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.

Sermon 21st June 2026 – 4th Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 6:1-11 – Dead to sin, alive to Christ

Sermon 21^st June 2026 – 4^th Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Romans 6:1-11 – Dead to sin, alive to Christ

 

The beginning verses of Romans 6 has Paul addressing the power of grace and the believer's new identity through our Baptism into Christ.  He presents a powerful argument that challenges our understanding of sin, grace, and the new life we are called to live. He begins by tackling a misconception that might arise from his teachings on grace. He poses a rhetorical question: “Shall we continue to sin so that God’s grace may increase?”

 

Basically what he is asking is a logical question: If God gives his grace to us when we sin – does that mean we should sin more so that God will send more grace? With this understanding some might interpret grace as a free pass to sin— a license to live however we please because God’s grace is always going to come each time we sin. But Paul emphatically answers, “By no means!” And that’s because every sin causes spiritual harm to us even though God forgives us.

 

Grace is not an excuse for sin but a divine intervention of God to protect us from the harm that sin can do.  We must recognize that the essence of grace is not about freedom to sin but freedom from sin and its damaging effect to our faith.

When we understand the depths of God’s grace, we can also realize it empowers us to say no to the very sin that once held us captive. Paul reminds us of an extraordinary truth: in baptism, we are united with Christ.  When we were baptized into Christ Jesus, we were baptized into His death.  This means that our old selves—the sinful nature—were crucified with Him.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too have the promise of new life.

 

What does this mean for us?  It means that our identity is no longer defined by our past sins but by our relationship with Christ. We are not merely forgiven; we are made new. So Paul’s argument is not giving us permission to sin but rather – why would you want to sin when sin is what damages our relationship with God.This is a radical transformation, moving from death to life.  It’s like a person who has recovered from an addiction who feels they can now control that addiction.

But one relapse sends them back and probably worse than what they escaped from.

 

Jesus once told a parable about this in Matthew’s Gospel : When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

 

As Baptised children of God we are called to no longer walk in the ways of the world; our lives are now a reflection of Christ’s resurrection power. As believers, we must grasp the reality that our old self is crucified with Christ.  We must grasp the reality of how harmful sin is. There is no small sin. All sin leads us away from God. But through Christ, the power of sin has been broken.  Sin's dominion over us has been shattered, and we no longer have to submit to its authority. That’s why Paul makes a distinction between being “slaves to righteousness” rather than “slaves to sin”. Paul emphasizes that Christ, having died, no longer dies.  The power of sin is defeated, and death has lost its hold over Him.

 

This truth calls us to a new way of living.  We are to consider ourselves “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (v. 11).  So, what does it look like to live as those who are alive in Christ?  It means we consciously choose to reflect His goodness in our decisions, actions, and attitudes.  It means actively rejecting sin and pursuing righteousness.  I know it sounds simplistic at times but to Jesus there is nothing simple about sin. Not at all.

 

Jesus earlier in Matthew chapter 5 in his sermon on the mount says: If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

 

We don’t like the topic of hell. We try to avoid talking about it. But Jesus makes us fully aware in our Gospel reading about it. He says: Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  But thankfully, through Jesus, we don’t have to worry about that as he says: Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; As he reminds us just how precious we are to God:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

Paul’s call to action is to “consider” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God through our Baptism.  Our Baptism invites us into a daily practice of recognizing our identity in Christ and living accordingly.  Luther also explains that in his explanation of Baptism in the Small Catechism: He says: that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new self should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. And he then goes on to quote todays reading from Romans. And God helps us through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word—by allowing God’s truth and the waters of our Baptism to saturate our lives. As we immerse ourselves in His presence, we find transformative power to live out our new identity.

 

In conclusion, Romans 6:1-11 presents us with a powerful reality: we are dead to sin and alive to God.  As we reflect on this incredible truth, let us allow the grace of God to lead us away from sin and toward deeper fellowship with Him.

