Sermon 11th October 2026 – 20th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Matthew 22:1-14 – All invited

 Sermon 11^th October 2026 – 20^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Matthew 22:1-14 – All invited

 

If you’ve ever thrown any type of celebration you know how difficult it can be to construct an invitation list. Due to costs and space you have to have a cut off somewhere and it’s always going to cause concern. If you can only invite 50 people – the person who would have been 51st wonders why they weren’t invited. But if you decide to invite 51 – then 52 says – what about me. And you have a reserved  list to replace those who can’t make it. I remember at our last wedding it was just after Covid so we have people ring on the day saying they have just tested positive and we scrambled to the phone and invited anyone who could replace them as they were paid for anyway.

 

In today’s Gospel reading we seem to have the opposite problem. There was no lack of money or space.

There was a lack of people to invite. And that was caused by those chosen first refusing to come along for a variety of reasons. The King begs them to come: Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet. So the King says: Go into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’

 

It’s hard to believe that anyone would refuse to attend – not just a wedding – a ROYAL wedding. The parable is supposed to teach us about God’s invitation to us and the sadness and confusion as to why people refuse God’s invitation to eternal life in Heaven. God’s invitation does not come with heavy demands but simply a willingness to allow God to love us. We see that that sadness in the voice of Jesus as he looks over God’s loved city Jerusalem: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. The sadness was not over how they treated the prophets sent by God but their refusal to accepts God’s love and acceptance of them despite what they did to the prophets sent to them by God. It’s like the workers in the vineyard a couple weeks ago. They were angry at the landowners generosity to others even though they were paid exactly what they had agreed to work for.

 

As we reflect on this parable it helps us to understand the church’s predicament. We struggle to understand why people reject Jesus Christ. What are we doing wrong that people find Jesus so objectionable Is it his unconditional love. Is it the free gift of eternal life in heaven? Is it the image that the Church and Christians have portrayed of Jesus in the world? It’s hard to understand why people clamber when they hear of miracle drugs that will help them to lose weight – surgery that will make them look younger – super foods that will make them feel healthier. But suggest eternal life in heaven if they believe in Jesus Christ and they will mock you and at times even respond in anger.

 

It’s like what happened to the King’s messengers who were begging the people to come and be feasted upon by the King. They seized his messengers, mistreated them, and killed them – all because of an invitation to a wedding feast.  But, regardless of this terrible response, the gospel still prevails because God’s love still prevails, unconditionally:  When the expected guests refuse, God throws the doors wide open. No one is beyond the reach of grace.  No one is too broken. The banquet hall fills with people who never expected to be there.  Grace is scandalously inclusive.

 

But what has confused people is that despite God’s open and free invitation there is one who does not belong.

The king noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  Why was this man ejected despite the open invitation? We hear about that in John’s revelation when he sees a vision of the great wedding feast and declares: On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Nothing impure will ever enter it!

 

What we have here is the inability of Satan to do what he did to Adam and Eve in the new Heaven and new Earth. God will not allow a repeat of when Satan entered into God’s Garden of Eden and corrupted God’s first creation. He turned what was ‘very good’ to now know good and evil. But not in God’s new kingdom.

Only those who are found to wear the wedding garment which is Jesus Christ. As Paul says in Galatians 3: So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. The wedding garment is Christ Himself—His righteousness, His character, His way of life.

 

To receive the invitation is to receive the garment of Christ himself. What amazing Grace of God who not only invites all but provides the garment by which we are received. Which is why Paul says in our 2nd reading:  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  And the reason for that rejoicing Paul makes abundantly clear: The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

The wedding feast is not only for the elite – not only for the A Listers – it is for family. And as John says in his Gospel, chapter one - to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. We are all children of God. And so Paul encourages us:  Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

 

Sermon 4th October 2026 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Philippians 3:4b-14 – Greatness received, not taken.

 Sermon 4^th October 2026 – 19^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Philippians 3:4b-14 – Greatness received, not taken.

