Listen to Sermons
Sermons are posted for the previous 3-4 months.
Sermon Title: Peace
Date: 21/7/24
Preacher: Tania Nelson (sermon written by David Altus)
Text: Corinthians 2: 13-14
Summary: In a world where there seems to be ever-increasing division, there is also the ever more pressing need for peace. But what does this require and will it every be truly achieved. In this sermon we hear about peace from God's perspective with Jesus being the central player.
Date: 21/7/24
Preacher: Tania Nelson (sermon written by David Altus)
Text: Corinthians 2: 13-14
Summary: In a world where there seems to be ever-increasing division, there is also the ever more pressing need for peace. But what does this require and will it every be truly achieved. In this sermon we hear about peace from God's perspective with Jesus being the central player.
Sermon Title: Christmas every day
Date: 14/7/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: Psalm 85:9-10
Summary: At this time of the year there are some celebrations of Christmas in July - a way of reminding us half way through a year of the special time of Christmas. However, as Christians we can celebrate Christmas every day of the year. Psalm 85 points to Christmas, and in this sermon Pastor Matt teases out how the various verses of the psalm that do this.
Date: 14/7/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: Psalm 85:9-10
Summary: At this time of the year there are some celebrations of Christmas in July - a way of reminding us half way through a year of the special time of Christmas. However, as Christians we can celebrate Christmas every day of the year. Psalm 85 points to Christmas, and in this sermon Pastor Matt teases out how the various verses of the psalm that do this.
Sermon Title: Family reunions
Date: 7/7/24
Preacher: Sean Kotinski
Text: Mark 6:3
Summary: What is your experience of family reunions? Mostly, but not always, we look forward to them and enjoy catching up with those closest to us. However, when Jesus returned to Capernaum for the first time after the beginning of his ministry, this was not his experience. He was rejected outright. Who are we in this account? Perhaps we too are guilty of rejecting Jesus, and his message, when we take exception to some of the things that he wants from us.
Date: 7/7/24
Preacher: Sean Kotinski
Text: Mark 6:3
Summary: What is your experience of family reunions? Mostly, but not always, we look forward to them and enjoy catching up with those closest to us. However, when Jesus returned to Capernaum for the first time after the beginning of his ministry, this was not his experience. He was rejected outright. Who are we in this account? Perhaps we too are guilty of rejecting Jesus, and his message, when we take exception to some of the things that he wants from us.
Sermon Title: Do not be afraid - just believe
Date: 30/6/24
Preacher: Sean Kotinski
Text: Mark 5:36
Summary: Have you had the experience where you were desperate, could see no solution, feared catastrophe and perhaps even the end of your life? In such times we reach out for something to save us. In the Bible passage on which this sermon is based we hear the message of Jesus - do not be afraid -just believe. May you do this in all of life's circumstances.
Date: 30/6/24
Preacher: Sean Kotinski
Text: Mark 5:36
Summary: Have you had the experience where you were desperate, could see no solution, feared catastrophe and perhaps even the end of your life? In such times we reach out for something to save us. In the Bible passage on which this sermon is based we hear the message of Jesus - do not be afraid -just believe. May you do this in all of life's circumstances.
Sermon Title: Out of the depths
Date: 23/6/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: Psalm 130:1-2
Summary: All of us wil,l at some time in our lives, have experiences that make us feel that we are in a very dark place, in a deep hole with no light and no hope of escape. We are reassured in this sermon of the closeness of God to us in such moments and of his ever present awareness of our suffering, given that through his son, he has also suffered this and much more for us.
Date: 23/6/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: Psalm 130:1-2
Summary: All of us wil,l at some time in our lives, have experiences that make us feel that we are in a very dark place, in a deep hole with no light and no hope of escape. We are reassured in this sermon of the closeness of God to us in such moments and of his ever present awareness of our suffering, given that through his son, he has also suffered this and much more for us.
Sermon Title: Judgement
Date: 16/6/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: 2nd Corinthians 5:10
Summary: The text on which this sermon is based seems to be all about how at the end of times God will stand in judgement with regard to all that we have done in our lives, both what is seen and what is hidden. This seems to contradict what we understand about the grace of God and our salvation not being about works. Listen to hear how Pastor Matt explains this paradox.
