Sermon 29th June 2025 – Thanksgiving Sunday Text Galatians 5:1,13-25 – Fruits of thanksgiving

 Sermon 29^th June 2025 – Thanksgiving Sunday

Text Galatians 5:1,13-25 – Fruits of thanksgiving

 

James and John are interesting brothers. Some might call them a bit brash – overconfident. We see them in today’s Gospel reading when things don’t go their way: "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? Remember they were the ones that tried to corner Jesus –  “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” We wonder how they became so brash – until we read Matthew’s version of this event: The mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons. She got down on her knees before Jesus to ask something of Him.  She said, “Say that my two sons may sit, one at Your right side and one at Your left side, when You are King.” Compare this to the writer of Psalm 84 who wasn’t concerned about sitting at the right or left hand of God but was just thankful to be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

 

As we celebrate thanksgiving Sunday it is very easy with our human nature to lose our thankfulness to God for all he has done for us and to show ingratitude when things don’t go our way. To be full of expectations of what we believe we deserve and fail to see how God has blessed us. To become unthankful because of what others have rather than seeing the abundance of blessings that God has enriched us with. Paul talks about this tendency in our 2nd reading: He says: Live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh;  He lists the types of behaviours shown by those who are unthankful and warns: Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast he lists ways in which we can show our thankfulness and he calls them  “the fruit of the Holy Spirit”  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let’s have a closer look at these and see how we can show thankfulness when we live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit:

Love: The Foundation of It All

The first fruit listed is love, and rightly so, for love is the greatest commandment. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself. In 1 John 4 John says - “God is love” This love is not merely an emotional response; it is an active choice that seeks the well-being of others.  Paul describes that love in 1 Corinthians 13 – Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. If we want to show our thankfulness to God then we can do this by loving those whom God loves – our neighbour. Love isn’t just a feeling; it is care for others—even when it’s hard.  It’s love that changes hearts, forgives mistakes, and holds everything together. True thankfulness comes from love.

 

Joy:

Next comes joy, a delight that does not depend on our circumstances. We might not be happy with our circumstances, like James and John, but we can still show joy to one another. We don’t ask God rain down fire on people that we disagree with. Joy is knowing that God is with us and that he delights in us.. And so, our joy is founded in our relationship with God.

Nehemiah reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  This joy is because we are loved by God.

When we face trials, remember that joy is not the absence of sorrow, but the presence of God in our lives. And it’s for that reason that Paul says we rejoice – we are thankful, even in our suffering because it produces hope.

 

Peace

In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded not to be anxious, but to bring our requests to God, and His peace that goes beyond understanding will guard our hearts and minds offering us reassurance amidst the chaos of life. When we are thankful for what God has given us rather than what others have or what we don’t have then we have peace in our lives. We are not concerned about what the world says about what we need in order to have comfortable lives. As I near retirement I keep seeing articles and getting emails about what amount of money I need in order to survive in retirement and live in comfort and peace. That can be quite unsettling. Those that have everything often find they are not thankful and therefore don’t have peace in their lives.

Patience

Patience is often the hardest fruit to cultivate in our fast-paced world. Paul says love is patient and kind. And so, in our thankfulness to God we are reminded to “bear with each other and forgive one another.” Patience holds back anger. Just think or the outrage when your stuck in traffic – stuck on hold – stuck in the line that’s not moving while everyone else’s line is. It’s hard to be thankful in those times because of our impatience. In a world that thrives on impatience and quick judgments, let us be vessels of patience and be thankful that God is with us.

 

Kindness:

Again, love is patient and kind. Ephesians 4:32, we are called to be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving.

Kindness is at the heart of thankfulness that guides our loving actions.  Your acts of kindness reflects your thankfulness of God, bringing light into the dark corners of the world. As Jesus says – whoever gives a glass of cold water to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. As much as you did it to one of the least of these – you did it unto me.