 

In our bible reading last week St Paul spoke extensively about the humility of Jesus. He spoke about Jesus giving up his heavenly glory to take on human flesh. He said – Christ emptied himself. He spoke of the continual humility of Jesus life that eventually led to his death on a cross. He became obedient unto death – even death on a cross. But, mysteriously, that humility and what seemed to be defeat, became the foundation of his greatness. God gave to Jesus the name that is above all names. God exalted him to the highest place where every knee would bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

 

This is so different to his appearance at his trial and what he experienced just prior to his death where he was mocked – spat on – beaten – and humiliated to the point where people shook their heads at his disgusting appearance – just as Isaiah had prophesied: He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

 

One could argue that Isaiah is not just talking about Jesus’ pre death appearance but also his appearance and the appearance of the church today in the world. Jesus is not desired by most of humanity – people are not attracted to him – he is despised and rejected by most of humankind. The mocking continues. As Matthew says when people saw Jesus on the cross -tThose who walked by shook their heads and laughed at Him. Paul would become no stranger to this experience as his life drastically changes when he becomes a Christian after he experiences the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

He speaks about what his life was like before meeting Christ in our bible reading: A life of opulence – a life of respect by people. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

 

But Paul loses everything on that day when he arrives at the house of Ananias and is baptised into the family of Jesus Christ. He loses everything but gains more. And that’s what Baptism does. It places us on a trajectory towards Christ and against Satan – as we confess when we are Baptised. I renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways. Even Jesus, after he was Baptised, was led into the front line into a battle with Satan but overcame the 3 temptations – unlike Adam and Eve. But Paul has no regrets. In fact, to Paul, it is like a badge of honour: Whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

 

Paul reveals a mystery hidden deep in Christ – that greatness is not found in earthly measures but by what God bestows on us. Blessings are found, as Paul discovers, by knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection AND the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, That’s not a message that we hear from the world and sadly it’s not always a message which the church lives by. Where we measure ourselves on earthly measures – our finances – our attendance – our demographics. The church needs to measure itself, as Jesus did, on faithfulness to God’s call. Jesus didn’t earn the name above all names – no, he was given the name that is above all names by God his Father. Jesus had to teach his disciple who didn’t understand humility.

 

James and John, the sons of Zebedee wanted to claim that greatness for themselves rather than receive it. They came to Jeus and said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” Jesus replies: whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Which is exactly what St Paul says in our bible reading: Christ made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, Though he was still God he did not claim his equality to God for his own benefit.

Humility is not easy to do. It is human nature to want to be better than others. Sometimes we might even hope failure on others so we feel better. This is what we call pride. It was pride that saw Satan’s downfall from the most glorious of God’s angels – a leading Cherubim to utter disgrace and doom as Ezekiel writes “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth;

 

Remember what Jesus said when the disciples came back bragging about their successes – I saw Satan fall like lightning to the earth. Don’t boast about your successes but that your name is written in heaven. It was by this same pride that Satan led Adam and Eve away from God promising that if they disobey God then they would be like God. It was this same pride by which Satan unsuccessfully tempted Jesus – bow down and worship me and I will give you all the kingdoms of the earth.

It is the same pride by which we are constantly tempted to put our faith in ourselves particularly when we are facing times of trial.

 

Paul had so much to boast about but in the end could only boast about knowing Christ and his crucifixion for his salvation.

It is human nature to look to our own strength – like the man coming to Jesus seek the secrets of eternal life:  “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus replied If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” The man replied: All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”  Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. It wasn’t his wealth that was the error by trusting in them above Jesus.

 

Jesus says – seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you. Now this speaks not only to our personal relationship with God but the church’s relationship with God. As the church we are not to measure ourselves by earthly measures – attendances – finances – demographics. We are to measure ourselves by our faithfulness to God’s Word. Just look at the tenants of the vineyard in the parable Jesus told. Their pride meant they weren’t happy until they were in control. Humility is the means by which God bestows blessing on us – as he did with Jesus when he exalted him to the highest place – not because he earned it but because he was ready to receive it.

 

Are you ready to receive God’s blessings? Then we need to empty ourselves and cast aside anything which we are putting our faith and trust in other than Christ. We need to consider them as rubbish in order to gain Christ. And that may mean sharing in Christ’s suffering in order that we may receive his glory as Paul proclaimed. But as we share in Christ’s suffering we also share in his glory and the resurrection. So, as Paul says – forget what’s behind us – forget what Satan has thrown at you – keep your eye focused on the future – the prize of eternal life in heaven. That’s all we need to be concerned about.