Date: 16/6/24
Preacher: Matt Bishop
Text: 2nd Corinthians 5:10
Summary: The text on which this sermon is based seems to be all about how at the end of times God will stand in judgement with regard to all that we have done in our lives, both what is seen and what is hidden. This seems to contradict what we understand about the grace of God and our salvation not being about works. Listen to hear how Pastor Matt explains this paradox.
Sermon Title: Hallelujah
Date: 9/6/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Psalm 104:24-35a
Summary: We often think of the Holy Spirit as a power that can give us things that we want, but that is not how the Holy Sprit is described in the Bible. This Psalm speaks of Him as the creator of the universe. Other passages also speak of Him being present at all creative acts. So He is not a power to be used for our own purposes, but a Person with whom we can have a relationship. Each time we hear the Word and participate in the Sacraments the Holy Sprit is using this to renew and remake us more like Jesus.
Date: 9/6/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Psalm 104:24-35a
Summary: We often think of the Holy Spirit as a power that can give us things that we want, but that is not how the Holy Sprit is described in the Bible. This Psalm speaks of Him as the creator of the universe. Other passages also speak of Him being present at all creative acts. So He is not a power to be used for our own purposes, but a Person with whom we can have a relationship. Each time we hear the Word and participate in the Sacraments the Holy Sprit is using this to renew and remake us more like Jesus.
Sermon Title: How do you spend your Sundays?
Date: 2/6/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Summary: We hear many excuses about why it is not necessary to worship God by attending church. In this sermon Pastor Matt explores some of these and helps us to focus on what the real significance of regular worship is and how it benefits not only us, but also others who attend.
Date: 2/6/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Summary: We hear many excuses about why it is not necessary to worship God by attending church. In this sermon Pastor Matt explores some of these and helps us to focus on what the real significance of regular worship is and how it benefits not only us, but also others who attend.
Sermon Title: Our transcendent God
Date: 26/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Summary: What use is a god that is simply a product of our making? But our God is a transcendent God, a god that goes beyond anything that we can fully understand, a god that comes to us no matter what our situation, no matter how humble our life, a god of paradox and mercy - truly transcendent!
Date: 26/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Summary: What use is a god that is simply a product of our making? But our God is a transcendent God, a god that goes beyond anything that we can fully understand, a god that comes to us no matter what our situation, no matter how humble our life, a god of paradox and mercy - truly transcendent!
Sermon Title: The Holy Spirit - guiding us into all truth
Date: 19/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 14:16
Summary: In this Pentecost message Pastor Matt delves into the reading from St John to explore all that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. All of this can be summarised in the title of the sermon. May you rest in the comfort and assurance of this in your life.
Date: 19/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 14:16
Summary: In this Pentecost message Pastor Matt delves into the reading from St John to explore all that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. All of this can be summarised in the title of the sermon. May you rest in the comfort and assurance of this in your life.
Sermon Title: Protected
Date: 12/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 17:6
Summary: This text is part of a lengthy prayer of Jesus - one that is a prayer just for us, a prayer that while we are part of the world, out doing what we need to do in the world, that we will be protected from evil. Remember and take comfort in this each day.
Date: 12/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 17:6
Summary: This text is part of a lengthy prayer of Jesus - one that is a prayer just for us, a prayer that while we are part of the world, out doing what we need to do in the world, that we will be protected from evil. Remember and take comfort in this each day.
Sermon Title: Doors
Date: 5/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 10:7
Summary: This sermon based on one given by Bishop Andrew Brook at the SA/NT District pastors conference of the Lutheran Church explored the theme of doors. The fact that Jesus is the door to forgiveness and salvation and how we also become doors providing connections to others.
Date: 5/5/24
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 10:7
Summary: This sermon based on one given by Bishop Andrew Brook at the SA/NT District pastors conference of the Lutheran Church explored the theme of doors. The fact that Jesus is the door to forgiveness and salvation and how we also become doors providing connections to others.
Sermon Title: Courage and power
Date: 28/4/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Acts 4:1-12
Summary: In recent times there has been an event (the knifing of shoppers at Bondi) where great bravery was shown. The ANZAC spirit is based in part on the bravery shown by Australian and New Zealand soldiers in wars. In the text for this sermon we hear of great bravery when 2 disciples of Jesus stood up to the members of the Jewish Sanhedrin to proclaim that the only way to gain salvation was to believe in Jesus who they had arranged to be crucified. We are encouraged to display the same bravery in our belief in Jesus in the face of a disbelieving world.