 

Sermon 14th June 2026 – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Text: Matthew 9:35-10:23 – Suffering for the faith

 Sermon 14^th June 2026 – 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Matthew 9:35-10:23 – Suffering for the faith

 

I was listening to a speaker recently who said that he is so confident that the Christian faith is true – not because of physical evidence that he had researched but because nobody in their right might would create such a belief system thinking people would be attracted to it. In our Gospel reading we have the calling of the 12 Disciples – they were not coerced to follow Jesus but willingly followed because they believed in Jesus. They their jobs – their family – their security – in much the same way Abraham left everything behind to follow God. But look what Jesus sold them as to what to expect: See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles.

 

In our Gospel reading Jesus says the world will hate you because of me – that your enemies will be members of your own household – that he has not come to bring peace but a sword. Is this how you would promote something that you wanted people to join? So what is the selling point?

 

A while ago one of our readings had many of Jesus’ disciples turning away from him because they found the going too tough. So when Jesus asks his 12 Disciples if they too would like to leave, Peter stands up and answers on their behalf. Lord – to whom shall we go? YOU have the words of eternal life. That’s the sales pitch – eternal life. St Paul found a similar situation in his life when he went from a highly respected Pharisee with a huge future ahead of him to becoming a prisoner in chains because he had become a Christian.  And yet Paul never complained. In fact he said - whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ - Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. And it is that faith that means so much for us that the enemies of God do not want us to have – the enemy being Satan and his legion of demons.

 

But no matter what happens to us they cannot take away what we have in Christ which Paul tells us in our second reading: Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand. And it is this peace with God – this justification by faith – this assurance we have of eternal life that makes our Christian faith so precious despite the hostilities aimed at us because of our faith. And Jesus himself promises us in John’s Gospel -  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

 

Suffering for the faith is challenging so we must keep our eye on the prize, as the saying goes – and remember what we are giving up if we reject Christ as our Lord. That’s what kept St Paul strengthened to keep going on when he tells the Philippian church: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. So the suffering was not an issue for him – in fact he says - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. And so Paul not only tolerates his suffering but he rejoices in them because he knows that he is on the right path which is the reason there is so much opposition to the path he is on. And in fact he says it strengthens his faith as he says: We  boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

 

It is really sad seeing the decline of the Christian faith. We have a census this year so it will be interesting to see how many people declare themselves to be Christian. The last census fell below 50% for the first time. But this decline should not worry us about our salvation but it does worry us about how many have given up the free gift of God. You may have experienced hostility because of your faith. Some even experience hostility from those closest to them. Jesus said this would happen in today’s Gospel reading:

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But it’s the promise that keeps us going as Jesus says: But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

 

It is easy to become disheartened when we look at the physical state of the church. Declining numbers – budgets getting harder to meet – divisions. But again, this is all part of what the Bible says will happen and has been happening since the very first church. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians states in the very first chapter:  I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. Divisions in the church are not new!

 

The writer to the Hebrews also faced the challenge of believers deserting the church: In Chapter 10 the writer says: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. The encouragement behind this urging – the Day approaching – specifically the Day of Judgement.

 

We have a real battle before us but again the bible reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. So as my opening reference stated – the speaker was not discouraged by what he saw happening in the church but encouraged because it affirms everything that the bible says would happen. The Golden Age to come is not in this world but in the world to come which John saw in his Revelation: 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.  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.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

It’s those last words – “these words are trustworthy and true” that you can rely on as the book of Acts states in Chapter 4: There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among us by which we must be saved. That name – Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

 

Sermon 7th June 2026 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Text: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 – The power of Christ’s healing touch.

 Sermon 7^th June 2026 – 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 – The power of Christ’s healing touch.

 

Have you ever reached desperation point and you just don’t know what to do? You’ve tried everything and nothing has worked. Well, that’s the situation we see today with a woman who has experienced a bleeding condition for the past 12 years. In fact, in Mark’s version of this situation he says - She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.  This account of the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years teaches us profound lessons about faith, desperation, and the power of Jesus’ touch. Can you imagine what she has been through?