 

Goodness:

When we are thankful to God then we look for ways that we can honour him. As John says in his Gospel - Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. What better way to show our thankfulness to God than to do things that we know please him. As Paul says in Romans - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

 

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a fruit of thankfulness for all that God has done for us. Maybe we don’t have all the things the world says we should have but Jesus says – seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. Faithfulness is trusting that God provides us with what we need and we thank God especially for the gift of eternal life through his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. How much more thankful can we be when we embrace that we are saved by grace through faith.

 

Gentleness:

Gentleness is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it is, in fact, strength under control.  Philippians 4:5 urges us to let our gentleness be evident to all.  It involves humility and a consideration for others.  In our thankfulness for God’s compassion to us, let us choose gentleness over harshness, reflecting the character of Jesus, who described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29).

 

Self-Control:

Finally, self-control—the ability to manage our desires and impulses—brings us back to the core of our Christian walk.

And that’s what Paul was saying in our 2nd reading. Live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh – that takes self-control. The Holy Spirit urges us to exercise self-control over our thoughts, words, and deeds, leading to a life that honors God. This is true thankfulness to God that instead of our own selfish desires we choose to show our thanks to God by showing our love to him and neighbour in all we think and do.

 

So as we consider these fruits of the Holy Spirit, let us reflect on our own lives in thankfulness to God.  The world around us is in desperate need of love, joy, peace, and all the beautiful fruits that testify to a life thankful to God for all God has done for us in his Son Jesus Christ.

 

 

Sermon 22nd June 2025 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Text Luke 8:26-39 – Tormented

 Sermon 22^nd June 2025 – 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

Text Luke 8:26-39 – Tormented

 

What a sad story we have in our Gospel reading. The account of the demon possessed man known as “Legion”. This was a man whose community could no longer care for him. Their solution: He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles. He lived in the cemetery until he was able to break the chains and shackles when he would then flee into the wilderness rather than return home only to be tormented again. The same wilderness that Jesus was very experienced with when he was tempted by Satan. He wore no clothes – whether that was because he ripped them off or perhaps that was how they sent him – we don’t know. Jesus arrives at the Gerasenes where this man lived and when he sees Jesus he naturally feels that Jesus will treat him just as everyone else did. What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.

 

Sadly there are many people in society today who probably feel like this. Those that society forgets. Those who don’t fit in.

Those that live on the outer. And I’m not just talking about the ones we usually put into that pigeonhole. The addicts – why bother helping them – they’ve made their choice. The criminals – leave them in jail where they belong. The homeless – they could get a job if they tried like all of us. But there are many who look okay – who look like they are coping – who look as if everything is under control – but inside are tormented. Maybe you’ve felt like that tormented man. Like you don’t fit in.

Like everyone else is fine but you’re not. Yes we can all put on a well presented front like everything is okay – but beneath the façade of our neat and tidy appearance dwells a person locked in chains and shackles wanting to escape where no one can see you, And maybe your experience of God is like this man whenever you come to God in prayer – please do not torment me. I know I am a sinner – I don’t need to be tormented again and again. Maybe you feel that God is more like the local sheriff who has come to arrest you than the local doctor who has come to heal you.

 

And this is what St Paul is pointing out in out Galatians passage – the difference between a God who Is a disciplinarian and one who has come to love and care for us: Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.  What a wonderful and comforting message from St Paul. And unlike the people in the Gerasenes, God does not distinguish or discriminate: As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.

 

Jesus Christ is the great equalizer who brings us freedom. In Jesus we are all one and we are all on the same level playing field. There is no distinction as was made very evident in his 3 year ministry on earth. He ate with sinners. He fellowshipped with lepers. And here he goes to the land of the unclean Gentiles. I know that sometimes it might feel like God is not really there for you when you need him. That’s how Elijah felt. With all that he was going through – with people trying to kill him – it seemed that his enemies were doing much better than he was as a follower of God. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors. And then God shows his care: Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, "Get up and eat." He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. And then God revealed something extraordinary about himself: God said to Elijah –  "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went. Even though it was the sound of sheer silence – Elijah heard God’s presence.

