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

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

Text Acts 16:16-64

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

No doubt the other prisoners would have wondered – what do they have to sing about. And that’s where we can be witnesses even when bedridden – by continuing to show our faith in God. And as St Peter says - in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Peter does not say – go out into the street corners with a megaphone and tell every they are sinners and are going to burn in hell if they don’t repent. No – honour Christ as Lord in your heart.

 

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

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

 

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

 

Sermon 25th May 2025 – The Ascension

 Sermon 25^th May 2025 – The Ascension

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Text Revelation 21:1-6 – All things new

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 Sermon 11^th May 2025 – Good Shepherd Sunday

Text: John 10:22-30 = The voice of the Good Shepherd

 Today, we find ourselves in a powerful passage from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, the chapter that focuses on the I AM statement of Jesus where he says – “I am the Good Shepherd.  Jesus boldly declares His identity as the Good Shepherd but also in his own way he confesses that he is the Messiah.  In these verses, we read about a conversation with the Jews who demand clarity about His identity as the Messiah, They don’t want cryptic messages - How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.

 John tells us that this is the time of the Feast of Dedication which is also known to the Jews as Hanukkah. The Feast of Dedication celebrates the rededication of the Temple following its desecration in 167BC when, among other things an altar to Zeus was placed in the Temple. The feast of dedication celebrates a time of hope and renewal for the Jewish people. Much like we have now with Jesus and the renewed temple of our bodies cleansed by his body and blood – to give us hope and renewal from the desecration of sin.

 Today Jesus walks in the Temple, surrounded by a climate of uncertainty and division. His words and deeds bring both hope and challenge – perhaps something we still face today. The Jewish leaders question Jesus: “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” They long for clarity, a definitive answer to the identity of the one standing before them. Don’t we also find ourselves questioning and seeking signs, wanting to know the answers to our deepest doubts and fears? How long O Lord will you allow the world to attack us. If you are our God – show us plainly.

 Jesus does not shy away from the inquiry. He answers with assurance.  He says, “I told you, and you do not believe.”

His response is not just a statement of fact but an invitation to trust – to believe in the works He has performed in their midst. He is calling them, as He calls us, to look deeper than mere signs and to engage with the truth of who He is. Jesus affirms what he does as our Good Shepherd and why he is good compared to the hired hand, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” As opposed to the false shepherd who has come to kill, steal and destroy.

 Here we encounter deep reassurance for ourselves and protection. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, promises to hold us securely in His embrace. The imagery of the shepherd is rich in the Bible; it denotes care, provision, and protection. Remember King David when justifying why he should fight Goliath. He said if a bear or lion came after one of his sheep he would fight it and wrestle with it till the sheep was safe.

 In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the assurance of being held in the hands of Christ is incredibly comforting. And it’s comforting to know that if we stray that the good shepherd comes looking for us to bring us home. We may encounter life’s challenges, doubts, and fears, but as His sheep, we are promised security. Let us rest in that assurance. When we face struggles—be it health issues, relational conflicts, or the weight of the world’s uncertainties—Jesus reminds us that we belong to Him. In His hands, we find safety and hope. And in this relationship with Jesus we are further comforted by the intimate relationship He shares with the Father, saying, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

 This statement is not just about our security but also about our unity with the Father and the Son. And did you hear how Jesus refers to us: What my Father has given me is greater than all – that’s you and me – created in God’s own image.

As St Paul reminds us in Romans 8: Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. As children of God through Jesus Christ, we are called to live in that unity.  We are part of a larger family, the body of Christ, and our calling is to reflect His love and grace in our communities.  When we gather in His name, we strengthen one another, reminding one another of His promises and the hope we have in Him.

 As we leave this place today, let us take with us the assurance that we are known by the Good Shepherd.  He knows our names, our struggles, our joys, and our sorrows. He calls us to trust Him, to follow Him, and to rest in His promises. What a powerful promise Jesus gives as our Good Shepherd. The world may shake, doubts may creep in, but His sheep—those who listen, trust, and follow—are held in the unshakable grip of His love. No force can snatch us away, no enemy can undo what the Good Shepherd has done. Even the false shepherd, Satan, who roams around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Who has asked to sift us like wheat but, as Jesus said to Peter - But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  As Paul again says in Romans 8: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 Do you hear His voice today?  Are you listening?  The voice of Jesus sadly has a lot of competition with the world’s noise.

Nevertheless it calls and his sheep hear his voice, in the midst of prayer, in the pages of our bibles, in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be His sheep is not merely to acknowledge His existence but to follow wherever He leads. As we heard in our Psalm – the Lord is my shepherd. And we need never fear where he leads because of his promise – I am with you always. And as we heard in our Psalm, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will not be afraid – for you are with me.

 Jesus not only affirms the security of the believer but boldly proclaims His unity with God.  This is no ordinary shepherd—this is the Son of God, holding us within the power of the Almighty. He and the Father are one and we are with Jesus.

So let this passage remind us: when the storms of life rage around us, when doubt threatens to weaken our faith, when the voices of the world try to drown out the voice of Christ—our Shepherd does not lose His sheep.  His grip is unbreakable.

His love is unwavering.  His promise of eternal life is firm. Let us be found listening.  Let us be found following.  Let us rest in the hands of our Savior, knowing that He will never let us go.