 

Sermon 26th July 2026 – 9th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 8:26-39 – God’s inseparable love

 Sermon 26^th July 2026 – 9^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Romans 8:26-39 – God’s inseparable love

 

There are many passages that speak of God love in the bible but none more important than what Paul has to say here. These verses describe God’s unfailing love and his plan for our lives, and the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love.  Paul begins with an important statement: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Here, we see the foundational truth that God is all powerful and all loving.  He watches over everything in our lives, even the trials and tribulations, to bring about good.

 

Don’t misunderstand what Paul is saying. He is not saying that God creates trials, tribulations and suffering to bring about good. No, these exist in the world because our world has fallen away from God. But God doesn’t abandon us – just as Joseph declared when his brothers committed evil against him. He said to them – what you intended for evil, God used for good. Through their evil God used Joseph to feed the world during a 7 year famine. Life presents us with challenges at times that often leave us questioning God’s goodness.  Illness, financial struggles, relationship issues—these can hide the goodness of God.  Yet, Paul assures us that God is at work.

 

We may not see the immediate results, but God’s purpose for us is eternal life.  We must understand that God’s definition of goodness may differ from ours.  God’s goodness is about us not losing our faith and reaching eternal life. God’s desire is for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. The presence of suffering does NOT mean the absence of God’s love. But through faith we can experience, as Paul said earlier, the formation of character, deeper faith, and a hope that assures us of God’s love for us.  In everything, God’s love and eternal plan for us remains paramount. And that’s what Paul means when he says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”

 

What does predestined mean? It means that God’s plan is for all people to be saved. Does that mean everyone is saved?

No. Because of free will we can reject God’s gift but God doesn’t stop loving us and working to call us back to him. Each one of us is called to a distinct purpose.  God knows us intimately; He has a divine calling for our lives.  We are not accidents or mere byproducts of evolution; we are chosen and cherished. This is what Paul means in Ephesians 2 when he says - For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Notice 2 things – we are God’s masterpiece and he has planned good works for us long ago

 

So being predestined calls us to adoption as God’s children.  This identity confers not just privilege, but responsibility. As adopted heirs of Christ, we reflect His love and grace to the world. And despite all the opposition – despite all the ridicule – despite all the persecution it is comforting to hear Paul say - “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  When God is our advocate, when God is in our corner, the forces of darkness and discouragement are, in fact, powerless against us. When faced with trials— physical, emotional, or spiritual—we have no fear. As King David says in Psalm 23 – even though I walk through the valley of he shadow of death – I will not be afraid because you are with me. And because God is with us then we are reminded that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

 

This is our victory: not through our strength but through His love.  Our circumstances may be difficult at times, but with God’s love, we can endure! And God’s love, when it comes to God, is not negotiable. Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Nothing! Not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword—none of it can sever our relationship with Him. This teaches us about the certainty of our salvation.  As Paul says earlier in Romans. There is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Regardless of what we face, we can rest in the assurance that God’s love remains steadfast and sure.

 

God invites us to walk in faith, trusting that even our darkest days cannot extinguish His light and love. And we are invited to respond to the overwhelming love of God by sharing it with others.  In a world filled with uncertainty, we are called to be beacons of hope. To speak words of encouragement, extend grace, and embody the love that we have received.

So while the road of life may be fraught with challenges, let us find comfort and assurance in the promises found in what Paul says about God’s love.  God is sovereign, our identity is secure, our victory is certain, and His love is inescapable.  May we walk in this truth, inviting the world to experience the eternal love of our Savior.

Sermon 19th July 2026 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 8:12-25 – The awaiting glory

 Sermon 19^th July 2026 – 8^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Romans 8:12-25 – The awaiting glory

 

Today, we hear another powerful message from St Paul where he speaks about suffering. It’s a little bit different to an earlier message about suffering where he said that he rejoices in his suffering because it produces perseverance, character and hope. His message is still a message of hope. But this time the hope is about the promise of future comfort.

In fact it is more than comfort. He writes, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."  This statement brings hope of our Christian journey. It doesn’t deny our present suffering but it puts it in comparison to what God has in store for us in Heaven.

