Listen to Sermons
Sermons are posted for the previous 3-4 months.
Service: Thomas - and how God blesses his church
Date: 11 April 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 20:24-29
Summary: The account of how Jesus' disciple Thomas, doubted the fact that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead has within it some important indications regarding the benefits of church for us.
Date: 11 April 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 20:24-29
Summary: The account of how Jesus' disciple Thomas, doubted the fact that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead has within it some important indications regarding the benefits of church for us.
Service: Raised - for resurrection!
Date: 4 April 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Summary: Easter Sunday - the day when we remember that Jesus, God's son, was raised from the dead. But it is what this means for us that is so amazing - the fact that our bodies will be restored, improved, perfected for immortality. Unbelievable? Yes, but true!
Date: 4 April 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Summary: Easter Sunday - the day when we remember that Jesus, God's son, was raised from the dead. But it is what this means for us that is so amazing - the fact that our bodies will be restored, improved, perfected for immortality. Unbelievable? Yes, but true!
Service: Good Friday Reflections
Date: 2 April 2021
Presenters: Matt Bishop, St Paul members and St Paul band
Text: John 20:24-29
Summary: The format of this service takes the form of reflections on a variety of Bible readings pertaining to the death of Jesus interspersed with music. We are taken on a powerful journey whereby we are introduced to the immense depth and significance of this event for all mankind.
Note: There are quiet spots in the recording to provide time for personal reflection.
Sermon Title: An everlasting meal
Date: 1 April 2021 (Maundy Thursday)
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Summary: The event of God's deliverance of His people from their slavery in Egypt came to a climax with the death of the firstborn of all in Egypt, except for the Israelites who were delivered after a special meal commanded by God. Becoming known as the Passover Meal, it was to be celebrated throughout the ages as a reminder of God's powerful action. The Lord's Supper is the new meal, instituted by Jesus to commemorate and even greater deliverance - the deliverance of all people from the scourge of sin and the assurance of life after death with God in eternity. What a meal!
Date: 1 April 2021 (Maundy Thursday)
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Summary: The event of God's deliverance of His people from their slavery in Egypt came to a climax with the death of the firstborn of all in Egypt, except for the Israelites who were delivered after a special meal commanded by God. Becoming known as the Passover Meal, it was to be celebrated throughout the ages as a reminder of God's powerful action. The Lord's Supper is the new meal, instituted by Jesus to commemorate and even greater deliverance - the deliverance of all people from the scourge of sin and the assurance of life after death with God in eternity. What a meal!
Sermon Title: Hosannah - Lord, save us!
Date: 28 March 2021 (Palm Sunday)
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Summary: The meaning of the word Hosannah in the time of Jesus meant 'Lord, save us'. This is what was shouted out by the crowd that lined the streets when Jesus rode into Jerusalem just prior to Easter. A week later, he did just that, by dying on the cross for all of humanity. We are reminded of this especially today on Palm Sunday, but also every time that we receive the Lord's supper where Jesus comes to us in the bread and wine.
Date: 28 March 2021 (Palm Sunday)
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Summary: The meaning of the word Hosannah in the time of Jesus meant 'Lord, save us'. This is what was shouted out by the crowd that lined the streets when Jesus rode into Jerusalem just prior to Easter. A week later, he did just that, by dying on the cross for all of humanity. We are reminded of this especially today on Palm Sunday, but also every time that we receive the Lord's supper where Jesus comes to us in the bread and wine.
Sermon Title: Seeing Jesus
Date: 21 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 12:20-33
Summary: In the reading on which this sermons is based refers to some Greeks who made the request: Sir, we would like to see Jesus. Many today may also have this same curiosity. Pastor Matt outlines Jesus' response, revealing much about the purpose of Jesus mission in his time on earth, aspects of how he approached it and the various ways that we can see Jesus around and in us.
Date: 21 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 12:20-33
Summary: In the reading on which this sermons is based refers to some Greeks who made the request: Sir, we would like to see Jesus. Many today may also have this same curiosity. Pastor Matt outlines Jesus' response, revealing much about the purpose of Jesus mission in his time on earth, aspects of how he approached it and the various ways that we can see Jesus around and in us.