 

For twelve long years, she suffered from a condition that not only caused her physical pain but also rendered her socially and spiritually unclean according to Jewish law. She endured the anguish of isolation and embarrassment, spending all she had on remedies that ultimately failed. We may not have experienced her exact suffering, but maybe you have experienced times of hopelessness and desperation in your own life.  The text tells us that she had heard about Jesus.  Perhaps she had witnessed others being healed or heard stories of his compassion and miracles. In her state of desperation, she mustered all her courage to step into the crowd, despite the risks associated with her condition.  This leads us to an important insight - desperation can lead us to a place of radical faith.  But it also challenges us to let people know that Jesus is there for us.

 

She knew about Jesus but how many don’t know about Jesus or don’t know the truth about who Jesus really is. Sometimes in life, it’s our lowest moments that awaken a deep faith within us. When we realize that we cannot rely on our own strength, we become open to the extraordinary possibilities of God’s intervention. That’s what St Paul means when he says “when I am weak then I am strong” because it is in those times of weakness we become aware of our need for God and also God’s love for us – in much the same way a parent’s love for a child is deepened when their child suffers.

 

In her heart, the woman believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ cloak, she would be healed.  Her faith was both humble and bold.  She didn’t need a judgement for her uncleanness; she needed a touch, a connection with the source of healing.  Like this woman, there are many who know their failings and where they fall short. But then again, the bible says that we all fall short in the glory of God. Grand gestures and public displays are often expected when important events take place. But God reminds us that it is often in the quiet whispers of faith that we find His greatest miracles. Like Elijah who didn’t find God in the fire, the earthquake or great wind – but in the sound of sheer silence. The woman’s touch was not just physical; it was a profound declaration of faith.  This wasn’t a last option but an option she should have taken first. She says - If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well. She knows that Jesus can heal her – why didn’t she go there first. We are the same.

 

We know that God has all the answers and hope we need – but why do we only go there as a last resort? Why do we try all our own efforts first and then pray when everything else fails? She truly believed that Jesus could heal her, and this belief opened the door to her healing. When the woman touched his cloak, immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt the change in her body. She didn’t have to finish the course of anti-biotics or refill a prescriptions. Immediately she was healed.

Mark’s version is interesting. Mark says:  At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. What we learn here is that this is Jesus own power that goes into her to heal her. It’s the same mystery that St Paul says in his strength in weakness statement.  St Paul says - I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. What’s interesting here is the Greek word for “power”. The word in ‘dunamis’ from which we get the English word “dynamite” Christ’s power in us is explosive.

 

It’s nothing that the world can offer. This moment is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is always aware of our struggles. He is not just a distant healer;  He desires a personal relationship with us.  When we reach out to Him in faith, He meets us with grace and intimacy. The woman, trembling, comes forward and confesses what she has done. In that moment, Jesus declares, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” And he doesn’t dismiss us in the way that the crowds would have dismissed this ‘unclean’ woman.

Jesus sees in us what the world dismisses just as Jesus shows in calling the tax collector Matthew to be one of his disciples. Tax collectors were despised by the Jews. They were seen as traitors – as thieves – and so Jesus is criticised when he goes to eat at Matthew’s house. “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Jesus doesn’t dismiss us because of our failings. No – he embraces us because of our failings. Jesus has come to us because of our failings. He died for our failings.

 

This woman's healing was not solely about physical restoration just as Jesus choosing of Matthew wasn’t because Jesus couldn’t find anyone else.  Jesus addressed her as "Daughter," reaffirming her identity and worth.  In that moment, Jesus restored not only her health but also her place in society and her relationship with God.  Likewise we are told that in John chapter one - to all who receive Jesus, 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. Sometimes our greatest wounds are not physical but emotional and spiritual.  Jesus desires to heal every part of our being.

 

When we come to Him with our burdens, He welcomes us, heals us, and calls us beloved. Just as God called Jesus his beloved in his baptism so too in our Baptism we are declared to be beloved children of God. As we reflect on the story of the bleeding woman, let us ask ourselves: What desperation are we facing today? What are the barriers that keep us from reaching out and touching the hem of His garment? Jesus is still waiting for us to come to Him, to lay our struggles at His feet, and trust that His power can transform our lives. The challenge for us today is to step forward in faith, as this brave woman did.  May we touch Jesus, not just with our hands but with our hearts, believing that He can heal, restore, and transform us so we carry her story in our hearts and seek to share the healing touch of Christ with others.