 

And that’s God’s message to us. Maybe we don’t always feel or hear God’s presence but he is always there for us. Sometimes God’s presence appears as sheer silence. Just as he was there for Elijah even though everyone was chasing after him to kill him. God was there for the demon possessed man even though the whole town was against him. And God is also there for you even when it seems like the whole world is against you. And just look at the transformation Jesus makes in the life of the demon possessed man.  They found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. What a beautiful image. Jesus not only restored his physical body but gave him back his dignity by finding clothes for him to wear. Much like God replaced the pitiful attempt by Adam and Eve to clothes themselves with fig leaves by providing them with clothes from animal skin.

 

And God also clothes you with a very special garment. As Paul says - As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. How beautiful to know that God has clothed you by the special clothing of his Son Jesus Christ. That was the image that John saw in his Revelation.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

 

There’s another important lesson in our Gospel reading today. And it’s about mission. After having been healed the once demon possessed man wants to show his appreciation to Jesus and begged that he might be with him; What a great testimony that would have been. But nobody would really have known the extent of this man’s healing except those who had discriminated against him and thrown him out of their community. So, Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he did.

 

This is our greatest mission field. To go to our communities and to help those who have perhaps been against us. To show love and forgiveness as Jesus says – love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. And that’s why Jesus said that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed – beginning in Jerusalem. Beginning where you came from.

Beginning in your homes. This is going to be a huge challenge for him – to declare the love of God to people who showed him no love. But that’s the story of the Good Samaritan who showed love to someone who showed him no love. But that’s exactly what God has done for us: As Paul says in Romans - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us

.

And sometimes those are the chains that bind us. The inability to forgive those that hurt us – and that unforgiveness keeps us bound in hate and resentment and we won’t know true freedom until we can break those shackles. And if we can’t do that then instead of the freedom of Christ and the Gospel we places ourselves back under the law as our disciplinarian. But thanks be to God for Jesus’ freeing words from the cross – forgive them Father for they know not what they are doing.

May you experience this freedom as you claim your Baptism garment that has washed away all your sins.

Sermon 15th June 2025 – Trinity Sunday Text: John 16:12-15 – What is truth

 Sermon 15^th June 2025 – Trinity Sunday

Text: John 16:12-15 – What is truth

What is truth?  This basic question was asked by Pontius Pilate of Jesus as he stood there before the Roman governor.  These days a variety of answers may be given to this query.  There is the scientific answer that would define the truth as whatever can be proved through evidence and supported by repeated experimentation producing the same results. Others might say that truth is defined by an individual in regard to their own experiences.  Others understand truth as something defined by what they read and hear on the news.

Today we need to verify truth and so everything is “fact checked” and we presume the fact checkers are correct. Today we face many challenges with regard to truth with: Misinformation, disinformation, fake news, deep fake. Have you heard of deep fake? That’s the newest one with the help of AI – artificial intelligence being able to produce videos and pictures that seem real but are not. In recent times we’ve seen people scammed out of life savings because they saw and heard Eddie Maguire or some other celebrity telling them where to invest their money – but it wasn’t them. It was AI using deep fake video.

Truth is such a hard item to grasp and really hard to trust these days. And in this age what is true for me might not be true for you BUT we MUST accept each other’s position on “what is truth”. And so, when it comes to the truth of God’s existence, it can be very challenging because MY experience of God might be different to YOUR experience of God. We have seen that over the years with debates of Creation versus Evolution and other theological doctrines including the one we are going through at present on Ordination.

This is not new. The early church also had disputes on what the truth is about God. And it is for this reason that the Church declared the Doctrine of The Trinity – a fundament and essential understanding of God – even though, as many sceptics will point out – the word “Trinity” does not appear in the bible. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith.