Sermon Title: Salvation in Gods Mercy
Date: 14 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Summary: *Please Note The Recording Did Not Capture The First 30 Seconds of The Sermon*
Some times our sins are described as drowning but this seems to imply that we only needed a small amount of help. Instead we are truly dead in spirit and we need an ultimate Saviour, it is only by grace through Christ Jesus that we have been saved. By His love we have been granted a place in his home with Christ.
Sermon text before recording: Every time I read today's text I think of the movie Titanic. You might recall in the eerie scenes after the Titanic has sunk how the few lifeboats which had gotten off had to row through a sea of bodies. Many were head down in the water. If my memory serves me correctly you could even hear the bodies bumping against the boats. Its all pretty gross. I found it quite disturbing - which is why I've only ever watched it once.
It describes our text today pretty well. You see , St Paul is describing what we were like before God saved us. Stone Cold. Dead in our sins. Needing someone to raise us to life again.
I'm making a point of this because the picture most Christians and the world seems to have is of a drowning person calling out. Arm up in the air crying out for help. This implies that we just needed a little help from God. Scripture doesn't describe our state that way and if we don't take its description of us seriously it minimises God being the one who takes all the initiative in sorting this out for him.
Date: 14 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Summary: *Please Note The Recording Did Not Capture The First 30 Seconds of The Sermon*
Some times our sins are described as drowning but this seems to imply that we only needed a small amount of help. Instead we are truly dead in spirit and we need an ultimate Saviour, it is only by grace through Christ Jesus that we have been saved. By His love we have been granted a place in his home with Christ.
Sermon text before recording: Every time I read today's text I think of the movie Titanic. You might recall in the eerie scenes after the Titanic has sunk how the few lifeboats which had gotten off had to row through a sea of bodies. Many were head down in the water. If my memory serves me correctly you could even hear the bodies bumping against the boats. Its all pretty gross. I found it quite disturbing - which is why I've only ever watched it once.
It describes our text today pretty well. You see , St Paul is describing what we were like before God saved us. Stone Cold. Dead in our sins. Needing someone to raise us to life again.
I'm making a point of this because the picture most Christians and the world seems to have is of a drowning person calling out. Arm up in the air crying out for help. This implies that we just needed a little help from God. Scripture doesn't describe our state that way and if we don't take its description of us seriously it minimises God being the one who takes all the initiative in sorting this out for him.
Sermon Title: No tickets required
Date: 7 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 2:13-22
Summary: For many events it is important to have a ticket to gain entry. In Jesus' time worshipers paid for sacrificial animals to be able to enter the temple for important festivals of the church. Jesus has dispensed with this. He is our ticket to salvation, freely given, and undeserved. What an event!
Date: 7 March 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: John 2:13-22
Summary: For many events it is important to have a ticket to gain entry. In Jesus' time worshipers paid for sacrificial animals to be able to enter the temple for important festivals of the church. Jesus has dispensed with this. He is our ticket to salvation, freely given, and undeserved. What an event!
Sermon Title: Carrying your cross
Date: 28 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 8:31-38
Summary: In the text for this sermon we hear some strong, tough and hard-to-hear words from Jesus about his mission, what it means for Him and what in turn it means for us. However they are also words of great grace and comfort - listen to discover the connection.
Date: 28 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 8:31-38
Summary: In the text for this sermon we hear some strong, tough and hard-to-hear words from Jesus about his mission, what it means for Him and what in turn it means for us. However they are also words of great grace and comfort - listen to discover the connection.
Sermon Title: God's gracious gash
Date: 21 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 1:9-15
Summary: This sermon is based on a brief passage in the gospel of Mark that refers to the heavens being torn apart by God to reveal Christ to us, thereby removing the separation that had previously existed between God and humans. Christ, through his death and resurrection has filled that gap, something that we can be thankful for.
Date: 21 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 1:9-15
Summary: This sermon is based on a brief passage in the gospel of Mark that refers to the heavens being torn apart by God to reveal Christ to us, thereby removing the separation that had previously existed between God and humans. Christ, through his death and resurrection has filled that gap, something that we can be thankful for.
Sermon Title: Jesus revealed
Date: 14 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 9:2-9
Summary: On this Sunday, the church celebrates the transfiguration of Jesus, an event which was startling and memorable for his disciples at the beginning of his ministry, and which revealed Jesus as the Son of God. Just as Jesus has been revealed to us in his Word, so we are encouraged to reveal him to others.