Date: 28/4/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Acts 4:1-12
Summary: In recent times there has been an event (the knifing of shoppers at Bondi) where great bravery was shown. The ANZAC spirit is based in part on the bravery shown by Australian and New Zealand soldiers in wars. In the text for this sermon we hear of great bravery when 2 disciples of Jesus stood up to the members of the Jewish Sanhedrin to proclaim that the only way to gain salvation was to believe in Jesus who they had arranged to be crucified. We are encouraged to display the same bravery in our belief in Jesus in the face of a disbelieving world.
Sermon Title: The shepherd and the sheep
Date: 21/4/24 (Good shepherd Sunday)
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 10:11-18
Summary: In this passage from John we are presented with the picture of a shepherd (Jesus) who lovingly takes care of, and protects, His sheep (us). But there is another message embedded in the picture, that of others being brought into the flock of sheep. We can be instrumental in this in the way we live our lives and how we relate to others the certainty we have in Christ.
Date: 21/4/24 (Good shepherd Sunday)
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: John 10:11-18
Summary: In this passage from John we are presented with the picture of a shepherd (Jesus) who lovingly takes care of, and protects, His sheep (us). But there is another message embedded in the picture, that of others being brought into the flock of sheep. We can be instrumental in this in the way we live our lives and how we relate to others the certainty we have in Christ.
Sermon Title: Peace be with you - then, but also now
Date: 14/4/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Luke 24:36b-48
Summary: The words 'Peace be with you' were spoken by Jesus when He miraculously appeared to his disciples after His resurrection. Words of reassurance in the face of their confusion, disbelieve, joy and amazement. Jesus continues to speak these words to us reassuring us that He is always with us, no matter what happens in our lives.
Date: 14/4/24
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: Luke 24:36b-48
Summary: The words 'Peace be with you' were spoken by Jesus when He miraculously appeared to his disciples after His resurrection. Words of reassurance in the face of their confusion, disbelieve, joy and amazement. Jesus continues to speak these words to us reassuring us that He is always with us, no matter what happens in our lives.
Sermon Title: From doubt to certainty
Date: 7/4/24
Preacher: Pastor David Altus
Text: 1 John 3:1-7
Summary: The account of the Bible of the relationship of God with humans through history challenges us to believe things that we have not seen with our own eyes. If you have difficulty with this, you are in good company. The story of Thomas provides an opportunity to understand the importance and possibility of moving from doubt to certainty and the rewards this brings in our lives.
Date: 7/4/24
Preacher: Pastor David Altus
Text: 1 John 3:1-7
Summary: The account of the Bible of the relationship of God with humans through history challenges us to believe things that we have not seen with our own eyes. If you have difficulty with this, you are in good company. The story of Thomas provides an opportunity to understand the importance and possibility of moving from doubt to certainty and the rewards this brings in our lives.
Sermon Title: Resurrection!
Date: 31/3/24 (Easter Sunday)
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: 1 Corinthians 15
Summary: the passage from the Bible on which this sermon is based outlines powerfully the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus in the faith of Christians. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, our faith is meaningless. However we know from the Biblical account that this is not the case. Jesus has risen, just as we will after our death!
Date: 31/3/24 (Easter Sunday)
Preacher: Vicar Sean Hotinski
Text: 1 Corinthians 15
Summary: the passage from the Bible on which this sermon is based outlines powerfully the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus in the faith of Christians. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, our faith is meaningless. However we know from the Biblical account that this is not the case. Jesus has risen, just as we will after our death!
Sermon Title: The cup of wrath, the cup of mercy
Date: 29/3/24 (Good Friday)
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 51:22
Summary: In the account of the crucifixion there is reference to Jesus drinking from the bitter cup of God's wrath. The significance of this relates to an Old Testament prediction from the book of Isaiah that the cup of God's wrath for man's sinfulness would ultimately be removed. By his death and suffering on the cross, Jesus took this on himself and replaced it with a cup overflowing with his mercy and forgiveness. This is the message of Easter.
Date: 29/3/24 (Good Friday)
Preacher: Pastor Matt Bishop
Text: Isaiah 51:22
Summary: In the account of the crucifixion there is reference to Jesus drinking from the bitter cup of God's wrath. The significance of this relates to an Old Testament prediction from the book of Isaiah that the cup of God's wrath for man's sinfulness would ultimately be removed. By his death and suffering on the cross, Jesus took this on himself and replaced it with a cup overflowing with his mercy and forgiveness. This is the message of Easter.