Differing understandings of the Trinity has been responsible for many heresies in the Church in the early centuries as well-meaning theologians tried to explain or make sense of it and were led down the path of false teaching and were subsequently condemned by the church and excommunicated. It’s the reason we have both the Nicene Creed and the very little used Athanasian Creed which were both written in response to Christians getting the Trinity wrong. The creeds are not a message to unbelievers or to use against other religions. They are a teaching for Christians to keep reminding us about the fundamentals of our belief. It is like a reset button.

That’s why Paul urges a young Pastor Timothy to “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. So it is important both for the teacher/pastor and the people he is teaching. In fact James warns about that too - Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  And the reason he said that was, in Paul’s own words,  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Both creeds were in response to Christian leaders like Arius – a forerunner for Jehovah’s Witnesses who deny Jesus being the eternal God.  Or another scholar and leader called Sabellius who believed basically in 3 gods but they did not exist at the same time – they continue today in what is called the Oneness Pentecostal movement.

The Christian faith declares that God is One God – Three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct, yet perfectly unified. Though our human minds may struggle to fully comprehend this mystery, the Trinity reveals God's love, His grace, and His presence in ways that transform our lives. Jesus himself teaches about the essential nature of God being trinity when he says before he ascends to Heaven:

 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Let’s look deeper into the 3 persons of the Holy Trinity.

We confess in our creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  This is the foundation of our belief with God our Father the Creator. Genesis 1:1 tells us, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."  So, before time began, the Father existed in perfect majesty.

He is the source of all life, the sustainer of the universe, and the loving Father who cares for His children.  Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." (Matthew 6:9).  This reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. When Jesus rose from the dead one of the first things he declared to Mary was – I am ascending to MY Father and YOUR Father. In fact we hear St Paul tell us last week that he calls God – Abba, Father. The word Abba, while meaning father is a more intimate address for Father. Paul was urging us from a less formal address of God to an intimate calling of God as our Father. Likewise Luther when explaining the Lord’s Prayer encourages us to pray to him with complete confidence just as children speak to their loving earthly father.

God the Son: Our Savior and Redeemer: In John’s Gospel he sees Jesus as the one bringing in the New Creation. Hence he begins his Gospel in the same way that the Book of Genesis does: In the Beginning was the word. Let there be light. And then John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

In Jesus Christ, God entered human history, taking on our human flesh to redeem us.

So, again, showing this intimacy that is found in the Trinity. And through His death and resurrection, we are guaranteed salvation with the sure hope of eternal life.  Jesus, fully God and fully human, demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father and revealed His unfailing love to the world. As Jesus ascended he also maintained the presence of our intimate God by sending the Holy Spirit. In the same way that God intimately breathed life into Adam by breathing his own life into Adam’s nostrils – so too Jesus, intimately gives life to the Church by breathing the Holy Spirit onto the first Church that had gather behind locked doors.

Again, from John’s Gospel: Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Again this intimacy of God’s own life living in us.

And so we confess – I believe in the Holy Spirit the Lord and giver of life. So before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised His disciples, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things." (John 14:26). The Spirit is God's presence within us, empowering us, convicting us, and guiding us in truth.  He strengthens our faith and enables us to live lives that glorify God. Without the Holy Spirit we don’t have the life of God in us as Luther explained:

I believe that I cannot by  my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. Bu the Holy Spirit has called me – enlightened me – kept me in the true faith.

Though the Trinity is beyond human comprehension, it is essential to our faith. The Father loves us, the Son saves us, and the Spirit leads us. As we walk with God, may we embrace the intimacy of His love and presence—knowing that we are held by the unshakable love of our Triune God. Let us live in this truth, worshiping the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit.

 

Sermon 8th June 2025 – Pentecost Sunday Text Acts 2:1-21 – By the power of the Holy Spirit

 Sermon 8^th June 2025 – Pentecost Sunday

Text Acts 2:1-21 – By the power of the Holy Spirit

 

Today we celebrate what is considered to be the birth-day of the Christian Church – the Day of Pentecost.  Fifty days after Easter – the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in a powerful presence, igniting the early church and empowering believers to spread the Gospel. This is the promise of Jesus when he said – wait in the city until you have been clothed with ‘power from on high’. This is the POWER of the Christian. This is the POWER of the Christian Church.