Date: 14 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Mark 9:2-9
Summary: On this Sunday, the church celebrates the transfiguration of Jesus, an event which was startling and memorable for his disciples at the beginning of his ministry, and which revealed Jesus as the Son of God. Just as Jesus has been revealed to us in his Word, so we are encouraged to reveal him to others.
Sermon Title: Soar on wings like eagles
Date: 7 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 40:21-31
Summary: God promises that despite the challenges and difficulties that we will experience in our lives will lift us up with his spirit so, just as eagles are supported by thermals, we too will be supported.
Date: 7 February 2021
Presenter: Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 40:21-31
Summary: God promises that despite the challenges and difficulties that we will experience in our lives will lift us up with his spirit so, just as eagles are supported by thermals, we too will be supported.
Sermon Title: Authority
Date: 31 January 2021
Presenter: David Altus
Text: Mark 1:21-28
Summary: This sermon was preached at the occasion of the installation (or commissioning) of the new pastor, Matthew Bishop, of the St Paul community. It provides great insight into the role of the pastor in a Christian community and a comprehensive understanding of the authority that is central to that role - a message that remains relevant far beyond a service of installation.
Unfortunately this recording deteriorates part way through - our apologies - we hope that despite the small gaps in the recording you will still gain value from it.
Date: 31 January 2021
Presenter: David Altus
Text: Mark 1:21-28
Summary: This sermon was preached at the occasion of the installation (or commissioning) of the new pastor, Matthew Bishop, of the St Paul community. It provides great insight into the role of the pastor in a Christian community and a comprehensive understanding of the authority that is central to that role - a message that remains relevant far beyond a service of installation.
Unfortunately this recording deteriorates part way through - our apologies - we hope that despite the small gaps in the recording you will still gain value from it.
Sermon Title: The Kingdom of God
Date: 24 January 2021
Presenter: Dennis Clarke
Text: Mark 1:15
Summary: The kingdom of god does not come with trumpets. Jesus doesn't even explain what it is so in this sermon we try to wrap our minds around the grandeur of our Fathers kingdom. Be like Christ for Christ is in you and in him the kingdom of God has come to you.
Date: 24 January 2021
Presenter: Dennis Clarke
Text: Mark 1:15
Summary: The kingdom of god does not come with trumpets. Jesus doesn't even explain what it is so in this sermon we try to wrap our minds around the grandeur of our Fathers kingdom. Be like Christ for Christ is in you and in him the kingdom of God has come to you.
Sermon Title: Come and see
Date: 17 January 2021
Presenter: Wayne Kerber
Text: John 1:43-51
Summary: At the beginning of Jesus' ministry this invitation was given by Phillip, who would become a disciple of Jesus, to Nathaniel. Nathaniel was initially a sceptic regarding this 'nobody' who came from a 'nobody town', but his encounter with Jesus transformed his life, just as it transforms the life of many who come into contact with Jesus today.
Date: 17 January 2021
Presenter: Wayne Kerber
Text: John 1:43-51
Summary: At the beginning of Jesus' ministry this invitation was given by Phillip, who would become a disciple of Jesus, to Nathaniel. Nathaniel was initially a sceptic regarding this 'nobody' who came from a 'nobody town', but his encounter with Jesus transformed his life, just as it transforms the life of many who come into contact with Jesus today.
Sermon Title: Jesus' baptism and the tearing apart of the heavens
Date: 10 January 2021
Presenter: Joel Grieger
Text: Mark 1:4-11
Summary: This sermon addresses the question: if baptism is the way that God deals with our sin, how is it that Jesus who had no sin needed to be baptised? Listen to discover the significance of this important event in God's plan for us.
Date: 10 January 2021
Presenter: Joel Grieger
Text: Mark 1:4-11
Summary: This sermon addresses the question: if baptism is the way that God deals with our sin, how is it that Jesus who had no sin needed to be baptised? Listen to discover the significance of this important event in God's plan for us.
Sermon Title: Arise shine!
Date: 3 January 2021
Presenter: Chris Johnson
Text: Isaiah 60:1-6
Summary: These days, there is plenty of darkness in our world, even without considering the huge impact of Covid19. However the good news is that light has come into our world through the birth of Christ.
Date: 3 January 2021
Presenter: Chris Johnson
Text: Isaiah 60:1-6
Summary: These days, there is plenty of darkness in our world, even without considering the huge impact of Covid19. However the good news is that light has come into our world through the birth of Christ.
