus affirms the mystery of His return.  Even He, despite being God himself, does not claim knowledge of the hour or day. Only his Heavenly Father knows but has not revealed when. Some wish he would hurry up and fix this world, but as St Peter says – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 

This reveals the heart of the Father and invites us to trust rather than try and speculate Jesus’ return as many have tried over the centuries. What Jesus does say is that before his return it will be like the days of Noah. If we look back to Genesis 6 we will see what the “Days of Noah” were like  Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. People might say, - see, it’s just like Noah’s day – corruption, violence. God needs to do something about them. But is that what Jesus points out about the days of Noah? No. He says - in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. It wasn’t about the corruption and the violence – it was about the complacency. And that’s not “THEM” – that’s all of us.

 

This is not a call for God to do something about THEM – it’s about making sure that we are ALL ready for Christ to return. The days of Noah are a sobering parallel.  People were living ordinary lives—eating, drinking, marrying—until the flood came.  The point isn’t that these activities are wrong, but that they can lull us into spiritual sleep if we forget that Jesus will one day return. And consider the examples: Two people doing the same task—one taken, one left.  This isn’t about geography, but about readiness. The division is not based on occupation, but on their relationship with Jesus?  Who do you say that I am.

 

The surprise imagery is used often and here we have the thief imagery which is used in several bible readings.  If we knew when a thief would come, we’d be ready.  And not only that but we protect ourselves from surprise intrustions. We deadlock our homes. We set alarms. But just look how complacent we can get with those. I’ll hide a key under the mat so I don’t have to be bothered carrying a key around. Or how do you feel when the neighbour’s alarm goes off in the middle of the night? Is it concern for your neighbour or frustration at the annoyance? Or when the smoke alarm “low battery” beep goes off in the middle of the night. Do you rush and get a battery to replace it or take it out and perhaps get around to it tomorrow. Isn’t that how Jesus’ return has been treated? He won’t come today or tomorrow – I’ll worry about my lifestyle later.

 

Jesus uses this to highlight the urgency of spiritual vigilance. His return will be sudden but when the time is right. The sad part is the missing out. There was no visible difference between the 2. The workers in the field, does not say one was evil and the other was good. Or the parable of the 10 bridesmaids where 5 miss out – not because they were evil but because they were unprepared. So how do we live in light of this?

Stay Spiritually Awake

We are called to live with eyes open. Watchfulness is not paranoia or fear; it’s attentiveness to God’s presence and purposes in our daily lives. Prayer, bibles, worship. Be Faithful in the ordinary parts of life.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to abandon our daily lives. Like he did with Peter, James and John when they dropped their nets and followed Jesus. He doesn’t say eating and drinking and marrying are wrong. He asks us to infuse our everyday tasks with faith - with a heart that says, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

Extend Grace and Hope to others. If Christ could return at any moment, how should we treat others?

As Paul reminded us - You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near

We live with urgency, but also with compassion.  Every conversation could be a seed that leads to eternity or, sadly, could turn a person away from God.

 

The book of Revelation ends with the cry - “Maranatha”—“Come, Lord.”  It’s not a call of dread, but longing for our Lord to return.  Jesus doesn’t give us a date. Jesus isn’t asking us to predict;

He’s asking us to prepare.  To live ready.  To walk in faith, serve in love, and wait in hope. So let us be found faithful—not frantic.  Let us be watchful—not worried.  And let us live each day as if it matters eternally—because it does. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians -  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Not tomorrow. As Jesus says - “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”  It  isn’t about fear of the unknown hour but trust in a faithful God who welcomes us into His kingdom when the time is right.

 

Sermon 23rd November 2025 – Christ the King Sunday Title – a King and Kingdom reverseed

 Sermon 23^rd November 2025 – Christ the King Sunday

Title – a King and Kingdom reverseed

Today we celebrate Christ the King, a phrase that might surprises people when they read Jesus’ coronation as King:  This King wears not a golden crown but a crown of thorns. He marches to war but finds his victory by death on the cross. Who conquers his enemy not by physical force but by love and humility. Who enters with a parade in his honour not in a chariot but on a donkey. If the world sees kingship in power and dominion, then Jesus invites us to look again at the kingship that he reveals. A klng, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.

He is King not having forced his way into leadership with spin-doctors and political donations, but by self-giving mercy; God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father  Not by status, but by service; not by the triumph of human might and weaponry, but by the victory of his love. When Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers, “My kingdom is not of this world.” If my kingdom were of this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from handing over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.