 

So he begins by acknowledging the reality of suffering in our lives.  Each of us, in some way, can relate to the burdens we carry—whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual.  And even the world around us, the creation we live in that God created lives in despair.  We see injustice, violence, and division.  And if we look at the very first violence written in the bible, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, it was not just Abel who was dealt the injustice but all Creation. When God confronted Cain over the murder he said: “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. The groanings of creation are evident as we witness the effects of pollution, war, crime, poverty, and the multitude of challenges facing humanity today.

 

In the midst of these struggles, St. Paul invites us to look beyond our present circumstances—to see the "glory that is to be revealed to us."  It’s similar to what he says in Colossians chapter 3: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, 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. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. What does this glory that Paul speaks about so often mean? It refers to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to us. A reality that surpasses our understanding and experience. It is the glory of being united with Christ in His resurrection, where every tear will be wiped away and every pain will be healed.  This is not merely a future hope but a present reality that sustains us through our trials.

 

St. Paul emphasizes the groaning of creation, which waits in eager anticipation for the revelation of the children of God.  Creation, too, longs for this release from suffering.  And this release will come from God, not us. This is not about reaching net zero to reverse climate change. No – that is made made. Creation is waiting for God to relieve its present suffering.

This gives us a profound insight into our relationship with the world around us.  Remember, Adam was created from the dust of the ground by God. We are not just passive inhabitants of this earth; rather, we are stewards of God's creation.  

Remember what God said after he completed creation – he said to Adam and Eve - God blessed them and said to them,

“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Our actions, our care, and our love for one another as well as the environment reflect our understanding of this hope.

 

As we journey with our own struggles, we must remember that the waiting is not in vain.  St. Paul assures us that we are not alone in our waiting. The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.  In times of suffering it can be hard to pray. Hard to find the words to speak. Whether it’s our own suffering or the suffering of a loved one – sometimes there are no words. When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes.  The Spirit prays for us with words we can’t speak. When we don’t know what to hope for, the Spirit hopes within us.  When our strength fails, the Spirit carries us. Our groaning is not a sign of spiritual failure — it is the Spirit’s work in us, pulling us toward the fullness of God’s future. God Himself walks with us, bearing our burdens and supporting us as we carry our own.  This passage invites us to embrace a deeper understanding of hope—it is not a wishful yearning for a better tomorrow but a confident assurance rooted in faith.

 

Christian hope is active; it calls us to participate in God’s work and to be agents of change and love in a world that so desperately needs both. So, how can we embody this hope in our daily lives?  First, we can be examples of gratitude, recognizing the blessings we have even amidst our suffering.  We can reach out to those who are suffering, offering compassion and support.  We can become voices for the voiceless, advocates for justice, and agents of peace in our communities. Which is exactly what Jesus did in his earthly mission as he reached out to the marginalised. As we reflect on our own lives, let us mirror St. Paul’s understanding that our present sufferings are not our final destination. They are part of the journey toward the incredible inheritance waiting for us as children of God. Paul tells us that life in the Spirit is not an escape from struggle but a transformation of it.  We groan, creation groans, yet hope groans louder.  The Spirit meets us in our weakness, reminding us who we are and where we’re headed: toward the full redemption of God’s children.

 

 Let us hold fast to that hope and trust that, though we may experience difficulty today, we serve a God who transforms suffering into glory. Let us carry the message of hope in our lives and into the lives of those around us.  As we await the fullness of the true life that awaits, let us live in a way that reflects the love of Christ, embracing both our struggles and our triumphs—confident in the promise of the glory to come. Creation is groaning. We are groaning. But the Spirit is groaning too — and the Spirit’s groaning is the sound of resurrection being born.

Sermon 12th July 2026 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 – Keep sowing

 Sermon 12^th July 2026 – 7^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 –  Keep sowing

 

In this parable, a sower goes out to sow seeds.  Some seeds fall along the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and others on good soil.  It’s interesting that the sower doesn’t go looking for the good soil to plant the seed but plants seed wherever he goes. Some might call this irresponsible – a waste of seed. Some might call this ambition and sowing seed with faith knowing that the seed’s growth does not depend on him. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. Most see this text as self reflection asking what sort of soil are you – but Jesus doesn’t say that. Jesus is preparing his disciples for mission. And he has been preparing them for different types of soil – different types of reception including towns that would welcome them and those that would reject them.