I dare say that without the Holy Spirit both would cease to exist. It is a day of transformation, bringing with it the fullness of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit doesn’t get talked about much in mainstream churches. But this remarkable event invites you to consider what it means for you to live in the power of the Holy Spirit today. In Acts chapter 2 we read about the Holy Spirit arriving with the sound of a mighty wind and tongues of fire resting upon the apostles.  This was an intentional action by God - the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in John 14:26, where He said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to understand God’s word. That is what Jesus promised to the Disciples: The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

 

Imagine the awe and wonder in that moment!  The disciples, filled with fear and uncertainty after Jesus’ ascension, suddenly find themselves empowered by the very Spirit of God. The birth of the Church is marked by the Spirit’s powerful wind and transforming fire.  It’s a reminder that God is always faithful to His promises. Pentecost reveals that the Holy Spirit is not just for a select few; it is for all who believe. As Peter says in his very first sermon, quoting the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

 

As we read further in Acts, we see the immediate result of this outpouring of the Spirit — boldness!  Peter, once a man who denied Christ out of fear,  A man who sank when he saw the wind and the waves, Now boldly preaching to the crowd, bringing thousands to faith in one sermon. What transformed him?  It was the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s the same Holy Spirit that has been given to you. The same Holy Spirit that has made his home in you as Paul says: Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God.

 

How often do we find ourselves timid or hesitant to share our faith? The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to speak out, to love deeply, and to serve others – even those with whom we disagree. The same Spirit that emboldened Peter lives within us!  It’s not a different Holy Spirit today – it’s the one and the same.

 

On this Pentecost Sunday, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to be bold in my faith?  Where is God calling our church to be bold in our faith?  How can we let the Holy Spirit guide and empower our actions wherever we are?

 

Another powerful aspect of the Pentecost narrative is the diversity of languages heard by the onlookers. People from different nations understood the apostles speaking in their native tongues.  This reminds us that the message of Christ transcends all barriers — cultural, linguistic, and social. We saw that recently with Peter when he went to the home of a gentile, Cornelius. In our world today, where division and strife seem to cause so much hurt and violence, the Holy Spirit calls us into unity.  

 

Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that the Spirit intercedes for us and prays for us — even when we do not know what to pray.

What an amazing gift the Holy Spirit brings as I constantly hear people speak about the difficulties they have in praying.

The Spirit connects believers across the globe, urging us to embrace our differences while reminding us of our united identity in Christ.

On this Pentecost Sunday, we are reminded that the Gospel is for everyone.  It is our mission to be living examples of that message of love and acceptance and to listen to others, and to invite them into the family of God. Pentecost is about empowerment for ministry. As we go forth, we do so not in our own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s why Jesus was so insistent – WAIT – Wait until you have received power from on high because if you go out without the Holy Spirit you enter into dangerous territory. And that’s because, as Paul says elsewhere – For our battle 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.

 

It was like in the Old Testament when Israel thought they could defeat the enemy by themselves: Moses said: “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies who will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.” Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the enemy who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way down the mountain.

 

The gifts of the Spirit are given to each one of us for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).  This isn't just about personal empowerment; it's about empowering the mission of the church.As you reflect on your life, what gifts has the Spirit bestowed upon you?  How can you use those gifts to serve your neighbour, your community, our church and the world? In a time when the needs around us are great, the Spirit equips us to meet those needs. As we celebrate this Pentecost, let's remember that the Holy Spirit is alive and active within each of us. He empowers, emboldens, unites, and equips us for the work of the Kingdom.

 

May your Pentecost be filled with the Spirit's power!