So Jesus admits that he is a King – but his kingdom is very different to how we perceive a Kingdom should be. It’s very similar to what he said to Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night Jesus was arrested. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, Peter reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Even the crowds don’t understand – the one they wanted to crown as King looks nothing like what they expected: The crowd taunts him;  You call yourself a King – come down from the cross and we’ll believe in you. But one of the most unlikely people does recognise Jesus as King- a thief dying on the cross next to Jesus: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”, To which Jesus replies: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

That is Jesus’ Kingdom. Maybe this reveals that sometimes it is when we are in the depths of despair when we truly see God’s true kingdom. Isn’t that what Paul says – when I am weak then I am strong – because Christ’s power rests on me. Paul, when writing to the Colossians speaks about that unseen realm:  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible

The ultimate triumph of Jesus is not a political victory but the universal reign of divine mercy. Jesus is a king who reveals himself through love. Jesus’ kingship turns the usual tests of greatness on their head.  He wears a crown, but it is a crown of thorns; his throne is a cross; his sword is the word of truth spoken with compassion.  Even as we read Jesus sermon on the mount it’s all about showing signs of the opposite in his Kingdom.

Turning the other cheek.

Loving your enemy.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

 Blessed are those who mourn,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

Blessed are the merciful,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are the peacemakers,

Blessed are those who are persecuted

These are all opposite kingdom qualities in Jesus’ Kingdom.

So, as Paul says, his signs of rule are not to be served but signs of service—washing feet, forgiving sins, welcoming the outsider, feeding the hungry, inviting the sinner into fullness of life. So if we fully want to understand Jesus’ kingdom then it can only be seen when we participate in Jesus Kingdom qualities: With signs of service—washing feet, forgiving sins, welcoming the outsider, feeding the hungry, inviting the sinner into fullness of life.

This mystery we are invited to embrace is this: true Kingship is exercised in self-emptying love. True power is shown in mercy that keeps no records of wrongs. The one who is King rules by reconciliation, not by dominating over others; The one who is King rules by justice that heals, not by vengeance; by truth that sets free, not by fear that binds.

Where is the kingdom today?  Well, St Paul reveals where that Kingdom is today - He is the head of the body, the church; If Christ’s kingship is present, we should see it enacted in his body – the church: Where mercy overrides pride;  Where integrity and fairness prevail;  Where the stranger is welcomed;  Where reconciliation replaces division.  Jesus’ kingship asks us to examine our own hearts:

Do we live as if we were merely subjects of a powerful master, or as people who share in his reign by serving others? Do we seek to build up, or to gain advantage? Are we bearing witness to the Kingdom of love here and now? We are called to surrender our own agendas for the sake of our neighbour. The cross shows that mercy is not weakness but courage.  To follow Christ means forgiving as we have been forgiven, and offering mercy even when it costs us.

Jesus’ Kingdom prioritises justice that protects the vulnerable, the poor, the outsider, the elderly, the sick, the needy. Our faith moves us to work for systems and structures that reflect dignity and care for all. Christ’s Kingdom invites reconciliation within families, parishes, and nations. Our allegiance to him should break down walls, not build or deepen them.

We can do that with a listening ear, a helping hand, a word of encouragement. Showing forgiveness rather than harboring resentment; seeking reconciliation rather than revenge or working out who was right and who was wrong. In welcoming the “other”: the stranger, the poor, the outsider, we let hospitality be a sign of the Kingdom.

As this reversed King, Jesus seemingly goes against our expectations. Like John the Baptist – the one who prepared the way for Jesus finds himself in jail. He sends a delegation to see if this was the one he was preparing the way for. Are you the one or should we expect someone else – someone more powerful, perhaps. To which Jesus reveals his true power: He is the one who brought good news to the poor, proclaimed release to the captives, and set free the oppressed.

Jesus continued to defy expectations. As his life on earth was ending, he brought compassion even to the repentant thief. Here was our king: gasping, choking, yet filled with mercy as he prayed, “Forgive them.” To the one who was able to see the way God is at work and wanted to be part of his Kingdom, he said, “Today you will be with me in paradise. As our King, Jesus extends that same promise to you – you will be with me in paradise. That, is our King.

Sermon 16th November 2025 – 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Text: Luke 21:5-19 – Firm foundations

 Sermon 16^th November 2025 – 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Luke 21:5-19 – Firm foundations

 

The crowd gathers around something magnificent—the temple, a symbol of religious life, heritage, and the human achievement of faith expressed in stone and design.  The people find great comfort and security in this temple and want to point this out to Jesus. Jesus answers with a piercing reminder: even the most glorious things we see around us are not ultimate. Physical things don’t provide security. He says: “Not one stone will be left upon another.”  

