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,

Sermon 9th November 2025 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost - Text Luke 20:27-38: The God of the Living

 Title: The God of the Living

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

 

In our Gospel reading today, a trap disguised as a theological puzzle lands at Jesus’ feet. The Sadducees believe there is no resurrection after you die, so they pose a question designed to show that belief in the resurrection as foolishness.

They tell of a woman whose husband dies and so she marries his brother – he dies also and she marries another brother – and so on until she has married all 7 brothers and they ask – whose wife will she be in heaven.

But Jesus doesn’t take the bait; he redirects the conversation toward the heart of God’s promises. In his answer, we encounter a foundational truth: God is the God of the living. This truth reshapes how we understand death, life, and our daily faith.

The scenario put by the Saducees reveals a deeper reality: life under God is not going to be a continuation of what we do in this life.

The Sadducees rely on an old testament marriage law to test Jesus (a man dies and his brother marries the widow to raise up offspring for the family).

Their question assumes a world where earthly patterns—marriage, inheritance, and family structures—define eternity.

The Sadducees’ question presumes that resurrection life is simply an extension of earthly life—same relationships, same rules, same limitations. Jesus responds not by solving their puzzle, but by reframing the entire conversation.

Jesus answers by saying, in effect, that the present patterns of life on earth do not determine the life to come. The age to come operates by its own order, in which human institutions as we know them do not constrain reality in heaven.

The bigger question is not whose wife will this woman be?”

In the resurrection the bigger question will be “what is God’s eternal reality, in which all life is kept and sustained by our Creator?”

The nature of life in the resurrection is about eternal life with God, not repetition of earthly roles.

This is not a dismissal of marriage or human love. It’s a declaration that resurrection life is different. It’s not bound by the structures we create to manage mortality. It’s a life where death no longer defines us, where relationships are eternal and rooted in God’s love.

Jesus goes further to explain what life will be like in the age to come: “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

This isn’t a dismissal of human love or a denial of personhood; it is a transformation of our existence.

This is something absolutely brand new.

In the resurrection, we are made fit for eternal life with God—no longer bound by the limitations and vulnerabilities of mortal life.

No longer separated because of our sins.

No longer wondering – does God really love me.

We become “children of God,” part of an eternal family whose life is together in God’s own life.

In John’s Revelation he says just that:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

The eternal truth that Jesus reveals is that God is the God of the living.

Jesus strengthens his point with a reminder that: “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

Jesus  is quoting Moses at the burning bush: “He is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

So even those long gone are alive to God. Resurrection is not just a future hope—it’s a present reality in God’s eternal perspective.

The God who spoke creation into being is not bound by death’s finality.

The patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—are not silenced by the grave; they live in the presence of God.

This is not merely an explanation of the past; it is assurance for the present and for the future.

If God is the God of the living, then our trust, worship, and obedience are oriented toward a God who sustains life beyond what we can see.

The Christian faith rests not on the denial of death but on the encounter with the living God who invites us into everlasting life.

So what does this mean for us?

It means that hope relieves sorrow:

As St Paul says to the Thessalonians – let us grieve but not like those who have no hope.

The truth that God is the God of the living gives us a hope to interpret death, grief, and loss.

It does not erase pain, but it reshapes our perspective—trusting that life continues in God and that God holds all who are in Christ.

We also learn to value people and relationships rightly:

We also live with eternal hope now:

The resurrection is not a future event to fear or debate about;

It is the ultimate reality that informs how we love, forgive, serve, and bear witness today.

Our priorities should align with the values of God’s kingdom—compassion, justice, mercy, faithfulness.

As we pray in the Lord’s prayer – your kingdom come – your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

And we take comfort in Christ in all circumstances:

For those facing death or the illness of loved ones, this message offers comfort that there is life beyond the grave in the God who loves us and keeps his promises.

Jesus’ response to the Sadducees is not merely a clever rebuttal; it’s a proclamation: the God who created us is the God who gives us life—life that transcends the grave.