 

In this parable there are 4 types of reception they can expect and likewise the message is for us also. The first seeds fall along the path and are quickly eaten by the birds.  There is no soil but that doesn’t stop the sower. Likewise we are sometimes challenged to do mission work in hostile areas. Where there is a hardness of hearts.. Think of some of the missionaries that have gone into hostile countries or countries that follow other religions. Jesus explains that this first path is still a place he wants his seed sown even though to us it might seem barren soil. But remember what St Paul says in Romans 10: How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone telling them? How can they hear without someone sowing a seed? Even though they hear the word of the Kingdom they do not understand it.  

 

Which reminds me of Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts: Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” We need to be there for them before the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in their hearts. The problem is not the soil or lack thereof but the presence of Satan who follows our path to snatch away the work we do. So we should always embrace what we do in prayer. To make sure there is no room for Satan to act. Asking God to protect those who receive us because Satan will be working even harder to undo the work we do.

 

The good news is that the Holy Spirit can soften hearts through prayer, humility, especially where there is sincere desire to know Him. Knowing there was no soil didn’t stop the sower and we also should not be put off because the audience looks hostile or unaccepting.

 

Next, we see the seeds that fall on rocky ground.  There’s seemingly something to plant the seed in as they spring up quickly. But it’s shallow; They wither away when the sun comes out because they have no root.  Jesus says this speaks about those who receive the Word with joy but have no depth in their faith. When you think about it, what is the real value of faith? Faith is to take us through those difficult times. Like it did for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. There he was in anguish – he sweat blood and begged for his Heavenly Father to remove the cup of suffering from him. But then, through faith, prays – Not my will be done but yours.

 

The rocky ground doesn’t provide that depth. And it’s easy, when difficult times come, to go into self-preservation mode.

To find your strongholds to get you through rather than your faith.When hardships and persecution arise, these young sprigs fall away. When we see that happen in the church we can become quite despondent. Where’s “such and such” – they used to be such regular members. They used to teach Sunday School – they used to serve on committees – they used to be here every week. What we need to do in those situations, like when we see a plant struggling – is to nurture them. To care for them. To water and feed them. To add fresh soil through God’s Word and encouragement.

 

Sometimes we put a lot of work into making people feel welcome. We go over and above and then suddenly we don’t see them again. And then WE become in danger of becoming the rocky ground where OUR faith is impacted by their response to the seeds we sow. We harden our hearts like the hard rocky ground. And it can be easy to stop sowing seeds and just think of ourselves.

So mission work is hard work. We need God’s help so we don’t become like the cold hard rocky places. Let us strive to root ourselves in Scripture, community, worship and prayer, allowing the Lord to nourish our faith as we sow his seed.

 

The third category is the seed that falls among thorns.  It’s similar to the rocky places as it does grow. The rocky places were ones who grew cold in their faith. Here it’s more worldly. The thorns choke it, preventing it from bearing fruit. Jesus explains that these thorns symbolize the worries of the world and the temptations of riches. It can be hard to spread the gospel when materialism is the soil. That’s why Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship. Sometimes there can be a financial cost to faith. Putting God ahead of career. Putting God ahead of possessions. And this can affect us too. How often do we let the distractions of life—work, entertainment, and the pursuit of wealth—disagreemets in the church – these choke out our spiritual lives?

 

We live in a world filled with competing voices, and it is easy to become consumed by our worries and desires.  But Jesus invites us to cast our burdens upon Him and to seek first the Kingdom of God.  As we prioritize our relationship with Him over earthly pursuits, we can begin to experience the abundant life He promises. That’s why Jesus as our Good Shepherd makes a comparison between himself and temptations of the world: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Finally, here is what we are are all looking for. We arrive at the good soil.  Those who hear the Word and understand it, who then go on to bear fruit—some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  This is the heart that is ready and willing to receive God's Word, to be transformed, and to live out the Gospel in everyday life. Jesus once said, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. There is a world out there ready to hear what Jesus has to say. But we can’t always see where that harvest is ready. That’s why the sower threw seed wherever he went. He didn’t know where that seed was needed. He couldn’t determine the heart that was just waiting to hear the good news. This needs the Holy Spirit to work in us so we do not give up. That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!