Sermon 1st June 2025 – 7th Sunday after Easter Text Acts 16:16-64

 Sermon 1^st June 2025 – 7^th Sunday after Easter

Text Acts 16:16-64

Paul and Silas are on a missionary journey in Philippi preaching the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. But soon, they are confronted with opposition that looks different to what they have previously encountered. A slave girl possessed by a spirit brings substantial profit to her owners by telling fortunes. This girl follows Paul and Silas declaring truth about them. "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation."  She kept doing this for many days. And that’s where things are different to previous opposition. She wasn’t opposing them but revealing them. But Paul, concerned by her persistent cries, commands the spirit to leave her.

 

Suddenly, her life changes, but not without consequences for Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas’ actions lead to their arrest and beating.  They are stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison.  I wonder what is going through their minds? Did we do something wrong? Why has God let this happen when all we were doing was proclaiming his word to others.

 

In our lives, being faithful to God sometimes comes at a price.  When we stand for God’s ways over against the ways of the world, we may face opposition, ridicule, or even persecution. Comment on something on social media upholding Chrisitan principles and watch the hatred come your way. Yet, the cost is overshadowed by the joy of knowing you are proclaiming God’s word. As St Paul says - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!. Paul is quoting Isaiah - How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

 

Despite their harsh circumstances, Paul and Silas do not complain.  Instead, they choose to turn their situation to praise and an opportunity to further the Gospel.  At midnight, in the darkest hour, they begin to pray and sing hymns to God, and the other prisoners listen. Their choice to worship despite their prison chains is a testament to their faith and an example of God’s mysterious ways that what man intends for harm and evil, God can turn into blessing and opportunity.  When we face our darkest moments perhaps the response of faith is to turn to God in worship. Praise and prayer has the power to not only witness but to shift our perspective on what we are going through.  It may not change the situation but may direct us to opportunity to witness. It draws us closer to God and reminds us of His goodness and love.  And assures us his rule and authority as Jesus discovered from the cross. That in his pain and humiliation on the cross Jesus sees it as an opportunity for witness and show grace. Forgive them Father for they know not what they are doing. And what is the response to this from the centurion watching? When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

 

As we worship, we can transform our suffering into witnesses of divine encounter. As Paul and Silas lifted their voices in praise, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison – similar to what happened at the crucifixion. All the doors flew open, and their chains fell off.  The jailer, awakened by the earthquake, feared that the prisoners had escaped and was on the verge of taking his own life. But Paul calls out, assuring him that they are all present. Instead of seeing an opportunity to flee Paul uses his new found freedom to witness. In this divine encounter of rescue, the jailer asks the life-changing question: “What must I do to be saved?”

 

Had Paul and Silas not cast out the demon from the girl – had they not been arrested and thrown in prison – would this jailer ever had the opportunity to hear the Gospel? Paul and Silas respond with confidence: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."  This profound encounter speaks to the heart of the Gospel: belief in Jesus leads to salvation as Jesus himself declared in John 3:16 – whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. As he repeated in Mark 16 – whoever believes and is baptised will be saved. And this promise to the jailer effected not only him but also carries the promise of reaching his loved ones as he continues Paul and Silas’s witness. In our lives we may question why God allows us to go through times of suffering.

 

But who of us knows where that suffering may reach out to others. I encounter many who are bedridden wondering why God doesn’t just take them home now. And I aways say – because God has not stopped using you to deliver the Gospel. “But Pastor, how can I do that – I’m in bed doing nothing”. What was Paul and Silas doing? They weren’t going to the other prisoners to share the Gospel. No – they lived out their faith singing hymns and praising God.

 

No doubt the other prisoners would have wondered – what do they have to sing about. And that’s where we can be witnesses even when bedridden – by continuing to show our faith in God. And as St Peter says - 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, Peter does not say – go out into the street corners with a megaphone and tell every they are sinners and are going to burn in hell if they don’t repent. No – honour Christ as Lord in your heart.

 

As we reflect today on Paul and Silas in prison, let us remember that our circumstances do not define the presence of God in our lives. od doesn’t make you suffer because you’ve done something wrong.