 

In many moments of life, we are tempted to stake our hope on the things we can touch, measure, and admire.  Our homes – our finances – our careers. But Jesus points us toward a deeper foundation: God’s kingdom and God’s word endure beyond the uncertainty of power, wealth, and possessions. As Jesus says – heaven and earth may pass away but my words never will.

 

In times of confidence and in times of uncertainty, Jesus calls on us to found our faith not in external structures, but in the promise and presence of God. That’s not always easy – We can see, feel and experience physical things. But as the Book of Hebrews states - faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. We live in times of much uncertainty which can cause us to panic and secure ourselves in physical things.

 

Jesus warned of these in his time – 2000 years ago. Jesus mentions wars, earthquakes, famine, and “signs from heaven.”

He’s not telling us to just ignore them or laugh them off as insignificant. These are real dangers around us, but he calls on Christians to resist being frightened by alarm luring us away from God and putting our faith in false hopes.  It was the very first sin – Adam and Eve had to trust that God was going to provide for them but the serpent twisted God’s words and lured them to have their eyes opened and being like God.

 

We too are asked to put our faith in things we cannot physically see or understand. In the waters of our Baptism we are assured of God’s presence with us – “I am with you always till the end of the age”. But we can’t physically see that presence. God has given us a physical presence to see and touch – but our eyes see bread and wine. Our faith sees Jesus’ body and blood that was sacrificed for us to receive eternal life in heaven. We don’t see that presence of Heaven yet but it’s there as Paul points out to the Colossians: He says in Chapter 3: You have been raised with Christ, so set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  None of that is seen but he continues and says:

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. We don’t know when that time will come, but we are called to live faithfully in the meantime—to discern what is trustworthy, which comes from God and what is human made certainty that the world tells us to find assurance in.

 

Just look around at the political upheaval, social turmoil, or personal crisis.  The gospel was written 2000 years ago but it’s like picking up today’s newspaper. Jesus invites us to respond with faith, not fear; with humility, not bravado.  We are called to witness to truth and mercy, even as the world shakes our foundations. We are to always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that we have. We don’t have all the answers as Christians as to why the world is as it is if we have a loving and all powerful God. So Jesus says to trust in him. Jesus says “He will give you words and a wisdom,”. This is not a promise of keep us away from all that is going but strength to trust him for endurance. Endurance is not about avoiding threats; it’s about remaining faithful to God’s call in the midst of pressure.  Jesus says “not a hair of your head will perish”. But let us remember the difference between death and perishing. John 3:16 says - God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".  To perish is to miss out on eternal life in Heaven. But as Paul said in the earlier quote from Colossians – we have already died and are with Christ in Heaven.

 

The body may suffer, but endurance in faith is a path to true life—life with God, life that will live forever in Heaven where there will be no more suffering or death. What Jesus speaks about today is more than surviving hardship.  It’s about learning what truly matters when everything around us begins to crumble – and it will.  Jesus is pointing us toward our relationship with God—trust in God, trust in Jesus and, willingness to witness even when it costs us. As Jesus says – don’t let your hearts be troubled – trust in God – trust in Jesus Christ. And Jesus says that there will come a time when our faith will be costly: But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.  And it may get even more personal:

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name.  However, Jesus promises, by your faith you will gain your souls.

 

So, how do we stay strong in our faith during these times? Ground yourself in daily spiritual connection with God: Your bibles, prayer, and a community of believers. In uncertain times, these become our foundation. Remember your Baptism promise – remember the promise given in Holy Communion. And when you hear rumors or see chaos, be slow to react in fear. Commit these to God and trust him. Be a voice and a witness by how you respond.  Share hope, live your faith, help the vulnerable, and example forgiveness rather than judgment. The world needs a church and Christians that bears witness through steadfast love and courageous truth-telling in times of fear and uncertainty.

 

The promise “not a hair of your head will perish” is not a promise of immunity from harm.  It’s a promise about God’s faithful care and the deeper witness of life beyond death—eternal life that begins now in trust and continues into forever.  Endurance in faith is how we walk that path, especially when the way is hard. Jesus doesn’t promise safety. He promises something more important - his presence with us. He doesn’t say we’ll avoid conflict. He says we’ll be given “words and wisdom” that no opponent can withstand. He doesn’t say we won’t suffer which can only affect this life. He says, “By your endurance you will gain your souls for eternity.”

 

Just as Israel walked through the Red Sea protected by the waters that same water destroyed their enemies, so too we walk through life with the waters of our Baptism that will protect us until we have reached our home in Heaven – safe from our enemy, the Devil. So Jesus invites us to shift our gaze from the temporary to the eternal.  Our earthly Temples may fall.

Our comforts may crumble.  But faithfulness endures forever,