 

We don’t know when a word we bring -an action we initiate will fall on a heart ready for the good news. That’s why we don’t determine where and when but simply go out being the light of the world. And as our Old Testament assures us: My word that goes out from my mouth shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; So may God give you joy as you go from here spreading God’s good news wherever he may send you.

 

Sermon 5th July 2026 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 7:15-25a – The good I want to do.

 Sermon 5^th July 2026 – 6^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Romans 7:15-25a – The good I want to do.

 

Paul is quite often hard to understand. He often has long sentences that you have to read over and again to see what he is saying. Sometimes he forgets about punctuation with really really long sentences. Sometimes he seems to contradict himself or asks rhetorical questions and you don’t know what the answer is that he is looking for. But today, there is no ambiguity and it is a problem we can all relate to. And the fact that it is St Paul – the chosen one of God to take the Gospel to the Gentiles – the one whom Jesus revealed himself to from Heaven - it really adds so much comfort to us who struggle with sin and worth before God. He is not speaking as a theologian but as a fellow human being. A fellow sinner.

 

In a nutshell –  Paul knows the good that he should do but doesn’t do it. Paul knows the evil he should not do but keeps on doing it. And Paul is quite honest about it. He says “I do not understand my own actions.” Perhaps that is your challenge.

You know something is wrong. You know it’s a sin –  But you do it anyway. And we’re not talking about something minor.

No, Paul says “I do the very thing I hate”. He, like us, blames everyone but himself. It is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. It’s akin to saying – well God made me this way so how can God then judge me for what I am doing. But that thinking doesn’t free Paul but traps him further as he tries to justify why he is doing things he hates and knows that God would also hate. He says: I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my body another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. And it is this thinking that just eats away at him like it did with King David when he tried to cover up his sin.

 

In Psalm 32 he wrote: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. David realised he couldn’t fool God by having Uriah killed then marrying his widow so the child conceived in adultery would not longer be an issue. No, like Paul he groaned and both come to the same conclusion. For David - Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. For Paul - Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

And Jesus extends that same invitation to you today when he says: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Notice this was not a physical rest Jesus was offering but a spiritual rest. And that’s where Paul finds his spiritual rest: Notice what he does not say: He does not say, “I’ll try harder.” He does not say, “I’ll fix myself.” He does not say, “Give me one more chance.” He asks a question: Who will rescue me? Not what will rescue me.

Not which technique will rescue me. Not which self-help strategy will rescue me. Who will rescue me. Because the answer is not a method. The answer is a Person. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

And that is where our help comes from. And that’s part of our liturgy in the confession of sins – quoting King David: Our help is in the name of the Lord – he made heaven and earth. I said, I will confess my sins to the Lord; then he forgave the guilt of my sin. It is a natural response to self help – just like Adam and Eve did: After eating the forbidden fruit the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.  Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

 

Although Paul sees the harm that sin does to us, he sees the greater harm that denial and coverup does. King David said he groaned and his bones wasted away. Paul called himself a wretched man with a body of death. But both found comfort not in proving themselves right but acknowledging their plight before God who, through Jesus Christ gave them rest for their souls. And that’s why in Psalm 32 it says - Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. Not, blessed is the one who keeps God’s law perfectly. Not, blessed is the one who doesn’t sin. Blessed are those who are forgiven.

 

Jesus himself saw the hypocrisy of those who tried to claim right living towards God being where blessings are found: Jesus said: John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!

 

Like Paul – we do not do the good we want, but the evil we do not want is what we do.  Admitting when we have done wrong is not easy. We defend ourselves. We deny we’ve done wrong. We justify why we did it. But that does not lead us to finding comfort and relief just as Paul and David discovered. It’s when we see ourselves with a loving and compassionate heavenly Father who wants nothing more than to wrap his arms around us and comfort us. Just as Jesus discovered when he wept over the state of his own people.  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

 

Likewise Jesus wants to rap his arms around you and let you cast all your worries and burdens on him to give you rest for your souls.