God also doesn’t make things happen to further the Gospel but rather will use your circumstances to further the Gospel. God didn’t send Paul and Silas to prison – no the evil authorities did. But God used this evil to bring about good. In our darkest hours, God’s light shines the brightest.  As Psalm 23 says – even though I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid for you are with me. As Paul said – when I am weak then I am strong because the power of Christ rests on me.

 

Worship is God’s greatest gift as a weapon against fear and despair caused by Satan. Like Paul and Silas, let us lift our voices in praise and trust singing hymns and songs praising God to celebrate God’s promise of freedom. Let us flee from shackles—those chains that bind us, whether they be of sin, doubt, or fear.  And in doing so, may we lead others to the freedom found in Jesus Christ.

 

Sermon 25th May 2025 – The Ascension

 Sermon 25^th May 2025 – The Ascension

 

Today we worship at the momentous event in the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ — His Ascension into heaven. This event completes the work of Jesus. Remember when Mary was at the open tomb and discovers Jesus is not the gardener when he calls her name. She grabs hold of him but Jesus says: Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.

 

This is the pivotal moment that carries profound significance for our faith and daily living. The Ascension was necessary for the final stage of God’s redemption of humanity – the sending of the Holy Spirit to be God’s presence in the world to restore God’s true temple: Jesus himself said - very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And so too, St Paul declares the work of the Holy Spirit in us which we will hear about next Sunday on the Day of Pentecost. He says: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; And the necessary work of the Holy Spirit: No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit. All of this work hinges on the Ascension.

 

The Ascension affirms Jesus' position as Lord.  As Paul says in our 2nd reading: God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. When Jesus ascended, He did not leave His authority behind; instead, He ascended to take His rightful place at the right hand of the Father.

 

This is a powerful reminder to us that no matter the circumstances we face; No matter what the world looks like – no matter how out of control the world looks, Jesus reigns supreme.  He is not a distant ruler but an ever-present help in our time of need. The Ascension also serves as a commission for us, the Church.  As Paul said - he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

 

When the angels asked, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”, it was a call to action. They were not to stay there waiting for Jesus to return but to go to the world proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sins – the work of redemption and reconciliation. Like the angels who quizzed the women at the tomb to go: Why do you look for the living amongst the dead. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

 

There is an urgency in the angels’ words.  Jesus did not call us to be spectators but participants in His mission.  In Matthew’ version of the ascension, chapter 28:19-20, we receive the Great Commission:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”  The Ascension empowers us to fulfill this Commission with the assurance that Jesus is with us always, to the very end of the age. The Holy Spirit is essential for the life of the Christian. Luther said this in his Small Catechism: I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

The Holy Spirit is essential for the life of the church, as again Luther explained:

In the same way the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.  The Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Comforter, and our guide. His presence equips us with spiritual gifts, gives us boldness to witness, and leads us into all truth.

 

In our daily lives, we are never left alone; we walk with the same Spirit that empowered the apostles. The Ascension assures us of the promise of Jesus’ return.  As the angels declared, This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." This is what John saw in his Revelation: “Look, he is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him even those who pierced him”  Our Savior, who ascended in glory, will return in glory.  This promise offers us hope, especially in times of uncertainty and despair.  It assures us that the story does not end with Jesus’ ascension but continues with His anticipated return when, as we heard last week “He will wipe every tear from our eyes” (Revelation 21:4).

 

So let us embrace the Ascension.  Let it assure us of Christ's ultimate authority at the right hand of God in the Heavenly realms but also here with us in his Holy Spirit. Let the Ascension compel us into action, filled with the Spirit's power, and fill our hearts with hope for His return.  As we go forth this week, let us keep our eyes not only on the skies but also on the work that God has called us to do here on earth.

