Sermons

Ash Wednesday – Psalm 51

Welcome to the season called Lent.

Lent has been a part of the Christian church for a long time. It includes the 40 days, minus Sundays, leading to Easter, and it's considered a time to prepare us for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Some people associate Lent with a time to give something up. Perhaps you've even been asked (or asked yourself) what you might give up for lent? Chocolate, beer or television? Whether you are giving something up – or not – let's be honest about why we're doing it.

  • Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here

Transfiguration Sunday – Matthew 17:1-9

I reckon that the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is true. I know it's true for me because I'm the kind of person who often doesn't 'get it' when you try and explain simple things – let alone complex stuff. I often say, "Draw me a picture or a diagram so I can see what you mean.

"Now while we don't all have the same learning style – many of us use pictures to capture special moments. I have an iPhone, and on my iPhone is a camera. And you wouldn't believe how many snap shots I've taken with this thing. Because a picture can capture a special time or moment – and we can hang onto it.

  • Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here

Eighth Sunday after Epiphany – Psalm 131

Do you know who this bloke is? His name is Michael Caton – a popular Aussie actor isn't he? I think one of his most successful roles would have to be as Darryl Kerrigan in 'The Castle.' The Castle is the story of your typical Aussie battler family fighting with the authorities to keep their home which happens to be right next door to the airport – that wants their land.

Now there are some very well-known quotes from this movie aren't there?

  1. "That's going straight to the pool room!"
  2. Looking at the trading post, "what's he asking for it? ... Tell him he's dreaming!"

And then there's the one I'm interested in today. It's when they head down to Bonnie Doon – which in the past has been a famous spot in Victoria for water skiing and a bit of fishing. And Darryl Kerrigan, surrounded by his family, his boat and their holiday shack says to his wife, "How's the serenity!?" I said the same thing to Janelle as we settled into Cairns – then Yasi started blowing in my direction.

  • Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany – Matthew 5:38-48

"An eye for an eye," "Payback," "Revenge: a dish best served cold." We say it with such a cold joy sometimes. Or maybe as Christians we tone down the language a bit.

If we don't say it out loud, we think it. Having an enemy of one kind or another is common to us all. Our thought life can consume us with thoughts of how bad we think we've been wronged, hurt, humiliated – or had our rights impinged on. And it may well be justified!

  • Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here