 

Sermon 28th June 2026 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Matthew 10:40-42 – Welcoming others

 Sermon 28^th June 2026 – 5^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Matthew 10:40-42 – Welcoming others

 

When Jesus chose his 12 disciples he warned them that they would not always be welcomed where they went and in fact said the world would hate you because of me. But he gave them instructions to follow regarding those who welcomed or didn’t welcome them. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

 

Now, to keep our spirits up, he focuses just on the positives of those who do actually welcome us when we bring a word of God to them. But it is also about how we treat others who may come to us. Jesus teaches that small acts of welcome carry eternal weight.  In God’s kingdom, hospitality is holy and every act of love—no matter how small—participates in God’s mission. In fact the Book of Hebrews emphasises this fact when it says: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

 

Jesus has just finished sending the disciples out with nothing but trust—no bag, no money, no spare tunic.  They are utterly dependent on the hospitality of others. And now he says something astonishing: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.”

Not: whoever performs miracles.  Not: whoever preaches eloquently.  Not: whoever has perfect theology. Not: whoever casts out demons. Whoever welcomes you.

 

A church can have the best teaching and preaching– the most vibrant Sunday School – most active youth group – but if it does not show acts of welcome then it fails in the mission of God. How many people remember what the sermon was about but if they don’t feel welcome may never return. Jesus locates divine encounter not in grand gestures but in the ordinary, human act of receiving another person.  Hospitality becomes a doorway into communion with Christ himself. In fact Jesus exercised welcome in his ministry and we know that this was divine work because the religious leaders criticised him: The Pharisees and the teachers of the law grumbled, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

 

This is a radical redefinition of what “holy” looks like.  Holiness happens at the front door.  We put up signs – all welcome – but do we live it. Do people feel it. And it doesn’t take much so that anyone can do it. “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water… will not lose their reward.” A cup of cold water.  Not a feast.  Not a donation large enough to name a building.

Not a heroic sacrifice. A cup of cold water. That’s why St Paul says, when describing what love looks like: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

Cold water - the simplest, most basic act of care.  Anyone could give it.  It requires no wealth, no status, no special skill.

Just a heart for others in need. Jesus is saying: In my kingdom, nothing done in love is small. This is good news for every person who has ever felt like they don’t have much to offer. Good news for the tired parent.  Good news for the overwhelmed carer.  Good news for the person who feels unnoticed or unimportant. God sees.  God honours.  God remembers.  

 

Jesus links welcome to identity: When we welcome someone we welcome Jesus When we welcome Jesus we welcome the Father. And we participate in their mission even if we know nothing about mission. When we welcome a prophet we share in the prophet’s reward When we welcome a righteous person we share in their righteousness When you welcome someone who carries God’s mission, you become part of that mission. You are central and essential to their mission.

It is relational as we participate. The kingdom of God spreads not only through those who go, but also through those who receive, support, encourage, and sustain. It’s similar to our mission strategy – Go, Grow, Enable and Prayer.

Each is essential in the ministry and mission.

Some preach. Some teach. Some serve. Some give. Some pray. Some offer a cup of water. It’s what St Paus says in Romans 10: For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?  That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! All are essential.  All are honoured.  All participate in the work of Christ.

 

Hospitality and welcoming is not about entertainment.  Not about performance.  Not about perfection. Hospitality is the sacred act of making space for another person—especially the vulnerable, the weary, the stranger, the one who cannot repay. And in today’s modern world it could be a text message or phone call.  A listening ear.  A word of blessing.  A card – a visit. A prayer for someone who is struggling. These are cups of cold water. Those who welcome, give, and sustain the work of the gospel are not “helpers on the sidelines.”  They are full partners in the mission of Christ. And they support Christ himself as he once said: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

In a world that tends to focus on and highlight big achievements, Jesus dignifies the small. Your quiet acts of love are not unnoticed.  Your hidden sacrifices are not wasted.  Your daily kindness is not insignificant. At the heart of this passage is a picture of God’s own character. God is the One who welcomes.  God is the One who gives.  God is the One who notices the small just as he noticed Zaccheaus in the tree. Just as he noticed the bleeding woman who snuck up behind him. Just as he noticed the woman caught in adultery. The woman who washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. God is the One who honours the humble. God is the one who offered a Samaritan woman living water to drink. And now God offers us living water in the waters of our Baptism.

 

Matthew 10:40–42 invites us to see our daily lives through kingdom eyes. Every welcome is an act of worship. Every kindness is a participation in God’s mission. Every small gesture of love echoes into eternity. May we be people who welcome Christ in others.  May we be people who offer cups of cold water freely.  May we trust that nothing done in love is small or insignificant.