Sermon 18th May 2025 - 5th Sunday after Easter Text Revelation 21:1-6 – All things new

 Sermon 18^th May 2025 - 5^th Sunday after Easter

Text Revelation 21:1-6 – All things new

Revelation Chapter 21is a powerful passage that speaks of God's promise to renew all things. We live in a world filled with brokenness, pain, and uncertainty. But in in our reading today from Revelation, God gives us a vision of hope—a promise that He is making all things new through Jesus Christ. This promise of renewal reminds us that no matter how dark the present may seem, God is preparing a future of restoration and renewal. We heard similar a couple weeks ago in our Psalm – weeping may last for the night but joy comes in the morning.

John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the old has passed away. This is not a replacement but a total transformation—a renewal of creation itself. It speaks to the hope that God is not abandoning His creation but redeeming it. Renewal and transformation has been the theme of the resurrection. The renewal of Peter as an apostle after his 3 denials of Jesus. The transformation of the murderous Pharisee Saul to become St Paul -the Apostle to the Gentiles. And, as we hear in acts, a total reversal of the unclean prohibitions to declaring everything clean before God.

In our lives, we sometimes look for a fresh start amidst all the heaviness of life. Many look forward to retirement only to find it provides no relief and in fact many say they have never been busier. This passage reassures us that God is a God of renewal. He takes what is broken and makes it whole again. John describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This is a beautiful imagery that speaks of intimacy and beauty—God dwelling with His people in perfect communion. As we hear from Jesus speaking about husbands and wives becoming one flesh.

This imagery is not merely about a physical change; it represents a total renewal of all creation. The old order, characterized by sin, suffering, and separation from God, has passed away. The old earth—a place riddled with pain, injustice, and sorrow is now a fresh, vibrant creation where God reigns supreme. It reveals a God who desires to be close to us. He is not distant or indifferent but actively working to bring us into His presence. He longs to be with us.

We are invited to live in relationship with Him, experiencing His perfect love and grace. John hears the voice from the throne that declares that God will dwell with His people. This is the fulfillment of His promise throughout scripture—to be Emmanuel, "God with us." No matter what we face, we are never alone.  God is with us in our struggles, our joys, and our uncertainties.  His presence is our greatest comfort. God promises to wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.  This is the ultimate hope for believers—that suffering will not have the final word. It never did, even though in the midst of suffering it was hard to see a way out.

When we endure hardship, we can hold onto this promise. God sees our pain, and He assures us that one day, all sorrow will be replaced with joy. In this renewed creation, God will eradicate pain, mourning, and death. What a promise for our weary hearts!  We live in a world where sorrow is a daily companion; we live with loss, grief, and heartache. Yet here in Revelation, we find assurance that God’s ultimate plan does not include suffering. Weeping lasts for the night but joy comes in the morning. God declares that He is making all things new.  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  He was there at the beginning in our Baptism. And he will be there when he calls us home. His plan for redemption was complete on Easter Sunday, and He offers the water of life freely to all who thirst.

This is the culmination of God’s plan for us from the garden of Eden, where He walked with Adam and Eve, to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Jesus words from the Cross – It is finished – are repeated here “It is done.”  The fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan is at hand.  God declares Himself as the “Alpha and Omega,” the Beginning and the End. All things find their origin in Him and will ultimately conclude in Him.

Throughout the history of creation God has sought to dwell among us. When Israel wanted to build a temple God was so sad because it would make him stationary. Previously he had been happy travelling around with the Israelites from place to place in a tent. God’s renewal is not just for the future—it begins now.  He is transforming hearts, restoring lives, and calling us to trust in His promise. This is a message of hope and renewal.

In the new heaven and new earth, there will be perfect communion with God. Every wall of hostility that separated us will be removed. Each person who has ever felt the sting of loneliness or abandonment will experience the profound embrace of God.

There will be no more barriers, no more division—only relationship and community within the divine presence. As we see with Peter visiting a Gentile and his household receiving the Holy Spirit which challenged his companions who previously had believe that God was a God only of the Jews. It reminds us that God is faithful, that He is with us, and that He is preparing a future where all things will be made new.  Let us live with confidence in His promises, knowing that His love and restoration are at work even now.