Because God is the God of the living, we live with hope, integrity, and purpose, rooted in the resurrection reality that Jesus himself embodies.

And as St Paul points out to the Corinthians - if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

Which means we are called to live as children of the resurrection now with assurance.

To love not out of fear or obligation, but out of abundance that God has provided to us.

To see others not as rivals or burdens, as the Sadducees and Pharisees did of Jesus, but as fellow heirs of eternal life.

To trust that God’s promises are not limited by death, but fulfilled beyond it.

The Sadducees asked a question about death. Jesus answered with a vision of life.

May we live into that vision—with hope, with courage, and with joy.

And the peace of God that surpasses our understanding watch over your hearts, now and forever. Amen

Sermon 2nd November 2025 – All Saints Day Text - Ephesians 1:11-23 – God’s eternal plan

 Sermon 2^nd November 2025 – All Saints Day

Text - Ephesians 1:11-23 – God’s eternal plan

 

Paul unfolds an amazing truth about what God has already done for us in Christ.  It is not about what we must do for God, but about what God has accomplished for us, so that we might live in the hope of his grace, power, and purpose. God has chosen us in Christ, according to his divine plan.  Paul begins with a clear statement: in him we were chosen, predestined according to the plan of him who works everything in accordance to his will.  Nothing is by chance but predestined according to God’s will. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have free will or that there is no point praying because God has destined everything to happen the way that it does. Some describe that view as God being a watchmaker who winds up the watch and just waits for it to tick down to the end.  A God as a creator who set the universe in motion like a clock and then stepped back, allowing it to operate on its own without further intervention.

 

No, it is more intimate than that: God has authored history, chose us in Christ before time began, so that we who have hoped in Christ live to the praise of his glory. Your life has a divine aim, not an accidental path. If you are in Christ, your story has a holy design behind it.  When doubts rise about your value or place, remember you are chosen by the Creator who holds the whole plan of your life in his hands.

And what we must understand is that this includes our death and the death of our loved ones, as the book of Hebrews says: Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. But those who are in Christ have no fear of that judgment because we are included in Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit for salvation. Our names are written in the book of life

 

So we go from a universal plan for the world to a personal experience: you also were included in Christ when you heard the gospel and believed.  You were marked with a seal—the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. A seal signifies ownership and security; a deposit guarantees what lays ahead. The Holy Spirit’s presence in us confirms that we belong to God and that our inheritance is secure. When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we carry the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee.  This means not only assurance of salvation but the ongoing work of God shaping you, and keeping you from despair, and guiding you toward the day when all things are redeemed in him when he returns to bring us to our heavenly home.

 

So Paul is not just writing to the Ephesians back in the first century, he is writing to you today and says he has not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in his prayers.  He shares his heart’s desire: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Knowledge of God is not merely facts about God; it is an intimate, transforming relationship.  The Spirit opens the eyes of our hearts to know him more deeply. It is an encounter with God that shifts how you see him, yourself, and your purpose.

 

In a world of material priorities, let us fix our eyes on what lasts: the hope of the gospel, the inheritance we have in Christ, and the power available to live out that faith boldly. The power Paul speaks of is when God raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.  Christ is far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the age to come.  Our age! God placed all things under his feet and appointed him head over everything for the church, which is his body—the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

This power is not a distant abstract idea like some New Age philosophy;  It is a power that centres on Jesus Christ, who is exalted over all realities.

He is sovereign over history, cultures, and every circumstance. And that power is now ours as the body of Christ, because the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.  The living Christ fills the church and guards us from an unbelieving world. An unbelieving world that says death is the end. If Christ is the head and all things are under his feet, then the church’s life is a participation in his divine, cosmic work.

 

Our unity, our mission, and our love for one another reveal the fullness of Christ to the world. So, your identity is secure in Christ—chosen, sealed, and loved.  And as Paul says in Romans 8: Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

The church is not merely a meeting place; it is the means through which Christ fills all things to give us strength in life and hope in death, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

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.