Sermons
God's Grace and Commission
God saves before he sends; he gives himself to us before asking anything in return.
Through Exodus, Romans, and Matthew, Scripture shows a pattern: God calls people to himself in grace, then sends them as instruments of blessing.
Salvation Rooted in Grace
The Israelites were reminded of God's love and rescue before receiving commandments.
Paul emphasizes that justification comes through faith, not earned effort; Christ died for sinners while they were still weak and ungodly.
Jesus's Compassion and Call to Mission
Jesus saw crowds as harassed and helpless, moved by deep compassion rather than judgment.
The disciples were commissioned to heal, proclaim the kingdom, and give freely because they had freely received.
Community Living Out Faith
Local church members have stepped forward as churchwardens, lay readers, and choir members, living out their calling.
Mission takes many forms: prayer, service, generosity, sharing faith, and caring for the lonely.
Challenge to the Congregation
Christians must first receive God's grace without guilt or fear of earning it.
All believers are called to participate in God's mission where they are—in workplaces, schools, homes, and communities—serving others with healing, hope, and justice.
Jesus and the Outsiders
Jesus welcomes tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts into his circle—people the religious establishment rejects. Matthew, a tax collector himself, was called directly by Jesus and gave up his job without hesitation.
The Pharisees' Misunderstanding
The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with "unsuitable people." Jesus responded that sick people need healing, not the well, and that his mission is to call sinners to repentance—something the Pharisees weren't doing.
The Woman with Bleeding
A woman ritually unclean for 12 years touched Jesus in a crowd and was healed. Jesus publicly acknowledged her faith and courage, restoring her socially as well as physically, removing the stigma she had endured.
Jairus's Daughter Raised
Jesus went to a synagogue leader's home to heal his dying daughter. Despite mourners already present, Jesus raised the girl from the dead, demonstrating his power over the impossible.
Faith Resolves the Impossible
Both stories emphasize that with faith, even impossible situations can be resolved. The number 12—signifying divine completion in Jewish tradition—connects the woman's 12-year affliction with the girl's age, underlining the message of wholeness and restoration.
The Danger of Jealousy
King Saul's envy of David's popularity after defeating Goliath consumed him and led to destructive paranoia and violence.
David and Jonathan's Friendship
Jonathan, Saul's son, formed a deep bond with David, giving him his robe, armour, and sword as tokens of regard.
Saul's Spiral
Suspecting Jonathan was colluding with David, Saul threw spears at David and eventually made him a commander, hoping he'd die in battle.
Jealousy vs. Christian Living
Envy and jealousy have no place in Christian life; they rob us of joy and separate us from God's presence and blessing.
The Gospel Response
Rather than resenting others' blessings, Christians should rejoice with those who rejoice and remember the spiritual blessings received through Christ's sacrifice.
Church Mission & Mountaintop Encounters
The sermon opens by referencing a recent PCC meeting discussing the church's future direction, framed around Jesus's command to baptise and teach. Mountaintops in Scripture represent places where God meets His people and sends them out to serve.
Worship as Foundation
Worship and praise are essential before any mission work. The congregation gathers to acknowledge God's awesomeness, recognise Jesus, and wrestle with doubts — discovering faith through questions rather than certainty alone.
Church Initiatives
The PCC discussed enhancing worship through creative services on the third Sunday of each month, exploring alternative times (after school, weekday evenings) to engage younger families, and establishing regular study groups for faith exploration.
Jesus's Authority & Community Mission
Jesus holds all authority and exercises it through disciples sent into the world. This authority is demonstrated not through selfish power but through giving and service. The church participates in God's kingdom work through baptism, teaching, and community outreach.
Practical Engagement
Concrete steps include a new notice board facing outward to invite people into worship. Being baptised into Jesus's name gives Christians authority and responsibility to serve — like wearing a name badge that represents the church's mission.
